North America
Global ETF market soars, BlackRock earnings disappoint
The worldwide market for exchange traded funds (ETFs) saw record inflows of $350.9bn in 2015 as investors flocked to new fixed income trackers and looked outside the US for better equity returns.
Staying top quartile – it’s nearly impossible for US equity managers
US equity funds have a hard time in beating their peers on a sustained basis. Only 4.28% of 678 US equity funds analysed by S&P managed to consistently finish in the top-quartile during three consecutive one-year periods from September 2012 to September 2015. So no wonder investors prefer the passive option.
Investment | 13 Jan 16
BlackRock reshuffles leadership to boost global focus
BlackRock has announced a number of senior leadership changes aimed at, among other things: globalising its fixed income business, unifying its active equities strategies under one head, and increasing the focus multi-asset strategies.
Beechwood acquires Old Mutual Bermuda
Beechwood Bermuda, a provider of international investment plans, has completed its acquisition of Old Mutual (Bermuda), which had insurance and investment products with over $1bn in assets.
ANALYSIS: US equity tea leaves do not make for easy reading
Like any good rollercoaster, global equity markets had, by the end of the year, returned pretty much to where they started, while at the same time leaving investors somewhat shaken and a little nauseous for all the ups and downs along the way.