How can institutional investors maintain resilience in a dynamic global environment? Mercer’s investment themes and opportunities highlight the forces that we believe will shape economic and market dynamics over the years ahead – some themes are focused on the next 1-3 years, while others would be expected to play out over the course of a decade or more. 

 

Learn From Our Investment Experts About Themes That Institutional Investors Should Be Considering in 2019 

THEMES  AND OPPORTUNITIES 2019

Deb Clarke, Global Head of Investment Research and Kishen Ganatra, European Strategic Research Director

 

HOW CAN INVESTORS NAVIGATE IN 2019?

 

 

The Four Elements Shaping Future Investment Decisions

WHITE WATERS OF THE LATE CYCLE

  • Examine and waterproof fixed income portfolios
  • Stress-test strategic asset allocations
  • Build robust equity portfolios
  • Consider holding cash 

 

 

 

 

TECTONIC FRICTIONS IN THE GLOBAL WORLD ORDER

  • Prepare for market volatility 
  • Evaluate opportunistic strategies
  • Be agile where possible
  • Understand global index changes 

WINDS OF CHANGE IN MARKET PARTICIPATION

  • Stay alert for signs of market stress as central banks withdraw stimulus 
  • Assess tolerance for illiquidity, in a range of scenarios
  • Take advantage of a changing landscape for traditional active management

 

SUSTAINABILITY GATHERING MOMENTUM

  • Focus on clear beliefs and policies 
  • Assess climate change and stranded asset risk
  • Appoint managers with strong ESG credentials 
  • Review governance capabilities and fee sensitivities

TAKING ACTION

The ideas outlined in this paper represent our observations on the challenges, opportunities and drivers of change present in the current investment environment. We provide these ideas with the aim of provoking discussion, but the appropriate response at an investor level will be heavily influenced by the specific beliefs, objectives and constraints of each investor. We look forward to helping investors adapt their strategies as new risks and opportunities arise over the course of 2019.

 

Learn More About Mercer’s Investment Research

 

Economic and Market Outlook 2019

Insights into Economy and Monetary Policies

 

Research Perspectives
 

Our quarterly Research Perspectives covers a wide variety of investment topics.

10 Years After the Global Financial Crisis

New lessons to be learned may be few, but there are some valuable older lessons to be relearned.



Download the research report

Fill out your details below to receive the Research Report in your inbox.  If you do not have your pop-up blocker enabled, you will be prompted by your browser to download the white paper or view in a new window.

*Required Fields