IPS Views

At IPS we continue to believe a diversified, multi-asset approach remains a key way to generate attractive, risk-adjusted returns for investors. As part of this approach we do, of course, look at the traditional asset classes of equities and bonds. This IPS view sets out our thoughts on each and outlines our strategy to make money for our clients in 2012.

Is the worst now over or is this 2008 redux? Speaking to investors and fund managers, as we do, we can’t remember a time when there has been such a split of opinion between those who think this is the beginning of something much worse and those who think the worst is nearly over. This IPS View looks at these competing camps. We will be honest: at IPS we think it is too early to come firmly on one side or the other right now. We do, however, finish by listing what we would like to see to become bullish again.

The combination of poor US news and the on-going Eurozone crisis have given the markets a reality shock. The FTSE 100 was down -9.8% last week, which ranks as its second worst week in the last decade. This short note explains how the markets got into this position, the effect of the shock and what we, at IPS, have done to help protect our clients from the losses.

Prices of Italian government debt have fallen sharply in the last few days. This is an important, and bad, development in the ongoing Eurozone crisis. This short note for our clients and friends explains what has been happening, why it is important and what we think might happen next.

The second quarter of 2011 is looking increasingly like the troubled second quarter of 2010. How likely is it that this time round there is a happier ending?

One of the more striking features of the year so far is that equity markets are up even though there is, on the face of it, plenty to worry about.

Following the appalling tragedy that has engulfed Japan over the past week, we felt it appropriate to issue the following short note from our CIO on our early-stage opinion of its economic and market impact.

How to successfully “protect” client assets in a general sell-off

We know our markets, and bring our expertise