Portfolio Intelligence

Michael J. Scanlon, Jr., CFA, portfolio manager at Manulife Investment Management, discusses the recent stock market volatility and why companies beating quarterly earnings estimates may be getting lost in the shuffle as investors focus on recent hedge fund losses. Scanlon, who co-manages the John Hancock Balanced Fund, delves into the mechanics of shorting a stock, how short squeezes happen, and why short sellers are often unfairly labeled as villains. The portfolio manager also offers his thoughts on the recent explosion of special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs), signs of frothiness in the markets, and the importance of maintaining a long-term mindset during volatile times.

Thomas Mucha, geopolitical strategist for Wellington Management, discusses what investors should be looking for during the pivotal first 100 days of Joe Biden’s presidency. The longtime Washington observer expects an intense focus on combating the COVID‐19 pandemic and rolling out economic stimulus. Other key issues to watch during Biden’s first 100 days include the possible introduction of an infrastructure deal and a more multilateral approach to foreign policy, Mucha explains. Although we recently examined the key early economic takeaways and positioning after the election, this episode also covers the longer‐term investment implications of a Biden presidency.

Co-Chief Investment Strategists Emily R. Roland, CIMA, and Matthew D. Miskin, CFA, evaluate how their top portfolio ideas performed last year and share how they’re positioning for 2021. The co-strategists explain why they’re looking for some parts of the equity markets—including traditional value sectors, mid caps, and emerging markets—to catch up to the hot performance of dominant mega-cap stocks in 2021. In fixed income, they discuss why they’re more constructive on high-yield corporate debt, even though they still like high-quality bonds such as U.S. Treasuries for diversification and some protection if high-flying stocks falter this year. Finally, Matt and Emily offer their thoughts on the recent turmoil in Washington and how markets and the economy may be affected by the election results.

2020 was one for the record books in terms of market and economic volatility. In the latest Portfolio Intelligence podcast, Co‐Chief Investment Strategists Emily R. Roland, CIMA, and Matthew D. Miskin, CFA, look back at the year that was, and offer their 2021 outlook. The strategists discuss how COVID‐19 vaccines may alter the economic trajectory, what they’re watching in equity markets, why inflation should remain subdued, and where to find yield in a low‐rate environment.

Putting credit research at the center of a fixed‐income portfolio is the key to robust active management inside the $20 billion John Hancock Bond Fund. In his interview with Portfolio Intelligence host John Bryson, fund manager Howard Greene of Manulife Investment Management describes how he and his team do credit research differently than many competitors. With individual analysts providing full sector coverage up and down the credit‐quality spectrum, Howard outlines how this approach helps analysts evaluate the upper bounds of high yield and the lower tiers of the investment‐grade market segments. According to Howard, this can help uncover more frequently overlooked value opportunities while enabling more agnostic views on where to find the most attractive sources of yield.

Director of ETF Capital Markets Will Creedon discusses how investment professionals are preparing for year-end tax planning and how ETF tax efficiency can help make their jobs easier. The 2020 market volatility has created tax-loss harvesting opportunities that haven’t been seen in several years, he tell host John Bryson. Will also provides insight on which asset classes might be ripe for tax harvesting, how the U.S. tax code may change after the election, and where to learn more about smart tax strategies. To learn more about using ETFs for tax-loss harvesting in volatile markets, explore this Viewpoint: https://www.jhinvestments.com/viewpoints/etfs/using-market-volatility-for-tax-loss-harvesting-with-etfs

In today’s environment, financial professionals can’t really maximize their businesses’ potential without using virtual technologies. National Sales Manager Andy McFetridge joins John Bryson to talk about making the most of these technologies and techniques—including online meeting platforms, strategies for personalizing the client experience, and other best practices for communicating through virtual meetings. Learn how using today’s technologies well can enhance your connections with clients while unlocking new value for your business. Financial professionals: Check out our resources on virtual meeting essentials.

Co-Chief Investment Strategists Emily Roland and Matt Miskin weigh in on the recent market volatility and what investors should focus on in the weeks leading up to the crucial U.S. election. The strategists also update host John Bryson on what the latest economic data is hinting about the growth trajectory during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, Emily and Matt share their highest-conviction ideas for the equity and fixed-income markets, the outlook for the U.S. Federal Reserve, and what credit spreads and currency markets are forecasting for the markets.

College admissions coach Nancy Steenson tells host John Bryson how students can distinguish themselves from thousands of other college applications, particularly during the time of COVID‐19. She also provides tips on taking the SAT, if a gap year is appropriate now, why the high school transcript is so important, and how to write engaging essays to get noticed by college admissions boards. Finally, Steenson shares the most common mistakes she sees when students apply to colleges, and discusses strategies for parents to save for college and qualify for financial aid.