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In Focus Monthly - August 2018

The strong man is apparently back as authoritarian leadership gains traction worldwide, with all its whim and caprice. Should we care? In this issue, our experts discuss how populist leaders verses institutions impact growth.

A flurry of central bank policy meetings were undertaken throughout August. This may lead to re-pricing in Emerging Market Debt holdings, potentially presenting a value opportunity.

A crucial oil price driver shifted in June.  Oil producing nations agreed to return to 100% compliance with an existing oil production deal. Is oil still a preferred commodity?

The US dollar continues to strengthen and the euro is under pressure. Our experts ask, is it time to be contrarian?

Stock markets remain in defibrillator mode: a sideways trend with occasional pulses of volatility. Global stocks in aggregate have returned nothing for six months. Will this continue?

Why it’s worth paying for growth stocks and the mid cap market are discussed an interview with Richard Watts of Old Mutual UK Mid Cap Fund.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue.

What's in the price?


August hosted a myriad of central bank policy meetings. Our experts discuss resulting value opportunities.

What's next for oil?


Following an agreement to increase oil production, is oil still a preferred commodity?

Why aren't stock markets rising?

Global stocks in aggregate have returned nothing for six months. What gives?

The return of the strong man

How do authoritarian leaders verses institutions impact long-term investing?

In Focus interview


Richard Watts of Old Mutual UK Mid Cap Fund discusses the mid cap market and his investment view.

Is it time to be contrarian?

The US dollar went from strength to strength this August. US macroeconomic data prints indicate robust growth, while measure of prices and inflation point to a sustained trend for prices to rise as well.

Catch up on our older issues of In Focus Monthly: