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Our Manager Insights

Russell OpenWorld Manager Insight - Our managers’ views on the European debt crisis (PDF 99KB)
It has been a very eventful year for the markets already. After contending with the Arab Spring and the Japanese tragedy earlier in the year, investors are now faced with the European debt crisis resurfacing, and the downgrade of US debt by S&P. We asked some of our managers to give their perspectives on what is transpiring in the markets and how it could potentially affect their investment strategy.
Russell OpenWorld Manager Insight - Impact of inflation on investment strategy (PDF 85KB)
Although the debate on inflation continues, it is not causing much concern for most in the developed world. Both the US and UK central banks have yet to raise rates, and the April ECB rate hike may now seem to have been a mistake after it recently suggested it may need to pause.
Russell OpenWorld Manager Insight - Impact of higher oil prices on investment strategy (PDF 79KB)
Even before the Japan tragedy struck, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East was leading to some angst amongst investors. Oil prices rose as a direct result of the crisis, with Brent up by over 20% in the six weeks leading up to the Japan disaster. We asked some of our underlying managers to give their perspective on the high oil prices, and how they could potentially affect their investment strategy.
Russell OpenWorld Manager Insight - Prospects for the year ahead (PDF 85KB)
After a volatile - albeit a positive - 2010, this year is unlikely to be any different. On the whole, our managers are positive about prospects for the year ahead, but do note the potentially bumpy ride that awaits us. It is noteworthy that they continue to focus on the fundamentals and try to add value in the medium to long term. Although we have high conviction in all the incumbent managers, as ever, we will be keeping a close eye on them to ensure they remain so in their respective space.

Market Outlooks

Market Outlook update (PDF 355KB)
December 2011
Expanding the three-legged stool to the concepts of liquidity and solvency
Market Outlook update (PDF 296KB)
November 2011
At last, Euro leaders recognise the enormity of the task ahead
Russell Market Pulse (PDF 69KB)
October 2011
Is Greece set for failure? What does the future hold for other European economies?
Market Outlook update (PDF 247KB)
September 2011
Following the large fall in equity markets globally on September 22, this note sets out Russell's view on the sell off and our outlook on the market.
Eurozone Crisis Q&A (PDF 98KB)
August 2011
Three primary factors are responsible for the current fragile state of the markets; the US credit downgrade, fears of a possible global economic slowdown on the horizon, and further drama in Europe as the Eurozone crisis refuses to abate.
Eurozone Crisis Q&A (PDF 73KB)
July 2011
The European Union is in the midst of a critical week, one that might just determine the survival of the single currency.
US Debt Ceiling Increase short paper (PDF 28KB)
July 2011
What to expect when you are expecting an increase to the debt ceiling.
S&P downgrade (PDF 28KB)
August 2011
Commentary on the S&P downgrade of U.S. Treasury debt.
Russell Market Pulse – Rebound (PDF 94KB)
August 2011
Russell's viewpoint on Tuesday's bounce-back in global markets and the U.S. Federal Reserve's announcement on interest rates.
Quarterly Market Outlook (PDF 1MB)
February 2011
Last year, despite suffering more than a few rocky moments, equity markets posted pretty impressive returns. The year saw markets face some noteworthy risk events, even confronting a significant flirtation with a "double dip" in the US economy during August.
Annual Market Outlook (PDF 845KB)
January 2011
We enter 2011 propelled by the same forces which were active at the end of 2010. We see a recovery in the developed world that will proceed apace, supported in the US by QE2.

Our Market Research

Enhanced Asset Allocation Investable Market Insights (PDF 117KB)
Institutional investors are sticking with alternatives and are, in fact, expecting to increase their allocations to alternatives from 14% to 19% over the next two to three years. The survey finds real estate, private equity and hedge funds remain the preferred alternative types, but there's increased interest in commodities and infrastructure as value sources given inflation concerns.
Russell's 2010 Global Survey on Alternative Investing (PDF 153KB)
Institutional investors are sticking with alternatives and are, in fact, expecting to increase their allocations to alternatives from 14% to 19% over the next two to three years. The survey finds real estate, private equity and hedge funds remain the preferred alternative types, but there's increased interest in commodities and infrastructure as value sources given inflation concerns.