Refine Search

Search Results

Results 1,601–1,650 of 1,836 found.

Detroit Reorganizes. The Muni Market Takes Notes.
by Joseph Rosenblum of AllianceBernstein, 2/6/15
Stockton. San Bernardino, California. Jefferson County, Alabama. Over the past few years, municipal bankruptcies (Chapter 9) have captured headlines. Detroit’s case, the largest municipal bankruptcy in history, was recently settled. What have we learned? Here are four key take-aways for muni market investors.

High-Yield ETFs: Don’t Get Fenced In
by Gershon Distenfeld of AllianceBernstein, 2/6/15
Few high-yield investors have weathered the recent plunge in energy prices without experiencing at least a few bumps and bruises. But those who relied on broad market exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to gain market exposure are nursing the most serious wounds. Coincidence? We don’t think so.

Worried About US Stocks?
by Joseph G. Paul of AllianceBernstein, 2/6/15
After a jittery January, investors in US equities are gritting their teeth. But even if equities lose some steam after last year’s rally, we think company fundamentals and the interest-rate environment should support a resilient market in 2015.

Encouraging Lifetime Income in US DC Plans
by Daniel A. Notto of AllianceBernstein, 1/31/15
With the continuing shift from defined benefit (DB) plans to defined contribution (DC) plans, fewer Americans have the ability to enjoy guaranteed income for life. Now, federal regulators are trying to change that.

Obama?s Proposed Tax Hikes: Just an Opening Bid
by Tara Thompson Popernik of AllianceBernstein, 1/25/15
Over the holiday weekend and in last night?s State of the Union address, President Obama unveiled several ideas he believes will strengthen the country?s workforce, education and infrastructure. He plans to pay for these proposals through corporate tax reform and higher income taxes on people in the top tax bracket.

Connecting to China?s New Equity Plays
by Stuart Rae and John Lin of AllianceBernstein, 1/25/15
Despite a slow start following its launch in November, the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect share trading scheme has significantly increased foreign access to China equities and created new investment opportunities. Two subsectors are particularly noteworthy for global investors.

Clock Will Be Ticking for Greece?s New Government
by Darren Williams and Dennis Shen of AllianceBernstein, 1/17/15
Greece is holding early parliamentary elections on January 25. A victory for the anti-austerity Syriza party would probably trigger tense negotiations with the country?s official lenders and fresh volatility in Greek government bond markets. But the expected launch of ECB QE should mitigate contagion to the rest of the periphery.

For US Economy, 2015 May Be a Very Good Year
by Joseph G. Carson of AllianceBernstein, 1/17/15
The US economy shifted into a higher gear in 2014 as growth over the last three quarters averaged 4.5%. With consumer, business and even government spending set to rise, the outlook for 2015 is even brighter?and that should be enough to convince the Federal Reserve to start lifting interest rates.

What Did We Learn About Bonds in 2014?
by Douglas J. Peebles of AllianceBernstein, 1/17/15
After a less-than-stellar 2013 for bonds, many investors were ready to turn their backs on the asset class. But many didn?t?and were rewarded for their long-term perspective.

Rethinking Europe?s Deflation Dilemma
by Darren Williams of AllianceBernstein, 1/12/15
December?s negative inflation print has led to a cacophony of headlines proclaiming that the euro area has finally succumbed to deflation. We think concerns about modest declines in consumer prices are overdone. But the structural weakness of nominal growth remains a major concern.

This Deal Wont Last: Give to Charity Now!
by Tara Thompson Popernik of AllianceBernstein, 12/22/14
Philanthropic US taxpayers should greet the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 with holiday cheer. The law extends several expired tax provisions for 2014 onlyincluding qualified charitable IRA distributions. But other giving strategies may make some taxpayers merrier come tax time.

European QE Draws Attention to Irish Bonds
by John Taylor and Dennis Shen of AllianceBernstein, 12/21/14
Europes bond markets are starting to focus on the potential impact of ECB sovereign-bond purchases. While we expect QE to prompt a further narrowing of peripheral European sovereign-bond spreads, its important to stay focused on country fundamentals when selecting exposure.

