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hat a difference a new year makes. Fueled by massive liquidity injection from the European Central Bank (ECB) and expectations of additional easing from central banks around the globe, stocks raced out of the starting gate and left bearish sentiment in the dust.

Emerging market stocks have historically provided differentiated performance compared to other important asset classes. Along with providing the impetus for growth in a long-term portfolio, including emerging market stocks as part of an asset mix may help improve the risk-reward ratio of a portfolio because of its inherent diversification benefits.

The recent Facebook IPO announcement has had a positive impact on sentiment. Perhaps that sentiment will catch on in Europe. However, it seems that gloom still weighs heavier there than here. Private equity firms will most likely continue to wait for the right time to exit companies, and if the equity markets are as volatile this year as they were last year, activity could be choppy.

Taking the time to consider security measures before a theft occurs can save a collector a great amount of frustration and expense. Here are seven key measures that can increase the security of fine art and collectibles for little cost.

Understanding what drives behaviors is a starting point for establishing acceptable family norms as well as addressing the unacceptable. It also may provide insight that can help reduce conflict, establish better communication patterns, and increase levels of trust among family members.

Although a multitude of risks remain, including the unresolved situation in Europe, geopolitical risks from Iran, and fiscal austerity in developed nations around the globe, markets are enjoying the moment, allowing risk assets to flourish and volatility, at least as measured by the VIX index, to retrench to a seven-month low.

The style box concept can help investors manage portfolio risk effectively. But thinking outside the box – considering opportunities across the spectrum, exploiting efficiencies from both beta and alpha perspectives, and using large-cap stocks selectively – may give investors a better chance to outperform the market.

While the outcome of many global issues remains uncertain, we believe the risk/reward equation favors taking well-calculated, above-average risk. Investor psychology can change at any moment. When the market returns its focus on individual company fundamentals, we expect significant alpha will be generated by portfolios that own high-quality companies with above-average beta.

The world continues to ride the same train of global imbalances. While short-term solutions have allowed us to arrive at the next station, few are attempting to address the long-term issues. We believe that capital markets will continue to assail the weakest links in the financial system, which, hopefully, instills the required discipline for policymakers to make needed, but difficult, decisions. Unfortunately for long-term investors, this suggests that we will continue to encounter a series of market crises, leading to continued market volatility that can test investor resolve.

Despite continued concern about sovereign debt, particularly in Greece, the bank’s 11-member investment committee is encouraged by improved business surveys in the U.S. and some emerging markets as well as tentative improvements in Europe. Here, committee members assess the outlook for fixed income, equities, commodities, real estate, and currencies.