Invesco
Is your portfolio ready for 2025?
Join the experts at Invesco and VettaFi for a deep dive on what investors need to consider going into the new year. Jason Bloom will join us in the second half to discuss the outlooks for Fixed Income
Innovative ways of generating income in a world of declining rates
Join the experts at VettaFi and Invesco for a comprehensive webcast focused on optimizing your portfolio’s income sleeve with a lower volatility strategy tailored for the current rate environment.
Tax-efficient investing with ETFs: A Q4 strategy
Join the experts at Invesco for an educational webcast exploring strategies and ETFs for tax optimization.
Webcast: Navigating the Landscape: A Comprehensive Update on Fixed Income, Equities, and Alternative Investments
As investors continue to digest economic data in early 2024, several opportunities in various sectors have surfaced. Incorporating a diverse range of themes, spanning from income-generation to smart-beta and factor investing to alternative strategic options, can potentially help investors achieve their investment goals.
Join Invesco and VettaFi for a webcast that will cover key investment themes aimed at assisting financial professionals diversify and help enhance client portfolios in 2024.
How Investors Can Find Opportunity in Bitcoin
Following approval of spot bitcoin ETFs, many believe bitcoin could be increasingly important in the future. The ETF wrapper adds much needed accessibility transparency, and liquidity, giving investors an opportunity to take advantage of all that crypto has to offer.
Join the experts at Invesco and Galaxy to learn all about the latest sensation in investing and discover how this opportunity can help your portfolio.
Don’t Leave Your Portfolio on the Sidelines, Learn the Playbook
As 2023 winds to a close, the economic signals can be hard to interpret. But investment professionals must make critical and informed decisions to set their clients up for a successful 2024. Join the experts at Invesco and VettaFi to hear a macro framework that will help you make sense of the latest market developments and position your portfolio for potential success.
Seek to Minimize Your Clients’ Tax Bills With ETFs
Managing a portfolio is about more than finding investments that do well – it’s about minimizing expenses as well. Advisors need to leverage tax-efficient investment strategies to help client’s reach their goals.
The Fixed Income Environment – Understanding Risks and Opportunities
With market uncertainty prevailing, the fixed income sector could produce potentially attractive income streams. The unusual market environment is forcing investors to rethink their fixed income priorities and explore new and exciting opportunities in the space.
As Market Uncertainty Looms, Think Defensively
The market faces unprecedented headwinds as the debt-ceiling crisis looms large. Investors can look into defensive strategies that can potentially navigate the choppy waters of the current and projected market environment. Quality, low volatility, and dividend yields are all factors that can help position a portfolio to weather even the toughest of storms. Join the experts at Invesco and VettaFi for an important webcast discussing strategies that incorporate defensive factors.
Topics will include:
- An overview of the current market backdrop and why defensive factors can make sense
- How quality, low volatility, and dividend yield factors can prepare portfolios for rocky markets
- An overview of a series of strategies that focus on different defensive factors and implementation ideas to consider for your portfolios
Is anyone shopping or in an office? How to approach real estate in a rapidly changing economy
In a world of increasing economic uncertainty paired with the U.S. Federal Reserve’s hawkish stance on interest rates, is there a place in my portfolio for private real estate? Is the diversification and inflation mitigation that real estate investing has provided historically still relevant? Since 1983, Invesco Real Estate has navigated multiple real estate and economic cycles. These cycles have been accompanied by incredible technological innovation and major demographic shifts in living and lifestyle.
Volatility and Current Opportunities in Municipals
In this session, we look back on the recent volatility the municipal market has experienced and discuss actionable items advisors can take as a result of the volatility.
Making Sense of Market and Policy Uncertainty
Markets don’t like uncertainty, but that uncertainty may be with us for a while. The Russia/Ukraine conflict shows no signs of abating, and the highest inflation levels in 40 years suggest that Fed tightening will be with us for a while. If that’s not enough, we have a midterm election coming up. Join us as we navigate the complexities of military conflict, monetary policy tightening, and an upcoming midterm election.
Positioning portfolios for Fed tightening and the risk of persistent inflation
Inflationary pressures are proving to be less transitory than once hoped. Now the question is, how aggressive will the Federal Reserve be in combating inflation? In December, the Fed surprised investors with a distinctly hawkish stance, and January ushered in dramatic volatility as investors became anxious about rate hikes. In this session we will explore what this means for your clients’ portfolios and highlight two strategies to consider right now: senior loans and real assets.
Senior Loans: A solution for low yields and rising rates
In 2013, the mere mention by the US Federal Reserve (Fed) that the scaling back of asset purchases could be forthcoming caused significant short-term disruptions to the global financial markets. Currently, the Fed is once again poised to scale back its asset purchases as the US economy has recovered from the latest recession. Investors are concerned that a shift in Fed policy will have an outsized impact on markets.
In this webinar you'll learn:
- In this webinar, we address these concerns by:
- Providing a perspective on the 2013 taper tantrum
- Identifying conditions that differentiate the current environment from 2013
- Highlighting that the early stages of policy normalization tend to be good for risk assets
Do we have to taper tantrum again?
