The fund management industry has taken investor interest in ESG seriously, although a lack of standards can make selection difficult

Working from home may have become the norm during the pandemic, but its is doubtful companies will drastically cut back on their property portfolios, though a focus on sustainability and employee wellness is likely to increase

Clients are responsive to the transformational effects global mega trends are likely to have, as well as their ability to boost returns and smooth volatility

Respondents to PWM’s fifth annual asset allocation survey recommend clients overweight equities and alternatives at the expense of bonds, but warn of increased volatility and the need for a long-term view

Concerns about whether bonds still provide protection against falling equities has prompted banks to look elsewhere for diversification

Respondents to PWM’s fourth annual asset allocation survey still have faith in risk assets, but tactical overweights to equities have fallen in favour of larger exposures to cash

Investments identifying long-term themes, such as the rise of technology and changing demographics, are popular among private banking clients 

Most private banks expect Japanese equities to continue to perform in 2018, with European stocks also expected to do well