Unpredictable: Where should investors turn to in 2024?

Diverse views on the likely outturn for the global economy

clock • 5 min read

Financial markets always retain the power to surprise, but the path ahead feels uniquely unpredictable, writes Darius McDermott

The ebb and flow of interest rate expectations have dominated financial markets over the past 12 months. While inflation has started to drop, markets are likely to be similarly preoccupied by the direction of central banks in 2024. The most important question will probably be whether they cut rates or not as their economies deteriorate. It seems likely to be a good environment for fixed income. Yields have moved marginally lower, but remain at decade-long highs and the risk/reward balance appears to have tipped discernibly in investors' favour. Even if inflation does rear its head again...

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

Looking beyond the oil shock

Looking beyond the oil shock

'A few weeks ago, there was genuine reason for optimism'

Fahad Hassan
clock 27 July 2026 • 4 min read
What does a new PM and chancellor mean for investments?

What does a new PM and chancellor mean for investments?

'What is important is what happens over the long term'

Jasper Thornton Boelman
clock 23 July 2026 • 4 min read
SJP rebrands global equity income fund and reduces charges

SJP rebrands global equity income fund and reduces charges

Appoints Acadian as investment adviser

Patrick Brusnahan
clock 22 July 2026 • 1 min read