Tag Archives: Investment

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Episode 58 – True or False? Answering Key Investment Questions For Nonprofit Leaders



Is ESG here to stay? Will active investing have its turn in the sun? Can international markets finally outperform domestic markets? Does cryptocurrency belong in an endowment portfolio?

These are common investment-related questions that nonprofit leaders and people overseeing endowments might have.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis answer the above questions and more. They also share Fiducient Advisors’ outlook for 2023 and beyond.

You will learn:

  • What is driving the growth of ESG investing despite political backlash and greenwashing
  • Valuable insights into active vs. passive investing and domestic vs. international markets
  • Why cryptocurrency might not become an integral part of an endowment portfolio
  • The importance of portfolio diversification
  • And more!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Insights by Fiducient Advisors (Research, Blogs, Podcasts) | US SIF: The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment | US SIF 2022 Trends Report


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Episode 56 – Markets And More -Quarterly Quick Take: Key Market Updates with Brad Long



2022 was a challenging year for investors, primarily due to high volatility, severe market drawdowns, and increased Fed intervention.

But what should investors consider moving forward in 2023 and beyond?

Find out in this episode, as Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Brad Long, CFA®, partner and deputy chief investment officer at Fiducient Advisors. They provide recent market updates and future outlook for US and international markets.

You will learn:

  • Three key themes investors should keep in mind when planning for 2023
  • Navigating the bumpy path to inflation moderation and a potential bear market bottom
  • Fiducient’s capital market assumptions (stocks, bonds, and alternative assets)
  • Insights into return expectations and portfolio implications
  • 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)

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.


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Episode 52 – Third Quarterly Quick Take of 2022: Key Market Updates with Brad Long



With continued market volatility, a rising US dollar, and upcoming midterm elections, it’s time for our third Quarterly Quick Take of 2022.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Brad Long, CFA®, partner and deputy chief investment officer at Fiducient Advisors. They discuss timely market and economic updates, including important portfolio implications for investors.

You will learn:

  • The deception of bear market rallies (and why you should beware)
  • The impact of a strengthening US dollar, and what it might mean for your endowment
  • Little-known benefits of high interest rates 
  • How investors can avoid “recency bias” while planning for the future
  • And more!

Tune in for timely market updates as we enter the final quarter of 2022!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | BRAD LONG BIO | Brad Long on LinkedIn | Fiducient Advisors Insights (Research, Blog, and Podcasts)


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Episode 50 – Five Investing Paradoxes Impacting Nonprofits and Endowments



Did you know economic stability can lead to instability? Is it possible to spend less today in order to spend more later?

Investors encounter such paradoxes regularly, which can be deeply damaging to nonprofits and endowments.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis discuss five major investing paradoxes you must keep in mind, especially during times of market volatility and economic uncertainty.

You will learn:

  • How to overcome the “complacency challenge” and achieve long-term stability
  • Why major changes in your spending policies might be required
  • Better strategies for dealing with volatile markets than “timing the market”
  • The dangers of extrapolation in the endowment investing world
  • And more!

Tune in to learn how to tackle market volatility with confidence by understanding five investing paradoxes!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Three Top Financial Challenges Facing the Nonprofit Sector | Business Cycle Dating


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Episode 47 – Second Quarterly Quick Take of 2022: Key Market Updates with Brad Long



With high inflation, slowing growth, volatile capital markets, and political unrest in Eastern Europe, it’s time for our second Quarterly Quick Take of 2022.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Brad Long, CFA®, partner and deputy chief investment officer at Fiducient Advisors. They discuss the current and future outlook for capital markets, the U.S. economy, and international trends.

You will learn:

  • Portfolio positioning under current inflationary pressures
  • Market and economic ripples caused by the actions of the Federal Reserve
  • Why consumer sentiment is low despite high employment rates
  • What investors should be thinking about in the current environment (but aren’t)
  • And more!

Tune in for timely market updates as we enter the second half of 2022!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | BRAD LONG BIO | Brad Long on LinkedIn | Fiducient Advisors Insights (Research, Blog, and Podcasts)

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.


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Episode 40 – How Museums and Attendance-Dependent Nonprofits Can Thrive Post-COVID with Laura Lott



Does your nonprofit’s success rely heavily on memberships and attendance?

If yes, then it’s likely that your organization faced a major downturn due to COVID-19.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Laura Lott, president and CEO at American Alliance of Museums. They discuss strategies to help attendance-dependent nonprofits, such as museums and zoos, thrive post-COVID.

