Absolute return bond strategies aim to deliver steadier outcomes by prioritising capital preservation and actively managing volatility. This approach offers investors a potentially more resilient way to navigate uncertain markets, writes Shaun Casey, senior portfolio manager at Insight Investment.

Fixed Income isn’t just defensive—it can be essential to offsetting equity risk. From historically high valuations to a potential recession and rising interest rates, we illustrate the buffer bonds can provide. We believe fixed income plays a vital role in mitigating these six core challenges investors face.

Equity volatility is rising, but all is not what it seems. The technology sector is weighing on the S&P 500 while value and cyclical stocks lead. A market rotation is underway as many investors begin to favor companies beyond tech.

2025 was a strong year for infrastructure and we expect momentum to continue in 2026. In an environment marked by heightened geopolitical risk, elevated inflation, and narrow equity leadership, we see global infrastructure as an effective hedge against these challenges. Infrastructure can also provide a differentiated way to participate in growth opportunities. We believe the asset class is well-positioned to benefit from durable long-term tailwinds like continued government spending and AI-driven demand for data centers and power.