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The housing market’s role as one of the key drivers of the current recovery has been notable and stands in stark contrast to its role as a key driver of the last recession (2008-2009). Its surprising resilience is due in part to the pandemic-induced demand for housing, ultra-low interest rates, and pre-pandemic demographic trends. The longer-run outlook for the housing market will depend on potential for additional fiscal stimulus, recovery in the labor market, and the trajectory of interest rates.

A growing demand for a more equitable and inclusive society has emerged in a year marked by turmoil and uncertainty. Fixed income issuers are starting to respond to that demand by offering social bonds. Through this innovative vehicle, see how muni investors have the ability to effect systemic change and make a positive impact on society.

Washington will be a different place under a Biden administration, but it won’t be a different enough to cause a seismic shift across the investment landscape. While some observers fear a divided government may inevitably lead to gridlock, a more likely outcome is compromise—meeting halfway in a few areas. It will be a mixed bag for muni investors and little change for the corporate market. Expect solid but subdued support for responsible investors from Biden’s White House.

The environmental, social, and governance (ESG) research among institutional investors has historically focused mostly on the “E” and the “G,” leaving social issues as somewhat of a forgotten middle child. But the COVID-19 pandemic and racially-driven police violence have shifted public opinion, and it matters. At this inflection point, there is a recognition that investors can and will play a role, and that companies and bond issuers will be held increasingly accountable for the impact they have on their colleagues, communities, and customers.

Actions demonstrate what it means to be a sustainable business. And in times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, companies show through their actions how they balance societal concerns and profit motives. Further, companies that find a role in addressing this crisis can use this opportunity to do well in the world and to chart new long-term business opportunities.

The exclusion of the high-profile company Tesla Motors from a major equity index took many investors by surprise. The news sent the company’s shares down 21% the next trading day. That example illustrates the critical role of index providers and the level of discretion they may have in adding or removing constituent stocks. It’s just one reason to consider investing in a customized separately managed account (SMA) instead of remaining dependent on an index provider.

Investing sustainably does not mean sacrificing returns. In fact, the opposite is true across many different asset classes. A closer look shows how investments in private equity, public equity, and fixed income can generate social impact while driving real financial results for investors.

Portfolio customization is growing in popularity among equity investors—but does it have a place in the bond market? Learn about the benefits of stratified cells.

Thought leaders and practitioners discuss key investment risks and opportunities through a social equity lens, and are joined by Judy Belk, president and CEO of The California Wellness Foundation, for a fireside chat on how the foundation is addressing social equity issues holistically through both grant-making and investment approaches.

The unique market environment which we are calling "Post-Monetary Era" presents many challenges for investors, suggesting that investors should focus on defining, quantifying, and prioritizing their goals in order to maximize their probabilty of financial success. This podcast suggests that investors view their goals as "self-imposed liabilities" and organize their investment portfolios accordingly to fund those.