In 2016, global investment trends shifted as countries began diversifying away from traditional oil revenue models due to lower oil prices. This created growth opportunities in new markets, especially in agriculture in Russia and Central Asia, with European equities expected to see significant earnings growth. However, the European market presents risks, including economic volatility from issues like Brexit and political conflicts.

1. Global Investment Trends in 2016
Benjamin Alderson

2. Introduction
• Benjamin Alderson manages deVere USA, Inc., as president
and CEO, providing a global clientele with strategic
investment guidance. As part of his work, Benjamin
Alderson regularly studies shifts and trends in global
investing.
In 2016, investors’ thinking evolved away from traditional
models. There are two significant trends:
Countries have begun to accept that lower oil prices may
become the rule instead of the exception. Consequently,
countries that have historically depended on oil revenues
are now looking to diversify outside the sector.

3. Global Investment Trends
• This provides opportunity for new markets, especially in
Russia and Central Asia. Agriculture markets in particular
are seeing growth as a response to the move away from oil
and gas.
According to strategists at Credit Suisse, European equities
are primed for 10 percent growth in earnings per share in
2016, compared to 6.8 percent in the United States.
Consequently, investors will look more closely at those
equities, as firms such as Barclays remain bullish on
European stocks. The European market does come with
some risk of volatility, however, as weak economic growth,
Brexit, and other political conflicts could have a negative
impact.