2025 Outlook: Cross Asset

We expect global equities to outperform bonds, as near trend economic growth should support continued corporate earnings growth and healthy risk appetite. Stock/bond correlations should be lower than the 2023–24 peak levels, even as protectionist US policy may drive global economic uncertainty higher. Global Equities Should Outperform Bonds in 2025 Kevin Rosenbaum, Head of Global […]

December 2024

2025 Outlook: Diverse Manager & Impact Investing

We expect California Carbon Allowances (CCAs) to recover from 2024 losses as clarity on supply reductions emerges. Meanwhile, impact private investment flows will favor strategies with faster distributions and commercial validation. Additionally, headwinds for private diverse manager allocations should ease, but the overhang of emerging funds may lead to consolidation or shutdowns, challenging managers. California […]

December 2024

VantagePoint: Deconstructing US Debt Dynamics

The trajectory of US debt-to-GDP has sharply increased in recent decades, driven by significant fiscal stimulus in response to the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and COVID-19 pandemic. Deficit spending remains elevated compared to typical levels outside of economic crises or wars, with official estimates predicting continued escalation, particularly if Trump’s presidential campaign promises are fulfilled. […]

November 2024

Simplifying Net Zero Implementation: Possible Pathways to a Portfolio That Can Be Good for the Climate

In our 2023 ‘From Policy to Implementation: A Net Zero Playbook for Investors’, we laid out why and how an investor might incorporate climate goals into their portfolio without compromising its financial goals. Subsequent experience has shown us new ways to streamline the process, as investors often get bogged down in reporting and activities that […]

September 2024

US Election Anxiety: Keeping Calm Amid Political Uncertainty

Markets have been jittery as the US presidential election approaches. The macro backdrop is shifting, with slowing economic growth and ebbing inflation meaning a cycle of monetary easing beckons. At the same time, elevated valuations for a variety of assets are causing investors to reconsider narratives around themes, such as AI investment, and consider asset […]

September 2024

VantagePoint: As the Narratives Turn

When investors doubt prevailing narratives, volatility tends to increase, with pricey and leveraged markets most at risk. This was the setting in July and early August as cracks formed in the narratives around artificial intelligence (AI) growth and an economic soft landing. The loss in faith amid high valuations amplified the decline as the Japanese […]

September 2024

Video: Navigating Liquidity Challenges: The Importance of Portfolio Stress Testing

Unsteady markets can cause unexpected liquidity demands and impede, or even undo, hard-earned long-term portfolio growth. Stress testing your portfolio can help avoid the unexpected sale of assets and may enable you to take advantage of opportunities during market downturns. Adam Barber, Senior Investment Director in the Private Client Practice, explains how—and why—a portfolio stress […]

May 2024

Role Models: Pensions Can Use Data to Optimize PI Allocations

Tapping private markets in search of added returns is common practice among defined benefit pensions and other institutional investors. However, many pensions still avoid private investments (PI) out of fear that long-term capital lockups could elevate liquidity risk. Some also remain alarmed by the potential consequences of the “denominator effect.” This refers to situations in […]

April 2024