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A combination of health, economic, and financial challenges has created a higher level of uncertainty than ever before—worse even than the 2008 global downturn. However, COVID-19 has created a wide range of opportunities for family offices to update their approaches to investment management, tax, and estate planning, and governance. Learn what the managers who serve ultra-high-net-worth families are recommending to move forward.

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.

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.

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.

Election Day in the U.S. has the potential to surprise in many aspects, and this year’s election outcome will have a profound impact on equity valuations—or at least that’s what the market appears to be telling the investors. With this year’s referendum likely to result in valuation changes, the attention turns to the question of how much.

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically accelerated the move from traditional office environment to work-from-home for most American office workers. It is clear that a significant portion of workers will move from a five-day in-office work week to something else. Recognizing, navigating, and adapting to the new office environment will be key to successful investing in the sector.

COVID-19 has forced organizations of all kinds to consider what the future of their operations would look like in a post COVID-19 world. Family offices were no exception. Rapidly fading are the days when a family office would provide a space where their staff can work. Most of these physical offices now stand empty as working from home has become the new normal. For many family offices, the answer is to become a virtual family office.