While things may very well turn out well for risky assets in the coming months, the possibility of a messy European outcome or for further political and economic turmoil in the U.S. is significant and cannot be ignored. Emerging economies, while not immune to the travails of Europe, Japan and the U.S., remain resilient and their stock markets offer...
The lack of emphasis on jobs has caused unemployment to remain high and become increasingly structural. Structural unemployment typically lasts longer and, as workers lose basic skills, becomes less susceptible to monetary and fiscal measures. That, unfortunately, is where the nation finds itself.
Recent moves by the Fed are more symptomatic of the economic malaise and not the cause. As a result, their effect on the markets is fairly unimportant. The equity markets are weak not because of low rates but because of the characterization by the Fed and many market prognosticators that the economy is so much weaker than expected.
The state of corporate profits, balance sheets and valuations make the author confident that 2011 is a much healthier environment for U.S. equities than 2008. Despite the emotional trauma investors experience in these types of markets, the silver lining is that the capital markets are forcing policymakers to confront the core issues.
Forecasts for the demise of the bond market have popped up repeatedly during the past two years only to be deflated by yet another bond market rally. Arguably, it is different this time. Rising rates seem close at hand, and this paper provides detail on that view. At the same time, the paper cautions against overestimating the downside risk in bond...
European Union leaders announced a "solution" to the Greek sovereign debt crisis during their July 21 meetings. The market reaction, as it was after earlier "solutions", was positive. Yet, many specifics are unresolved, and it is highly unlikely that these actions will resolve the solvency issue once and for all.
This is an environment that will see policy mistakes and prompt many questions and likely new fears. But it is one strong enough to produce the cash flows the world needs to fund the pay-down of long-term debt as well as long-term investors' strategic investment management plans.
Researchers predicted in late 2009 that large funds could need much more than their typical five-year investment period to invest their capital. Recent projections consider the more active transaction volume and suggest the overhang would more likely require only six years to fully invest.
Donors are reassessing their giving to maximize impact and to ensure their money is being utilized effectively and efficiently by the non-profit organizations they support. Meantime watchdog organizations are grading the non-profit community and posting their ratings online.
Mission investing offers the opportunity to potentially shape and scale desired social outcomes as a complement to effective grant making and other philanthropic activities. Success requires planning, blending program and financial teams, rigorous investment processes, and building applicable social metrics.
This paper highlights a number of approaches that may guide philanthropists in choosing their investments and in encouraging entrepreneurship. Alongside these examples, the paper features a series of case studies showing how philanthropists worldwide invest their wealth, their experience, and their skills to unlock entrepreneurial potential.
Clarifying donor intent at the outset of any conversation regarding charitable giving, and properly documenting that intent, will help both parties feel good about giving and receiving. To avoid confusion after a gift is made and to prevent costly proceedings when the intent of a gift is insufficiently documented, here are a few practical tips to g...
Philanthropically minded families are vulnerable to the misuse of the personal financial information contained in mandatory filings that become public. However, these families are not defenseless; by following the best practices in this paper, they can greatly reduce the likelihood of being victimized.
Businesses worldwide are increasingly using social media networks to advertise and communicate with potential customers and constituents. Regardless of whether a business is using social media, its employees certainly are. Here are four reasons to establish rules for how employees use social media sites.
Against the backdrop of a double decoupling in growth and inflation between economies in the developed and emerging worlds, investment experts gathered to reappraise and analyze the global economic and financial situation and outlook. The key points and conclusions from their discussions are presented in this new, annual publication.