In 2013, the mere mention by the US Federal Reserve (Fed) that the scaling back of asset purchases could be forthcoming caused significant short-term disruptions to the global financial markets. Currently, the Fed is once again poised to scale back its asset purchases as the US economy has recovered from the latest recession. Investors are concerned that a shift in Fed policy will have an outsized impact on markets.
The Biden Tax Plan and Opportunities in Municipals
In this session, we explore how President Biden’s proposed tax plan would impact businesses and individuals, and how municipal bonds can help mitigate overall portfolio risk.
In this webinar you will learn:
- Biden's proposal would increase the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28%, and the top individual federal income tax rate from 37% to 39.6%.
- It would also increase the capital gains tax rate from 20% to 39.6% for taxpayers with an income of more than $1 million.
- Despite concerns regarding COVID-19 and the economy, the municipal bond market has experienced positive inflows since April 2020.
- Diversification can potentially increase opportunities for growth and help mitigate overall portfolio risk. Municipal bonds have historically had very low correlation to other asset classes and may be effective portfolio diversifiers.
Are Your Portfolios Ready if US Stocks Underperform?
Most equity portfolios today are dominated by US stocks. That’s understandable, as they’ve outperformed for years. But Invesco Investment Solutions believes that the tide is turning, and that the next 10 years will see international equities outperform. Fortunately, preparing your portfolios for this scenario is easy. In this session, we will explore key forces that are driving growth and shaping the global economy, the landscape for equity returns over the next 10 years, investment strategies that can prepare today’s portfolios for tomorrow’s market environment and why you should consider Globalizing Your Thinking with Invesco.
Take the Concentration Risk out of the S&P 500
As the S&P 500 has grown ever more top-heavy, many investors in products tied to the Index have found themselves facing historic levels of concentration risk, the likes of which passive investors have not seen since 1970. The five largest companies have grown to account for nearly 22.0% of the index, potentially leaving investors vulnerable if the companies’ current high valuations fall back to earth. In this session, Invesco will discuss why an equal weight approach to investing in the S&P 500 may provide diversification benefits and reduce concentration risk.
Positioning for the New Cycle with Global Equities
A new business cycle has emerged but investors appear to be poorly positioned to take advantage. In this session, Invesco investment professionals assess the outlook for the economy and provide a framework for evaluating future market leadership. They will also identify potential opportunities for investors as the economy progresses through the early stages of the news cycle, highlighting the case for investing in equities and identifying the opportunities that are emerging around the world.
2020 Election: Now What?
As we await the outcome of the 2020 presidential election, advisors and investors are anticipating the results and worrying about its impact on the market to determine their next move. But what happens after November 3rd? While the election will have a significant impact on the country, we want to provide some caution from drawing too many links between who’s occupying the white house and the performance of the stock market. In this session, we will share historical perspectives and data on the impact of politics on investing as well as current developments in the political landscape.
What you will learn:
- What are the potential short-term and long-term implications of the result
- Why the markets don’t care about presidential ratings or political party, and why monetary policy often has a bigger influence on markets than presidential policies do.
- What the benefits of maintaining a long-term portfolio are and why investors shouldn’t let politics and their preferred party influence their investment decisions.
Strengthen your Core with ETFs
In this presentation, our Equity Strategist Team examines why client goals guide effective core portfolio construction and how ETFs can serve as essential building blocks to help clients achieve their objectives. Factor-based strategies, in particular, provide exposure to the long-term drivers of returns, and they are now available in the cost-effective and tax-efficient ETF wrapper. Join us as we examine how factor-based ETFs can be used in combination to address clients’ specific risk, return and income objectives.
2020 Election: 10 truths no matter who wins
The momentous events of the past few months have upended the traditional cadence of an American presidential election year however the 2020 campaigns and elections will still go on. While the election will have a significant impact on the country, we want to provide some caution from drawing too many links between who’s occupying the white house and the performance of the stock market. In this webinar, Brian Levitt, Invesco’s Global Market Strategist, will share historical perspectives and data on the impact of politics on investing.
This presentation will cover:
- Common misperceptions about presidential politics and the economy
- Market performance and approval ratings
- How the impact of signature legislative accomplishments isn’t always as expected.
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Before investing, investors should carefully read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus and carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. For this and more complete information about the fund(s), investors should ask their advisors for a prospectus/summary prospectus or visit invesco.com/fundprospectus.
Invesco Distributors, Inc. is not affiliated with Advisor Perspectives.
Balancing Income, Risk and Uncertainty with Municipal Bonds
With interest rates at historically low levels, investors still have a pressing need to find reasonable income. In this upcoming webinar, Invesco’s municipal investment leaders representing mutual funds, ETFs and separately managed accounts, will discuss how advisors and investors can use different investment solutions to balance the need for income with the realities of managing risk in an uncertain climate.
This presentation will cover:
- Balancing the need for income with the importance of managing risk amid the market volatility created by the pandemic.
- The prospects for higher tax rates and the increased appeal of tax-advantaged municipal bonds, as the government looks to pay for massive stimulus packages.
- Aligning investor goals with the portfolios objective to find the right municipal income solution to meet their needs.
2020 outlook: An optimistic view of capital markets
Naturally, this is the time when market-watchers issue their forecasts for what may lie ahead, and my team is no exception. Simply put, we expect continued monetary policy accommodation with little fiscal stimulus. Therefore, we are more optimistic about capital markets than we are about the overall economy, and we favor risk assets over non-risk assets for 2020.
