2024 Annual Engagement Overview
By Kaitlyn Mitchell, MBA, Shareholder Engagement Coordinator View the Full Engagement Overview Report Here. First Affirmative Engagement Priorities First Affirmative’s engagement priorities for the 2023-2024 proxy season exemplify our commitment to meaningful advocacy through a variety of channels, including signed letters, public policy advocacy, campaigns, and shareholder proposals. Addressing climate-related issues remains at the forefront […]
Market Commentary – Q4 2024
Welcome to the Jungle Overview US equities extended their impressive run in 2024, with the S&P 500 advancing 25%, building on the 26% gain in 2023. The index reached record highs, surpassing its January 2022 peak by 23% and the March 2020 COVID-19 low by a remarkable 163% (see Figure 1). For the second consecutive [...]
Showcasing the Power of Active Ownership: Demanding Action on Child Labor from McDonald’s and Wendy’s
First Affirmative Financial Network, a leader in values aligned investing, views proxy voting and advocacy as the impact of ownership. The firm stands by the values it shares with its clients and is committed to making a difference through working with Advisors and end-clients to generate the change they wish to see in the world. […]
Crafting Personalized Portfolios for Gen Y and Z through Direct Indexing
Overview: Explore how financial advising is evolving with Direct Indexing to meet Gen Y and Z’s need for personalized, impactful investment strategies. View full article by clicking here.
Advocacy & Impact – Q1 2024
By Kaitlyn Mitchell Coming Soon: Proxy Season 2024 In March, As You Sow published their highly anticipated 2024 Proxy Preview, offering an extensive overview of what lies ahead in the upcoming proxy season. This comprehensive report delves into the latest trends and developments in shareholder activism and corporate governance, providing invaluable insights for investors, advocates, […]
Economic Overview – Q1 2024
By Richard Frankel Overview: View the Full Economic Commentary by Clicking Here.
Wasmer Schroeder Quarterly Bond Market Overview 1Q 2024
The Pause That Refreshes By Tom Richmond, Co-Head of Taxable SMA Strategies, Senior Portfolio Manager The first quarter of 2024 was relatively quiet and relatively good from a domestic, macroeconomic standpoint. Economic activity as measured by real GDP growth was estimated to be a shade over +2%; while not as strong as the pace seen […]
Wasmer Schroeder Quarterly Bond Market Overview 4Q
Thank you, Santa! By: Tom Richmond, Co-Head of Taxable SMA Strategies, Senior Portfolio Manager In honor of the recently completed holiday season, I hope you can indulge me for a moment for a story of good tidings, seasonal cheer, and apparently, redemption. Picture if you can a white-bearded, red-suited, jovial Chairman of the Federal Open […]
Market Commentary – Q4 2023
Quo VADIS – Where are you going? By Theresa Gusman Overview The S&P 500 advanced 11.7% in the fourth quarter, cementing a 24.3% rise in 2023. Through most of last year, the S&P 500’s narrow leadership camouflaged the paltry returns of the broader index and punished investors underweight the Artificial Intelligence (AI)-fueled stocks known as […]
