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The jury is out on whether the US stock market will regain its footing in 2023 after a dismal 2022. Much will depend on corporate earnings and the Fed’s success in reining in inflation without pushing the economy into a recession. A few encouraging signs point to US equities making a comeback, especially in the second half of the year.

Unprecedented market volatility presents both a challenge and an opportunity—the outcome hinges on having access to and integrating the right external data. To make the plethora of available data useful and give them the edge in the current market environment, hedge funds must onboard, transform and apply it, which may entail partnerships.

Indices summarise the performance of asset classes, industry sectors, geographies, investment strategies and market segments across the financial services sector and are an indispensable foundation for product development, asset allocation and performance benchmarking. They might be used, for example, to summarise the UK equity market (via the FTSE 100 share index)

In 2022 where European stocks declined by around 12%, the three major averages suffered their worst year since the financial crash in 2008, and the FTSE 250 – a useful indicator of the UK economy’s performance – declined by 19.7%, even the most bullish investors would admit that this period has been challenging.  

2022 wasn’t kind to stock-market investors, as central banks raised interest rates at a feverish pace to combat inflation while also blunting economic growth. As 2023 dawns, what sectors are the most promising destinations for investor funds? Consumer staples, precious metals and healthcare are three sectors that may persevere in turmoil.

With the stock market entering 2023 on a bearish footing, investors hope that the bottom is near and that monetary easing will replace monetary tightening, leading to a pickup in economic growth. All market conditions offer unique opportunities. Three stock picks to consider are Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Amazon and Tesla.

Water scarcity is not exclusive to the developing world; countries across Europe and North America are experiencing shortages of Earth’s most valuable natural resource. Water companies will play a critical role in efficiently allocating scarce water resources; gaining exposure to water is among the most socially responsible investments.

The saga of crypto-exchange FTX, which over three years soared to become the crypto world’s shining star and then collapsed into bankruptcy, is one for the history books. Founder Sam Bankman-Fried claims he didn’t know the details of the firm’s practices, a case study of misuse of customers’ funds—but investigations may prove otherwise.

The Ukraine war boosted already elevated energy prices, taking fertiliser along for the ride. With China and India focused on domestic needs, the intensified global fertiliser competition added to the bullish sentiment. As gas prices retreat, will the recent cooling off observed in the fertiliser market be sustained into 2023 and beyond?

The tin market enjoyed record-high prices at the start of the year. With China’s growth slowing and rising interest rates triggering a deterioration in the global economic environment, tin prices have suffered dramatically since then. Will the gloomy outlook lead tin further southward, or can growth in certain key industries rescue prices?