Click here to register for tomorrow's webinar - Risk Target & Perform, how MAF does it. Fund Manager, Nick Samouilhan will highlight how the fund has generated solid returns since launch within their risk bands. 1 hours CPD will be awarded to those who register and participate online. 

Dividend yields in many equity markets have been rising with increased payouts recently. Given the healthy state of many companies’ balance sheets dividend payout increases may have further to go. In this environment, global equity income strategies can be a compelling addition to portfolios designed to deliver attractive returns with lower portfolio risk and volatility. In short, global high yield equities can marry the best characteristics of equities and bonds in one fund.  

Click here to download Kirill's views on why High Yield stocks are so attractive now.

Recent quarters have brought notable improvements in terms of financial stability but the outlook for European real estate remains mixed. The valuation case for real estate is strengthened by declining sovereign bond yields. However, poor prospects for growth in most of Europe will hinder recoveries in occupier markets. We reiterate our view that investors should focus on high-quality assets with secure income streams in core European economies such as Germany and Sweden. In addition, we believe that prime Irish real estate now provides attractive investment opportunities for long-term investors who have a moderate appetite for risk.

Click here to download the full market outlook piece from Darren.

May was a month of two halves for the equity market. In the first half global equities performed strongly. However, gains were pared back mid-month as investors contemplated whether the US Federal Reserve would begin to taper asset purchases.  Equities strongly outperformed bonds over the month. Bond yields rose as investors sold bonds anticipating lower demand in the future.

Click here for May's fund performance scorecard.