Tag: Interest Rates

Episode 68 – Quarterly Quick Take: Prepare for 2024 and Beyond with Brad Long

Episode 68 – Quarterly Quick Take: Prepare for 2024 and Beyond with Brad Long

In a landscape marked by unpredictability and complex market dynamics, investors need to understand the key driving factors and how they may impact portfolio construction.

Tune in as Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis join Brad Long, CFA®, Chief Investment Officer at Fiducient Advisors, to dissect the pivotal themes that shaped 2023 and offer a forward-looking perspective into 2024 and beyond.

You’ll discover:

  • Three Themes expected to impact investors in 2024
  • Strategic considerations for investors in light of the current interest rate environment
  • The importance of thoughtful diversification (including private sectors, small-cap, and international markets)
  • Insights on the “Magnificent 7” stocks and concentrated market leadership (risk)
  • And more!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Brad Long | 2024 Outlook – Prepare not Predict | Other Insights by Fiducient Advisors (Research, Blogs, Podcasts)

About Our Guest:

Brad joined Fiducient Advisors in 2012. As Fiducient Advisors’ Chief Investment Officer, Brad leads the firm’s investment strategy and research efforts. He is chair of the firm’s Investment Committee and a member of the firm’s Discretionary Committee, Research Forum, Capital Markets Team, and Mission-Aligned Investing Committee.

Prior to joining the firm, Brad worked in various research capacities at Citigroup and Wells Fargo in New York. He received a BA in Finance and Minor in Economics from The University of Colorado and is a CFA® charterholder and member of the CFA Society of Chicago and CFA Institute. Additionally, he is active with Greenhouse Scholars, a nonprofit providing financial and personal support to under-resourced college students. In his free time, Brad loves cooking and spending time with his wife and young sons.

Episode 64 – Quarterly Quick Takes: Market Updates and Year-End Considerations with Brad Long

Episode 64 – Quarterly Quick Takes: Market Updates and Year-End Considerations with Brad Long

How have markets impacted your endowment or foundation… and what strategies should you be considering right now? It’s time to review this year from a stewardship perspective and consider what strategies to employ heading into 2024.

In this Quarterly Quick Takes, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis are back with Brad Long, CFA®, Chief Investment Officer at Fiducient Advisors. They share meaningful insights on navigating the uncertainty of markets and the economy going forward.

You’ll discover:

  • The potential impact of market fluctuations and a looming recession 
  • The importance of fortifying controllable factors, such as expenses and committee best practices
  • How Fiducient’s 2023 forecasts played out thus far – and what to expect going forward
  • Is now as important as ever for your portfolio to be thoughtfully diversified? 
  • Domestic vs. International, Cash vs. Bonds, etc.
  • And more!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Brad Long | Insights by Fiducient Advisors (Research, Blogs, Podcasts) | How Nonprofit Leaders Can Think Long-Term To Better Manage Your Money And Your Organization With David Nierenberg

About Our Guest:

Brad joined Fiducient Advisors in 2012. He is chair of the firm’s Investment Committee and a member of the firm’s Discretionary Committee, Research Forum, Capital Markets Team, and Mission-Aligned Investing Committee. Before joining the firm, Brad worked in various research capacities at Citigroup and Wells Fargo in New York. He received a BA in Finance and a Minor in Economics from The University of Colorado and is a CFA® charter holder and member of the CFA Society of Chicago and CFA Institute. Additionally, he is active with Greenhouse Scholars, a nonprofit providing financial and personal support to under-resourced college students. In his free time, Brad loves cooking and spending time with his wife and young sons in his free time.

Episode 63 – Get to Know Fiducient Advisors’ New CEO Sabrina Bailey

Episode 63 – Get to Know Fiducient Advisors’ New CEO Sabrina Bailey

On July 31st, 2023, a new and exciting chapter began for Fiducient Advisors. With great pleasure, we introduce you to Fiducient Advisors’ new CEO Sabrina Bailey!

With a proven track record of astute financial stewardship and a penchant for strategic brilliance, Sabrina brings a wealth of experience that promises to steer Fiducient toward even greater heights.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis announce Bob’s transition to the role of chairman at Fiducient Advisors while introducing Sabrina Bailey as the new CEO. Sabrina sheds light on her professional experience, leadership style, future goals, personal hobbies, and more.

