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In recent years, global equities had slightly outpaced market forecasts for lower equity returns. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit the global economy, putting an end to the 10-year bull market. Equity markets have started to recover, but the pandemic introduced and exacerbated challenges that are expected to subdue financial market returns over the next five years. Looking ahead, six key themes have emerged. They also identify the trends we see affecting the markets and economy.

There is no avoiding the subject: COVID-19 has made it a tough period for many U.S. businesses. While a few sectors have benefitted from the pandemic, the vast majority are considering taking on additional debt or equity, selling off portions of the business, liquidating the business altogether, or declaring bankruptcy. This high-level overview provides business owners with some of the key topics and restructuring strategies they should be aware of.

On this podcast episode, a discussion with a top bankruptcy and restructuring lawyer provides insights on the ways COVID-19 causes financial distress to businesses, the parties involved, and why it may take some time before companies become distressed. It also addresses new rules that streamline the bankruptcy process for smaller businesses to help them survive, and insurance coverage issues arising in these distressed situations.

The U.S. stock market is proving to be a headscratcher this year. Since taking a nosedive in March, the S&P 500 Index has racked up impressive gains of 56.4%. What's more, this successful run comes not only amid a pandemic, but also on the back of the sharpest contraction in the U.S. economy since the 1940s. This rally, led by technology stocks, is causing some to question the soundness of markets while point to a potential dislocation between economic data and equity values.

As organizations move to a more remote workforce, automating the on-boarding and off-boarding process to a zero-touch deployment is more important than ever. New policies and procedures need to be established as interaction between organizations and their employees change in a post-COVID world. In this webcast, the BPM team discusses considerations and information your organization needs to know to ensure an efficient employee management process.

Staying informed on the latest legal case filing developments involving COVID-19 can help businesses make better, strategic business decisions during these challenging times. Through an in-depth research and analysis of case trends—including tracking cases filed in 2,613 state and 148 federal courts from March 1, 2020 to August 16, 2020—the nature of the cases that substantively involve COVID-19 claims indicate that insurance and contract claims are at the top, with employment, civil rights, and tort claims following.

Dealing with COVID-19 remains an uphill slog. However, markets have demonstrated a mixture of confidence and belief. But a V-shaped recovery is not expected. For an investor, this means being realistic about return expectations while being aware of the long-term issues underpinning markets. Inside this report we look at the economic outlook as global economies try to get back on their feet. It is also a good time to understand why strategic asset allocation and ESG investment are central to the ascent.

During COVID-19 it’s important that successful individuals and families know what their current day risks are and how they can be protected. In breaking down some of those risks—from preserving million-dollar art collections to mitigating cyber attacks and reviewing your insurance plan—you can implement a plan that adjusts to the new normal.

Diversity of perspective is a key element in deciding how to balance business risks and opportunities. For investors, companies, and employees alike, diversity makes a difference—but it takes data to know how much work is ahead.