Are Bonds Really Less Risky than Equities?
by Patrick Rudden of AllianceBernstein, 12/17/14
Its practically an investing axiom that government bonds are much less volatile than equities. But that depends on how you look at it. In fact, our research suggests that income streams from stocks are actually much less volatile than those of government bonds.

European Small-Caps: Focus on Companies, Not Countries
by Liliana Castillo Dearth, Alan Connery of AllianceBernstein, 12/11/14
Growth in the euro area has slowed sharply, but thats not true for all companies in the region. We think worries about Europes recovery may offer investors the chance to buy quality, small-cap stocks for less than they would pay for similar-caliber companies elsewhere.

Lessons Learned in 2014
by Seth Masters of AllianceBernstein, 12/10/14
In 2014, US stocks forged ahead, international developed and emerging-market stocks lagged, bonds did better than expected, and the IRS took a bigger bite. Here are some lessons for US investors to carry forward into 2015.

Will Two Key Sectors Survive Chinas Long Landing?
by Hayden Briscoe of AllianceBernstein, 12/6/14
Based on insights from our teams recent trip to China, we noted that the country is likely headed for a long economic landing. What does that mean for its infrastructure and commodity sectors?

Chinas Economy Gliding into Long Landing
by Hayden Briscoe of AllianceBernstein, 12/6/14
Chinas economy isnt headed for a hard or soft landinginstead, its more likely to be a long landing. Thats our perspective, based on our teams recent visit to China to get an up-close look at the economic landscape.

Five Ways to Tackle Risk in Emerging Equities
by Nelson Yu and Morgan C. Harting of AllianceBernstein, 12/6/14
Emerging-market (EM) equities are far more turbulent than their developed-world peers. But there are several things investors can do to capture the attractive return potential while reducing volatility. Staying active is the lynchpin for success.

Pick and Mix: Fresh Ideas for Diversifying Bond Exposure
by John Taylor of AllianceBernstein, 11/27/14
Policy backdrops and growth trajectories around the world are showing increasing signs of divergence. Yet many bond investors continue to congregate in a few selected pockets of the fixed income universe. In our view, its a perfect time to reconsider diversification tactics.

Oil Price Wont Stay Low Forever
by Kevin Simms and Jeremy Taylor of AllianceBernstein, 11/27/14
If US$80 oil is sustained for a year or more, we think the impact on investment will be significant and the seeds of a future spike in oil prices will have been sown. In our view, its only a matter of time before the market begins to recognize thisand starts to push up oil prices again.

In Energy Revolution, Bond Investors Must Keep Their Heads
by Ivan Rudolph-Shabinsky, Petter Stensland of AllianceBernstein, 11/25/14
A surge in capital expenditures and leverage in the energy industry could end badly for some companies and their creditors. While select opportunities exist, we think bond investors should think carefully before they blindly bankroll todays North American energy revolution.

The Right Fit: Global Bonds and DC Plans
by Alison Martier of AllianceBernstein, 11/21/14
At a time when US defined contribution plans are seeking to control risk and enhance returns, hedged global bonds can improve outcomes for participants and sponsors. But how do plans incorporate global bonds in core menus and target-date funds?

Tinkering with the Core Bond Recipe
by Alison Martier of AllianceBernstein, 11/18/14
This is the time of year when, in almost every American household, the tinkerer in the family eyes the recipe box. Certain venerable traditions will make it to the Thanksgiving table intact. A cousin or an in-law is sure to bring an entirely new dish. And some traditional plates could use some freshening up. Thats the case with core fixed income.

Is Levering Bonds a Losers Game Today?
by Michael DePalma, Arnab Nilim of AllianceBernstein, 11/12/14
Multi-asset strategies like risk parity owe much of their popularity to their ability to navigate the global financial crisis. Lately, critics have cited levered bond returns as the driverand as a looming headwind. We think theyre missing a key point.

Does Stock Picking Still Work in Emerging Markets?
by Sammy Suzuki of AllianceBernstein, 10/29/14
Many things have changed in emerging markets (EMs) over the last two decades. Markets are more efficient than they used to be. But we believe that developing countries still provide fertile ground for finding stocks poised to outperform.

