A sharp rise in macroeconomic volatility ended a decade of strong performance for 60/40 portfolios

Now, investors must face the linked challenges of high inflation, rising yields and market volatility. To put this in perspective, inflation across all 38 members of the OECD between 2010 and 2020 (before the pandemic) ranged between 0% and 3%. Now it is running at over 10%. This, combined with synchronized interest rate hikes (put in place by major central banks in response to inflation), risks triggering a global recession. Ironically, whether this economic contraction is mild or deep depends, at least in part, on the unpredictable path of inflation and further central bank responses.

 

In this report, we discuss regional monetary policy dispersion and look at how advisors and their clients can ensure portfolios are diversified both across and within asset classes, as well as by geography, sectors, factors, investment styles and non-traditional market betas. This diversification is vital as it will allow preparations to be made for a period of higher-for-longer interest rates, and an uncertain growth outlook.

Six areas of consideration for financial intermediaries

Navigating Recession Risk

 

Global recession risk increases as central banks hike rates

Capturing themes in private markets

 

Capture innovative strategies and sustainable opportunities

A hedge fund renaissance

 

Rediscover hedge funds in a low-return world

Adopting a pragmatic approach to net zero

 

ESG integration and engagement rather than outright exclusion

Proliferation of alternative products

 

Raising awareness of wealth management product development

Portfolio transparency and data “operational alpha

 

Better portfolio visibility and transparency on ESG issues



 

Three Key Investment Themes in 2022

 

New beginnings

 

Download the paper and listen to the podcast to learn more about the top considerations for wealth managers and financial intermediaries in 2023.

Listen to the podcast


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"Growing geopolitical risks and tightening financial conditions mean that wealth managers face an increasingly challenging investment outlook. The key areas we have addressed in this report will help advisors and their clients to navigate the year ahead."
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What investors are telling us*

59%

Allocating to alternatives

59% of respondents believe the biggest investment opportunity over the next three years is in diversifying portfolios away from traditional equities and bonds.

73%

Investing in illiquid assets

73% of respondents are either currently invested or are considering to invest in illiquid assets over the next 12 months.

82%

Sustainable investments

82% of respondents said that client demand for ESG products has increased over the past 12 months. The main driver for this demand was societal sentiment.


Investment solutions to suit your needs

 

Implementation and OCIO


We can help you define, develop and implement your investment strategy.by addressing areas such as governance, risk, sustainability and diversification. We flex our services to suit your needs and help you achieve your investment goals.

 

Sustainable investments


We help you build a sustainable investment strategy that integrates environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations; diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) factors and seeks an optimal mix between positive change and favorable returns.

 

Alternative investments


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Managing investment risk



Our Mercer Sentinel team can help you conduct due diligence and mitigate operational risks across your portfolios and strategies. We assess asset managers, custodians and other service providers to help you deliver on your governance objectives.


Investor podcast

Critical thinking, critical issues

 

Hear about the latest market themes, new ideas, opportunities and what’s shaping the future of asset management in our investor podcast series.

Investor blog

Yield point

 

Our specialists provide their point of view on the latest investor themes and market movements in our investor blog series.

Strategic research

MercerInsight® Community

 

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Manager research

MercerInsight®, an alliance with eVestment

 

MercerInsight, an alliance with eVestment, is a powerful digital platform designed to help sophisticated investors make better-informed decisions. 

Download the report


*Global Wealth Management Survey, Mercer 2022