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Europe: Look for Value, Expect Volatility
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 12/12/14
Greeces ruling coalition is at risk of losing its grip on power, which sent the countrys stocks and bonds dramatically down. Is this the beginning of another Greek crisis?

Three Winning Arguments for Japan
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 12/11/14
I travel to Japan every year, normally around early December. The more time I spend there, the more I come to realize what a uniquely distinct country it is. On my trip last week, one of my Japanese colleagues pointed out that Tokyo was starting to allow taller office buildings. I assumed the previous limitation was a function of Japans location in a geologically active part of the Pacific. My friend politely laughed. The injunction was due to the fact that no building was supposed to look down on the Imperial Palace.

Dealing with Divergence
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 12/10/14
From the Age of Recovery to the Age of Divergence, we look forward to 2015 with an overview of the investment world and explore the different themes that will matter in the New Year.

A Mix of Central Bank Action and Oil
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 12/5/14
Central bank action and plunging oil prices have been wielding big influence over market movements in recent months. Russ K explains why the impact is likely to continue.

U.S. Economy: The Disconnect between Reality and Perception
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 11/17/14
American sentiment remains weak despite encouraging improvement in economic fundamentals. We think sluggish growth in wages plays a major part in keeping optimism at bay.

U.S. Economy: The Disconnect between Reality and Perception
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 11/15/14
American sentiment remains weak despite encouraging improvement in economic fundamentals. We think sluggish growth in wages plays a major part in keeping optimism at bay.

When Oil Prices Dip, Unexpected Winners Emerge
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 11/12/14
A stronger dollar is one of the reasons that oil prices are low, which serves many energy-importing economies in Asia while weighing on large oil-producing nations.

Winners and Losers of the Dollars Recent Ascent
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 11/7/14
The dollar recent rally can be attributed to a number of factors including a relatively solid U.S. economy, diverging central bank policies (the U.S. is preparing to tighten while the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan are easing), and long-term changes in trade flows, particularly around the energy sector. We expect most of these trends to continue, and here are three key implications of a rising dollar.

What Stimulus Overseas could mean for U.S. Investors
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 11/6/14
Could the end of easy money in the United States be the beginning of even more stimulus everywhere else? Russ explains.

As the Market Rebounds, Two Opportunities Bubble to Top
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 10/29/14
Stocks staged a strong rebound last week. Russ discusses where he sees value in the market looking forward.

Four Investor Takeaways from the Recent Volatility Spike
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 10/27/14
Last week market volatility spiked to the highest level since 2011. To some degree, this should not come as a shock; weve been in an unusually quiet period that was due to end at some point and now has.

The Sell-Off Continues, But an Opportunity Appears
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 10/15/14
In recent weeks, investors have been contending with two trends: anxiety over a change in Fed policy and evidence of a slowdown in the global economy. While global growth is likely to remain below historic norms, it is not collapsing. This suggests that investors should be positioned for a slow growth environment, not another recession. This, in turn, implies taking some selective risk in asset classes that have become less expensive as a result of the sell-off. One example of an asset that warrants another look: U.S. high yield bonds.

Why You Should Stick With Tech Stocks
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 10/9/14
Recent stock market losses have engendered a good deal of investor angst about technology stocks, but Russ believes anxiety over the technology sector is premature. In fact, it remains one of his favorite sectors. Heres why.

Many Investors Still Fear Stocks: Good News for Markets?
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 9/26/14
The economy and the stock market are no longer depressed, yet the share of U.S. adults who own stocks remains at multi-year lows. Russ explains why investors havent yet fully embraced equities and what this could mean for longer-term stock market performance.

Three Reasons to Consider EM Asia
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 9/25/14
Though EM stocks have been struggling of late, Russ still believes investors should have emerging market exposure, particularly in emerging Asia. He provides three reasons why.

Two Themes Investors Should Focus on Now
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 9/22/14
With countries growth, monetary policy and market performance increasingly diverging, Russ shares two themes investors should focus on as year-end approaches.

What the Scottish Referendum & Fed News Could Mean for Investors
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 9/18/14
Last weeks stock losses were partly a reflection of investors looking ahead to the Scottish independence vote this Thursday and the Federal Reserve (Fed)s statement on Wednesday. Russ weighs in on the investing implications of these two big news events.

A Global Growth Slowdown?
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 9/10/14
As 2014 is shaping up to be another year of below-trend economic growth, many investors are wondering: Is economic growth once again slowing? Russ explains why his answer is no.

