David Jane: Cracks in the new orthodoxy

Have economic cycles fundamentally changed?

clock • 3 min read

The challenge for investors now is to invest money rationally when nothing seems rational any more, writes David Jane, who is avoiding high debt levels and high valuations - in case the new monetary system fails

After a decade of unbroken economic growth - at least in the world's strongest economy, the US - one starts to speculate on whether something has fundamentally changed in the nature of economic cycles. It is always dangerous to think ‘this time it's different' but it is equally dangerous to ignore structural change and constantly live in the past. In the era since the great financial crisis, policymakers have used a wide range of new monetary tools, all with the explicit or implicit goal of manipulating asset prices and avoiding credit and investment cycles. Prior to this, the economy wa...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Multi-Asset

Baton change: What comes after exceptional

Baton change: What comes after exceptional

In the first of a regular series of multi-asset focused articles, Louis Hutchings looks at what comes after exceptional...

Louis Hutchings
clock 06 February 2026 • 4 min read
Partner Insight: Strategic flexibility meets value discipline

Partner Insight: Strategic flexibility meets value discipline

Combining long-term positioning with tactical agility delivers alpha while navigating concentrated equity leadership and shifting global opportunities, says Keith Balmer, Senior Economist, Multi Asset team, Columbia Threadneedle Investments.

Columbia Threadneedle Investments
clock 28 January 2026 • 10 min read
Advisers urged to rethink what multi-asset 'really means'

Advisers urged to rethink what multi-asset 'really means'

As portfolio concentration and volatility risks rise

Isabel Baxter
clock 27 January 2026 • 2 min read