You’ll discover:

  • What this leadership transition means for Fiducient Advisors and its clients
  • Sabrina’s past experiences at the London Stock Exchange Group, Northern Trust, and other esteemed institutions
  • Top priorities for Sabrina and how she plans to foster collaboration and innovation
  • What Sabrina likes to do outside of work
  • And more!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Sabrina Bailey | Insights by Fiducient Advisors (Research, Blogs, Podcasts) | “Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned: The Myth of the Objective” by  Kenneth O. Stanley and Joel Lehman

About Our Guest:

In her role as CEO, Sabrina is responsible for leading the firm’s strategic vision and direction to help our clients prosper. Sabrina has decades of leadership experience within the investment consulting and financial services divisions of Mercer International, Willis Towers Watson, Northern Trust and the London Stock Exchange Group, plc (LSEG). Sabrina holds an MBA in organizational leadership. Beyond her professional achievements, Sabrina is committed to giving back to the community. She is an Advisory Board Member for Salvation Army Chicago-Metro and the Co-Founder and President of Grow For Hope, a nonprofit focused on empowering women through employment and education.

Episode 62 – Q3 Quarterly Quick Take: Important Investment Updates with Brad Long

Episode 62 – Q3 Quarterly Quick Take: Important Investment Updates with Brad Long

Do you oversee investments, and does this market seem somewhat puzzling? The first half of 2023 was characterized by intriguing events, including AI hype, the Silicon Valley Bank failure, and strained US-China trade relations. And we experienced continued market volatility and rising interest rates. 

So where are things headed?

In this Quarterly Quick Take, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis are back with Brad Long, CFA®, partner and chief investment officer at Fiducient Advisors. They break down this episode into three segments — The Then, The Now, and The Go Forward — and discuss our evolving investment landscape.

You’ll discover:

  • How Fiducient’s past capital market predictions have fared in comparison to reality
  • Key considerations for investors regarding growth vs. value stocks
  • How portfolio managers may navigate the rising probability of a recession
  • Insights into the current market for alternative investments
  • And more!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Brad Long | Insights by Fiducient Advisors (Research, Blogs, Podcasts)

About Our Guest:

Brad joined Fiducient Advisors in 2012. He is chair of the firm’s Investment Committee and a member of the firm’s Discretionary Committee, Research Forum, Capital Markets Team and Mission-Aligned Investing Committee. Prior to joining the firm, Brad worked in various research capacities at Citigroup and Wells Fargo in New York. He received a BA in Finance and a Minor in Economics from The University of Colorado and is a CFA® charterholder and member of the CFA Society of Chicago and CFA Institute. Additionally, he is active with Greenhouse Scholars, a nonprofit providing financial and personal support to under-resourced college students. In his free time, Brad loves cooking and spending time with his wife and young sons.

Episode 59 – First Quarterly Quick Take of 2023: Important Investment Updates with Brad Long

Episode 59 – First Quarterly Quick Take of 2023: Important Investment Updates with Brad Long

A lot has happened in the first quarter of 2023. Continued market volatility, rising interest rates, and the hottest topic right now — the banking debacle!

In the first Quarterly Quick Take of 2023, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis are back with Brad Long, CFA®, partner and deputy chief investment officer at Fiducient Advisors. They address top stories on the markets and the economy, including their practical portfolio implications.

You will learn:

  • Three key factors expected to influence endowments and portfolios in 2023
  • What is driving volatility in stocks, bonds, and alternative investments
  • How nonprofit leaders, endowment committees, and other investors can navigate current market volatility
  • Insights into the aftermath of the Silicon Valley Bank debacle
  • And more!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Insights by Fiducient Advisors (Research, Blogs, Podcasts) | 2023 Outlook – Goodbye TINA (There is No Alternative) | Webcast: 2023 Essential Economic Update | Three Top Financial Challenges Facing the Nonprofit Sector – Fiducient (fiducientadvisors.com) | Five Investing Paradoxes Impacting Nonprofits and Endowments – Fiducient (fiducientadvisors.com) | Plain English with Derek Thompson: “The SVB Debacle: The Biggest Myths, the Out-of-Control Blame Game, and the Worst Takes”

