"The consensus reflects a huge dispersion of forecasts for what this year will look like. If you look at the range of estimates for growth this year, it's the widest since the global financial crisis, with the single exception of 2020."

Over recent years, investors have been faced with a particularly challenging market backdrop. While the road ahead is not without its hurdles, the key message for 2024 is the squeeze will ease - a more optimistic outlook reflecting several factors, most notably the moderation in inflation.

Once again, Square Mile's CIO, Mark Harries, is joined by James Ashley, Head of Market Strategy at Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Hugh Gimber, Global Market Strategist at J.P. Morgan Asset Management to unpick the year ahead:

• Will the central banks continue to be data-dependent?

• Where are the best opportunities to make money?

• With a big election year ahead, what can we learn from the past?

• Does the conflict in the Middle East pose the biggest risk for markets?

• What does 2024 have in store for the 60:40 portfolio?

Listen to the Behind the Screens on your favourite platform here, or listen below.

Don't have time to listen to the full episode:

• 00:30 - What now for the consumer?

• 02:35 - The markets are seemingly very data-dependent, will this wane over 2024?

• 05:40 - Where are the best opportunities to make money?

• 08:25 - What can we learn from past elections?

• 11:00 - Does the conflict in the middle east pose the biggest risk to markets?

• 13:50 - What's the outlook for sustainable investments?

• 16:30 - What's the outlook for the 60:40 portfolio?

This podcast was recorded on Friday 26th January 2024. This podcast is only aimed at professional advisers and regulated firms and should not be passed on to or relied upon by any other persons. It is not intended for retail investors, who should obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the podcast, remembering past performance is not an indication of future performance. It is published by, and remains the copyright of, Square Mile Investment Consulting and Research Ltd. Square Mile makes no warranties or representations regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. This podcast represents the views and forecasts of SM at the date of issue and may be subject to change without reference or notification to you. Nothing in this podcast shall be deemed to constitute a regulated activity or an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity and it is not a recommendation to buy or sell any funds or investments that are mentioned during this podcast.