July 08, 2019 Custom or Packaged? The Target-Date Choice Revisited by Jennifer DeLong, Andrew Stumacher Many plan sponsors wrestle with the decision of choosing—or changing—a target-date solution. Is a packaged product appropriate for plan participants, or are there advantages to using a custom solution? Or is there perhaps another choice? Multi-Asset, Target-Date Solutions Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
July 08, 2019 Global Equities: Searching for Symptoms of Three Mounting Risks by Sharon Fay, Christopher Hogbin Global equities advanced in the second quarter, but the path was rocky. Incoming earnings reports will provide important clues about how companies are coping with mounting challenges—from trade wars to global growth—and how investors should position. Later in the Cycle, Trade Wars, Volatility Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
July 02, 2019 The ESG Edge to Concentrated Equity Investing by Mark Phelps, James T. Tierney, Jr., Ton Wijsman There are many ways to apply responsible investing principles to portfolios. But some investing approaches may be more conducive to creating a portfolio with strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) qualities than others. Concentrated equities are a case in point. Equities, Responsible Investing/ESG Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
July 02, 2019 Want to Reduce Downside Risk? A Barbell Strategy May Help Investors typically try to limit their downside risk in the late stages of the credit cycle. We think a credit barbell strategy can help. Fixed Income, Later in the Cycle Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
July 02, 2019 What’s the Long-Term Oil Outlook? Watch How the Majors Invest by Joseph G. Paul, Akhil Kapoor, Jeremy Taylor What’s the long-term outlook for oil in a world shifting to renewable energy? Oil majors publicly say supply-and-demand dynamics will support the market. But their investment choices suggest that they’re preparing for a much weaker oil price in the distant future. Equities Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
July 01, 2019 India: The New China for Global Growth? by Mo Ji, Shamaila Khan If demographics is destiny, then India may well be the next China in terms of economic growth. Yes, the two countries have significant differences, but they also have some interesting parallels. What’s holding India back, and what will help most to unlock its future growth potential? Economics, Emerging Markets, Fixed Income Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
July 01, 2019 European Automakers – Trade War Woes Add Pressure on Bonds by Robert Schwartz, Jørgen Kjærsgaard Trade war fears have dominated the headlines recently, but European automakers already face other serious headwinds. We believe bond investors should tread warily in this sector. Fixed Income, Trade Wars Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
June 28, 2019 Combining Big Data and a Human Touch for Equity Insights by Nelson Yu, Christopher Hogbin Figuring out how to use big data is the next frontier for the asset-management industry. Equity investors must have the right culture—and ask the right questions—to successfully integrate data science into research and investment processes. Equities Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
June 27, 2019 Postcard from… West Africa by Adriaan du Toit When I landed in the brand-new airport in Nigeria’s capital of Abuja I was taken by the modern and cavernous nature of its terminal, a reflection of the country’s future ambitions. One of Africa’s best airports, in Accra, Ghana, also boasts a new terminal. Meanwhile, foreign travelers can apply online for an e-visa before they fly to Ivory Coast, pick it up at the airport when they land and emerge into the bustling streets of Abidjan quickly and efficiently. Fixed Income Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
June 26, 2019 Why a Barbell Income Strategy May Help Late in the Cycle Earning income without taking excessive risk is a balancing act—and it can be hard to pull off in the late stages of a credit cycle. A credit barbell strategy can help investors stay on their feet. Fixed Income, Later in the Cycle Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
June 25, 2019 Following UN Goals to Sustainable Equity Themes by Dan Roarty The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) offer a good guide for investing in companies making a positive impact on society. But where do you begin? Start by drilling deeply into the SDGs themselves to identify investible themes. Equities, Responsible Investing/ESG Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
June 20, 2019 Fed Looking for an Ounce of Prevention with Rate Cuts by Eric Winograd The Fed left its benchmark rate unchanged this week, but also signaled a very high probability of cuts later this year. Historically, rate cuts have been a sign of trouble—typically made in response to slower growth and rising unemployment. But this time around, growth data aren’t showing much weakness. What’s the story? Economics, Fixed Income, Later in the Cycle Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
June 20, 2019 Funding the Future: Putting Purpose in Your Bonds by Shawn Keegan Creating a sustainable fixed-income portfolio isn’t just about avoiding harm–it’s about doing good. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals provide a road map for selecting companies that offer products and services that help the environment and create a more equitable, just world. Fixed Income, Responsible Investing/ESG Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
June 13, 2019 ECB Struggles as Central Banking World Turns Upside-Down by Darren Williams As global growth prospects have weakened, the world of central banking has been turned upside-down. But while the US Federal Reserve (Fed) has already hinted at a change of course, the European Central Bank (ECB) is still struggling to adapt to the new reality. Economics Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
June 11, 2019 Healthcare Stocks: Invest in Business, not Science by Vinay Thapar Healthcare stocks served as powerful painkillers during last year’s market declines. Yet the sector offers much more than just downside protection for investors who focus on business potential and resist the urge to predict scientific breakthroughs. Equities Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
June 10, 2019 Hard Landing for China’s Growth? Six Factors to Watch by Mo Ji, Shamaila Khan Will China’s economy suffer a hard landing? That’s been a concern voiced by investors almost every year for the past 10 years. But now, with China’s incredible increase in debt and leverage (not to mention escalating trade wars), the possibility of a hard landing would have critical implications for all global markets. Economics, Emerging Markets, Fixed Income, Trade Wars Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks