Barclays Wealth and Investment Management recently hosted its first Scottish Investment Circle event in Edinburgh giving its clients the opportunity to hear the bank’s views on global markets and how they should be navigating these post Brexit and looking ahead.

The event saw 100 clients gather at the capital’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel to hear Will Hobbs, Head of Investment Strategy UK and Europe, Barclays Wealth and Investment Management, give his views on the global and UK economy. He also conducted a Q&A with a panel of invited experts which included: Ainslie McLennan, Portfolio Manager, Henderson UK Property Fund; Alex Savvides, Portfolio Manager, JO Hambro UK Dynamic Fund; Ian Spreadbury, Portfolio Manager, Fidelity Moneybuilder Income Fund; and Marcus Brookes, Head of Multi-Manager, Schroders.

Themes which emerged from the discussion included a general consensus among the panel that the current economic cycle still has further to run, while emerging market assets are becoming relatively more attractive investment opportunities compared to the US and the EU. Most of the panel also agreed that low interest rates are likely here for a while yet, leading to a variety of conclusions on how best to continue to invest in such a backdrop.

Pension deficits were also covered in detail with the advice that care needs to be taken around the impact of further negative interest rates in certain geographies. The benefits of engaging the right expertise were stressed, particularly for those looking to invest in contrarian fashion. The startling disparity between how consumer goods, company profits and mining profits are currently being rewarded by the market was highlighted as one example of an interesting opportunity for those willing to do the requisite analysis.

Hobbs told guests that investors are still best served by staying diversified across asset classes and geographies, but leaning that diversified investment portfolio towards equities both tactically and strategically. 

John Godfrey, Regional Director for Edinburgh, Barclays Wealth and Investment Management said: “In the midst of a period of such extensive economic and political activity across the globe it was hugely valuable for our Scottish clients to have the opportunity to take stock and listen to Will’s thoughts on how they should look to re-evaluate and position their investment portfolios as well as hearing directly from industry experts with whom we invest their money. 

“Will’s economic insights were very well received and sparked some interesting conversations and debates. There is a growing appetite among our clients for this level of insight and the demand for our expertise in managing client’s wealth has never been higher.

“We are committed to providing our clients in Scotland with global expertise tailored for a local audience. The event gave clients the opportunity to hear invaluable insights from a range of investment experts and question them face to face, providing a genuine thought leadership event.”