Central banks like the Fed and ECB can hit the accelerator of policy easing all they like but the moribund global economy can only gain traction if governments start spending and geopolitical tensions ease.

A greater diversity of investors minimises volatility and subjects Chinese markets to greater scrutiny, strengthening them in the long run. In return, Chinese investors with greater access to overseas markets could diversify their portfolios and bring best practices home.

About one-third of developed-market government bonds are trading at negative yields now. This essentially means paying a government for the privilege of borrowing money from it. But some believe bonds can still deliver capital gains.

Recent parliamentary debacles show Britain has reason to doubt Boris Johnson’s promise of a clean break from the EU.

Politicians are promising to spend more or cut taxes to woo voters give central banks little wiggle room if the economy overheats. Investors will have to work hard to seek income in high-yield bonds, high-dividend equity or alternative assets.

It looks like a return to the downbeat days of 2018, except this time around, central banks’ willingness to keep monetary policy loose could signal hope for investors

The stability of the global financial system depends on the sound policies of an independent Fed. The president’s criticism and the push by some Democrats for a monetary system that would undermine the Fed’s role are unwise.

The Federal Reserve has declined to commit to additional rate hikes because inflation hasn’t accompanied US growth. If that changes, though, the pain could be serious.

The Fed has slowed its rate hikes, while there’s no sign of any monetary tightening at the BOJ and ECB for now. This could be good news for Hong Kong and risk assets, at least in the short term

The EU has a headache on its hands this year with Brexit, fiscal discipline and mass protests, on top of volatile parliamentary elections in May. Even so, there are quality companies that are less sensitive to market volatility.

Now more than at any time in the past few years, central bankers will need to scrutinise and respond closely to evolving economic data, and be aware any miscommunication could adversely affect economic growth.

A survey of the regional outlooks shows economic fundamentals remain stable going into a new year, though risks will persist. As has been the case this year, the complex mix of geopolitical tension and economic challenges specific to the region will keep investors on their toes.

Tai Hui says a weaker US dollar, resumption of dialogue between the US and China on trade, and more stimulus from China could turn the gloomy sentiment on Asian equities around.

The global economy is showing decent momentum, and the US economy has become more stable. The next recession is more likely to resemble the mild ones of 1990 and 2001 than the 2008 monster.

As tech companies will face challenges in the near future, investors should temper expectations and focus on firms with a broad range of businesses.

Based on US Treasure yield curves, bond investors are more optimistic about near-term prospects than the long term. So does that mean it’s time to dump risky assets? Not exactly, but it’s a good idea to review your portfolio

The fundamentals apply, particularly at a time of trade frictions and market turbulence: investors should stick to a diversified portfolio and seek out good companies and growing industries.

Argentina’s interest rate hikes and steep losses for some currencies may lead investors to fear a repeat of 2013 in under way, but abandoning emerging markets would be an overreaction.