Investors are placing ever-greater focus on the carbon intensity of their investments, with equity portfolios often first in line for implementation. Yet, while carbon commitments can represent a positive step within a broader ESG agenda, applying reductions in an overly simplistic way can lead to problematic consequences—undermining both investment-related goals and environmental ones.

Read more: Three Carbon-cutting Pitfalls – and How to Avoid Them

The first half of 2022 saw Alternative Risk Premia (ARP) strategies deliver—at last— meaningful positive returns during an equity market downturn. This result is of major significance for a group of strategies that have often been criticised for their performance during bear markets. What does this mean for the future of ARP strategies? And why do so-called ‘fundamental’ market downturns favour ARP while ‘technical’ ones may not?

Read more: Downturn Reveals Resilience of Alternative Risk Premia

Following the considerable market losses endured in the first half of 2022, investors are taking the opportunity to weigh their own results and reassess resilience. Portfolio diversification, ‘defensive’ factors, ‘market-independent’ strategies and more explicit forms of protection such as risk overlays are all under scrutiny, with H1 bringing some notable disappointments as well as successes.

Read more: Portfolio Protection and Overlays: Time for a Rethink?

Rising interest rates and inflationary forecasts continue to underpin strong demand for Leveraged Loans, thanks in large part to their floating rate characteristics. Yet investors seeking to introduce dedicated exposure to this asset class can face significant implementation challenges.

Read more: Entering Leveraged Loans? Three Implementation Questions to Answer