Q1 2021 – market, economic and AJ Bell Funds update

AJ Bell Investments Fund Manager Terry McGivern runs through the events affecting global markets during the first quarter of 2021 and discusses the impact on the AJ Bell Funds range. The second half of 2020 saw the appetite for riskier assets increase, and this has continued into 2021 Q1, against a backdrop of a largely successful vaccine rollout and hopes of a strong economic recovery. It is perhaps no surprise, therefore, to see stocks outperforming bonds over the quarter.

Terry also notes that notable changes were made to underlying asset classes and holdings following our annual review of our positioning in February, as 2020 is firmly in the rear-view mirror and the Investments Team looks ahead at how the effects of COVID-19 and lockdown could shake out. As always, the team remains vigilant and ready to act in response to future changes.

Despite market turbulence, interest in ESG investing reached record highs last year, and our offering has expanded to meet this growing demand: Terry will be introducing our recently-launched AJ Bell Responsible Fund, designed for investors who care about people and the planet, but still aim to make a profit.