Markets are riven over weighty questions about the economic strength of our households and businesses clashing with higher living costs, and all the while lurks the menace of unknown consequences created by a rapidly changed world.

Rathbones’ Edward Smith, co-chief investment officer, and Jing Hu, senior asset allocation analyst, give an update on some of the key themes shaping the investment outlook including the banking sector, the outlook for inflation and interest rates as well as a review of China.

In 'Air', Rosie Boycott chairs our panel of experts with Jared Farmer on ancient trees and atmospheres, Rathbone Greenbank's Kate Elliot, Rosamund Adoo-Kissi- Debrah on air pollution in cities and Gabrielle Walker on carbon removals.

We’ve certainly had a difficult start to the year, but what is the investment outlook as we look forward to sunnier days ahead? Our latest Investment Insights considers some of the key themes – such as expectations versus reality for US company profits and the search for inflation protection. 

Money was easy to come by in the 2010s, for businesses, households and governments. With interest rates now much higher, hard decisions loom.

A year of rapid-fire interest rate hikes by central banks is yet to be fully felt by the wider economy. Rathbones’ co-chief investment officer Ed Smith explains why that makes us cautious.

Rathbones announces combination of Rathbones Group and Investec Wealth & Investment UK to create the UK’s leading discretionary wealth manager. Read the market announcement here.

Stocks and bonds ended the month – and first quarter – nearing the top ends of the trading ranges in place since late last year. But there’s still much uncertainty about the inflation and growth outlook, particularly if energy prices start rising again.

The AGM is currently scheduled to be held at our London head office at 8 Finsbury Circus, London EC2M 7AZ, on Thursday 4 May 2023 at 10:00am. 

But reality has yet to set in for equity valuations, especially in the US.

Strong gains for Europe’s banks last week were reversed by Friday’s close. With the fear bug spreading, can we be confident it won’t strike again?

Discover the key themes shaping the investment landscape in our quarterly updates.