Investment Update: 2017 Themes and Investment Strategies

Taking a closer look at the major market themes and strategic positioning for 2017, the view is slightly more optimistic than 2016, but includes many of the same themes that played out last year. Although there may only be a modest pickup in economic activity, equity markets should benefit from expectations of growth and strong corporate earnings. Given this backdrop, expect modest equity returns with developed economies outpacing emerging markets, interest rates to move modestly higher across the maturity curve, and bouts of volatility. In the end, 2017 may turn out to look much like 2016 from a return perspective, once again rewarding investors who were able to consider multiple aspects of the market, manage their emotions and see the whole picture.