
Why I’m bracing for a surge in stock market volatility
Rising bond yields and widening credit spreads suggest mounting risk, but equity valuations have yet to reflect it, raising the prospect of sharper market drawdowns.

Rising bond yields and widening credit spreads suggest mounting risk, but equity valuations have yet to reflect it, raising the prospect of sharper market drawdowns.

US equities may reflect current economic conditions, but weaker-than-expected earnings growth and worsening geopolitical tensions could quickly upset the balance.

The completed transaction added scale, while a recovery in client demand pushed the asset manager back into net positive flows after last year’s outflows.

Market movements since Donald Trump’s inauguration are drawing comparisons with the 2018/19 trade war. With a 10% loss already, another 10% dip could be on the horizon if the economic fallout worsens.

The group recorded double-digit earnings, robust new business volumes, and an increased dividend, all underpinned by its tri-regional focus.

The group’s new business volumes in life insurance grew by 12%, while net operational earnings rose by 17%.