Asset Managers Focus on Value-Add Programs

A majority (53%) of marketing managers rate value-add programs as very important to their firm, and 63% say that these programs are more important than they used to be, according to Cerulli Associates’ analysis of mutual fund and exchange-traded fund (ETF) product trends as of November 2012.

In the December trends issue, Cerulli provides special coverage on socially responsible investing and value-add programs. There is also insight into passively managed mutual funds versus passively managed ETFs.

Additional findings from the December 2012 issue include:

• 40% of investment consultants had dedicated resources for socially responsible investing and environmental, social, and governance themes. An additional 10% are currently in the process of adding these resources.
• In November, ETFs scored $15.5 billion, their highest monthly inflow since July, when inflows reached $20 billion. Asset classes directing year-to-date inflows ($150 billion) were taxable bond, international stock, and U.S. stocks.

More information, including how to purchase a copy of the Cerulli Edge, U.S. Monthly Product Trends 2012 December, is available here.