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Market Commentary by LIFT-Invest

Our team of experts provide updates on some of the key current topics.

August – October 2024
  • 2024

August – October 2024

From August to October 2024, markets experienced mixed returns. Asian equities led the way, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index surging +17.14% and China’s CSI 300 rallying +13.04% as markets responded positively to a stimulus package announced by China’s central bank in September. James Cartwright explains more...

July – September 2024
  • 2024

July – September 2024

The period July to September 2024 was a volatile yet ultimately positive one for financial markets with positive returns across both fixed income and equities. In local currency terms, the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong led the way, benefitting from the effects of Chinese stimulus in late September, and rising +19.27% over the period. On the other hand, the Nikkei 225 was the biggest laggard, experiencing a particularly turbulent August and September, resulting in a -4.20% loss. James Cartwright explains more...

June – August 2024
  • 2024

June – August 2024

The period June to August 2024 was turbulent but generally positive for financial markets, with equities and bonds both providing positive returns, led by the Nifty 50 in India, which rose +12.01%, reaching a new all-time high of 25,235.90. Whilst still positive, the S&P Euro Plus lagged the other indices in local currency terms, increasing by +0.98%. From the perspective of a UK investor, the past three months remained positive despite the headwind of a stronger Pound – which appreciated +3.10% against the dollar and +1.18% against the euro. Dan Thompson explains more...

May – July 2024
  • 2024

May – July 2024

The period May to July 2024 was a broadly positive one for markets, shown by the S&P 500 rising +9.66% from 5,036 to 5,522 – and in particular, the tech-focused NASDAQ having a very strong period, up +12.41% from 15,658 to 17,599. Smaller caps throughout the period have also enjoyed a buoyant time – shown by the Russell 2000 jumping +14.21% from 1,974 to 2,254, with most of that coming in July (+10.10%). James Cartwright explains more...

April – June 2024
  • 2024

April – June 2024

The period April to June 2024 saw broadly positive returns for investment markets, with the US leading the way once again after the S&P 500 returned +3.92% and rose from 5,254 to 5,460. Most of this performance was driven by the technology sector and well-known mega-cap names, shown by the NASDAQ rising +8.26%. Dan Thompson explains more...

How will the UK election affect your portfolio?
  • 2024

How will the UK election affect your portfolio?

Last Thursday, the United Kingdom went to the polls for the parliamentary general election. Even those with barely a cursory interest in politics and current affairs would have been aware that the overwhelming likelihood was for there to be a large Labour majority and for Keir Starmer to become the next Prime Minister. Subsequently, a Labour win was very much priced in and expected by financial markets. James Cartwright explains more...

March – May 2024
  • 2024

March – May 2024

Over the period March to May 2024, markets were generally positive – though volatility did increase after a relatively benign stretch since October 2023. The UK was the standout performer, with the FTSE all-share returning +8.50% and rising from 4,163 to 4,517 – with this being split relatively evenly between the large-cap FTSE 100 (which rose +8.46% from 7,630 to 8,275) and the mid-cap FTSE 250 (which rose +8.79% from 19,055 to 20,730).

February – April 2024
  • 2024

February – April 2024

The period from February to April 2024 was a generally positive one for investment markets, though April did see some drawdowns in previously buoyant indices. The S&P 500 reached multiple all-time highs and rose +3.26% from 4,846 to 5,036, though it did experience a fall of -5.46% from 28th March to 19th April.

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By Booker T.Washington

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