Asia-Pacific

Is an Index Impassive?

by Dianne Lob

Passive investments continue to gain popularity, generate record flows and grab headlines. We understand the appeal. But investors must also consider some of the risks of tethering their fortunes to a benchmark.

Equities

Active Equities Don’t Have to Be Riskier

by Kent Hargis, Chris Marx

Many investors are throwing in the towel on active equity management in the name of evading risk. But being active doesn’t always mean accepting higher risk. Consider, for instance, the benefits of even-tempered stocks.

Equities

Looking for the Ideal Mix with Emerging-Market Local-Currency Bonds?

by Marco Santamaria

For investors who want an emerging-market (EM) debt allocation that includes EM local-currency government bonds, it may make sense to use developed-market (DM) government bonds to diversify EM currency volatility.

Emerging Markets, Fixed Income

Stocks Look Expensive…and Still Attractive

Developed-market equity valuations seem a bit expensive today—but we still think they’re worth an overweight in multi-asset strategies. A wider view shows that stocks remain attractive globally.

Multi-Asset

In Russia, Caution Still Required

Ordinarily one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, Moscow on a recent visit looked like a town in a defensive crouch. And while Russian economic conditions have stabilized somewhat, we think they will remain difficult for some time.

Emerging Markets, Fixed Income

GSE Reform? It’s Already Happening

by Michael S. Canter, Matthew D. Bass

Official reform of the government’s role in housing finance isn’t likely this year. But de facto reform, led by the private sector, is already under way. That’s good for investors, borrowers and the housing market.

Fixed Income

China Emerges as a Global Innovator

China is known as the world’s manufacturing powerhouse. But today, innovation is flourishing in the world’s most populous nation, which is rapidly becoming a trendsetter with the potential to disrupt business models globally.

Emerging Markets, Equities

China Emerges as a Global Innovator

China is known as the world’s manufacturing powerhouse. But today, innovation is flourishing in the world’s most populous nation, which is rapidly becoming a trendsetter with the potential to disrupt business models globally.

Emerging Markets, Equities

Emerging-Market Opportunities: Look Under the Surface

Emerging markets seem to offer value for investors to tap into based on stock and bond valuations. But allocating more isn’t necessarily the answer. We think the value lies under the surface.

Multi-Asset

Finding Growth Amid Emerging-Market Slowdowns

by Laurent Saltiel, Sergey Davalchenko

Emerging markets have faced a significant economic slowdown in recent years. But there are still many industries and companies that are continuing to grow—and offer attractive return potential.

Emerging Markets, Equities

China Officials Dig in on Stronger RMB

Recent events in China provide yet more support for our view that the renminbi (RMB) will continue to appreciate steadily—and that the country will proceed more rapidly with its reforms than most people expect.

Currency, Economics

Is Greece Nearing the End of the Road?

by Darren Williams

Greece and its euro-area partners have yet to reach a deal to secure long-delayed bailout funds. Without these funds, Greece could run out of money in a matter of weeks, raising the real prospect of a default on payments due to its official creditors.

Fixed Income

Afraid of Rising Rates? Don’t Be.

by Douglas J. Peebles

Sometime this year, the Federal Reserve will probably raise interest rates for the first time in more than half a decade. That makes bond investors nervous. But it shouldn’t. Those who keep their cool may find that higher rates can work to their advantage.

Fixed Income