Let’s be honest: it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the 24-hour global economic news cycle. As an RIA/IAR, keeping up with US investment trends and managing your day-to-day workload is a full-time job, let alone deciphering the complex web of global economic events.
But as an RIA, you know that understanding global trends is vital for making well-informed investment decisions for your clients’ portfolios.
You may be thinking of staying ahead, but you need to expand your staff for research and portfolio management services.
One solution to consider is partnering with an Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO). An OCIO can assist your team with global investment research and portfolio management. Firms like Cornerstone Portfolio Research can smoothly integrate with your current strategies, processes, and operations.
This blog discusses an OCIO perspective on how global events and economic trends can influence investment strategies. Also, we examine the role of an OCIO as a strategic edge in the intricate global market for your RIA firm.
Impact of Global Events on the US Markets
An event in one part of the world can cause a ripple effect, quickly influencing US markets. Here are some historical examples:
- 1997 Asian Financial Crisis: This crisis originated in Thailand due to overvalued currencies and excessive borrowing. It spread across Southeast Asia with currency devaluations and stock market crashes. The significant impact on the US market was evident, as the S&P 500 plummeted by 7.5% in just one week.
- 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami: A massive earthquake and tsunami hit Japan in 2011, disrupting global supply chains and causing shortages in key electronic components. Following the event, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped by over 2.3%, and the S&P 500 saw a decline of approximately 3.2%.
- 2021 Evergrande debt crisis: Evergrande, a significant Chinese real estate developer, encountered a growing debt crisis that sparked worries about China’s financial system and worldwide influence. The DJIA dropped by 3% in a day, while the S&P 500 saw a similar decline amid fears of financial contagion.
- 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic: The global COVID-19 outbreak in late 2019 led to a major economic slowdown in 2020, with the US stock market experiencing a historic sell-off. The DJIA dropped over 30%, and the S&P 500 quickly entered bear market territory, marking the fastest decline on record.
These are just a few instances of how seemingly distant events can quickly impact the US financial markets. But is there a difference between global events and trends?
Determining Global Events vs. Trends
In global economics, trends and events are related but have distinct meanings.
For example, global events are specific occurrences at a particular time. They can be sudden and disruptive. Examples include natural disasters, political upheavals, trade wars, and unexpected economic news. Events can trigger short-term market volatility and impact specific sectors or asset classes within the global economy.
Trends are broader, more long-term developments that unfold over time. They represent a gradual shift in an economic indicator or phenomenon. Trends may affect global markets and significantly affect your clients’ investment strategies.
This is where an Outsourced Chief Investment Officer can be a valuable partner for your RIA firm. An OCIO stays abreast of global economic events and trends, utilizing this knowledge to make informed investment decisions.
The OCIO Advantage: Informed Decisions for Uncertain Markets
The constant flow of financial news and data can be daunting. Sifting through this information to identify relevant trends and their impact requires a skilled eye and a deep understanding of global markets.
An OCIO can provide this expertise:
- Cut through the noise: OCIOs can filter out irrelevant information and focus on data that truly matters for your client’s investment goals.
- Identify early signals: By constantly monitoring global economic trends, OCIOs can identify early signs of change that offer valuable insights for investment decisions.
- Interpret complex data: OCIOs possess the analytical skills and tools to translate complex economic data into actionable investment strategies.
How Trends and Events Relate to Investment Decisions
An OCIO’s grasp of long-term economic trends enables them to make strategic investment decisions positioned for growth.
For example, a trend may be the global population is aging. An OCIO might increase the portfolio allocation to healthcare companies, anticipating a rise in demand for related services.
Responding to global events is equally important for OCIOs. Awareness of potential disruptive events allows them to develop strategies to reduce risk and seize new opportunities.
Suppose a trade war erupts between two countries. In that case, OCIOs might recommend reducing exposure to stocks in a certain country or focusing on sectors less affected by the trade war.
Here’s how an OCIO empowers you to make informed investment decisions for your clients:
- Strategic asset allocation: OCIOs help develop and implement diversified asset allocation strategies that align with your client’s risk tolerance and investment goals, considering global economic trends.
- Risk management expertise: OCIOs design and implement risk management systems that help mitigate the impact of unforeseen global events on your clients’ portfolios.
- Access to a worldwide network: Many OCIOs maintain a network of research analysts and portfolio managers with expertise in various global markets. This network can provide valuable insights and perspectives when making investment decisions.
- Constant monitoring and adjustment: An OCIO can adapt investment strategies to match changing economics, keeping your clients’ interests a top priority.
Partner With Cornerstone Portfolio Research
By partnering with Cornerstone Portfolio Research, your financial advisory firm can gain a significant edge in today’s dynamic global environment. When you work with us, your firm has its own CFA® Charterholder.
Our tailored services enable you to seamlessly expand your practice through outsourcing without disrupting your processes or client experience. We don’t expect you to alter your methods like some outsourcing firms do.
Cornerstone provides the expertise, resources, and global perspective necessary to enhance your clients’ experience and free up your time for core firm activities.
If you’re interested in exploring a partnership with an OCIO model, please contact us for an introductory call.
