Scared of investing when the stock market is at an all-time high? You shouldn't be - access out latest update for more information.
Omnis Agility combines the Omnis range of funds with carefully selected Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) that give us access to additional investment opportunities. This week we made some changes to the portfolio to reflect a change in our tactical asset allocation positioning. In this document, we detail the thinking behind these trades.
Across the 14th and 15th of August 2025, we are increasing two of our tactical Asset Allocation positions and instructing a full rebalance of the OMPS portfolios.
Global tariff tensions resurface and equity markets rally, as central banks hold interest rates steady.
Global tariff tensions resurface and equity markets rally, as central banks hold interest rates steady.
Stocks push higher on trade deal optimism
Why smaller companies could offer stronger returns in the years ahead.
Geopolitical tensions ease and European equities rise, while cautious positioning remains in global portfolios
Geopolitical tensions ease and European equities rise, while cautious positioning remains in global portfolios
Stocks surge despite geopolitical uncertainty, with the FTSE 100 and US markets leading the way.
August 2024 - June 2025
Tariff uncertainty persists, while US fiscal policy takes centre stage, keeping markets buoyant but investors wary
Tariff uncertainty persists, whilst US fiscal policy takes centre stage, keeping markets buoyant but investors wary
A temporary easing in US - China trade tensions and better-than-expected economic data lifted markets
2024 was a year filled with change: from tech stock optimism in January to a UK recession in February, from the Swiss National Bank's rate cut in March to decreased UK inflation and increased US inflation in April. May brought a snap election in the UK and Putin's fifth term as Russian President, while June saw Macron call a snap election in France following a surge in support for the far-right.

Here’s a review of how some of the key events from the past twelve months have impacted market

  

Aug-24: Stock markets endured a significant bout of volatility in August amid worries about a US recession and the implications of a sharply strengthening Japanese yen. As the month progressed fears subsided, with some more supportive data and some soothing words from central banks.

 

Sep-24: Global stock markets rallied to new record highs after the US Federal Reserve (Fed) cut interest rates for the first time since 2020 by half a percentage point. Chinese stocks soared after Beijing rolled out further stimulus measures to arrest a slowdown in the economy.

 

Oct-24: Markets were dominated by the UK budget reaction and upcoming US election in October. The budget was turned unexpectedly more material for markets after the Chancellor announced a £40bn tax increase. Bond prices fell as a result of the announcement.

 

Nov-24: Share prices rose after Republican Donald Trump was elected US President for the second time, fuelling expectations of higher domestic growth. Chinese markets fell after a stimulus programme worth $1.4 trillion to help local governments deal with debt underwhelmed investors.

 

Dec-24: Equity markets struggled as we reached the end of a strong year. Investors continued to reassess their expectations for future interest rate cuts as central banks spoke about a reduced speed of interest rate reductions in 2025.

 

Jan-25: The FTSE 100 hit a record high as UK inflation fell to 2.5%, raising hopes for interest rate cuts. Meanwhile, as Trump raised tariffs on Mexico, China and Canada, markets grew cautious over how tariffs might impact inflation and economic growth. China continues to experience weak domestic demand.

 

Feb-25: Global markets diverged as trade tensions hit sentiment, while strong earnings fuelled gains elsewhere. US stocks fell amid tariff uncertainty and weakening consumer demand. Trump warned of a 25% tariff on EU imports and possible UK taxes, confirmed duties on Canadian and Mexican goods, and threatened an extra 10% on Chinese imports.

 

Mar-25: Global stock markets came under pressure amid growing concerns about the economic impact of President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Stock market falls, trade tensions and weakening consumer sentiment, reignited US downturn fears. The EU responded to Trump’s 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium with duties on €26 billion worth of American goods.

 

Apr-25: Trade tensions intensified as President Trump announced new tariffs on Chinese imports. Whilst stock markets tumbled, they did subsequently recover after the US paused most tariff increases. As a result, the global economic outlook has weakened, and investors are expecting central banks to cut interest rates further.

 

May-25: Global equity markets rallied strongly after the US and China agreed to a 90-day suspension (and reduction) of tariffs. This eased concerns of an escalating trade war between the two economic superpowers. Robust corporate earnings and better-than-expected retail and manufacturing data in the US provided further tailwinds for equity markets, however, analysts warned the full economic impact may still be felt.

 

June-25: Geopolitical tensions rose following an escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict; however, markets were happy to look through the noise, following the announcement of a ceasefire between the two countries. Global equities extended their gains from May, rallying strongly on expectations of additional trade deals and further interest rate cuts globally.

 

July-25: Global equities rallied strongly on optimism surrounding trade deals between the US and many of its key trading partners. Several indices hit record highs for the month, shrugging off concerns surrounding the potential inflationary impact of tariff implementation.