Skip to Main Content

Can Commodities Still Provide Shelter in the Storm as Both Stocks and Bonds Suffer Losses?

Yes, although such investments are not for the faint of heart. As we have seen in 2022, both stocks and bonds have lost value as inflation expectations have escalated. The current environment favors building robustness into portfolios, and exposure to commodities—in addition to high quality bonds—could be a part of this, particularly for investors whose […]

May 2022

VantagePoint: Resilience in a Time of Uncertainty

Global inflation has been higher and more persistent than most economists anticipated. Some inflationary pressures related to the pandemic have started to show signs of easing, but new pressures related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and lockdowns associated with China’s “zero-COVID” policy create new challenges. At the same time, central banks have declared war on […]

May 2022

Should the Latest Climate Research Catalyze Change in How Investors Think About Risk?

Yes. According to a recent report released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), “climate change is a threat to human well-being and planetary health,” and the window of opportunity to “secure a livable and sustainable future for all” is rapidly closing. The new report highlights the considerable risks posed by climate change to […]

March 2022

Would Adoption of Policies Like the Rooney Rule by Asset Allocators Encourage Greater Diversity Among Investment Managers?

No. Adoption of policies like the Rooney Rule—a requirement to interview at least one woman or person of color candidate for leadership positions by many companies and institutions—has not substantially improved diversity among leadership ranks. Given this reality, we doubt such policies would encourage greater diversity among investment managers. These policies are not created to […]

March 2022

Will Concerns Over "Greenflation" Derail the Energy Transition?

No. The inflation attributed to green initiatives (known as “greenflation”) is part of the current inflation narrative, but we doubt concerns related to it will derail the global energy transition. Net zero pledges and related policy frameworks have been rolled out in nearly 200 countries, underpinning a transition already underway due to climate change and […]

February 2022

VantagePoint: Jumpstarting the Energy Transition

This year may prove to be pivotal in the transition from fossil fuels to renewables. Policy makers, businesses, and investors are accelerating commitments to bring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net zero by 2050. The aim is consistent with the 2015 Paris Agreement to “limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, compared […]

February 2022

Case Study: Building custom portfolios to reflect each family member’s distinct impact investing goals

The Hahn family’s wealth, which originated in manufacturing four generations ago, is today overseen by Wilson, the current family patriarch, and supported by a family office staff of two investment professionals. The family members themselves have minimal investment experience. CLIENT BRIEF Client: Hahn family Source of wealth: Manufacturing (inherited wealth) Situation: Family members with distinct […]

December 2021

The Other E in ESG Accelerates: Engagement by Shareholders

In the midst of heightened awareness of systemic risks in climate change and social inequality, many investors concerned about long-term portfolio resilience have used their voice to seek change that benefits all investors and the broader system. We expect investors will adopt active engagement practices to a greater extent in 2022, assuming significant policy changes around climate and social issues do not materialize. 

December 2021

1 2 3 4 5 7