Research Publications Archive

Global Equity Manager Performance: 2021

The vast majority of active managers underperformed the index in 2021—the worst year for active global equities managers we have on record. This chart book is our annual summary of the absolute and relative performance of managers that report to our database.

Credit Investors Should Proceed Cautiously

Credit assets have sold off in recent weeks in unison with other risk assets, as market concern has shifted from one extreme of growth and inflation running too hot to another of stagflation, or even outright recession. Despite the improvement in credit pricing, we believe investors should be patient when adding to high-beta credit portfolios.

War in Ukraine Dents European Growth Prospects

The ongoing war in Ukraine has exerted a material impact on both global economies and markets, primarily via a steep increase in commodity prices, especially energy. Europe has been particularly affected due to its geographical proximity and the resultant dependence of many of its nations on Russian fossil fuels. This chart book reviews the hit to European growth associated with the war in Ukraine.

While Great Entrepreneurs Leap, Great Investors Plan

As entrepreneurs know well, the process of creating and managing a successful business is complex and requires great skill, insight, and hard work. Successful management of significant wealth requires similar attributes; however, not all the characteristics fundamental to entrepreneurial success translate to effective portfolio management. This paper presents five recommendations for those looking to build an investment framework that can be as successful and personally rewarding as building a business.

Fed Raises Rates and Begins Balance Sheet Run-off

Yesterday, the Federal Reserve announced it would raise the target range for the Fed funds rate 50 basis points (bps) to 0.75%–1.00%. It also formalized plans to reduce its $9 trillion balance sheet starting June 1, with an initial monthly cap of $47.5 billion, rising to $95 billion per month on September 1.

Charting New Waters: What Pension Plan Sponsors Should Know About Digital Assets

Blockchain technology and digital assets could disrupt the way many of the companies in a pension plan’s current investment portfolio do business. Pension plan sponsors can benefit from an increased understanding of blockchain technology and its potential portfolio implications. In addition to providing a general overview of how blockchain technology and digital assets investments work, this paper answers questions on related challenges and developments for plan sponsors to consider.