Market Matters: August 31, 2024
Fixed income outperformed equities, driven by declining yields as markets became more convinced that major central banks would continue to ease monetary policies.
Authored by: Sehr Dsani
Review of Market Performance: Fiscal Year 2024
Most risk assets enjoyed strong returns in fiscal year ended June 2024. Developed markets equities led on better-than-expected economic data and the anticipation that central banks would begin easing monetary policies.
Market Matters: June 30, 2024
Global equities advanced, with performance led by tech-heavy markets, including the United States and emerging Asia.
Will Artificial Intelligence Continue to Propel the Market Forward?
Yes, we believe it will. Excitement around artificial intelligence and its related technological advancements has been a key market driver since early 2023.
VantagePoint: Building Resilient Public Equity Portfolios
Building outperforming portfolios in long-only equities is hard work but worth the effort. Engaging in deep research to identify firms with a repeatable competitive edge and strong organization that can stand the test of time is far more relevant than analyzing short-term performance. Selecting the right managers is only the first step. Constructing portfolios requires careful consideration of manager and market dynamics to adjust for shifting factor exposures and avoid unintended bets for which investors are unlikely to be compensated.
Review of Market Performance: Calendar Year 2023
Risk assets enjoyed mostly positive returns in CY 2023. Developed markets equities led as fears over the severity of a possible recession moderated and inflation declined.
2024 Outlook: Public Equities
We expect global equity performance will be below its long-term median level, but we believe investors should hold equity allocations in line with policy targets. Within equities, we see opportunities in developed value, developed small caps, and China. We doubt European and emerging markets ex China equities will outperform, and we believe the share of active strategies that outperform will increase.
2024 Outlook: Real Assets
We expect REIT and public infrastructure performances will improve, given undemanding valuations and our view on interest rates. We believe private infrastructure funds will perform well, and we think nuclear energy will emerge as a small but important opportunity.
Review of Market Performance: Fiscal Year 2023
Risk assets enjoyed mostly positive returns in fiscal year 2023. Equities rebounded as fears over the severity of a possible recession moderated. Emerging markets equities lagged developed markets as the pace of reopening in China disappointed. Bond performance improved as credit assets posted positive returns but developed markets sovereign bonds struggled. Real assets suffered due to higher interest rates and slowing demand.
US Real Estate Faces Challenges, But Opportunities Exist
Commercial real estate is not immune to economic cyclicality, and we think the sector will be challenged through an economic downturn. However, we think cyclical pressures will likely create opportunities in select sectors and advise investors to selectively invest in these areas to benefit from a rebound during the recovery.