As we reported three months ago, the first quarter of the year was exceptionally challenging. It’s safe to say that when a global health crisis triggers a global market meltdown, its unlikely to be smooth sailing. But the second quarter was extraordinary for entirely different reasons. What emerged from the rubble of the market low on 23 March, was a second quarter rebound that surprised and confounded even the most ardent bulls.
The second article takes readers back to 1998. Not to reminisce about popular girl band the Spice Girls, but to provide a parable of sorts about a sound investment strategy. It’s a timely reminder that building an investment strategy based on data and evidence can’t win every single year, but it does tilt the odds in your favour of achieving long term investment success.
Whilst the markets have recovered significant ground over the last three months, the catalyst that undermined them in the first place (Covid-19) remains untamed around the globe. Given that, it continues to be a risk factor that could yet have more influence over markets in the weeks and months ahead. However, for the time being at least, markets are looking past this uncertainty towards the prospect of better times ahead.
Economic Commentary OPTIMA 2020 Q2