Reflections on my recent visit to China
Why the country represents an increasingly attractive opportunity for both domestic and global investors.
Are value stocks poised for a comeback?
Two Invesco strategists debate the prospects of a value rotation in 2020.
Insured municipals offer investors additional assurance
Insured bonds continue to pay interest and principal even if an issuer defaults.
The case for active management in gold and precious metals mining equities
A wave of volatility may knock back a passive fund, but active managers can nimbly assess the situation.
Temporary measures have stabilized repo markets
In the longer term, we believe the Fed will enact a more permanent solution to maintain stability.
Three ways investing is like baseball
Both endeavors are driven by statistical analysis. Explore three different ways that managers can build their ‘teams.’
Taking a Low Volatility Approach to Uncertain Markets
Volatility has increased this year. How can investors adjust without losing equity exposure?
Private Equity Continues to Invest in Midstream
Opportunistic investors are taking advantage of the disconnect between solid fundamentals and currently low valuations.
Dispelling False Analogs in Emerging Market Fintech
Fintech can bring tremendous benefits to emerging markets but mimicking China’s success in the space might be unwise.
Markets Shift Sharply as Uncertainty Rises
Invesco Fixed Income remains cautious on risk until the dynamic between growth and monetary policy is resolved.
Four Reasons to Consider Dividend Growth Stocks Today
We believe the macro environment is supportive of stocks that are growing their dividend payments.
Idea Generation in the Investing World
What did the Invesco Global Small Cap team learn from their recent investor road trip?
Progress Report on SOFR
The transition from LIBOR to SOFR has been slow. We present some key reasons for the delay in SOFR’s broader integration into markets. Important bottlenecks include lags in the evolution of SOFR-based swaps and derivatives markets and in the development of a term SOFR structure.
As the G-20 Approaches, Policy Uncertainty Weighs on Emerging Markets
On the positive side, we see room for more policy action from EM central banks.
What Do You Want Most From Your Portfolio?
Don’t let short-term volatility detract from your long-term plans.
As the G-20 Approaches, Policy Uncertainty Weighs on Emerging Markets
On the positive side, we see room for more policy action from EM central banks.
Two Reasons to Consider Investing in the Defense Industry
Government contracts and a focus on innovation may be attractive in an uncertain geopolitical environment.
Emerging Markets Debt Outlook
Emerging markets (EM) assets had a favorable first quarter likely driven by an improvement in external funding conditions and global central bank moves toward policy accommodation. EM credit outperformed the more volatile EM local debt over the period.
An Overview of Infrastructure and Master Limited Partnerships
Part 2 in a series focusing on different types of alternative investments.
Small-cap stocks: Why patience matters
It can be difficult to endure short-term bumps, but we believe that’s critical for long-term success.
Should High Yield Investors Be Concerned About ‘Fallen Angels’?
The BBB bond market is growing, but we believe that worries about significant downgrades are overblown.
After the expansion: Are you ready for what might come next?
Diversification has been in hibernation during this bull market, but it may be coming out of its slumber.
Three Reasons to Consider Short-term Corporate Bonds
After several interest rate increases, these bonds may be an attractive alternative for cash.
Six Issues to Watch in April
What will we learn from upcoming data releases and political negotiations?
Invesco Fixed Income Investment Insights
China’s Belt and Road Initiative – from increased commodity demand to shifting supply routes.
The Deteriorating State of Earnings in Asia
When will prices in China and Japan become attractive?
European Uncertainty Has Lowered the Price Tag for Quality Stocks
Fourth-quarter volatility expanded the opportunity set for those looking for a deal.
US Investment Grade Credit: A Buy or a Bubble?
The strong economy and market pressure may drive companies to pay down debt.
How defined-maturity bond funds may help with credit market headwinds
With defined-maturity ETFs, investors may be able to mitigate market noise.
Three reasons to reconsider emerging markets
While EM has lagged overall in 2018, some EM factors did outperform.
Low Volatility is the equity factor winner for 2018
In the fourth quarter, Dividend Yield was also a strong competitor.
US/China Trade Conflict Creates Factor Opportunities
Low Volatility and Quality offer potential benefits in stressed markets.
OPEC’s production cut likely to support near-term oil prices
In the long-term, however, we expect prices to be range-bound.
‘Tis the Season for Diversification
Equity markets send a timely reminder about diversifying into alternatives.
Global Markets: Three Themes to Watch in 2019
See what themes may impact global markets in the new year from Invesco Global Market Strategist Kristina Hooper and her team.
During market drops, the Low Volatility factor has outperformed
Lowering ‘down capture’ can help ease the impact of dramatic market swings.
Factor Use Is Growing Among Financial Advisors and Institutional Investors
Our new global study examines trends in factor investing around the world.
Venture Forth in Emerging Markets, but Be Cautious on Funding Risks
We see selective value in fixed income with more to come as the US dollar eases.
Growth and Momentum Continue 2018 Factor Leadership
Q3 performance shows that different factors outperform in different market environments.
A Preferred Approach to Us REIT Investments
Making the case for US REIT preferred stock in flexible real estate portfolios.
