Review of Market Performance: Calendar Year 2024
Most risk assets enjoyed strong returns in the calendar year (CY) ended December 31, 2024. US equities led on better-than-expected economic data and AI-related growth.
Credit/Fixed Income
Market Matters: January 31, 2025
Global equities advanced in January as cooling inflation and US tariff delays catalyzed a risk rally in the second half of the month.
VantagePoint: Avoiding Five Key Investment Pitfalls
The start of the year is an ideal time to review investment practices and procedures to ensure you are set up for success. In this edition of VantagePoint, we outline the following five key investment pitfalls that can steer investors off course and offer guidance on how to avoid them: 1) Taking too little risk; 2) Firing excellent managers after a bout of underperformance; 3) Sizing individual positions too large; 4) Misunderstanding liquidity risk; and 5) Failing to exercise strong governance.
Market Matters: December 31, 2024
Global equities advanced in Q4 as performance diverged among regions.
Specialty Finance Investing: A Versatile Tool for Private Credit Investors
Specialty finance investing can effectively complement a broad private credit allocation. It enhances portfolio diversification while preserving capital and offers to create stability through a variety of underlying asset types and potential return targets.
2025 Outlook: Interest Rates
We expect most major central banks to continue cutting policy rates, which should allow bonds to outperform cash. With breakeven inflation rates likely to be range bound, returns of inflation-linked and nominal bonds should be similar.
2025 Outlook: Credit Markets
We expect liquid credit returns to decline due to low credit spreads and anticipated Fed easing. Direct lending returns should moderate but continue to outperform their liquid counterparts. Meanwhile, insurance-linked securities will continue to benefit from strong demand, and increased transaction volumes should support both specialty finance and credit opportunities managers. In emerging markets, currencies should become a tailwind for local bonds.
Market Matters: November 30, 2024
Global equities advanced as performance diverged among regions. US stocks surged to new all-time highs, whereas developed markets (DM) ex US peers lagged, and emerging markets (EM) shares declined.
US Manager Universe Statistics: Third Quarter 2024
This publication presents manager performance for 37 asset classes and substrategies, showing the median, mean, and key percentiles of return. Relevant indexes for each asset class are also included to provide market context.
VantagePoint: Deconstructing US Debt Dynamics
Despite alarming headlines about rising US debt, investors should resist making drastic portfolio changes. While an immediate crisis appears unlikely, the risk could increase if the United States fails to manage its debt effectively. Therefore, reviewing potential portfolio adjustments at the margin that might enhance future returns is prudent.