2025 Outlook with Morningstar’s Mike Coop: China, UK housebuilders, Interest Rates and AI

The UK Investor Magazine was delighted to welcome Mike Coop, Morningstar Wealth’s Chief Investment Officer, for a deep dive into their Outlook for 2025, covering topics including portfolio construction, key investment themes and the microenvironment.

Download Morningstar’s 2025 Outlook Report here.

We examine global markets for potential opportunities, with particular attention to how traditional portfolio allocation strategies may need to adapt. We explore the conventional 60/40 split between equities and bonds in light of changing market conditions and economic cycles.

As we navigate through varying risk profiles, investment opportunities are emerging across the spectrum. For those seeking higher returns, several compelling options have been identified, though these must be weighed against increased risk exposure. Meanwhile, conservative investors face the challenge of adapting to a falling interest rate environment. The role of interest rates remains crucial across all investment theses, introducing both opportunities and potential risks that require careful consideration.

China has emerged as a notable medium-term opportunity in Morningstar’s 2025 outlook. The discussion around this market centres on identifying the most effective methods for investors to capture potential returns while managing associated risks.

The UK housing sector, particularly housebuilders, has been identified as an area of potential strength for 2025. This outlook is supported by several key drivers that Mike outlines in detail.

The evolution of artificial intelligence continues to shape investment opportunities and we consider the next stage for public markets. While semiconductor manufacturers represented the first wave of public market opportunities in the AI space, we look at how attention is now turning to identifying the second wave of AI-driven investment potential for 2025.

Interest rates remain a central theme throughout these discussions, acting as a key variable that could significantly impact investment theses across all sectors and regions. This underscores the importance of maintaining flexibility in investment strategies and being prepared to adjust as market conditions evolve.

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