James Klempster: The 2020 rollercoaster ride

'Resist urge to be reactionary'

clock • 4 min read

How to sum up 2020 so far? Asks James Klempster. Well, a rollercoaster is probably the best way to describe it, both from an emotional perspective but also in terms of what the markets have been up to

Over the first quarter, market participants went from being blissfully ignorant to a state of panic as the significance of global lockdowns became apparent and investors were left wondering what the crisis would mean for the economy and companies; not to mention the humanitarian cost.    By mid-March, market selloffs hit fever pitch with limit downs introduced days on the trot. Selling went from prescient to indiscriminate as investors ceased differentiating between good investments and bad, preferring to conflate any ‘risk' as bad and jumping ship.  Cross asset correlations jumped to...

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 Investment

Why should investors back China in the worldwide robotics race?

Why should investors back China in the worldwide robotics race?

The race to identify Asia's hidden gems

Xin-Yao Ng
clock 19 June 2026 • 5 min read
UK small-caps – down and out or ready for a rope-a-dope?

UK small-caps – down and out or ready for a rope-a-dope?

'Our faith is rooted in our own in-depth research and direct engagement with businesses'

Eustace Santa Barbara
clock 19 June 2026 • 5 min read
US-Iran truce eases inflation picture but markets to experience 'hangover'

US-Iran truce eases inflation picture but markets to experience 'hangover'

Fed and BoE face 'balancing act'

Michael Nelson
clock 15 June 2026 • 3 min read