Three Investing Lessons from the Napa Earthquake
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 8/29/14
Last weeks Bay Area earthquake was a stark reminder that there are risks to living in California. It also was a violent, but good, metaphor for the dangers lurking in financial markets. Russ shares three investing lessons and one busted movie myth that he took away from the Napa earthquake.

Active or Passive? How to Blend Aspects of Both
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 8/25/14
While the official debate between active and passive investing strategies will never truly be settled, Russ advocates embracing a simple approach that blends aspects of both, and he provides five criteria to consider as youre figuring out the right mix for you.

Bad News is Good A Hard Habit for Investors to Kick
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 8/19/14
Last weeks market performance proved that investors are having a hard time kicking a certain habit: treating bad news as good. Russ explains, suggesting that investors continue to focus on relative value.

What Middle East Tensions Mean for Oil Prices & Equity Portfolios
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 8/15/14
With turmoil in the Middle East dominating headlines, many investors are wondering what the recent and growing unrest in the region means for oil prices and for equity portfolios. Russ explains why oil prices are likely to remain elevated for the foreseeable future and why theres a strong case for sticking with energy stocks even if oil prices dont spike.

With US Volatility on the Upswing, Take a Look at Asia
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 8/7/14
While the U.S. economy appears to be gaining steam, lofty stock prices and rising geopolitical risks are finally taking a toll. Russ discusses one area that still represents an opportunity: Asia, both developed and emerging.

Investor Fatigue Setting In?
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 7/30/14
Despite a generally positive tone to earnings season, investors may be finally showing signs of fatigue, as seen by aggressive selling of risky assets, namely high yield and U.S. equities. Russ K explains the implications.

More Volatility Ahead?
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 7/24/14
Despite recent market swings, volatility is still very low by historic standards, suggesting that markets arent taking into account the prospect of bad news and that investors should prepare for more turbulence ahead.

Is it Time to Prepare for Inflation?
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 7/18/14
Inflation has ticked up recently, leaving many investors fearing that its time to prepare portfolios for rising prices. According to Russ, while this fear isnt irrational, its too early to restructure a portfolio around a big shift in the inflation outlook. Russ explains.

Two Portfolio Moves to Consider after Second Half’s Strong Start
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 7/10/14
Economic data showing improving U.S. growth helped the market kick off a strong start to the second half of the year. Russ believes the economic strength is likely to continue, and he shares two moves investors may want to consider to position portfolios for such an environment.

The Consumption Drag: What it Means for Investors
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 7/3/14
The one segment of the U.S. economy that still appears to be lagging is also the biggest: household consumption. Russ explains why slower consumer spending is likely to continue dragging down U.S. economic growth, noting three implications for investors.

Where the Equity Opportunities Are
by Russ Koesterich of iShares Blog, 6/25/14
Given that U.S. stocks are no longer cheap and most stock market bargains are now found overseas, Russ believes that U.S. investors should look abroad for equity opportunities.

Japan: Time to Give the Land of Falling Stocks Another Look?
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 6/20/14
So far, 2014 has been the year of the falling stocks in Japan. But according to Russ, Japan still stands out as one of the few potential bargains in the developed world. He explains.

Conflict in Iraq: What Rising Oil Prices Mean for the Economy & Investors
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 6/18/14
For much of 2014, equities advanced despite disturbing world news headlines. However, that changed last week because there is a clear link between the events in Iraq and the global economy: energy prices. Russ explains, noting two investing implications of an energy price spike.

Disturbing Headlines, Strong Equity Markets: Why the Disconnect?
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 6/11/14
Its hard not to see some disconnect between recent disturbing world news headlines and the markets quiet advance. Russ examines why this disconnect is rational in the short term, but not necessarily in the long term, and gives three rules of thumb for how investors can potentially respond.

The Central Bank Divide: 3 Implications for Investors
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 6/10/14
Major central banks are no longer moving in lockstep. While the Fed is pulling back, other central banks are maintaining very easy monetary policy. Russ explains three implications this new dynamic has for investors.

Sticking With Stocks
by Russ Koesterich of iShares Blog, 6/3/14
Both stocks and bonds have rallied and are looking expensive. BlackRock Global Chief Investment Strategist Russ Koesterich suggests that investors need to look for relative value, which is why we still prefer stocks over bonds.

