Perspectives

The tsunami of data in all its new forms creates opportunities for investors to gain an edge, but it’s all too easy to drown in it. How can new technology help investors stay afloat?

George Bonne, executive director on the equity core research team leveraged advancements in artificial intelligence and other technologies to identify and quantify “factors” related to the effects of COVID-19. We explored what he found and the implications for further research.

As investors continue coping with the consequences of COVID-19, Andy Sparks provides his perspective on the power of the right words from the right sources (aka, the Fed) and other insights from his team’s research.

We take a look at the latest research around four key elements of single-factor portfolio construction: investment universe selection, factor definition, portfolio breadth and security weighting.

Advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning and even user interfaces have radically changed the way investors collect, analyze and interact with data, and how they manage portfolios. In fact, every aspect of the investment process has been affected — and COVID-19 has only increased the pace of change.

Brett Winton, head of reserach at ARK Invest, explains how advancements in genomic technologies combined with artificial intelligence have proven invaluable in the fight against COVID-19 — and the profound implications for human health and investors far beyond the current crisis.

Did equity and fixed-income factors perform as expected during the first full quarter of COVID-19’s global spread? Hitendra Varsani, executive director, core equity research, analyzes the results for Q2, and what MSCI’s models showed as the third quarter kicked off.

From cashless transactions to sophisticated tracking, technology has played a major role as China battles the effects of COVID-19. Xiaoshu Wang from the ESG Research team in Beijing discusses investor reaction and efforts to boost the economy in the wake of a second wave.

We get the reasons behind the results of MSCI’s annual review — on Argentina, Turkey, Iceland and other markets — from global head of index solutions and chairman of the MSCI equity index committee, Sebastien Lieblich.

What have we learned from the COVID-19 market crisis? Dimitris Melas, global head of equity research returns to the podcast with his take.

Stress tests can be useful tools for examining potential scenarios for the market’s recovery from the effects of COVID-19. Thomas Verbraken, of MSCI’s risk management solutions team, explains.

Securitized products have been a major focus for investors, and the Fed, during this crisis, just as they were in 2008. How has this market reacted to Washington’s moves this time around? And what is it telling us about what to expect going forward? We speak with David Zhang, MSCI’s head of research on securitized products.

Instead of wondering about the shape of an eventual recovery, what if we focused on its color? In part two of our conversation with head of ESG research, Linda-Eling Lee, we look at potential risks and opportunities post-COVID-19 and ask: What might a “green recovery” look like?

ESG has emerged as a source of resilience for markets during the current crisis. Does this signal a fundamental shift for investors? In part one of a two-part episode, Linda-Eling Lee, global head of ESG research, discusses ESG themes to watch in the post-COVID-19 era.

What guided MSCI's decision to proceed with the scheduled May semi-annual index review despite recent volatility? Craig Feldman, global head of index management research, shares his thoughts on the answers to these questions, the review’s key takeaways and the value of consistency.

Will employees be keen to return to the office when governments give the go-ahead? Will employers want them to? The outcome could impact commercial real estate valuations, explains Will Robson, global head of real estate solutions research.

What else does the Fed have in its arsenal to help fight the economic effects of COVID-19? Andy Sparks, MSCI’s head of portfolio management research, discusses how the Fed has helped markets keep functioning, as well as the flexibility – and limits – it has as it works to keep laying the groundwork for a “robust as possible” rebound.

Unpredictable pricing. Increasing bid-ask spreads. Uncertainty in U.S. Treasurys. Laszlo Hollo, of the risk management and liquidity core research team, details how sudden and significant volatility threatened to dry up fixed-income markets and what central banks have done to try and refill the well.

Zhen Wei, MSCI’s head of China research, understands what it’s like to navigate from the center of a market crisis. He shares his thoughts on Asian economic and market activity as the region begins to recover and what investors are thinking about as they try and prepare for what comes next.

Some areas of the market performed as expected during the current crisis — others have surprised. Raina Oberoi, head of index solutions research for the Americas, applies a factor- and sector-based lens and shares insight into the ways in which markets are, and are not, exhibiting resilience.

Head of Research and Product Development, Peter Zangari returns to the podcast this week to offer his views and share recent insights on generational change, market volatility across asset classes and opportunities to view the markets through new lenses.

How does this market crisis compare to previous periods of extreme volatility, such as the 2008 global financial crisis? We spoke with Dimitris Melas, who leads MSCI’s core research on equity indexes and analytics, to get his take on the characteristics of the current crisis so far and the signs of recovery seen during past crises.

One effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has been enormous uncertainty for investors. Our weekly podcast is designed to help you navigate the current crisis with insights heard directly from our leading researchers. This episode features MSCI’s Head of Research and Product Development, Peter Zangari and what he’s learned about managing through times of great volatility.