Irish Investors must look beyond domestic equities and property

October 7th, 2009

Ulster Bank Wealth Launches its Global Investment Outlook

Ulster Bank Wealth today launched its bi-annual Global Investment Outlook. The report details how the world's major economies are slowly emerging from recession and explains how Irish investors can respond to new opportunities in emerging markets, commodities and alternative investments.

The Outlook examines the fundamentals of the current positive market performance and outlines the prognosis for a return to growth and stability in the global economy. It also considers what asset classes Irish investors should consider to best position their portfolios in the near to medium term.

'The world's major economies are now slowly but surely emerging from recession. The US, UK, and our major European trading partners are all set to return to positive growth before the end of the year. This was almost unimaginable as recently as 6 months ago and underscores the success of the extraordinary global policy response to the crisis,' said Brian Feighan, Managing Director, Ulster Bank Wealth.

He continued, 'Irish investors have traditionally focused on domestic equities and property, however, there are currently some strong opportunities in emerging markets, commodities and absolute return strategies. Irish investors can access these markets in a diversified and cost effective way while also controlling their level of risk.'

The Ulster Bank Wealth Outlook also carries commentary from a panel of Ulster Bank experts who examine the potential opportunities for Irish investors.

Simon Barry, Chief Economist, ROI gives his outlook for the Irish economy, and expects growth to return in 2011, dependent on a continued gradual improvement in the external environment.

Alan Dunne, Investment Director, outlines the signs of global recovery and examines the investment implications that this recovery will have for the main asset markets.

John Fahey, Investment Strategist, reviews the global economic performance so far this year and examines some of the key factors that will determine the shape of the recovery.

Carl Astorri, Global Head of Economics and Assest Strategy, Coutts & Co, takes an in-depth look at the UK property market and explains why any recovery will be a gradual process.

Michael Casserly, Investment Analyst, takes a closer look at the demand drivers for Gold and how they are likely to evolve over the coming months.

Keith Hyland, Investment Manager examines the consolidation of the hedge fund industry post 2008 and reviews the industry's positive performance in 2009.