Interest Rates’ ‘New Normal’
Coronavirus Rocks Long-View Capital Market Assumptions
Comparing asset managers’ five-year capital market assumptions published in late 2019 and early 2020 with the newly updated versions being circulated today is an eye-opening exercise that underscores the staggering economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Market Observers Mixed on Where Stocks Go From Here
While the S&P 500 has recovered all its losses from the first quarter plunge, the comeback hasn’t been equal across all sectors. What comes next is anyone's guess.
FOMC Action Cements New Normal for Rates, Inflation Outlook
The economy is always evolving, says Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, and so the nation’s monetary and fiscal strategies for achieving its goals must evolve as well.
401(k) Participants Barely Touched Accounts in July
However, the movement from equities to fixed income continues, according to the Alight Solutions 401(k) Index.
A Bad Time to Stretch for Yield
We were already in a new normal of very low interest rates before the coronavirus pandemic struck. It now seems even less likely that the old rate regime will re-establish itself any time soon.
Should Fixed Income Come First in Glide Path Discussions?
The equity side of the portfolio tends to get a lot of air time, but experts agree that a more balanced approach should increase the likelihood of participants attaining their desired outcomes.
ESG and Fixed Income—a Natural Fit
Make It Last
401(k) Equity Allocations Edged Higher in October
While trading during the month favored fixed-income funds, with the positive stock market movements, average asset allocation in equities increased from 67.1% in September to 67.3% in October.
Is Fixed Income Working?
What Prolonged Low Rates Mean for TDF Investors
401(k) Investors Continue to Flee Equities
The third quarter marked the seventh consecutive quarter that 401(k) participants have moved their money from equities into fixed income, according to Alight.
Investors Favored Fixed Income in the First Quarter
Nearly 90% of the days in the quarter saw net trading activity favor fixed income, according to the Alight Solutions 401(k) Index.
Participants Favored Fixed Income in February
On 89% of the trading days, 401(k) participants moved the majority of their money into fixed income, according to the Alight Solutions 401(k) Index
Teachable Moments from Bill Gross’ Run as the ‘Bond King’
Bill Gross’ reign as the “Bond King” offers a chance to reflect on the benefits and challenges firms face when they have superstar employees.
ESG Opportunities via Fixed Income
Managers’ Long-Term Outlook Gives Context for Current Volatility
Despite slowing global growth, disparate inflation rates, and continued normalization of U.S. monetary policy, economists with Vanguard and J.P. Morgan Asset Management believe that a near-term recession will be avoided.
Amid Volatility, Advisers Report Ongoing Client Equity Focus
Despite clients' tendency to focus on equity performance, half of advisers surveyed by Incapital expect their clients will be increasing allocations to fixed income or cash over the next 12 months.
Stock Market Volatility Brings Predictable 401(k) Trading Spike
Preliminary data shared by Alight Solutions shows the firm’s 401(k) trading index spiked on Monday October 29; investors making moves shunned growth assets and paid premium prices for fixed income.