Tag Archives: Portfolio Management

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

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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 54 – Four Action Items To Combat Market Volatility and Uncertainty

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The traditional 60/40 stock/bond portfolio is on pace for its worst performance in 80 years and Treasury bonds might register their worst performance in 200 years! Investor anxiety seems to be rising in lock-step with interest rates.

All this contributes to a high level of uncertainty for those who oversee endowments and foundations.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis help investment committees (or any nonprofit leader overseeing investments) combat market uncertainty through four key action items.

You will learn the following:

  • Why good stewards need to separate today’s news from the noise
  • Important considerations regarding expected investment returns moving forward
  • Insights into alternative asset classes, especially in light of higher interest rates
  • An important step in ESG investing that many organizations are overlooking
  • And more!

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

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Episode 51 – Hedge Funds Revisited With Anthony Novara

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Some investment committees are reluctant to own alternative investments because they don’t understand the space well.

Or perhaps they are intimidated due to the complexity and cost.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Anthony Novara, CFA®, research director of Fiducient Advisors’ marketable alternatives group. They demystify hedge fund investing and its role in effective portfolio management, especially amidst high market volatility.

You will learn:

  • Five primary strategies used in hedge funds investing
  • Major pros and cons of hedge funds for endowments and foundations
  • Fund of funds — how they work, fee structures, and investment benefits
  • Why the notion “hedge funds are inherently riskier” may not always true
  • And more!

Tune in to learn how to navigate hedge funds and other forms of alternative investments!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Anthony Novara on LinkedIn | Anthony Novara BIO | Nonprofits and Private Equity With Matt Kaminski (Ep. 29)



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

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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

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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.

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Episode 34 – Investment Insights From a Global Religious Congregation with Jim Thomas

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Today, we have Jim Thomas, the CFO of the Clerics of Saint Viator, share timely investment insights for nonprofit investment leaders!

The Clerics of Saint Viator is an international Roman Catholic religious congregation.

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis interview Jim about his experience in managing finances for a religious order. They also dive into several best practices for effective investment portfolio management that are relevant in today’s complex financial landscape.

You will learn:

  • The concept of perpetuity and how to prepare your portfolio for long-term success
  • How to rebalance your portfolio and ensure consistent asset allocation
  • Ways to ensure a more accurate screening of your portfolio for mission-aligned investing
  • Reasons to maintain a continuous dialogue with your organization’s stakeholders
  • And more!

Tune in to discover investment best practices that can help you emulate the success of the Clerics of Saint Viator!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | The Clerics of Saint Viator

About Our Guest:

Jim Thomas is CFO of the Clerics of St. Viator, an international Roman Catholic religious congregation headquartered just outside of Chicago. The Order has a vast footprint with numerous churches and schools throughout Illinois, other parts of the U.S., South America and beyond. Jim holds an MBA from Northwestern and  degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. Prior to joining the order, Jim served in numerous roles in the for-profit world including being COO of an aerospace/defense company, president of a consumer products company and a change agent at other organizations.

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Episode 33 – Future Outlook on Equity Markets (2021 Year-end Updates) with David Bianco

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As the calendar flips to a new year, are you curious about what to expect from equity markets — both in the USA and globally?

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis are joined by David Bianco, CFA, chief investment officer for the Americas at the DWS Group. As one of Wall Street’s best known strategists, David shares timely insights on the current state of equity markets, along with portfolio management tips for 2022 and beyond.

You will learn:

  • The primary reason behind high current valuations
  • How to guard your nonprofit’s investment portfolio against future inflation risk
  • Why ESG investing is here to stay
  • Key market trends and returns since the beginning of COVID-19
  • And more!

Tune in to discover what you can expect from the equity markets moving forward!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | The DWS Group | David Bianco, Americas CIO

About Our Guest:

David Bianco, CFA, is the chief investment officer for the Americas at the DWS Group. David is a sought-after Wall Street strategist who publishes his own research, which appears in many publications and media outlets, including CNBC. With more than 20 years of investment research experience and a decade of experience as an equity strategist, David has held the position of Head US Equity Strategist for Bank of America Merrill Lynch Investment Research and Global Wealth Management. Before BofA, he spent seven years at UBS and five years at Financial Account Standards Board’s Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council.

