November 16, 2020 DOL’s Revised DC Investment Rule Removes Potential ESG Sticking Point by Jennifer DeLong, Michelle Dunstan The Department of Labor’s final rule on investment selection for DC plans left out language on ESG-themed investments. It’s a change that erases some confusion and seems to acknowledge that ESG and financial considerations are inseparable. Equities, Fixed Income, Multi-Asset, Policy & Regulation, Responsible Investing/ESG Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
October 28, 2020 2020 US Election: Inside the Candidates’ Retirement-Savings Policies by Jennifer DeLong There have been plenty of headlines exploring what the November US elections might mean for the economy and markets. But it’s just as important to look at what they might have in store for defined contribution (DC) and other retirement vehicles, which more Americans than ever rely on. Plan Design, Policy & Regulation Likes 1 SHARE Bookmarks
October 02, 2020 What the US Elections May Mean for Corporate Bonds by Robert Hopper The US elections are drawing closer, and the potential policy implications are wide-ranging. What might election results mean for corporate credits? Fixed Income, Invest for Efficient Income, Policy & Regulation Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
October 01, 2020 The 2020 US Election: How Tax Policy May Impact Municipal Bonds by Daryl Clements, Alec Dewitt What will a Trump or Biden win mean for munis? From taxes to infrastructure, the candidates differ—sometimes dramatically—on policy. Fixed Income, Invest for Efficient Income, Municipals, Policy & Regulation Likes 1 SHARE Bookmarks
September 30, 2020 For DC Plans, Pandemic Reinforces Value of Consultants and Advisors by Jennifer DeLong Economic and market turmoil from the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need for sponsors to shore up their plans. Can consultants and advisors help? We believe they can—not just during the crisis but with what’s coming beyond it. Plan Design, Policy & Regulation Likes 1 SHARE Bookmarks
September 02, 2020 2020 US Election: What the Polls Could Mean for Policy and Markets by Eric Winograd With US elections about two months away, investors are intensifying their focus on the presidential and congressional contests. Historically, political transitions haven’t had much impact on the economy and markets, but this time could be different. Economics, Fixed Income, Policy & Regulation Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
August 06, 2020 DOL’s New Rules Don’t Have to Slow DC Plan ESG Adoption by Jennifer DeLong, Michelle Dunstan Demand for ESG investing is growing among DC plan participants, but with plan sponsors facing many choices and proposed new DOL rules, what’s the best approach? As we see it, fully integrating ESG considerations is fundamental to better financial outcomes—which is always in participants’ best interests. Plan Design, Policy & Regulation, Responsible Investing/ESG, Target-Date Solutions Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
May 01, 2020 The Coronavirus Policy Wave: When Will the Bill Come Due? by Eric Winograd The onslaught of the coronavirus forced the Federal Reserve and lawmakers to take desperately needed measures. The US economy will eventually recover, but the effects of these drastic policy decisions will be felt for a long time. Coronavirus, Economics, Fixed Income, Policy & Regulation Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
April 16, 2020 Fed Actions May Stabilize Global Corporate Markets by Erin Bigley, Eamonn Buckley, Tiffanie Wong Under the CARES Act, the Fed has expanded supports for corporate bonds. Could this bring a regime shift in volatility for global credit markets? Coronavirus, Fixed Income, Policy & Regulation, Volatility Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
April 15, 2020 How Municipal Bond Issuers Will Navigate the Crisis by John Ceffalio, Daryl Clements The $2.2 trillion CARES Act and the Fed’s $500 billion muni facility will provide state and local governments an enormous amount of liquidity and financial support. Here’s how it will help. Coronavirus, Fixed Income, Municipals, Policy & Regulation Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
May 21, 2019 US Housing Reform and the Future of CRTs by Michael S. Canter Credit risk-transfer securities have made the US mortgage market safer by shifting default risk from taxpayers to private investors. The latest attempt to overhaul the housing finance system isn’t likely to change that. Alternatives, Fixed Income, Policy & Regulation Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
April 30, 2019 The Case of the Missing Inflation…and What the Fed’s Doing About It by Eric Winograd US inflation has been running low for some time, and key members of the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee (FOMC) are pointing a finger at the traditional policy framework. So rate hikes are on hold for the time being—and monetary policy is under the microscope. Economics, Fixed Income, Inflation, Policy & Regulation Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks
March 26, 2019 Is the Fed Done with Rate Hikes This Year…and Next? by Eric Winograd Last week’s meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) surprised even those who expected a dovish outcome. As the Fed wrangles with its policy framework, one takeaway is clear: don’t expect rate hikes this year—and possibly next. Economics, Fixed Income, Inflation, Policy & Regulation Likes 0 SHARE Bookmarks