2016 somewhat made a mockery of predictions and polls; the world today, according to the forecasters, would look rather different with the UK still a member of the European Union, a Clinton Presidency set for the White House and both US and UK stock markets having fallen in value.
In fact, the opposite has proved true and despite several political upsets in the UK, Italy, Brazil and the US many investors made a lot of money in 2016. There is a saying that whatever you are doing at the turn of the year flavours the coming 12 months, and if that proves true, shareholders of UK equities are in for a spectacular year. The FTSE 100 rallied to an all-time closing high on Friday December 30 of 7,143 – a Santa rally and a half.
So what do the next 12 months have in store for investors? Dan Kemp, chief investment officer of Morningstar Investment Management says that if an investor ever wants a reminder why we should ignore the political noise, they need to look no further than Brexit, Donald Trump and the rise of equities.
“These events will continue to shape our lives in many ways, but they can’t defy investment fundamentals or economic gravity,” he continued.
“2017 is shaping up to be no different. There will be no shortage of events that seemingly throw knock-out punches for markets. U.S. debt ceiling negotiations set for March, the French election set for May, the German election likely in October and further stresses about high Chinese debt – all of which could trigger panic. Yet, once again, economic gravity will take hold and the long-term asset drivers will eventually win.”
All this week, Morningstar.co.uk will be bringing you stock picks, market reactions and political forecasts from the investment professionals; fund managers, analysts, portfolio managers and more, to put you in the best possible position for the new year – and help inform your ISA and SIPP investments before the end of the tax year in April. We will be hopping all over globe for stock, bond, economic and political updates. Read on for Morningstar’s Guide to Investment Ideas for 2017.
Tuesday: The UK
What next for Brexit, the FTSE and UK shareholders
2017 Outlook: Stock Markets Will Not Repeat 2016
Fund Managers Warn of Overvalued UK Stocks
Brazier: UK Stock Market Will Be Volatile in 2017
Investors Should Expect Bond Yields to Rise in 2017
Worst Performing UK Stocks in 2016
Wednesday: The US
Donald Trump, an ever-rising stock market and protectionism
US Stocks: Should Investors Be Optimistic?
Go High Yield for Bond Returns in 2017, says Schroders
US Stock Market is a Technology Sector Play
US Fund Managers Tip Financials and Healthcare Stocks
Best Performing US Stocks of 2016
Thursday: Europe
As we enter a year of huge political uncertainty, how will European stocks fare?
How Will Markets React to European Elections?
How to Profit from the European Elections
Show Caution Investing in Europe
2017 Calendar: Key Dates for Investors in European Stocks
Friday: Emerging Markets
What next for this heterogenous group of countries?
Is Trump a Threat to Emerging Markets?
Fund in Focus: Fidelity Asian Values