‘Technology Companies’ Can’t Be Contained by Just One Sector
As I’ve written in this blog before, trying to define the technology sector has become more difficult over the past decade. Technology utilization throughout the economy is ubiquitous, making it difficult to imagine any company, regardless of its sector, outperforming its peers without effectively implementing technology.
Managing Interest Rate Risk with Bond Ladders
Defined maturity ETFs can help investors build diversified bond ladders.
Are Investors Over-Indexed?
Invesco research reveals a disconnect between market expectations and portfolio allocations in market-cap-weighted funds.
REITS: Bond Proxy or Barometer of Economic Growth?
The September Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting saw the US Federal Reserve increase rates as expected. Additionally, the 10-year US Treasury yield has risen about 42 basis points (bps) off its lows in late August and is up almost 96 bps from a year ago. Historically, upward moves in the federal funds rate or US Treasury yields have typically led to diminished sentiment toward real estate investment trusts (REITs) and/or price pressure relative to general equities.
Despite Lower GDP Growth, European Earnings May Accelerate in 2019
Brexit uncertainty has captured the headlines, but we are constructive on quality growth holdings.
Risk Management and ESG Strategies
More than ever, people want to be fully informed about what they are eating — not only the calories, but whether it’s gluten-free, pesticide-free, organic or raised with growth hormones. They even want to know if the packaging is recyclable. Why? Because they’re seeking to avoid risks to their health and to the environment. In the same way, investors today are well aware that risk can come from a variety of places — and that’s helping to fuel an interest in environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing.
Three Ways Investing Is like Baseball
Both endeavors are driven by statistical analysis. Explore three different ways that managers can build their ‘teams.’
Five Things to Watch in October
Perhaps the biggest news of the last week was the meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), the policymaking arm of the US Federal Reserve (Fed). As expected, the Fed raised interest rates. But what was far more interesting were the hints provided about the future. In this blog, I discuss my outlook for the Fed and highlight five issues to watch in October.
How Equal Weighting Eliminates Concentration Risk
Facebook illustrates how a big company’s big loss can dominate traditional benchmarks.
What May LIBOR's Phase-Out Mean for Investors?
With the clock ticking on LIBOR, the market begins the adjustment to SOFR
Alternative Investments for the Real World
How alternative investments may complement different portfolio objectives in various market environments.
Limited supply has supported municipal bonds in 2018
- Municipal bonds have been strong performers over the past few months.
- We believe this is due to investor risk aversion and reduced supply as compared to 2017.
- Invesco Fixed Income believes municipals will continue to be supported by limited supply as well as strong US macro and credit fundamentals for the rest of this year.
MLPs: A Light at the End of the Pipeline
The master limited partnership (MLP) asset class has experienced considerable volatility since 2014, with many individual securities trading well off previous highs. However, the Invesco Real Estate team believes there has been a dislocation in MLP pricing, resulting in value and opportunity in the space.
How Factors May Help Bond Investors Reach Their Goals
In recent years, factor-based investments have become increasingly popular for equity investors. Often missing from the discussion, however, is the concept of fixed income factor strategies. At Invesco Fixed Income, our view is that bond investors can potentially benefit from a factor-based approach. We’ve launched a new suite of exchange-traded funds focused on two factors — quality and value — that we believe may help investors reach their objectives.
The Game-Changing Potential of Blockchain Technology
Over the past year, it’s been next to impossible to avoid a conversation or news story on bitcoin. It went from a relatively arcane subject to possibly the most discussed topic within financial markets across both Wall Street and Main Street.
The Long Runway for Infrastructure Spending
Infrastructure is not a glamorous topic — it isn’t satirized on late-night TV, nor is it trending on social media. But the need for increased infrastructure investment is real across the globe. Given expected demographic trends, disruption by new technology and insufficient spending in the past, we at Invesco Real Estate believe infrastructure-related companies could be poised for decades of growth.
The Q2 Factor Winner? Small Cap.
With fears of a trade war looming over global large-cap stocks, the small-cap factor emerged as the clear winner of the second quarter. Specifically, small-cap low volatility/high dividend was the best-performing factor, followed by the small-cap versions of value, growth, equal weight and momentum.
Five Risks That Could Affect Fixed Income Markets
Invesco Fixed Income is positive on fundamentals for the rest of this year. Global growth is solid and inflation is tame. As central banks have pivoted away from stimulus, tighter financial conditions have hurt risky assets. But major central bank policies are still generally easy — we expect the Federal Reserve to tighten gradually, and the runway for other central banks to normalize policy is still long.
Q3 Market Outlook: What’s in Store for Markets in the Second Half?
We are coming to the mid-year point for 2018, and the past six months have felt like six years. Markets have experienced a significant uptick in volatility, yet equity investors may not have much to show for all their troubles.
Why Should Investors Consider Alternatives?
Alternative investments (alts) were first embraced by institutions, and some people still view them as a complex solution for complex needs. However, a growing number of alternative strategies are now available via mutual funds.
What’s in Store for Markets in the Second Half?
We are coming to the mid-year point for 2018, and the past six months have felt like six years. Markets have experienced a significant uptick in volatility, yet equity investors may not have much to show for all their troubles.
