A dangerous imbalance

FINANCIAL, technological and social changes are remaking the global economy and the way capital flows through it. Divergence is increasing, as nations around the world follow different trajectories in economic growth, monetary policy, asset prices and currency valuations.

Central bank actions, political events and disruption in the energy market are driving volatility in global financial markets while also creating the potential for new risks. Technology is changing the way we live and spend. And longevity is driving demographic upheaval.

Today's investors are faced with a diverse set of challenges roiling global markets. Interest rates remain at historically low (or even negative) levels, central bank policy continues to outweigh market fundamentals, currency volatility has spiked and we are seeing dramatic shifts in oil prices.