Perspectives

Did factor performance at the end of 2020 suggest investor optimism in 2021? We explore the question based on the historical relationship between factors and the economic cycle?

Peter Zangari, MSCI's head of research and product development, provides his perspective on where investors were back in March, their current concerns and some words of wisdom as we get ready to turn the page on 2020.

Our journey through the world of global investing continues with a look at the increasingly global focus of fixed-income investors and their search for yield. Next stop: China.

If your home equity market is performing well, why would you look elsewhere for potential opportunities? We search for answers with Raina Oberoi, MSCI's Head of Index Solutions Research for the Americas.

The future of mobility is nothing short of a “revolution,” says Lukas Neckermann, who has researched, written and consulted on the subject for more than 20 years. We discuss the new mobility ecosystem encompassing a diverse range of industries including renewable energy, technology, transportation, travel, infrastructure, entertainment and even public health.

2020 brought lockdowns, shuttered businesses, layoffs, a world-wide work-from-home experiment and exposed long-time systemic issues and inequality. We dive into these social issues head first and examine their impact on investors with global ESG editorial director, Meggin Thwing Eastman.

The 40% increase of ESG indexes revealed on last week's episode piqued our curiousity. Why so large a rise? How has it differed across the world? What role have investors and regulators played? We pick up our conversation with Rick Redding, CEO of the Index Industry Association, joined by MSCI’s Head of ESG Index EMEA, Veronique Menou.

Snapshots of the index industry can reflect investors’ focus and provide a window on the investment landscape as a whole. Rick Redding, CEO of the Index Industry Association, reviews their 4th annual survey and its illuminating results.

Given the current economic outlook, some investors are skeptical about equity valuations reminiscent of the late 90s. This week on Perspectives, we ask whether they should be.

Global gateway citiys like Paris, London, Hong Kong and New York provide critical mass, connectivity and economic importance that have appealed to investors and corporate tenants alike. With uncertainty about whether workers will return to the office, has COVID-19 jeopardized the relative dominance of these power cities?