Is there any reliable concept of normality for institutional investors as another turbulent year draws to a close? Perhaps the best we can say is that volatility has become the new normal, writes Contributing Editor David Worsfold.

As the dust settles on the landmark US Presidential election, insurer investment teams will be pondering the impact of Donald Trump's unpredictable administration.

Insurers, pension funds and asset managers have been quick to fall in line behind the new government’s much-heralded infrastructure strategy, turning up in force at the inaugural meeting of the British Infrastructure Taskforce hosted by Chancellor Rachel Reeves at 11 Downing Street.

The new UK Labour government is talking up its desire to see more private sector investment in major infrastructure projects with pensions funds and other major institutional investors expected to respond.

A powerful alliance of European Union financial regulators is stepping up pressure for clearer definitions of sustainable finance that it argues are needed to support the green transition and boost consumer protection.

When it finally comes in the autumn, economic issues will be to the fore in the cut and thrust of political debate at the General Election. The cost of living, taxation, growth, infrastructure investment, pensions and the welfare state are all likely to be in the headlines. Financial services regulation is unlikely to feature – but what can we expect?