Perspectives

Is the talk around the Fed’s seemingly softer stance on inflation and interest rates inflating the importance of the announcement? Our discussion considers the potential impact on fixed income and equity portfolios, as well as the continued disconnect between the economy and markets.

It can be easy to overlook corporate governance in the good times, but when a crisis hits, the importance of good corporate governance comes squarely into focus.

As investors continue coping with the consequences of COVID-19, Andy Sparks provides his perspective on the power of the right words from the right sources (aka, the Fed) and other insights from his team’s research.

Advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning and even user interfaces have radically changed the way investors collect, analyze and interact with data, and how they manage portfolios. In fact, every aspect of the investment process has been affected — and COVID-19 has only increased the pace of change.

Did equity and fixed-income factors perform as expected during the first full quarter of COVID-19’s global spread? Hitendra Varsani, executive director, core equity research, analyzes the results for Q2, and what MSCI’s models showed as the third quarter kicked off.

We get the reasons behind the results of MSCI’s annual review — on Argentina, Turkey, Iceland and other markets — from global head of index solutions and chairman of the MSCI equity index committee, Sebastien Lieblich.

Stress tests can be useful tools for examining potential scenarios for the market’s recovery from the effects of COVID-19. Thomas Verbraken, of MSCI’s risk management solutions team, explains.

Instead of wondering about the shape of an eventual recovery, what if we focused on its color? In part two of our conversation with head of ESG research, Linda-Eling Lee, we look at potential risks and opportunities post-COVID-19 and ask: What might a “green recovery” look like?

What guided MSCI's decision to proceed with the scheduled May semi-annual index review despite recent volatility? Craig Feldman, global head of index management research, shares his thoughts on the answers to these questions, the review’s key takeaways and the value of consistency.

What else does the Fed have in its arsenal to help fight the economic effects of COVID-19? Andy Sparks, MSCI’s head of portfolio management research, discusses how the Fed has helped markets keep functioning, as well as the flexibility – and limits – it has as it works to keep laying the groundwork for a “robust as possible” rebound.

Zhen Wei, MSCI’s head of China research, understands what it’s like to navigate from the center of a market crisis. He shares his thoughts on Asian economic and market activity as the region begins to recover and what investors are thinking about as they try and prepare for what comes next.

Head of Research and Product Development, Peter Zangari returns to the podcast this week to offer his views and share recent insights on generational change, market volatility across asset classes and opportunities to view the markets through new lenses.

One effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has been enormous uncertainty for investors. Our weekly podcast is designed to help you navigate the current crisis with insights heard directly from our leading researchers. This episode features MSCI’s Head of Research and Product Development, Peter Zangari and what he’s learned about managing through times of great volatility.