Networks - Direct Investing

Looking at the outlook of the major asset classes, there is potential for a break in the clouds. But overall, the things we have been worried about for some time—high valuations for certain risk assets, record-low interest rates, slow economic growth—have not gone away.

The swishing of the President’s pen on paper to sign protectionist measures into law or executive orders could unwittingly cause a financial storm. So far, investors seemed to have shrugged off the risk of protectionism.

While currency traders were fixated throughout 2016 on the U.S. Federal Reserve’s outlook for short-term rates, we expect that changes in the value of the U.S.

The acceleration of technological innovations and the challenges associated with adapting to them seem to point toward a tumultuous future. That future appears to be approaching faster than ever.

Anyone comparing diversified portfolio returns to domestic equity performance since the election may be disappointed, but this initial discouragement is misplaced.

Taking a closer look at the major market themes and strategic positioning for 2017, the view is slightly more optimistic than 2016, but includes many of the same themes that played out last year.

The potential economic and development gains from gender equality are vast and well-documented—and yet they are currently being bypassed. This joint report with the United Nations Foundation explores the market potential of advancing gender equality.

The combination of improving economic data, stronger corporate earnings, and, particularly, potential policies from the Trump administration has created a heady brew for domestic equity markets. Even stocks abroad are posting robust returns.

Drive anywhere outside of a major metropolitan area, and you will find roads and bridges in need of serious repair. Talk to business owners, and they will tell you how the difficulty of moving goods from where they are produced to where they are sold hurts their margins.