White papers - all assets – Page 34
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White papersUS fixed income – Reasons for concern
Developed market interest rates remained generally range bound in the second quarter. The US economy can be expected to pivot towards higher inflation and slower growth. Such a trajectory may well lead the US Federal Reserve to loosen monetary policy in the third quarter, writes Olivier De Larouziere.
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White papersTwo paradigms: regulated utilities across the Atlantic
We offer a comparative look at US and European utility regulation and what it means for investors navigating two distinct models of oversight.
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White papersA brief history of US protectionism and global trade
Earlier this year, massive trade uncertainty caused extreme market volatility. Since then, concerns over economic costs, retaliations, and legal challenges have eased tensions. Markets now price limited stress, suggesting peak tensions are behind and current tariffs have become the new norm. However, when considering Trump’s transactional approach: a sense of calm is often followed by renewed pressure. While peak stress may have passed and dealmaking may take priority, we still expect US trade policies and sustained tariffs to pressure supply chains and activity, fueling uncertainty and occasional volatility spikes.
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White papersData center viability requires design flexibility
Data center viability depends on flexible design to meet soaring AI power demands and evolving sustainability rules.
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White papersQ2 Pension Funding Status
MetLife Investment Management (MIM), the institutional asset management business of MetLife, Inc., estimates that, as of June 30, 2025, the average U.S. corporate pension funded status rose to 105.1%. This was up 2.1% from 103.0% as of March 31. MIM manages approximately $600 billion in total assets under management, including over $30 billion of long duration and liability driven investments.
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White papersWhy UBS Core Fixed Income ETFs for today’s market?
UBS Core Fixed Income ETFs offer yield, flexibility, and clarity – key traits for navigating today’s complex market landscape.
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White papersUK policy warms on private capital
Government commits to evolve infrastructure finance models
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White papersUS tariffs delayed to August
“The ongoing tariff-related uncertainty points to the transactional and unilateral approach of the United States that can complicate matters for policymakers around the world.”
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White papersStocks and bonds rally despite trade turmoil: Q2 roundup
Global stocks advanced in a volatile quarter marked by erratic trade policy, surging technology stocks and a ceasefire in the Iran-Israel war. The quarter opened with a wave of new U.S. tariffs, sending stocks sharply lower, and ended with a powerful rally as some levies were paused and global trade negotiations progressed.
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White papersHow private credit is proving its worth in a volatile environment
Geopolitical events and macro uncertainty are creating challenges for income investors. But with many different assets to choose from, how could private credit offer the flexibility and diversification benefits they seek?
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White papersClear skies ahead: Japan’s structural renaissance
Japan is undergoing a transformative moment that positions it as one of today’s most compelling investment opportunities. The temporary nature of trade tensions stands in contrast with a powerful combination of strong domestic-led growth and sweeping corporate governance reforms that are reshaping the economy. With valuations sitting well below both historical averages and global peers, investors now have a rare opportunity to invest in Japan’s structural transformation.
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White papersScenarios for a fragmented world
The world is at a geopolitical crossroads, as one of the major pillars of the existing global order—the United States—has begun to question the foundational assumptions of that system. Although the global order began to unravel following the 2008 financial crisis, successive US administrations—including President Biden’s—sought to uphold the existing framework through traditional alliances.
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White papersWhy the dollar deserves more credit
In a recent paper, we argued that sustained weakness in the US dollar would require clear evidence of narrowing real interest rate or growth differentials between the US and its major trading partners—conditions that have yet to fully materialise. Since then, the narrative around the weak dollar has continued to gain traction, but much of the perceived dollar weakness is actually a reflection of euro strength, which may now be overextended.
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White papersThe new architecture of institutional credit
Institutional credit investing is being reshaped by shifting liquidity dynamics, borrower behaviours, regulatory pressures and the blurring of public and private markets. These changes are ushering in a new era of investment expansion and vehicle innovation. Learn how institutions are moving beyond isolated sleeves to leverage opportunities across structures, teams and strategies.
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White papersShaken, but not stirred
The U.S. economy remains resilient but is gradually losing momentum, while policy uncertainty continues to cloud the global outlook. Selective opportunities are emerging in fixed income, private markets, and high-quality equities supported by solid fundamentals.
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White papersFive insights on what is driving innovation in China
From electric cars to artificial intelligence, Chinese companies continue to innovate and scale at a rapid pace despite trade restrictions.
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White papersWhy should investors consider sustainability in CDI?
Whilst institutional investors may have a sustainability approach for their core fixed income portfolio, reflecting it within a cashflow driven investment strategy (CDI) is still a growing concept. CDI strategies are designed to provide a regular income stream from bond coupons and maturities to help address a pension fund’s income requirements. Given their long-term nature and broad fixed income allocation, they are well placed to reflect outcomes beyond that of income requirements.
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White papersWhy are credit spreads so tight?
1) Liquidity: This is the overriding factor, which is normally the case in markets. It is no surprise that markets are rallying like it’s QE, because this is QE! The Treasury General Account (TGA) has been run-off to the tune of c$500bn over the last few months driven by the U.S. hitting the debt ceiling. When this happens, the country is unable to raise enough debt to fund itself.
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White papersThe case for investing in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is rapidly evolving into a dynamic and diversified economy, benefiting from strong reform momentum, favorable demographics, rising foreign direct investment, and a government committed to diversifying the economy. Today, Saudi Arabia presents a differentiated and compelling investment opportunity for global investors seeking higher income and diversification.
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White papersQuarterly Equities and Multi Asset Outlook – Q3 2025
In a market environment dominated by macro headlines, this outlook challenges conventional thinking by focusing on the power of company fundamentals. It explores how equities can thrive even amid weak economic data and highlights the risks of overreacting to broad macro signals. With insights into geopolitical shifts, sector-specific dynamics, and valuation opportunities, the report equips institutional investors with a nuanced view of where to find value—and how to position portfolios for resilience and long-term growth.