A New Generation of Nontraditional REIT Opportunities
When most investors think about traditional real estate investment trust (REIT) investment opportunities, they often think about the “four major food groups” of real estate — the retail, office, residential and industrial sectors. While these sectors continue to be a major component of REIT investing, they are increasingly being joined by nontraditional REIT sectors.
Can Small-Cap Outperformance Continue?
Small caps have materially outperformed large caps in 2018, with the S&P SmallCap 600 Index outpacing the S&P 500 Index 7.80% to 2.58% between Dec. 29, 2017, and May 25, 2018. Below, I highlight the drivers of small-cap returns this year, and why I believe the trend could continue.
What Might Rising Rates Mean for High Yield Bonds?
US interest rates have defied market expectations in recent years, staying historically low despite solid economic growth. But in the last year, and especially the last few months, rates have started to climb.
Sector Performance and Economic Cycles: When Do Sectors Have the Potential to Shine?
There are many determinants of stock performance. Corporate earnings, fiscal policy and interest rates can all influence the equity markets. But equity returns are also dependent on where we stand in the economic cycle.
Are You Prepared for Rising Interest Rates?
Interest rates continue their upward trend. In March, the US Federal Reserve (Fed) hiked the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to a target range of 1.5% to 1.75%, citing strength in the US labor market, a low unemployment rate and moderate economic growth.
Regulatory Changes Put Spotlight on Bond Pricing, Disclosure
Effective May 14, 2018, new regulations will be adopted aimed at increasing the transparency of bond pricing. The new rules require dealers of corporate, municipal and agency bonds to clearly disclose bond markups and provide retail investors with relevant price comparisons.
Three Reasons to Consider Convertibles Now
Equity volatility, the prospect of rising interest rates and an uptick in issuance may bode well for the asset class.
What’s up with US dollar LIBOR?
The last time we wrote about the US dollar London lnterbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) was in 2016, when the spread between LIBOR and the Overnight Indexed Swap (OIS) rate increased due to market dislocations leading up to US money market fund reform. Now in early 2018, we have seen LIBOR rates rise and LIBOR-OIS spreads widen again, causing us to ask the same question — what’s up with LIBOR?
Artificial Intelligence: What Is It, and Why Are Companies Adopting It?
Technology companies are known for innovation, and it doesn’t take long for a revolutionary new technology to take hold and become a part of people’s daily lives. In my view, investors shouldn’t be threatened by technology. Rather, they should be skeptical of companies not utilizing technology to its fullest potential.
How Did Factors Perform During a Roller Coaster First Quarter?
Equities experienced heightened volatility during the first quarter of 2018, with the S&P 500 Index surging 7.55% from Dec. 31 2017, through Jan. 26, 2018, before dropping nearly 8% through quarter-end.
What does the FERC ruling mean for MLP investing?
The recent ruling reverses a longstanding tax policy affecting MLPs’ interstate pipelines.
The Fed Stays the Course Under Its New Leader
The Federal Reserve (Fed) raised interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point as expected on Wednesday and signaled two more rate hikes for 2018. It also released its Summary of Economic Projections (SEP) for the next few years, which suggests that the Fed is optimistic regarding the future performance of the US economy.
Inflation Takes a Breather
The US Department of Labor reported March 13 that the overall consumer price index (CPI) and core CPI, which excludes the volatile food and energy sectors, each rose 0.2% in February, in line with market expectations and Invesco Fixed Income’s forecasts.
What Could Billions of Repatriated Dollars Mean for Bonds?
Tax reform has incentivized companies to return their offshore cash to the US. This could create opportunities for US investment grade bonds.
Three Market Concerns Move to the Fore
Last week brought renewed focus to three areas of concern that I’ve been writing about for some time: populism, protectionism and pressure on debtors. It appears that we may be moving closer to certain outcomes that could be of concern to markets.
Good News Is Bad News: Deconstructing the Market Sell-Off
Stocks globally have experienced more than a week of tumultuous trading, with the US stock market officially in correction territory. And after being relatively sedate for years, the VIX Index has risen dramatically in recent days, indicating rising volatility.
Interest Rate Outlook: Above-Trend Growth Could Cause Us Inflation Later in 2018
We expect US interest rates to be range-bound in the first half of 2018, but with a risk of higher yields in the second half. Our rates view is driven by our analysis of growth, inflation and monetary policy in the US and globally.
Multi-Alternative Funds: Alts for One and One for Alts
In my most recent blog, I described how choosing the appropriate alternative strategy (Real estate? Market neutral? Senior loans?) could become the biggest challenge for new investors in alternatives. This is one of the most common questions I receive here at Invesco, along with how to identify the best fund managers and how to select specific alt funds for a portfolio.
Europe’s Potential Finally Shows in Its Performance
This time last year, the Invesco International and Global Growth team was optimistic about the better relative earnings potential that we saw building in Europe. Indeed, the trends played out to our benefit over the course of 2017. In dollar terms, European equities outperformed US equities by 3% in 2017, the first time since 2012.
Calculating the Impact of Tax Reform
In a number of places around the world, it’s an exciting time to be a taxpayer — or tax attorney. That’s because a variety of countries have brought or are bringing tax cuts to fruition.
