It is easy to be influenced by the pessimism now affecting markets. We accept that there is likely to be more bad news in 2019 - and I would pick out the trade dispute between the US and China as showing no sign of resolution and with the potential to damage economic growth around the world. But there are signs that market returns may be more positive in 2019.
After the disappointment of 2018, Schroders chief executive Peter Harrison rounds up the factors its fund managers think could lead to a brighter year ahead.
SINGAPORE (Jan 2): 2018 has been a disappointing year for most investors. Almost all markets, both stocks and bonds, fell in value last year, under pressure from rising interest rates, political developments such as Brexit, and the trade dispute between the US and China. With hindsight, markets were priced for perfection at the start of the year and were vulnerable to bad news - and there has been plenty of that.

