Trustnet Magazine 61 April 2020 | Page 6

Cover story 6 / 7 The Great Depression Andrew Hardy, co- head of research at MGIM, says the seeds of the crash between 1929 and 1932 were sown in the prior boom years as the global economy rebounded from the impact of WW1 and the Spanish flu pandemic.  US GDP increased by 43 per cent in real terms in the 1920s, propelling the Dow Jones up by five times from its low in 1921 to the market peak in September 1929. “The global economy saw a productivity surge from technological developments, including electrification and the use of motor cars,” he explains. “This drove rapid corporate earnings growth and supported a significant expansion of consumer credit, causing a speculative boom in the market.” Hardy says there wasn’t a single factor that called an end to the bull market, but the ensuing crash was rapid, with the Dow Jones falling 48 per cent We strive to explore further. Aberdeen Standard Investment Trusts ISA and Share Plan We believe there’s no substitute for getting to know your investments first hand. That’s why we look to analyse and speak to companies intensively before we invest in their shares and while we hold them. Focusing on first-hand company research requires a lot of time and resources. But it’s just one of the ways we aim to seek out the best investment opportunities on your behalf. Please remember, the value of shares and the income from them can go down as well as up and you may get back less than the amount invested. No recommendation is made, positive or otherwise, regarding the ISA and Share Plan. The value of tax benefits depends on individual circumstances and the favourable tax treatment for ISAs may not be maintained. We recommend you seek financial advice prior to making an investment decision. Request a brochure: 0808 500 4000 invtrusts.co.uk Issued by Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited, 10 Queen’s Terrace, Aberdeen AB10 1XL, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK. Telephone calls may be recorded. aberdeenstandard.com TRUSTNET Please quote 2306