I thought that I should provide everyone with some thoughts on what is possibly in store for investors in 2018. I have therefore decided to provide an insight into what investment managers are thinking at Redmayne-Bentley. Needless to say this is only their opinions but it will at least provide a basis for a conversation if anyone wishes to talk about investments with me.

It was predicted to be a year of global turbulence, yet 2017 saw markets power through the political noise as the Dow Jones rose nine months in a row and the FTSE 100 closed the year at a new high. Whilst global equities are expected to deliver further returns, subdued UK economic growth and ongoing Brexit negotiations are expected to hold back UK equity markets in the New Year, according to investment management and stockbroking firm Redmayne Bentley.

Key predictions:

• The ‘crab’ is expected to rule the FTSE 100 for the third year running.
• Overseas equities expected to see the most gains in 2018.
• Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust named as the favoured FTSE 100 stock for the year ahead.
• UK GDP growth expected to be below expectations.
• US and emerging markets predicted to see most gains with UK equities seeing most losses.
• Technology identified as favourite sector with retail named as area to avoid for the second year running.
• Interest rates to meet analyst expectations, but inflation expected to rise above forecasts.

For the third consecutive year, investment managers and stockbrokers at the firm said they expected the movements of the FTSE 100 to be “crabbish” – that is, neither moving significantly upwards or downwards over the next 12 months. Investment manager Bill Keen said: “Geopolitical risk is likely to remain high. “Risks include the ever-quickening pace of technological change and re-emergence of serious tensions within the EU. A worse-than-expected slowdown in China would not be entirely a surprise.”

The majority expected economic growth to be below the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)’s forecast of 3.7%. Interest rates are expected to remain at around 0.7%, the level mapped for the end of 2018 in the Bank of England’s latest Inflation Report. However, half of those surveyed said they believed inflation would rise above the Bank’s forecast of 2.3%. Technological advancement featured heavily in 2017, with the rise of cryptocurrency Bitcoin and the launch of electric vehicles amongst other innovations. Optimism is still strong around technology as it was named as the favoured investment theme for 2018. Furthermore, blockchain projects and artificial intelligence are just two technologies expected to continue their march forward during 2018. It is perhaps unsurprising, therefore, that technological advancement was named the top ‘bull’ issue for markets in 2018. However, more than 90% of those questioned said they believed the withdrawal of central bank stimulus would be among the “bear” issues expected to drag on markets in 2018. Investment manager Tony Oxley said: “’If we see global growth strengthen, I think stock markets will struggle as stimulus will be withdrawn. However, I do not see strong global growth. Alternatively, if it stays around current levels I think central banks will still do their best to normalise rates but it will take longer. The second half of 2018 may be a tough time due to this.”

The predictions put forward in this year’s survey were varied and it is worth bearing in mind that these are ideas, rather than recommendations to buy or sell shares in any investments or areas mentioned. Furthermore, investments, and income can fall as well as rise in value and you may lose some or all of the amount you have invested. The performance of the stocks and sectors mentioned, and forecasts for the year ahead, are not a reliable indicator of the future results or performance. Which asset class do you think will see the most gains during 2018?

Which equity market will see the most gains during 2018?

Which equity market will see the most losses during 2018?

Top ranking global Bull and Bear issues

In general, how do you feel about the prospects for the UK economy in 2018?

GDP Growth

Forecast: 3.7% (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development)

Sterling/USD

Current Level: 1.3 (Nov 2017)

Bank of England base rate

Forecast: 0.7%; current: 0.5%

House prices

Forecast: 2% increase (Countrywide)

Inflation

Forecast: 2.3% (Bank of England)

Wage growth

Forecast: 2% (CIPD)

Jobs/employment (ILO Unemployment Rate)

Forecast: 4.6%

Which three UK sectors do you expect to show the most growth in 2018 – and which are you going to avoid?

How do you think the FTSE 100 will perform during 2018?

Last year, 34% of those surveyed classed themselves as ‘bulls’, holding an optimistic view of the year ahead. This year, just 13% said they were bullish.

Despite the gloomy outlook, however, when asked how high the FTSE 100 would reach during 2018, respondents came back with an average predicted high of 7763. For 2018, the average predicted low point for the index is 6739. The Favourite FTSE 100 Companies for 2018

Favourite investment themes for 2018

I would of course be delighted to be contacted either by email at Rupert.harvey@redmayne.co.uk or my mobile 07711 710 628 should anyone wish to discuss either their investments or how to go about investing in the markets. Finally, let’s hope that we all have a prosperous 2018.