Investors should focus on identifying valuation opportunities. We currently see value opportunities in U.S. quality growth stocks, which have the added benefit of providing long-term equity performance combined with insulation from overall market volatility.
The authors explore the impact of the current economic downturn on philanthropy and provide recommendations for philanthropists and their advisors on charitable giving during these difficult times. Case studies show how a range of entrepreneurial philanthropists are responding to the challenges brought about by the recession.
We believe the proliferation of alternative investments is a real and worrisome phenomenon. While the competitive pressures have abated somewhat, they will be back in short order. The key will be to drive alternative portfolios away from the crowd and to deliberately opt for strategies and managers that are structurally risk averse and low beta.
The planning landscape is likely to change even more as families seek to provide a sustainable pool of wealth not only for succeeding generations but also for the current generation. Nease, Lagana, Eden & Culley Inc. highlights the most significant of these changes and some of the advantages they present for planners and clients who are prepared to...
Just released in the end of May 2010 by the CFA Institute, this is the first attempt by the CFA Institute to set forth thoughts on what should be included and comprises an investment policy statement. I had the opportunity to provide input when meeting with co-author Bob Dannhauser at the CFA Institute as part of the drafting process, and the final...
Today's emphases on fiduciary responsibility, risk management and increased transparency require better due diligence when selecting managers. Especially in today's turbulent markets, advisors who spend more time and resources to do due diligence well can find themselves at a distinct competitive advantage. While these tips won't necessarily help y...
Private market investing offers financial opportunities but requires consistency and patience. CTC Consulting's guide to private market portfolio management explains the cash-flow characteristics of private market funds, discusses why maintaining a target allocation is an ongoing, long-term process, and demonstrates the importance of committing cap...
Greece may have been ahead of the pack with its debt crisis, but other nations, including the UK and the US, are on the same path, according to analysis by CTC Consulting. This paper provides an overview of sovereign debt and its impact on major nations, considers historical results of debt and inflation, and explores six possible scenarios for cou...
From 2008 to 2009, the Center for Creative Leadership surveyed 128 senior executives who participated in CCL's Leadership at the Peak program. The executives served at teh senior most levels of their organizations, with more than 15 years of management experience and resonsibility for at least 500 people. This survey focuses on pressing trends ...
Most institutional investors plan to increase their allocations to alternative investments over the next three years, increasing their influence over the sector, while the funds' managers and administrators view regulation and governance as the industry's most important challenges during the same period. These are just two of the key findings of a ...
More than 90 percent of respondents to a survey on private equity mergers and acquisitions expect financial due diligence to directly influence the terms and conditions of M&A transactions during the next 12 months. This survey report from mergermarket and Houlihan Lokey considers the impact of increased due diligence and examines other factors tha...
Senior security, floating interest payments and covenant protection make these loans a unique asset class. Their historically steady returns, low volatility and negative correlation with investment-grade fixed income could enhance returns while reducing portfolio volatility.
Longer life expectancies and financial pressures are prompting a general reassessment of traditional retirement. Attitudes among the wealthy have already shifted, with many planning to continue working even if they have little need to do so.
Putting a financial value on social outcomes can help funders determine whether an organization is worth supporting, understand the impact that grantees are having and identify where organizations need help.
The intent of this piece is to communicate the economic indicators that help to monitor in real time whether approaching deflation or accelerating inflation is on the horizon.