20 Top Whitepapers from September 2020
Popular and Trending Papers from September 2020
Markets have taken a hiatus, perturbed in part by the rising incidences of 'second wave' outbreaks of COVID-19, particularly across Europe and some profit-taking among the big U.S. technology stocks. Political concerns are beginning to weigh more heavily too, with US-China tensions continuing over the TikTok situation. At the same time, US domestic political relations appear to have been soured by a row over the timing of the next Supreme Court appointee, making an agreement on a further stimulus package less likely before the elections in early November.
This month's list of the 20 top papers includes links to two pieces of Savvy content. The first contains details of our Content Marketing Survey which has useful tips about what works in investment marketing content, whilst the second affords valuable insights into the prospects for Emerging Market Debt, as seen by two of the sector's leading investors. Other papers examine a wide range of topics, including gender and racial diversity issues, alternative investments and a comprehensive piece on global megatrends.
Investment Content Marketing Survey and Forecast 2020 (Savvy Insights, 2020)
This report from Savvy Insights is packed full of top tips and best practices, aimed at helping asset managers to better align their marketing content with the wants and needs of an institutional audience in order to increase engagement and deliver better results.
Emerging Market Debt Outlook: Risks and opportunities (Special Report, 2020)
Savvy Investor's latest Special Report looks at the prospects for Emerging Market Debt, and features interviews on the topic with two of the leading asset management houses in the space.
Will Value Survive its Long Winter? (Robeco, Aug 2020)
Robeco investigates the Value Factor and searches for reasons why investors have fallen out of love with it. Despite its more recent underperformance, they argue that it may still hold merit.
Green Revenues and the EU taxonomy (FTSE Russell, Sep 2020)
FTSE Russell takes a deep dive into the EU Taxonomy and compares it with its own Green Revenues Classification System (GRCS). They argue that it may act as a bridge for investors to consider before full implementation and adoption of the EU regulatory initiatives.
A COVID-Era Guide to Fixed Income (Wellington Management, Aug 2020)
Wellington Management investment directors, Anand Dharan and Amar Reganti, outline their approach to fixed income investing in the post- COVID new normal.
Evaluating the Financial Materiality of Gender Diversity Factors (Calvert, 2019)
For compliance reasons, this paper is only accessible in the United States
Calvert’s report presents the conclusions drawn from a lengthy study of five gender diversity factors, aimed mainly at the C-suite.
Investment Considerations of a Bipolar World (Janus Henderson blog, Sep 2020)
For compliance reasons, this paper is only accessible in certain geographies
Janus Henderson’s Emerging Market Equity Portfolio Manager, Daniel Grana, sees a bifurcated world post COVID, the end of the dominance of a Developed World led by the US, the rise of China, and growing localization, all of which have significant implications for investors.
The Hunt For Alternatives: how About Real Assets? (Franklin Templeton, Sep 2020)
For compliance reasons, this paper is only accessible in certain geographies
Franklin Templeton looks at the post-Covid world and finds the outlook more than uncertain. They highlight the attractions of alternative assets, and believe that equities are likely to deliver superior returns to bonds.
Gold Deposit Rates - A guidance paper (World Gold Council, Sep 2020)
For compliance reasons, this paper is only accessible in certain geographies
World Gold Council presents this primer that investigates the ways in which central banks may earn returns from gold holdings that usually offer no yield.
Investing in Racial Equity: A primer for colleges and endowments (IEN, 2020)
IEN offers this guide for fiduciaries of university endowments who wish to learn more about racial equity and how the level of racial inequality in the US has profound implications for the economy in the long term.
Stress Testing the U.S. Presidential Election: A framework (Qontigo blog, Sep 2020)
Qontigo provides this framework for gauging likely market reaction to the US Presidential election result.
The World's Largest 300 Pension Funds (Thinking Ahead Institute, 2020)
Thinking Ahead’s detailed Annual Report on the world’s largest pension funds has a detailed study of the seven largest markets which account for over 90% of total pension assets.
Megatrends 2020 and Beyond (EY)
EY’s detailed report looks at the world post-COVID and looks at a number of trends that have become prevalent in, or because of, the pandemic.
The Global Investment Outlook: Fall 2020 (RBC AM)
RBC AM's latest Global Investment Outlook takes a look at the US Presidential election and moves asset allocation slightly in favour of equities.
CIO Autumn Update: Endurance test (LGIM, Sep 2020)
For compliance reasons, this paper is not accessible in the United States and Canada
LGIM's economists outline a new central thesis on how the world economy is likely to progress- expecting slower growth over the next six months, with an uplift once vaccines have been developed and deployed. They caveat though, that despite making some notable headway, vaccine success is far from being a given.
Shaping a Better Future? Responsible investing post-Covid (NN IP, Sep 2020)
NN Investment Partners looks at the building blocks required to implement a sustainable recovery leading to a less unequal society.
The Changing World Order: China, big cycles and its currency (Ray Dalio, Sep 2020)
Ray Dalio presents the latest in a series of chapters from his book. This one looks specifically at the rise of China into a global superpower.
The New Operating Environment: People, processes, and technology (SimCorp, 2020)
SimCorp’s roundtable discussion fleshes out how institutional investors have managed during the COVID-crisis and focuses on what changes to operating models have been necessary.
Forging New Pathways: The next innovations in financial services (WEF, 2020)
The financial services industry’s adoption of emerging technologies has been patchy. This detailed study from the World Economic Forum suggests that attention needs to be directed to the intersection of various technologies.
Spotlight on Private Credit Markets (M&G Investments, Sep 2020)
For compliance reasons, this paper is only accessible in certain geographies
M&G Investments looks at how private credit markets have fared recently and suggests where the next opportunities might lie.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andrew Perrins is a former Actuary and Asset Allocator. After qualifying as an Actuary, he worked for 15 years in investment management, serving as Director of Asset Allocation for Abbey Life and for Chase Manhattan, before setting out on a more entrepreneurial path.
To contact him, email [email protected]