About Our Guest:

Brad Long joined Fiducient Advisors in 2012. He is chair of the firm’s Investment Committee and a member of the firm’s Discretionary Committee, Research Forum, Capital Markets Team and Mission-Aligned Investing Committee. Prior to joining the firm, Brad worked in various research capacities at Citigroup and Wells Fargo in New York. He received a BA in Finance and Minor in Economics from The University of Colorado and is a CFA® charterholder and member of the CFA Society of Chicago and CFA Institute. Additionally, he is active with Greenhouse Scholars, a nonprofit providing financial and personal support to under-resourced college students. In his free time, Brad loves cooking and spending time with his wife and young sons.

Episode 39 – First Quarterly Quick Take of 2022: Key Market Updates with Brad Long

Episode 39 – First Quarterly Quick Take of 2022: Key Market Updates with Brad Long

With looming interest rate hikes, market corrections, and ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, it’s time for our first Quarterly Quick Take of 2022.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Brad Long, partner, and deputy chief investment officer at Fiducient Advisors. They provide timely insights into the current economic and market conditions, both in the U.S. and abroad.

You will learn:

  • How rising interest rates can influence equity valuations
  • Potential economic repercussions of Russia’s invasion into Ukraine
  • Key inflation fighters based on current market conditions
  • What you can expect upcoming Federal Open Market Committee meetings
  • And more!

Tune in for important market updates and what you can expect for the rest of 2022!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | BRAD LONG BIO | Brad Long on LinkedIn | 2022 Outlook – Navigating Moderation

About Our Guest:

Brad Long joined Fiducient Advisors in 2012. He is chair of the firm’s Investment Committee and a member of the firm’s Discretionary Committee, Research Forum, Capital Markets Team, and Mission-Aligned Investing Committee. In 2019, Brad was named a “Rising Star” in City Wire’s annual Professional Buyer publication for his contributions in the investment manager research industry. Prior to joining the firm, Brad worked in various research capacities at Citigroup and Wells Fargo in New York. He received a BA in Finance and Minor in Economics from The University of Colorado and is a CFA® charterholder and member of the CFA Society of Chicago and CFA Institute. Additionally, he is active with Greenhouse Scholars, a nonprofit providing financial and personal support to under-resourced college students. In his free time, Brad loves cooking and spending time with his wife and young sons.

Episode 37 – Predictions for 2022 That Can Affect Your Investment Portfolio with Bob Doll

Episode 37 – Predictions for 2022 That Can Affect Your Investment Portfolio with Bob Doll

Inflation, interest rates, upcoming midterm elections… There are so many variables that can impact your nonprofit’s investment portfolio in 2022.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Bob Doll, CFA, chief investment officer at Crossmark Global Investments, Inc. Bob Doll makes calculated predictions and forecasts on what will drive U.S. equity markets and the global economy.

You will learn:

  • Why endowments and foundations might expect stocks to earn half as much going forward
  • Expected trends in inflation and interest rates
  • How you can be strategic with your asset allocation (sector-wise and geographically)
  • Why cyclical, value, and small stocks may outperform defensive, growth, and large stocks
  • The challenging environment for bonds
  • The potential impact of upcoming Congressional elections on financial markets
  • And more!

Tune in to learn what you can expect from the financial markets in 2022 and beyond!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | 2022 Return Expectations Webinar | Bob Doll on LinkedIn | Crossmark Global Investments | 10 Predictions for 2022: Tug of War Between Earnings Tailwinds and Valuation Headwinds | Inflation, the Fed, Correction; Oh My!

About Our Guest:

Bob Doll joined Crossmark in May 2021 as Chief Investment Officer (CIO), bringing over 40 years of industry experience to guide the investment process and serve as portfolio manager for multiple Crossmark large-cap strategies. He also utilizes his investment expertise to provide weekly and quarterly investment commentaries, as well as annual market predictions. Bob is a regular guest and contributor to multiple media outlets such as CNBC, Bloomberg TV, Moneywise, and Fox Business News. Prior to arriving at Crossmark, he held the roles of Senior Portfolio Manager and Chief Equity Strategist at Nuveen and Blackrock, President and Chief Investment Officer at Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, and Chief Investment Officer at Oppenheimer Funds, Inc.