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More than a decade ago, central banks embarked on a highly unconventional monetary policy path—generally referred to as "quantitative easing." This made possible the longest recorded U.S. economic upswing in history. But can this monetary "magic" continue to work? It is up for debate and is the premise of this year's six investment themes, beginning with "policy pressures need prudent response."

The U.S. equity income market could be in for a wild ride in 2020. Learn how exposure diversification may help your portfolio weather the coming storm.

One of the biggest challenges corporate and municipal bond investors face when it comes to portfolio performance is interest rate fluctuation. Changing interest rates can increase risk and decrease investment value. Incorporating a separately managed account made up of evenly weighted bonds into an investment strategy may help reduce risk and make it easier to withstand rising interest rates.

2019 witnessed an uncommon surge for both risky and safe assets as stocks and bonds had their biggest simultaneous gains in more than two decades. An improving outlook on the economy, progress between the U.S. and China on trade, and the Fed’s interest rate cuts boosted investors’ confidence. However, fears of a global manufacturing slowdown, aggravated by trade conflicts, helped push up defensive assets along the way.

For investors, it's helpful to consider the forces that could impact the markets. Taking some time at the beginning of the year to pause, reflect on the past, and consider carefully how it informs you about the future is a valuable exercise. It allows you to thoughtfully consider the environment you are entering and explore some of the opportunities and challenges that may drive the market's narrative in the coming year. In 2020, there are three things worth watching above all others.

Positive screens include good companies, and negative ones exclude bad companies, right? Discover why they’re really just two sides of the same coin.

Direct indexing is gaining in popularity among investors. Is it poised to disrupt the ETF industry? Bloomberg turned to the veteran industry leaders to find out. Parametric’s CEO, Brian Langstraat, joined the Trillions podcast to discuss the origins of direct indexing, how it works, which investors it makes sense for, the benefits it can confer, and why, despite industry murmurs, it may not be the “ETF killer” some think it is.

Hedging may seem like a safe bet, but does it pose a risk for investors? Learn why it’s important to approach equity hedging with caution in a volatile market.

Is there a better way for investors to donate to charity? Learn how to maximize a portfolio’s tax benefits—and increase the size of the gift—through charitable giving.