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Institutional investors focus on ESG and Alternatives as volatility returns

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This article in Business Wire crossed my desk and may be of interest to some clients. Interestingly, I have been looking to incorporate ESG into our investment strategy with new partners. Here is a part of the article: Volatility finally roared back to abnormally tame markets, but most institutional investors were already bracing for impact; their efforts to diversify and build durable portfolios may now pay off, according to new survey findings released by Natixis Investment Managers. Seventy-eight percent of institutional investors expected stock market volatility to spike in 2018, and they are making opportunistic allocations to active management and alternative investments in order to help meet average long-term return assumptions of 7.2% this year. Natixis’ Center for Investor Insight surveyed 500 institutional investors around the world to gain insight about how they are balancing long-term objectives with short-term opportunities and pressures. 7 in 10 investors agre...
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The US dollar comedy

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As I scan the news articles everywhere, I have noticed almost everyone and his dog is becoming increasingly bearish on the US dollar. The US Dollar Index was one of the major disappointments of 2017, depreciating by 9.0% and putting in its worst performance since 2003. Effectively, the dollar will get thrashed again in 2018 is the popular view.  Some of the analysts argued that all good news is already priced in the US dollar. It makes sense from the fundamental perspective. However, lots of things make sense in the investing world until Mr. Market decides to prove rationales flawed. Just ask the old timers who have seen enough in the markets. According to the latest Commitment of Traders report, released on December 29 by the Chicago Futures Trading Commission, large speculators reduced their net short positions on the US dollar. I do care about fundamentals. Over time, the macroeconomic fundamentals will reassert themselves. The key is interest rate different...
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Happy Chinese New Year (Xin Nian Kuai Le in Mandarin)

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Friday marks the start of the Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival. The holiday is also celebrated by millions of people around the world, including in Vietnam, South Korea and by people of Chinese decent all over the world including in the US. Chinese New Year traditions vary across Chinese communities, but most celebrations involve fireworks, family reunions and feasts, and paying respects to one’s ancestors. The New Year is also a chance to prepare for good fortune and luck in the coming year. Each year on the Chinese calendar is assigned an animal of the zodiac, which is repeated every 12 years. Last year was the Year of the Rooster and 2018 is the Year of the Dog. The years 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 were also assigned Year of the Dog. Those born in these years are said to be loyal, honest, selfless, cautious, and prudent. But they are also meant to have poor communication skills, and can leave an impression of stubbornness....
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