June Swoon Ahead? Maybe, But Not Because of Valuations
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 6/2/14
Given the recent extraordinary performance of most equity markets, many investors are wondering whether the bull market has run its course. Russ explains why valuation alone doesn't signal an imminent correction.

Four Market Risks to Focus on This Summer
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 5/27/14
What could lead to a more severe market correction? While theres a long list of things that could go wrong in 2014, Russ lists four market risks to pay attention to this summer.

Despite the Grand Reversal, Stick With Stocks
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 5/21/14
In a reversal of 2013s performance, stocks are struggling to hold onto gains while bond yields are plunging, leaving many investors asking: How should I be positioning for the long term? Russ explains why he still advocates sticking with stocks.

Bonds Rally, But Stocks Still More Attractive Long Term
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 5/20/14
Stocks have floundered, while bonds continue to rally. Markets are showing a sharp reversal from 2013, when stocks were up strongly while bonds struggled. We maintain our long-term preference for equities and suggest investors exercise caution before adding to positions in bonds.

America The Youthful? Yes, On a Relative Basis
by Russ Koesterich of BlackRock, 5/19/14
While the United States is aging at a much slower pace than much of the rest of the world, the U.S. population will almost certainly continue to age. As Russ explains, this has three implications for the U.S. economy.

Great Rotation? No, The Reverse
by Russ Koesterich of iShares Blog, 5/14/14
According to many market watchers, 2014 was supposed to be the year of the so-called Great Rotation out of bonds and into stocks. However, as Russ writes, were actually seeing the reverse happen lately, though the case for stocks is still quite strong

Sell in May and Go Away?
by Russ Koesterich of iShares Blog, 5/9/14
An old market adage says to sell in May and go away. While now actually may be a good time to trim positions and lower risk, this isnt because of the calendar month. Russ explains.

The Search for Yield: How Long Could It Last?
by Russ Koesterich of iShares Blog, 4/28/14
How long will low rates ? and the accompanying search for yield ? continue? Russ weighs in.

?Cautious? Investors: Saying One Thing, Doing Another
by Russ Koesterich of iShares Blog, 4/25/14
Five years into an equity bull market, investors say they?re still cautious. However, Americans hold as much risk in their financial portfolios as they did during the tech bubble in 2000. Russ explains what?s behind this trend and what it means for investors.

Spring Checkup: Five Investment Ideas for Your Portfolio
by Russ Koesterich of iShares Blog, 4/21/14
As the second quarter of 2014 gets underway, many investors are wondering how they should adjust their portfolios given the events of the first three months of the year. Russ shares five investing opportunities that he and his BlackRock colleagues think are worth considering this spring.

Two Major Players Graduate from MSCI FM 100 ? Is it Still Worth Tuning into?
by Russ Koesterich of iShares Blog, 4/17/14
Major changes are coming to the MSCI Frontier Markets 100 Index. Russ K explains the significance and why it reinforces his view that investors should have an allocation to the frontier.

Bubble Bursting? Only for Biotech & Internet Stocks
by Russ Koesterich of iShares Blog, 4/11/14
The recent sluggish performance of U.S. stocks is leading some market watchers to question whether we?re witnessing the bursting of an equity bubble. Russ explains that while U.S. equities overall are not in a bubble, valuations have started to become an issue, particularly for certain segments of the market.

Why Chinese Stocks May Still Make Sense Over the Long Run
by Russ Koesterich of iShares Blog, 4/4/14
Many investors have been concerned about the Chinese market lately and are asking Russ whether they should abandon Chinese stocks. Russ explains why his answer is still no, at least for the long term.

A Year of Reversals Amid a Search for Value
by Russ Koesterich of iShares Blog, 4/2/14
Stocks have traded in a relatively narrow range for the past two weeks, but beneath the surface, some of last year?s winners are shaping up to be this year?s losers. Russ explains the shifts he?s seeing and what they mean for investors.

Raising the Minimum Wage: Cure or Curse?
by Russ Koesterich of iShares Blog, 3/31/14
There?s been a lot of talk lately about raising the minimum wage, both on the federal and local level. Russ and an investment strategist on his team weigh in on what higher minimum wages could mean for the economy and for investors.

Higher Rates on the Horizon? Three Implications
by Russ Koesterich of iShares Blog, 3/25/14
Investors were temporarily taken aback last week by the prospect of an earlier-than-expected rate hike. While it?s not yet clear yet whether the market interpreted the Fed correctly, Russ explains that the possibility of higher rates has three implications for investors.
Results 351–400 of 722 found.