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The dollar's value is one vital sign of the health of the U.S. economy vis-à-vis other economies as it reflects expectations about inflation and interest rates. Therefore, tracking and understanding the dollar and other currencies is key to understanding the investment environment, says this paper from Rockefeller & Co. Inc.

The financial crisis has altered the investment landscape for investment managers as well as for investors. This paper from BNY Mellon looks at the results, such as increased regulatory oversight and demands for greater transparency.

Of all the possible sources of inflation, a rise in commodity prices is the greatest threat. A separate threat also exists in the form of rising real interest rates. An ideal portfolio hedge is one that should do well in both environments but still is expected to generate an attractive rate of return in a normal economic environment.

This comprehensive research report sizes up current and future economic activity and the outlook for inflation in seven major regions of the world and then examines in detail the implications for investments in equities, fixed income, currencies, commodities and real estate globally.

While the global economy picked up again in the third quarter, economists remain divided about the nature of the recovery and, thus, the best course of action for policymakers. This research report looks at the arguments behind the debate.

It is clear that affluent women today are involved, aware and knowledgeable about their wealth and wealth management. Indeed, more women are overcoming inherent obstacles and stereotypes by reaching out for additional financial knowledge and engaging experts as well as spouses to aid them in making prudent wealth management decisions.

While men continue to play a leadership role in their families when it comes to wealth management planning and decision-making, a growing number are inclined to discuss the family wealth and wealth transfer intentions with not only their spouses but also their heirs. Research indicates wealth-related decision-making is now a shared responsibility in more than 50 percent of households.

Critical to the future success of wealth advisors is a solid understanding of how, and to what degree, the meltdown in financial markets affected investor attitudes, behaviors and needs. Rothstein Kass' Business Consulting Group assesses changes and their implications for other planning disciplines, such as philanthropy, wealth transfer and tax management.

This PriceWaterhouseCoopers study of global private banking and wealth management provides insight into the themes and trends affecting the world of wealth management as well as practical suggestions for actions wealth managers should be taking. The study is conveniently divided into six sections covering performance, client service, products and services, talent, operations and technology, and risk management.

During extraordinary market conditions of all kinds – good and bad – it is usual to hear people say, "It's different this time." Of course, every market environment is different from every other market environment, but what these people are saying is that market conditions today are so exceptional, so completely unprecedented, that investors will need to reassess everything they thought they knew about the investment process – or face serious consequences.