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Investment Insights summary: May 2026

7 May 2026

Our monthly look at what’s driving global markets


Rathbones Investment Management
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  4. Investment Insights summary: May 2026

Article last updated 7 May 2026.

Our May edition features three stories — read online versions via the links below or download a PDF with all three articles. 

 

In this edition:

  • The world has become harder to understand and predict.
  • How ageing is reshaping spending patterns and investment opportunities.
  • Emerging markets offer another way of investing in the AI theme.
Chart showing what older people spend more and less on

3 mins

7 May 2026

Generation pet

An ageing society is reshaping the consumer staples sector

Generation pet
Breakdown of different types of spending on health globally

2 mins

7 May 2026

A healthy increase?

We’re living longer but healthy life expectancy isn’t keeping up

A healthy increase?
graph comparing US vs emerging markets stock performance

5 mins

7 May 2026

Mystifying misnomer

Emerging markets offer another way of investing in the AI theme

Mystifying misnomer
Download these articles in a single PDF file

Snapshot

The global economy and markets

Figure of the month

107%

The increase in the average car’s miles per gallon in the US since 1975, shortly after the 1973–74 oil embargo sent prices soaring. More than half of this gain came in the first six years. The global economy also became less energy-intensive, using less energy for each dollar of output. Economists believe the Iran conflict could trigger further innovation to reduce oil dependence.

At a glance

157%

Rise in global venture capital investment in first quarter of 2026

32%

Rise in liquefied petroleum gas prices since end of February

47%

Rise in Singapore naphtha prices since end of February

10%

Rise in aluminium prices since end of February

Key market indicators

Equities

Total return in local currencies (1 May 2021 = 100)
 

Government bonds

Difference between 2– and 10-year yields (%)
 

Equities

Total return in local currencies (1 May 2021 = 100)
 

Commodities

Oil, gold and silver prices in US dollars
 

Download Investment Insights as a PDF

Access more investment insights

Alongside this monthly Investment Insights publication, our large and experienced in-house research team share a wide range of updates and analysis, from regular strategy commentary and video briefings to in-depth reports, all designed to help you understand what’s driving the global economy, financial markets and the outlook for investment returns.

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