Monthly markets review – March 2026

Conflict in the Middle East drove market volatility throughout March 2026, as rising energy prices renewed inflation concerns led investors to reassess expectations for central bank interest rate cuts.

Iran conflict: Stay calm, stay invested 

Recent events in the Middle East have understandably unsettled investors. But history consistently reminds us of one thing: investors who stay diversified and ride out volatility are often the ones who come out ahead.

ESG investing: Not one strategy, not one outcome

ESG investing is often dismissed as either a marketing exercise or a guaranteed drag on returns. In reality, performance outcomes depend far less on whether a portfolio is “ESG” and far more on how ESG is implemented.

Monthly markets review – December 2025

December wrapped up 2025 with calmer markets, dovish central bank signals and a strong finish for UK equities – even as underlying economic data painted a mixed picture.

Invest now or wait? Navigating today’s concentrated market

Markets are hitting record highs, but a handful of giant companies are doing most of the heavy lifting. With concentration risk rising and investors wondering whether to wait for a pullback, the real question is: does timing the market ever truly pay?

The role of bonds in multi-asset portfolios 

For multi-asset investors, bonds play a critical role in balancing a portfolio by providing both income and diversification. Here, we explore the importance of their contribution. 

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