Five Ways to Keep Out of the Bond Liquidity Trap
by Douglas Peebles of AllianceBernstein, 10/20/14
Bond investors are used to managing interest-rate risk and credit risk. But the financial crisis should have taught us that there are times when liquidity risk can be just as important to manage. Now is one of those times.

Five Ways to Keep Out of the Bond Liquidity Trap
by Douglas J. Peebles of AllianceBernstein, 10/13/14
The good news is that liquidity risk is manageableand can even offer attractive opportunities, given the right time horizon. When liquidity dries up in one sector, it can be plentiful in another. If managed properly, it can be an additional source of returns. Here are five things investors can do to stay afloat.

What Tax Strategies Make Sense for You?
by Tara Thompson Popernik of AllianceBernstein, 9/8/14
Many investors adopt tax-reducing strategies from year to year without taking a step back to look at the big picture. But how you save or spend money today can have a profound impact on your after-tax wealth over the long term and, ultimately, on your legacy.

Chinas Reforms Open New Path to Equities
by Stuart Rae, John Lin of AllianceBernstein, 9/2/14
For investors in China equities, there have traditionally been two ways of approaching the market: through expensive growth stocks, or risky contrarian plays. Now, thanks to Chinas reforms, theres a third way which may offer a better balance of risk and return.

New US Bank Rules a Boon for Bond Investors
by Jeff Skoglund, Shrut Vakil of AllianceBernstein, 8/25/14
US banks have come a long way since the financial crisis, and thats good news for fixed-income investors. We think better fundamentals and stricter regulations are creating a good formula for banks preferred securities.

What Your Parents Didnt Tell You About Saving for Retirement
by Anne Bucciarelli of AllianceBernstein, 8/22/14
Chances are, your parents have told you to max out your 401(k) plan. Thats good advice, but the hard truth is that your 401(k) plan is highly likely to fall short. To live comfortably in retirement, our research shows, you will almost surely need more.

Is a Big Equity Correction Imminent? Not Yet
by Vadim Zlotnikov of AllianceBernstein, 8/20/14
Many investors think US stocks are due for a correction: They feel that the market has run too far, that the Fed has been slow to act, that complacency has created pockets of excess. Do these gut feelings mean a major equity correction looms? Not yet, in our view.

Dont Be Passive About Rising Rates
by Chris Marx of AllianceBernstein, 8/18/14
Though theyve defied expectations this year, higher interest rates appear to be all but inevitable. Investors need to take measure of the rate sensitivity in their portfoliosand stay agileto negotiate the rough market crosscurrents a rate reversal may bring.

Rethinking Revenue Sharing
by Daniel Notto of AllianceBernstein, 6/25/14
While revenue sharing may be a legitimate way to pay for the costs of operating a plan, both US courts and the Department of Labor (DOL) have made it clear that plan sponsors have a significant responsibility as fiduciaries to fully understand, evaluate and monitor their revenue-sharing arrangements and determine whether they are reasonable. Therefore, the most prudent response for plan sponsors may be to rethink the practice of revenue sharing altogether.

Will Small-Cap Stocks Close the Gap with Large-Caps?
by Vadim Zlotnikov of AllianceBernstein, 6/23/14
Small-cap stocks have lagged large-cap stocks by a substantial margin over the past few months, but a close look at the causes makes us think they could be in for a reversal of fortune.

Is Opportunity Bubbling in Oil Pricing?
by Vadim Zlotnikov of AllianceBernstein, 6/14/14
Longer-dated oil futures contracts have been on the rise so far in 2014, and we think theres a good case to be made that theyve got further to go. The potential for an upside oil-price surprise may point to investment opportunity.

Whos Afraid of Low, Low Rates?
by James T. Tierney, Jr. of AllianceBernstein, 6/14/14
Falling yields on Treasuries are often seen as a signal of a weakening economy that could undermine stocks. We think there are other explanations that dont threaten the outlook for equities.

