After a difficult Q1, all strategies saw a positive absolute return in Q2 as share markets bounced back and our preference for equities over bonds continued to be positive for portfolios. Investor sentiment wobbled at the end of June, however, as negotiations failed to prevent US trade tariffs from coming into force in the EU and China, and trade war rhetoric ramped up.

Having added to our FTSE 100 holdings in Q1 when prices were at a low, we benefitted well from the index’s revival in the second quarter. The FTSE 100 made back all its losses from Q1 and more, to show a 9.6% return over the quarter. Weaker sterling was a significant factor in the rise, as non-sterling earnings of the multi-national companies that dominate the index benefit from a weaker pound. A higher oil price was also positive for the energy tilt of the index and some acquisitions also drove share prices up.

Elsewhere in equity, Europe and Japan did less well this quarter and, while we suffered a little from having an overall underweight position in the US, this was offset to a degree by a good choice of companies within our US portfolio. Our equity themes of technology and healthcare continue to benefit performance.

Government bonds flagged as investor confidence in equities returned in April and May, but saw a small revival in June as equity markets fell, ending the quarter more or less flat.

Our disciplined investment process and core investment principles underpin our decision making:

• Value and selectively contrarian – The rebound in the FTSE 100 this quarter shows the benefit of taking the contrarian view. While returns have been largely driven by the effect of a weaker sterling, FTSE 100 companies represent high quality – with strong balance sheets and reliable earnings – that we believe will continue to deliver in spite of currency moves and the state of the UK economy.

• Macro-informed asset allocation – Trade war fears continue to have a negative effect on investor sentiment and equity markets slipped at the end of June as US tariffs on China and Europe took effect. While the effects of a potential trade war shouldn’t be discounted, in our view the overall impact of tariffs to date on global trade is not sufficient to disrupt worldwide growth and we maintain our positive view on equities.

• Patience – Emerging market debt has had a difficult half year, with a stronger US dollar and trade war concerns having a negative impact. However, we continue to find the yields attractive, particularly in relation to developed market bonds, and have a positive long-term positive view on emerging economies and currencies. Emerging markets typically attract higher risk and some ups and downs should be expected.