Investing

Interest in ESG investing continues to grow, but many investors want proof of its alpha.

We will discuss how asset managers are putting environmental, social and governance investing themes to work. Particular attention will be paid to the regulatory environment and the potential to pursue greater investment returns by seeking out companies with higher ESG ratings.

Sources say 2021 was already coming together as a year of very strong economic growth, and with the passage of an additional $1.9 trillion in fiscal stimulus support, a broad-based recovery could come sooner than later.

The asset management firm points to the importance of increasing savings and diversification as two ways to counteract potential lower returns.

Thanks to increases in longevity and lower expected returns from stocks and bonds in the foreseeable future, annuities are now seen as a big part of the solution.

Experts analyzed market performances from last year and outlined what they anticipate for 2021.

While there is certainly room for optimism about where the equity and bond markets are heading, experts say it is still crucial to focus on sequence of returns risk for those near and in retirement.

The slow but steady distribution of coronavirus vaccines in the U.S. and other developed nations is also having a favorable impression on the equity markets, but serious risks remain. 

Assessing the relationship between interest rates and debatably inflated stock prices is a useful exercise, sources say, especially at a time when stocks are about as ‘expensive’ as they have ever been.