Muni Investors Should Watch Both Ends of the Curve
by Guy Davidson of AllianceBernstein, 6/11/14
In early 2013, we urged investors to take a hard look at the interest-rate risk in their bond portfolios. If they didnt do it then, they have a chance to do it now.

Can Japanese Stocks Defy Sluggish Exports?
by Katsuaki Ogata of AllianceBernstein, 6/2/14
As Japanese equities struggle to make headway this year after an explosive 2013, new questions are being asked about the economy’s direction. From an investor’s perspective, we think the sluggish export trend may be masking a more positive environment for stocks.

How Tax Savings from a College Savings Plan Could Pay for a Year of College
by Tara Thompson Popernik of AllianceBernstein, 5/30/14
The option to front-load funding makes a tax-deferred college savings plan is a great way to avoid taxes on the future growth of funds earmarked for higher-education expenses. We project that the taxes avoided over a 10-year savings horizon could pay for a full year of college.

The Futures Still Bright for College Grads
by Christopher Thompson of AllianceBernstein, 5/29/14
Is college worth it? Its not an uncommon question these days, especially with soaring college costs, ballooning student debt levels and higher unemployment. But research shows that pursuing a college degree can result in far more than just a diploma.

Six Principles for Smart Tax Management
by Tara Thompson Popernik of AllianceBernstein, 5/27/14
It is well known that taxes began to take a bigger bite out of income for the well-off in 2013. Top marginal tax rates rose, and some exemptions and deductions were phased out. What is less well known is that investors spending from their portfolioseven those investors whose tax rates didnt risemay be facing higher tax bills, too.

Start Saving for College Now, or Pay Much More Later
by Christopher Thompson of AllianceBernstein, 5/21/14
The price tag for attending college 18 years from now is projected to be considerably higher than it is todayup to hundreds of thousands of dollars higher for a four-year degree. But using a tax-favored strategy to save for college can help make the costs of future educational expenses less daunting.

Sovereigns Look Seductive in Europes Periphery
by Jorgen Kjaersgaard, John Taylor of AllianceBernstein, 5/19/14
Investment-grade bonds issued by nonfinancial firms in Europes peripheral countries have had a great run but now look expensive. In our view, government bonds from the likes of Spain and Italy offer better value for investors who want peripheral exposure.

The New Logic of M&A
by Joseph Paul of AllianceBernstein, 5/12/14
There seems to be a new calculus at work in the recent rash of takeovers, as investors set aside their usual wariness of deals and dealmakers for the promise of growth these combinations may bring. We think its a good reason to stick with stocks.

New Dawn for Peripheral Europe?
by Darren Williams, Dennis Shen of AllianceBernstein, 5/9/14
When Mario Draghi pledged to do whatever it takes to save the euro in July 2012, nobody expected things to change so quickly. Peripheral bond markets have since turned around sharply, supporting the European economic recovery. But can the improvements be sustained after countries exit their bailouts?

Asian Currencies to Stay Calm at Center of EM Storm
by Hayden Briscoe of AllianceBernstein, 5/5/14
Emerging markets have fallen from favor, but does that mean investors should avoid them entirely? We don?t think so.

Cast a Wider Net for Asian Income Stocks
by Stuart Rae, Katsuhiko Mano of AllianceBernstein, 4/21/14
Equity income has been a hot theme for Asian investors. But safer sectors that typically provide higher dividend yields are expensive. By casting a wider net, we think attractively priced income stocks can still be found in unexpected parts of the markets.

Real Estate Alpha Hides in Smaller Neighborhoods
by Eric Franco of AllianceBernstein, 3/27/14
After a spectacular five-year run, global real estate stocks look headed for a period of more normal returns. We think winning in this space will require a more discriminating eye?and venturing into the often neglected nooks and crannies of the smaller-cap real estate world.

Five Things You Should Know About Housing Reform Legislation
by Michael Canter, Matthew Bass of AllianceBernstein, 3/25/14
A recent US Senate bill calls for a restructuring of the government?s role in housing finance, including winding down Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Here are five takeaways from the current proposal.
Results 1,601–1,650 of 1,836 found.