The performance of global stock markets thus far in 2018 can best be described as ‘volatile’. The S&P 500, FTSE 100 and various other major indices have seen their price levels experience a rollercoaster ride in recent months. There are a number of reasons for this. Tensions in Syria have increased in recent days, while…
It has been a strong year for BlackRock World Mining (LON:BRWM) with a NAV return of 24% in 2017. The performance has been driven by the pick-up in global economic growth, and sentiment towards the fund is finally starting to improve after a significant write-down in 2013 dented investor confidence. If the economic recovery continues…
The last decade has been a rollercoaster ride for investors in the oil and gas industry. Just under ten years ago, the oil price peaked at $158 per barrel before falling sharply to trade at less than one-third of that level. A recovery in the period 2009-2014 was undone by a glut of supply. This…
This week has been dominated by falls in share prices across the globe caused by raised inflation expectations. It would be unsurprising for there to be more volatility as investors continue to adjust their forecasts for inflation. With Donald Trump’s tax and spending policies yet to have their full impact, coming to terms with higher…
The rise of bitcoin this year has taken all but its most ardent supporters by surprise. The virtual currency has risen by as much as 17x since the start of the year, with it passing $17,000 for the first time this week. While it could move higher in the short term, ultimately it appears to…
If there is one area that divides opinion more than most it is commodities. Some investors think that we are entering a new bull market and that now is the perfect time to buy, whereas others are sceptical and remain bearish. Whatever your view there is no doubt that it has been a difficult time…
With the oil price recently reaching $60 per barrel for the first time since July 2015, many investors are becoming more bullish on the outlook for oil and gas companies. After all, a higher oil price could mean that their profits also move upwards. However, the oil price faces sustained pressure from the impact of…
While the gold price has risen by 10% this year, it faces an uncertain future. In the US, UK and Europe monetary policy looks set to tighten, with a rise in interest rates on the cards over the medium term. Alongside this, a new Federal Reserve Chair could adopt a more hawkish stance next year.…
Gold may not have a practical value as an alternative currency. It’s not possible to enter a shop and pay for any product or service in gold. However, the precious metal may have value as an alternative to cash or other assets due to its scope to help protect against rising inflation. Inflation potential In…
The election result has plunged the UK into a period of significant political uncertainty. There have been calls for Theresa May to resign, and there is the potential for a relatively weak minority government formed by the Conservatives and DUP. This could be just the beginning of an intense period for UK politics. In just…
