Market Insights

Over the years, you may have noticed certain traits of successful equity managers, and certain other traits of managers that have disappointed. Here are some common characteristics we frequently see among equity money managers who have created strong long-term risk-adjusted track records for their clients.

Image Source: Explara.com

1. Limiting big drawdowns. As we mentioned in a previous blog (The Arithmetic Behind Drawdowns and Recoveries) bouncing back from a big drawdown can take years, and the arithmetic is not in your favor (i.e. It takes a 25% gain to recover from a 20% loss). Buying undervalued stocks can help with this; their multiples tend to be lower which can help limit the downside.

Financial Advisor recently wrote an article on environmental, social and governance (ESG) investment options in retirement plans. Turns out a lot of investors want it and not a lot of companies are meeting the demand.

According to a recent survey from Natixis Investment Managers, sixty-one percent of respondents said they would be more likely to contribute or increase contributions to their workplace retirement savings plan if there were more socially-responsible investments. Among plan participants not currently invested in ESG funds, only 13 percent said their company’s retirement plan offers ESG options.