Tax Reform: A Year-End Bonus for Fixed Income?
Despite the near non-stop drama of the legislative process, we ended December with the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 being signed into law. What does this mean for fixed income investors? In my opinion, the news is overwhelmingly positive for the US investment grade market; here are four reasons why.
Global Fixed Income Markets Look Well-Supported by Macro Factors
Invesco Fixed Income’s macro factor framework provides an understanding of how developments in growth, inflation and financial conditions globally are likely to impact markets.
What Trends Will Shape 'Fintech' in 2018?
2017 was the year when financial technology, or “fintech,” made industry headlines. After such a year of change, what might 2018 bring? I highlight six trends I expect to see this year.
Global Markets: 10 Expectations for 2018
2017 was a positive year for the economy and capital markets. The global economy grew at a faster pace than in 2016, and risk assets also rose significantly.1 However, investors are wondering whether the current environment will continue through 2018.
What Does US Tax Reform Mean for the Muni Market?
Tax reform is currently underway in Congress and could have important implications for the tax-exempt municipal market. As we wait for a final agreement between the House and Senate versions — which could come as soon as today or tomorrow — we can make some observations about how tax reform is likely to impact the US municipal bond market, based on the details reported to date.
Bitcoin: Digital Currency or Digital Tulip?
Now, for the first time, investors are able to purchase futures on bitcoin, the digital currency. The Chicago Board Options Exchange just began offering derivatives contracts on bitcoin, which provide the ability to bet on the future price of this cryptocurrency.
Why Is Inflation below Target in So Many Advanced Economies?
Since the global financial crisis, inflation in the advanced economies has persistently undershot their 2% targets despite unprecedented quantitative easing (QE), extraordinarily low interest rates, large fiscal deficits and near all-time low unemployment.
Is Now the Time to Invest in Alternatives?
I recently have been traveling around the country participating on a panel titled: “Alternatives: Time to Buy When Others Are Selling?” Spoiler alert — my answer to that question is a resounding “yes.” There are two reasons why.
Taking Tally of the Global Rally
As we look ahead to 2018, it’s important to first recognize how significant 2017 has been for international markets. This is the eighth year of a global bull market, but prior to 2017, international markets had trailed the US for four consecutive years — and for six of the last seven years.
How Have Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria Impacted the Municipal Bond Market?
The financial impact of 2017’s three devastating hurricanes has varied greatly depending on the region affected. From a credit standpoint, the most important takeaway is that each region’s ability to withstand the financial impact of the storms depends on its credit quality ahead of the storm.
Finding Opportunities in the ESG Space
In the past, investing according to your values, or anything other than financial fundamentals, was seen as a potential detriment to performance. Over time, however, investors have learned that non-financial metrics can help them better understand the risks a company faces, and may even impact that company’s stock price.
Global Stocks: When Is an Opportunity Not an Opportunity?
We’re now in the eighth year of a global bull market, and the positive effects are being felt in all regions. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development expects gross domestic product (GDP) for all of its member countries to grow in 2017 — a feat that has not occurred since 2007.
Debt Ceiling Saga: Skipping Ahead to the next Chapter
The Treasury market received a reprieve in September when the White House and Congress agreed on legislation coupling hurricane relief funding with a suspension of the debt ceiling until Dec. 8. The agreement puts off a potentially contentious political debate and keeps the government funded until at least year-end.
Could Tax Reform Boost Value Stocks?
As 2017 nears its end, US value stocks are mired in their longest stretch of underperformance versus growth stocks since the Great Depression, held back by low interest rates and easy monetary policy. In my view, the top issue that will help determine whether that trend continues or abates is US tax reform.
Argentina: Will the Reforms in Place Pay Off?
About 100 years ago, Argentina was one of the wealthiest countries in the world by virtue of its fertile land. Its economy thrived by shipping beef and grains around the world. But economic and political turmoil through the 1930s sowed the seeds of populism — the effects of which have lasted decades.
Q4 Market Outlook: Six Trends to Watch
Last quarter saw stocks globally continue to rise. The relatively accommodative monetary policy environment and improved global growth were strong drivers. However, as we head into the fourth quarter, I think it’s important that we recognize the potential for greater disruption — in terms of both geopolitics and monetary policy — which can cause greater volatility in capital markets.
The Math on E&P Stocks Doesn’t Add Up
CEOs and boards are focusing on the wrong metrics. But if they change their ways, the opportunity could be great.
QE: The Beginning of the End
On Sept. 20, the Federal Reserve (Fed) officially announced the start of its balance sheet unwinding process, embarking on a slow journey of reversing the quantitative easing (QE) policy that it launched in the wake of the global financial crisis.
Could Driverless Cars Benefit Your Portfolio down the Road?
Science fiction is real. In October of last year, a self-driving semi in Colorado carried over 2,000 cases of beer from Fort Collins to a distribution center in Colorado Springs — a journey of over 130 miles. While there was a professional driver on board, he monitored the trip from the sleeping berth for most of the journey and never took the controls.
Energy: The Perils of 'Volume over Value'
There’s an ongoing narrative about the energy industry that says exploration and production (E&P) companies are making money in unconventional shale plays, even with oil selling for only $50 a barrel. This is touted as a positive trend. But a deeper dive into energy company fundamentals suggests a vastly different story — one that prioritizes production volume over economic value.
