Insights

Ethnic minorities account for 40% of the US population, 29% of bachelor degrees, but just 16% of Fortune 500 board seats. Sub-conscious bias plays a big role. A structured approach to hiring and mentoring are required for change. Diversity can drive innovation and shareholder returns.

Like a pendulum, once equity markets swing one way, they will swing back. Investors can manage market swings by actively allocating to international equities using 3 timeless tactics: diversification, exposure to a unique opportunity set of strong businesses, and buying at attractive valuations.

The United Nations declared May 16 as the International Day of Light because it marks the anniversary of the first successful use of laser technology in 1960. But it was actually Albert Einstein who came up with the original concept and the scientific basis behind this technology.

Emerging markets can be frustrating for investors – epidemics, scandals, inflation, deficits, and natural disasters. There is huge potential and risk in the EM. Investors need to guard compounding from trouble with a focus on governance. The challenge is putting up with the volatility. But low volatility is not the same as low risk for long-term investors.

Portfolio Manager Ed Walczak and Client Portfolio Manager Grant Bughman provide an update on the markets, US Equity portfolio positioning and outlook.

Ramiz Chelat finds bright spots in areas such as med tech and software. For sectors that will have a longer recovery, like consumer discretionary and staples, differentiation is key. Companies with strong balance sheets will be poised to take market share from weaker rivals once the crisis is quelled.

Jin Zhang portends that now is a good time to allocate to emerging markets. Major EM countries can survive the short-term effects of a stronger dollar and have adhered to fiscal discipline. Jin anticipates resilience in e-commerce, online entertainment, IT services and memory chips.

Ed Walczak maintains that demand for consumer staples is intact over the long term, finds opportunity in companies that can benefit from lower oil prices, and believes that investors should assess whether portfolio holdings can withstand a protracted downturn.

David Souccar discusses a focus on quality in times of turmoil, the importance of a strong balance sheet and opportunities to upgrade portfolios.