“How are you not worried about the Houthis?” - a question likely on the minds of many investment professionals over the last few months as conflict in the Middle East continues to impact the global economy. Phil Byrne shares his thoughts on the above question, as well as his insights on the current economic outlook and an update on our Multi Asset Funds’ performance in 2024 so far.

If slow and steady wins the race, the implementation of a Statewide Auto-Enrolment (AE) pension system has been under consideration in Ireland since 2006 may prove to be the undisputed champion! The Minister for Social Protection published the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System Bill 2024 on 5 April 2024. The Minister is targeting introduction for early 2025.

World economic growth was better than expected in 2023 and inflation fell at a quicker pace than forecast at the start of last year. However, there was a marked contrast in the growth performances of the major economies. National output was strong in the United States throughout the whole of 2023 helped by healthy consumer spending, with households continuing to deplete the excess savings that were run up during the pandemic.