report by BlackRock
Results for ""
Fixed Income Insights
A Mostly Benign Outlook for U.S. Inflation
This piece is approved to use with clients.
The stabilization of U.S. economic growth amid unprecedented fiscal and monetary stimulus has raised questions about the likelihood of inflation returning. Global Head of Fixed Income Jim Cielinski explains why he does not see significant risk of sustained higher inflation materializing in the next few years – but cautions that short-term spikes are possible and that investors should evaluate the diversification that their fixed income portfolios provide.
Investing Ideas
Evaluating Stocks as Growth Continues to Grow
This piece is approved to use with clients.
Portfolio Manager Doug Rao discusses the phenomenon of concentrated market leadership and what that means for long-term investors.
Key Takeaways
- When market returns are driven by a handful of stocks, active investors face difficult decisions, especially when underweighting or not owning these stocks may significantly impact portfolio performance.
- The recent phenomenon of large-cap tech stocks driving a significant portion of stock market gains may be justified by the fact that these companies are strongly tied to themes related to digital disruption.
- Investors may benefit from focusing on competitively advantaged companies positioned to profit from these themes, which have only accelerated amid the COVID-19 pandemic and are likely to persist over the coming months and years.
Investing Ideas
Sustainable Design in Consumer Products
This piece is approved to use with clients.
An in-depth look at the role of sustainability in consumer products.
Key Takeaways:
- The apparel sector is well known for its detrimental effects on the environment. However, as consumers become more aware of their own environmental footprints, there has been a surge in demand for sustainable goods.
- A circular economy is based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems.
- Companies including Nike, Adidas and DS Smith have incorporated a circular approach to the design and production of their goods, creating durable and long-lasting products with a reduced environmental footprint.
Market Outlooks
BENCHMARK REVIEW & MONTHLY RECAP, MAY 2020
Markets Continue Higher as the Economic Reopening Begins.
Market Outlooks
Economic Data Reflects Shutdown, but Market Rallies
After one of the worst months and quarters in years, April saw a sharp rebound in equity markets as some of the worst-case COVID-19 scenarios did not materialize.
Market Outlooks
THE BOND BLUES
This piece is approved to use with clients.
The blues have hit the bond market, but we believe current dislocations can create opportunities for active managers of individual bond portfolios.
Market Outlooks
SUNDAY NIGHT SURPRISE
This piece is approved to use with clients.
In attempt to go all in, the Federal Reserve cut rates on Sunday night to the lower bound, 0-0.25% and announced a $700 billion Quantitative Easing (QE) program.
Market Outlooks
A PERFECT STORM: PANDEMIC, PETROLEUM AND POLITICS
This piece is approved to use with clients.
Stocks were hit hard yesterday as coronavirus fears spread, oil prices plummeted, and uncertainties on the political front continued to linger.
Market Outlooks
Coronavirus Fears Wash Away New Market Highs
This piece is approved to use with clients.
Coronavirus fears hit the markets as concerns mount that the virus is now accelerating outside of China with cases growing in South Korea, Italy, Iran, and the United States. Panic set in during Monday’s trading session with the major U.S. stock indices all down over 3% with more than 90% of total volume being to the downside, and the CBOE Volatility Index surging nearly 50%.
Market Outlooks
All Treats and No Tricks as S&P 500 Hits New Highs: October Benchmark Review and Monthly Recap
This piece is approved to use with clients.
Despite some volatility at the start of the month, October turned out to be a rather steady ride for stocks as the S&P 500 Index put in a new all-time high.