There’s so much that isn’t well understood about blockchain. On our latest podcast, we walk through the evolution of this technology, the viability cryptoassets and whether there’s substance behind the hype. Nearly one in six people worldwide don’t have the
Ben explains why we maintain our underweight on Japanese equities despite their recent rally. Japanese equities have been the star performer since September – rising more dramatically than their global peers in a response to a perceived thaw in U.S.-China
Our fourth quarter update looks beneath the surface of debt and equity markets, which until recently have been resilient in the face of rising recession risks.
We maintain our underweight on Japan equities, yet see the recent rally as a preview of their potential if trade tensions were to fade. Signs that weakness caused by the protectionist push is spreading beyond manufacturing have cast a shadow
Investors increasingly are using factor strategies, but you wouldn’t know it from their portfolios. Where are the factors? My colleagues and I have about the fact that factors are long-term drivers of investment returns. Given this, it’s no surprise that
Do quality stocks come with a higher price tag? Is “quality” synonymous with “defense”? Do I need to go up in size to go up in quality? Tony DeSpirito seeks to clear up some common misperceptions about quality stocks. I
Chris explores ways to manage your EM allocation, an out of favor, but still appealing asset class. Emerging markets were the darling of investors as recently as the winter of 2019, but now find themselves once again as unloved as
We see third-quarter earnings season offering some limited support to U.S. stocks in the near term, as a growth rebound is months away. Signs of weakening economic activity beyond the manufacturing sector have revived concerns about the growth backdrop. U.S.-China
We see third-quarter earnings season offering some limited support to U.S. stocks in the near term, as a growth rebound is months away. Kurt explains. Equities have stumbled this month, as weak economic data has revived recession fears. This comes
Once again, U.S. consumers are keeping the global economy out of the abyss. Russ discusses why. August reinforced the perennial fear of this recovery: insufficient growth. While the economic data has started to stabilize, the global economy, particularly the manufacturing
Covered call strategies in a closed-end fund may help long-term investors manage short-term volatility. Successful investing is not just about reaching the final destination; the journey itself can be equally important. Equity investors in particular need to account for the
Economic uncertainty has increased investor focus on the possibility of BBB-rated bonds being downgraded to junk. Investors should weigh this risk with their search for yield. Over the past several months, I have been fielding more questions about the state
Mike shares what investors need to know as the final quarter of 2019 kicks off. The fourth quarter of 2019 kicked off with a market selloff and more evidence that a protectionist push is hitting the U.S. industrial sector. How
We expect a pickup in global growth in the next six to 12 months, as policy stimulus gradually filters through to the real economy. The Fed has cut interest rates, but its noncommittal view on the rate outlook suggests expectations
Elga discusses how central banks could “go direct” and use unprecedented coordination between monetary and fiscal policy to deal with the next downturn. This is the fourth and final blog in a series on the topic of “Dealing with the
Protectionist push – The substantial escalation in the U.S.-China conflict – and unpredictability of U.S. policy actions – have injected additional uncertainty into business planning, threatening to weaken economic activity. Market implication: We favour reducing risk, including raising some cash.
China’s onshore equity market, while both vast and liquid, is relatively untapped by foreign investors. Jeff Shen looks beyond the trade war to explore the makings of a unique investment opportunity. Most of what investors hear about China today centers
Elga explains why we see a growth pickup looming on the horizon. Hint: Watch the transmission of financial conditions. An expected dovish pivot by central banks has materialized. Now what? Financial conditions in key developed economies have become more accommodative
Rick Rieder and Russ Brownback highlight their view that effective monetary and fiscal policy in the 21st Century needs to draw not only traditional economic theory, but also from the lessons of finance and other disciplines. We think the evidence
Patrick Nolan offers his top tips to help your money deliver. Nobody likes the unknown, including when it comes to the future value of your money. Retirement planning used to be simple – invest in a portfolio [of bonds?] that
A rebound in bond yields has led to a shakeup in equity market factor returns. We prefer defensive factors such as min vol as growth slows. The Fed cut interest rates, but its noncommittal view on the rate outlook suggests
Interest rates rose last week, but the surge did not keep stocks from climbing. Russ explains why. Last week stocks edged higher: The S&P 500 rose approximately 1%, while small caps and value stocks had a particularly good week. A
A rebound in bond yields has led to a shakeup in equity market factor returns. Mike weighs in on whether momentum’s moment has passed. A perceived lull in U.S.-China trade tensions has eased market fears about an economic downturn, prompting
For the first time ever, BlackRock is enabling all portfolio managers to stress test their portfolios to future carbon price scenarios. Andre and Mike explain why. Investors already know that the transition to a low-carbon economy matters to their portfolios.
Income seekers shouldn’t run from the market when uncertainty rises. Rising geopolitical risk weighed on investor sentiment and sent stocks lower in August. Most notably, U.S.China trade tensions escalated, with retaliatory actions from both sides. While risk assets sold off,
The integration of #ESG criteria often has a greater impact for emerging countries. Find out why in an interview with our expert #Karine_Jesiolowski (via @allnews_ch).
Fresh #StarkieBlog! https://t.co/YZrzQpIlIQ
Low interest rates drive housing market -> https://t.co/XjhuRim2P7 #Interest #mortgages via @ABNAMROeconomen
