INSIGHTS

Leaders rotate in and out. No single fixed income sector consistently dominates performance over time, and strong performance in one sector rarely carries over from one year to the next. For example, emerging markets local debt and global bonds — two of 2024’s worst performers — rebounded strongly in 2025. Timing fixed income markets and predicting which sector will lead next is extremely difficult.

Market volatility is unsettling. When the market waters get rough, investors can be tempted to jump out to try to avoid short-term losses. But historically, some of the market’s biggest gains occur when volatility is highest, making them difficult to predict and easy to miss.

Positive correlation between risk assets and government bonds breaks the roles these asset classes play within a portfolio. Here, we outline why correlations have risen, and how investors can seek to limit the impact on their portfolios.

Checkpoints is a comprehensive monthly chartbook highlighting major top-of-mind themes that could shape financial markets in the near term. In addition to the broader macroeconomic discussion, Checkpoints delivers detailed views on major asset classes, including global equities, fixed income and real assets.

AI investment enthusiasm is rising, but returns will vary widely. Long-term value is more likely where practical, commercially viable use cases are already beginning to emerge, says Walter Scott’s George Dent.

Semiconductor sector volatility remains high as investors weigh surging memory growth against questions over durability and valuation. Walter Scott’s Murdo MacLean breaks down what’s going on.

Watch a quarterly Fund update with April LaRusse: Head of Fixed Income Specialists at Insight Investment.