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Following an unusually frigid winter, the weather has borne the brunt of blame for weakened economic statistics. While anecdotal evidence is overwhelming, identifying and quantifying the effects of the weather on economic data is difficult. In this white paper, Glenmede argues that the slowing economic growth of recent months reflects fundamental c...

This edition of Altair Insight, a quarterly market review from Altair Advisers, explores the following key topics:The bull market has lost momentum but likely still has some oomph left.International opportuni­ties are brightening and the author is poised to take advantage this quarter.Persistently low inflation is dictating central banks’ policies ...

Headlines about the financial stress on municipalities — combined with high profile downgrades, defaults and even bankruptcies — have led many to believe that high yield issuers must be in financial distress. The author, Nuveen Asset Management, believes that is generally not the case and explains why in this paper.Nuveen believes that ...

Now in its sixth year, the current bull market is oft considered due for correction, with investors wondering how much further the rally can go. For this reason, it is useful to test the claimed causes associated with lapsing bull markets. Conventional wisdom suggests bull markets end due to: age, recessions, monetary tightening, extreme valua...

Research on income equality and social mobility yields compelling conclusions in support of both sides of the debate. For now, regardless of how the research evolves, it is safe to expect the U.S. will enter an environment of higher personal tax rates with further redistribution in the cards, something investors need to consider when weig...

Each year Asset Consulting Group takes a detailed research approach to this question and updates its Active vs. Passive analysis using manager universe information from eVestment Alliance’s subscription database. This database provides qualitative and quantitative information for approximately 45,500 products (strategies) submitted by approxi...

Today’s broad stock market is not a bubble. However, by virtue of its duration and current valuations, equities are in the mature phase of a bull market. That means a more sober pace of advance, with a lot riding on the economy and monetary policy.The author, Atlantic Trust Private Wealth Management, examines several crosscurrents that are bo...

The successful management of a family office investment portfolio requires a carefully guided strategy focused on asset diversification, risk mitigation, experienced, and transparent oversight. Part of this strategy should include a thoughtful allocation to alternative asset classes which can serve to mitigate portfolio risk. One strategy that many...

It is frequently suggested that that family offices should mimic institutions and adopt an institutionally disciplined and process-oriented approach when managing their investment portfolios. Through a process-oriented approach, institutions and family offices can be more effective and produce more efficient long-term results.While this concept is ...

On June 5, 2014, the European Central Bank crossed an important symbolic line by announcing plans to reduce the policy interest rate into negative territory. Included in this announcement was a host of complementary but nontraditional policy measures, completing the picture of a committee stretching for greater impact.The author believes that:Aggre...

The July, 2014 Global Economic Update from Asset Consulting Group includes the following:Year-to-date asset class returns for global equities, global fixed income and global real assetsA US and non-US economic overview and forecastReview of current issues and questions that clients are askingReview of current investment opportunities and investment...

Significant noise has surrounded the dissolution of California Redevelopment Agencies for the past three years. Numerous headlines trumpeted debt service disruptions, lawsuits, cleanup legislation and potential hiccups related to the flow of funds for California Redevelopment debt.Over time, it has become clearer that the potential for credit impro...

The confluence of favorable market dynamics, including high corporate cash balances, low interest rates and cooperative capital markets, has created an environment in which corporate management teams and boards of directors can take action to increase value for equity owners.Engagement by shareholders, both private and public, is on the rise and ha...

Throughout our history, investors have utilized a combination of both “active” and “passive” investment solutions to solve for client needs. This paper provides a perspective on the ongoing debate over the advantages and shortcomings of these vehicles and details the importance for each client to have the right mix in order to position them to achi...

Periods of economic boom and bust have been a fixture in academia. Many credit Arthur Burns and Wesley Mitchell for formulizing our present day construct of the business cycle in their 1946 book, Measuring Business Cycles. In most teachings, the economy is neatly categorized into trough and peak, expansion and contraction. The dates of such periods...