Global Fixed Income: What Market Threats Lie Ahead?
The world economy and financial markets have been buffeted over the past year by national and geopolitical shocks, yet the current synchronized upswing across the world’s largest economies — the first since the global financial crisis (GFC) — remains unscathed so far.
The US Debt Ceiling Saga Returns
Once again, the US debt ceiling is in focus. Since March, the US Treasury has been employing “extraordinary measures” to fund the US government, such as halting contributions to certain government pension funds and borrowing money set aside to manage exchange rate fluctuations. But those measures are expected to run out this fall.
Five Trends That Could Impact Global Small Caps
The only constant is change — and the global market is certainly proof of that. As we assess our outlook for the rest of the year, we see several potential changes that could impact international small- and all-cap funds. Here are the five trends we anticipate having the biggest effect — and the ways the Invesco International and Global Growth team is poised to respond.
How Ireland's Economy Rebounded After the Financial Crisis
Prior to the global financial crisis (GFC), Ireland’s economy was a stellar performer, earning the country the moniker of “Celtic tiger.” The onset of the GFC caused a major economic contraction and a housing crash — but today, Ireland is once again the fastest-growing economy in the eurozone. In this blog, I examine the key elements that allowed Ireland to regain its footing.
Emerging from the Shadows — the Case for Emerging Markets
Let’s take a closer look at these emerging market catalysts.
Factoring a Gap Year into College Savings
Can 529 funds be used for gap-year expenses? I recently had a parent ask me if their child’s 529 college savings account money could be used to help pay for gap-year expenses. Here’s the short answer: Maybe.
Interest Rate Outlook: US Inflation Data Unlikely to Deter Fed from September Tapering
Invesco Fixed Income shares its views of rates around the world.
Second-Half Market Outlook: Seeing Global Markets in 3D
Stocks turned in a strong performance in the front half of 2017 despite geopolitical and monetary policy risks. The question, of course, is whether this performance trend can continue in the second half. I believe these two risks will cast an even longer shadow over markets going forward — making concepts such as diversification and risk management even more important for investors’ portfolios.
Three Reasons to Consider Bank Stocks
Valuations and regulations are among the trends that we’re watching in this industry.
MSCI to Add China A-Shares to Emerging Markets Index: What Does It Mean for Investors?
The decision brings better representation of the entire Chinese economy.
Commodities: Time to Buy When Others Are Selling?
As I travel around the country to meet with institutional clients, I often hear this question: “What is everyone selling? Because that’s something I’m really interested in buying.” These are clients who have the confidence and experience to contradict the herd mentality that causes many investors to chase market returns (which often results in buying near market tops while selling near market bottoms).
Interest rate outlook: Eurozone economy now in “Goldilocks” phase
Invesco Fixed Income shares its views of rates around the world
No more delays for the DOL fiduciary rule
Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Alexander Acosta announced in a Wall Street Journal op-ed last week that the initial implementation date of the fiduciary rule will not be extended beyond June 9. Mr. Acosta’s decision is a victory for supporters of the rule, which will require financial advisors to act in the best interests of their clients in retirement accounts.
FAFSA Deadline: It's Not Too Late to Submit Your Application
Today’s parents are all too aware that higher education comes with a sky-high price tag, but financial aid can offer a real lifeline when it comes to mounting college costs.
Interest Rate Outlook: European Markets Return to Fundamentals
Invesco Fixed Income shares its views of rates around the world.
529 College Savings Day: The Journey to Higher Education Begins with College Savings
Celebrate the day by opening a college savings account for the child you love.
Finding Dividend Opportunities as the Profit Cycle Ages
A high-conviction, bottom-up approach to finding sustainable profit margins.
What Do the Recent SEC Robo Guidelines Mean for Advisors?
New SEC guidance provides effective ways for advisors to comply with disclosure regulations.
Quarterly Economic Outlook for the Second Quarter of 2017
- The Trump “reflation trade” is being undermined by the new administration’s failure to enact planned legislation like the ACA repeal, tax cuts, and the border adjustment tax.
- Following the March 0.25% hike in the US federal funds rate, the Fed will likely raise interest rates twice more in 2017, taking the target range to 1.25% to 1.50% by the end of the year.
- In the Euro-area the near-term environment will continue to be dominated by politics with upcoming elections in France and Germany, all against the backdrop of extended negotiations over Brexit.
Interest Rate Outlook: Global Growth Could Push US Yields Higher
Invesco Fixed Income shares its views of rates around the world
Fiscal Policy and the Muni Market: Five Areas to Watch
We examine the potential effects of Trump’s tax and infrastructure proposals on the muni market.
Will Trump's Fiscal Stimulus Lead to Inflation?
Without a surge in monetary growth, fiscal policy alone doesn’t indicate inflation.
529 Plans: An A+ Choice for Employers?
College savings plans can help companies boost their employee benefits packages.
China: Making solid progress on its Five-Year Plan
As the National People’s Congress convenes, we highlight three government priorities to watch.
Robo-Advisors vs. Human Advisors: Which Provides the Services That People Most Want?
