US

Tighter US Monetary Policy May Limit Upside Potential of Risk Assets

Central banks across the globe are poised to raise policy rates in response to inflation concerns. By examining how US policy rates have impacted US risk assets historically, we consider how assets may react today. These tighter financial conditions may cap the upside potential for risk assets. Within equities and credit, the risks are particularly pronounced in growth stocks and investment-grade corporate bonds.

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 emissions to net zero by 2050, while technological advances and economics in sectors, like renewable energy and EVs, are reaching more competitive functionality and cost. Even as the energy transition gains speed, we are still in the very early days and anticipate a long and disruptive transition.

Inflation Pressures Central Banks to Begin Normalizing Policies

This week, the Federal Reserve, the Bank of England, and to a lesser extent the European Central Bank all acted to tighten monetary policies. These tightenings came as inflationary pressures have surged in many countries and as other central banks have looked to rein in simulative policies. But, when combined with above-trend growth expectations next year and central banks’ likely cautious tightening approach, we suspect financial conditions will likely remain accommodative and supportive of risk assets.

The Dollar Finds Temporary Support

The US dollar tends to appreciate during two broad economic regimes. One is when the US economy is materially outperforming its global counterparts, attracting capital looking to benefit from the superior US prospects. The other is when growth slows sharply, attracting safe-haven-seeking capital. This is the “dollar smile” model of the currency, and looking at 2022 through this lens suggests some dollar strength may be in store.

College and University Flash Statistics Report: Fiscal Year 2021

The College and University Flash Statistics Report provides a first look at the results of our 2021 College and University Investment Pool Returns survey. Included in the analysis are a summary of investment pool returns and asset allocation for 152 colleges and universities. Additionally, the report provides detailed data by institution on asset allocation and…

Crypto Considerations

The polarizing and often misunderstood cryptoasset landscape has grown exponentially in recent years. This paper reviews some of the space’s pressing issues, considers cryptoassets in a portfolio setting, and offers some considerations of different implementation options.