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Episode 31 – Behind the Scenes of a Successful Foundation with Jay Ruderman

charitable organization, education, endowment, finance, financial, investing, investment, nonprofit, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , ,

Are you looking for proven strategies to help your foundation thrive?

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Jay Ruderman, president of the Ruderman Family Foundation. Jay reveals principles that have guided the Ruderman Family Foundation in making prudent management, investment, and strategic decisions, and explains how other foundations can emulate their success.

You will learn:

  • Why nonprofits should focus on both advocacy and funding to amplify their impact
  • An unconventional way to look at ESG investing that leads to “double impact”
  • How to identify unique charitable opportunities and avoid replication
  • And more!

Tune in to learn how you can lead your foundation to success!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Jay Ruderman on LinkedIn | Ruderman Family Foundation | All Inclusive With Jay Ruderman (Podcast) | How To Make Your Investment Committee More Effective

About Our Guest:

Jay Ruderman is the President of the Ruderman Family Foundation, which focuses on the inclusion of people with disabilities worldwide and educating Israeli leaders on the American Jewish community. He also has served on the Board of Directors of the Jewish Funders Network and is a member of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee Executive Committee. In the fall of 2001, Jay became Deputy Director of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in New England. In 2005, Mr. Ruderman enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and became the liaison between the IDF and Diaspora Jewry. After his service in the IDF, he returned to AIPAC as the Leadership Director for AIPAC in Israel.

 

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Episode 30 – One Year Anniversary Special

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It’s been a year since Nonprofit Investment Stewards was launched!

A big thank you to all our wonderful listeners and guests who have been a part of this journey.

In this special episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis take a trip down the memory lane, highlighting some of their most memorable episodes. Then, they move on to share five invaluable – and timely – tips for nonprofit investment committees and other stakeholders who oversee endowments and foundations.

You will learn:

  • Key takeaways from some of our most-downloaded episodes
  • Many investment, governance and cost saving strategies to advance your nonprofit’s mission
  • How investment committees can think about lower expected returns
  • Bob’s and Devon’s favorite moments from the podcasting journey
  • And more!

Tune in to revisit some of our best episodes, as well as gain fresh insights on how to make your nonprofit thrive!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Endowment Investment Considerations for Today’s Market — With Brad Long | Your Guide to Endowment Spending Policy – With Devon Francis | How Nonprofit Leaders Can Overcome Today’s Challenges – with Dennis Morrone | Effective Investment Strategies for Healthcare Systems — With Russ Gronewold | 10 Habits of Effective Investment Committees | How the 2020 Elections Could Impact Nonprofit Investors — With Frank Kelly

 

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Episode 27 – 403(b) Retirement Plans Optimized for Nonprofits — With Vin Smith

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Nonprofits seek to attract, retain and reward great people – an attractive retirement plan is part of the solve. 

In this episode, Bob DiMeo and Devon Francis speak with Vin Smith, partner and practice leader of the nonprofit defined contribution practice at Fiducient Advisors. They help nonprofit leaders better design their 403(b) plans, create efficient investment menus, and evaluate their existing fee structures to remain relevant.

You will learn:

  • How retirement plans for nonprofits have evolved, and how to optimize yours
  • How to create a fee structure that is fair for all plan participants, and helps avoid litigation
  • Best practices to optimize both governance and fund selection for 403(b) plans
  • Ways to incorporate ESG investing into your 403(b) plan 
  • And more!

Tune in to learn how you can help your nonprofits remain relevant in the 403(b) landscape!

Resources: Email the Stewards | Fiducient Advisors | Bob DiMeo | Devon Francis | Vin Smith on LinkedIn | Email Vin Smith

About Our Guest:

As a Partner and Senior Consultant in our Boston Office, Vin services institutional clients by providing advice and counsel on all areas of fund oversight including policy, asset allocation, manager research, portfolio structure, portfolio rebalancing, performance monitoring and overall investment policy. He serves on the firm’s Defined Contribution Business Council and the Defined Contribution Discretionary Committee. Vin joined Fiduciary Investment Advisors, LLC in 2011, which combined with Fiducient Advisors in 2020. Prior to joining the firm, he was a senior member of the consulting teams at Cammack LaRhette Consulting and Longfellow Advisors. He earned his BSBA from Stonehill College and is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary®. Vin serves on the Board of Directors for Mentor Rhode Island, an affiliate of a national organization focusing on creating quality youth mentorship programs. His personal interests include running and fishing.

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