While robos can help simplify processes, human relationships are key to satisfaction, says one investment survey.
Insured Municipal Bonds May Offer Added Security for Investors
If an issuer defaults, insurance firms can make sure your payments don’t stop.
Bond Investors: Don’t Fear the Fed
In December, the US Federal Reserve (Fed) raised interest rates, as predicted, and raised expectations for more increases in 2017. At Invesco Fixed Income, we believe one of the best ways to handle a rising interest rate environment is to have a portfolio diversified across different credit-related asset classes.
Trade Secret: Emerging Markets Constrained by US Policy Uncertainty
Uncertainty about US trade policy changes that could potentially harm emerging market economies dragged them down 4% during the fourth quarter of 2016, underperforming developed markets by 2%.1 Yet emerging market economies generally showed positive signs, with exports beginning to recover, commodity prices rebounding, and inflation remaining benign.
Financials and Energy: Have Value Investors Missed the Boat?
Being a deep value investor can be a lonely endeavor. We crunch the numbers to find unloved companies that we believe have bright futures ahead — years ahead, in many cases. But if you wait long enough, market sentiment can shift and your previously unloved holdings may suddenly appear on everyone’s radar screen.
Active or Passive? How Investing in Both Could Drive Portfolio Returns
When most investors think of diversification, they think about including stocks and bonds in their portfolio, or US and international investments. Fewer investors think about diversifying among investment vehicles — such as active mutual funds, factor-based exchange-traded funds or passive benchmark strategies.
Infrastructure Investing: From Concrete to Computer Chips
Learn why Invesco Unit Trusts views information technology as a critical part of the infrastructure category.
Can the Trump Administration Make the American Economy Great Again?
Trump’s tax and infrastructure proposals will soon face the reality of US debt and monetary policy. We analyze what to expect next.
Form 5500 Gets a Makeover: What Does This Mean for Plan Sponsors?
On July 21, 2016, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued proposed amendments to the 5500 series forms in a “Notice of Proposed Forms Revisions,” prepared jointly by three agencies: the DOL, the Internal Revenue Service and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, collectively referred to as “the agencies.”
What May Be in Store for Alternatives in 2017?
As we enter 2017, there is a long list of issues that could affect alternative investments: policy changes in the US, elections in Europe, rising rate expectations and more. Given this changing landscape, I would like to highlight some alternative investments that I believe have the potential to benefit investors in the new year.
Countdown to the Debt Ceiling Debate
In the first quarter of 2017, a newly minted Congress will be tasked with approving an increase in the US government’s debt limit — the so-called “debt ceiling” — which is set to expire on March 15, 2017. If the debt ceiling is not raised, the Treasury bill market could experience volatility as investors adjust to a potential reduction in the supply of Treasury bills.
Real Assets: Prices, Performance and Predictability Dominate Investors' View of Real Assets
Investors have been drawn to real assets in general and to real estate in particular due to the comparative stability and attractiveness of their income returns and the prospects for growth.
Give the Gift That Will Last a Lifetime: A College Education
The holidays are upon us again, and many grandparents are looking forward to one of their favorite moments of the season – the delighted smiles of grandkids opening a present they’ve been dreaming of all year. Give it a few weeks, though, and last year’s trendiest toy often becomes this year’s latest giveaway.
Macro Factor Framework Helps Assess New Market Conditions
Invesco Fixed Income utilizes a framework based on the idea that changes in growth, inflation and financial conditions drive much of market beta performance, and that understanding these “macro factors” can help us understand market conditions and price action.
International Stocks: What Do Earnings, Quality and Valuation Tell Us?
As we look toward 2017, the general near-term outlook for international equities continues to appear somewhat mixed, given a combination of global macroeconomic risks.
Pedal to the Metals: There's More to Commodities Than Just Crude Oil Futures
Three reasons to consider commodities in today’s market
MLPs: Back on Track After Last Year's Slump?
What yield-seeking investors need to know about this expanding asset class
The US Election: Which Issues Are Our Investors Watching?
On Nov. 8, American voters will go to the polls to choose the next president of the United States, and global investors will await the potential ramifications of that decision — from short-term market volatility to long-term policy changes.
Are There 'Good Months' and 'Bad Months' to Invest?
There are seasons I look forward to during the year — the warm months for fishing and the cold months for hunting — and some I’d just as soon avoid — like hurricane season and allergy season.
On Second Thought: Saudis Under Pressure to Reverse Course and Cut Crude Oil Production
The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has been in existence for nearly 60 years. OPEC is the textbook definition of a cartel, but cooperation between member nations has been inconsistent. OPEC’s production targets have generally served as a gentlemen’s agreement, with member nations often prone to producing more than their allotted quota of crude oil.
Emerging Market Bonds: Investing with Conviction in Volatile Markets
As a young Army paratrooper, much of my training was focused on learning to operate under chaotic circumstances. The battlefield is nothing if not chaotic, especially in the pitch black of night, which is how we often trained.
Energy and Financials: The Keys to a Value Resurgence?
The Russell 1000 Value Index has generally underperformed the Russell 1000 Growth Index for the past decade, on average. Naturally, this leads to questions about when the tide may turn back in favor of value. Below, I highlight two of the key factors that I believe will influence performance during the next few years.