You will learn:

  • New ways to engage your community and monetize your services
  • Why many organizations lack financial sustainability in the first place
  • Tips for more effective investment and spending policies
  • How investment committees can approach ethical investing
  • And more!

Tune in to learn how you can help attendance-dependent nonprofits prosper! 

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Laura Lott on LinkedIn | American Alliance of Museums (AAM) | AAM 2022-2025 Strategic Framework | How Museums Can Ethically Invest Their Money | Endowment and Foundations at Fiducient Advisors

About Our Guest:

Laura L. Lott began her tenure as president and CEO of the American Alliance of Museums in June 2015. A results-oriented, entrepreneurial, strategic leader with a track record of setting and achieving aggressive programmatic and financial goals, Laura served as the Alliance’s chief operating officer since 2010. Laura also led the 2012 re-launch of the Alliance, including rebranding the organization and rebuilding its technical infrastructure and web/mobile presence, and redesigning its membership and excellence programs — leading to a nearly 70 percent increase in museum membership and the organization’s first three profitable years in a decade. Prior to her work at the Alliance, Laura guided the evolution and growth of several nonprofit education organizations. Most recently, Laura served as chief financial officer and chief operating officer of The JASON Project, an international nonprofit education program at the National Geographic Society with a mission to inspire and motivate students to learn science through great explorers and events.


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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.


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Episode 38 – How Nonprofits Should Manage Large Cash Inflows with David Piccerelli



There may come a time when your nonprofit experiences a large inflow of cash. For some organizations, this happens when they’re not expecting it at all!

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with David Piccerelli, president at WSBE Rhode Island PBS and a client of Fiducient Advisors, who has experience in managing an endowment that went from zero to $80 million overnight.

You will learn:

  • The first step you should take before investing your newfound wealth
  • How to have an investment committee and an asset allocation strategy prepared in advance
  • Potential impact of large cash inflows on your organization’s operations
  • How Rhode Island PBS built a roadmap for its strategic vision
  • And more!

Tune in to learn how you can effectively manage and invest your newfound wealth!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | David Piccerelli on LinkedIn | Rhode Island PBS | Our Research and Insights | Our Blog | Our Podcast

About Our Guest:

David Piccerelli is the president of WSBE Rhode Island PBS, a role that he assumed in 2010 after having served as PBS’ vice-president and chief financial officer. David has overseen some very impressive projects and endeavors during his tenure with Rhode Island PBS, including shepherding the station’s complex multimillion dollar conversion from analog to digital broadcasting in 2009 and moving from state ownership to becoming an independent community licensee in 2012. David holds a BS in accounting from Bryant University and serves on a number of professional public broadcasting committees and associations. He is a member of the board of Providence Business Loan Fund and is an avid golfer and a food and wine enthusiast.


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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.


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Episode 35 – The Current Investment Environment: Where Do We Stand? Where Are We Headed? with Matt Rice



Are stocks overpriced and about to tank? How will rising inflation impact your portfolio? How might the pandemic continue to impact the economy?

Find the answers to these questions in this episode, as Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis interview Matt Rice, Chief Investment Officer at Fiducient Advisors. They discuss key market trends from 2021 (stocks, bonds, and alternative investments) and what you can expect in 2022 and beyond.

You will learn:

  • The major asset classes that outperformed and what might to expect now
  • The outlook for all asset classes, considering rising inflation and the pandemic
  • Striving for better risk-adjusted investment return during uncertain times
  • The importance of diversification and long-term planning
  • And more!

Tune in to hear Matt Rice’s expert insights on the current investment environment!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Matthew Rice

About Our Guest:

Matt joined Fiducient Advisors in 2001. As Fiducient Advisors’ Chief Investment Officer, Matt leads the firm’s investment strategy and research efforts. He also advises a number of the firm’s nonprofit and corporate clients. Matt is a member of the firm’s Executive Committee, Research Forum, Investment Committee, Discretionary Committee and Capital Markets Committee. Matt has co-authored two books, including Nonprofit Asset Management (John Wiley & Sons), which was published in 2012 and The Practical Guide to Managing Nonprofit Assets (John Wiley & Sons), published in 2005. Matt is a CFA® charterholder and member of the CFA Society Chicago and a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA®). Matt received a BA in Economics from Northwestern University, where he also played on the 1995 and 1996 Big Ten championship football teams. Matt now leads an easier lifestyle chasing after his two young children.