When I last published to Livewire in May 2018, the macro environment was distinctly negative for risk assets. The USD value of global money supply had been contracting sharply as central banks tightened liquidity along with the US Federal Reserve Bank raising the federal funds rate. Inflation expectations were elevated... Show More

April was a very interesting month in respect of the continuing pressure on the price of financial assets. Globally economic data moderated over April which has been framed as an expected deceleration from the exceptionally strong pace of Q417, however if we look at the macro economic surprise indices which... Show More

On the 9th March 1987 U2 released the Joshua Tree, the fastest selling British Album of all time that went on to sell over 25 million copies. Joshua Tree is still acclaimed as one of the greatest albums of all time. Interestingly Bono considered pulling the album prior to its... Show More

We are used to the experience of economic developments influencing and sometimes determining political events. This past year we have seen political events influencing markets and economic forecasts more than usual. The rise of the populists as a reaction to the specific disaffection with wage stagnation, immigration and terrorism is... Show More

Let's first consider the broader global economic environment, in particular, the macro drivers of a “globally co-ordinated” gradual improvement in economies which are continuing to evolve. The primary driver of markets, at this point in time, is globally accommodative monetary policy, which underpins economic expansion and the rise in financial... Show More