Kent Hargis, PhD

Following a defensive equity playbook can help investors prepare for market volatility in a year of heightened uncertainty.

If climate portfolios are positioned in the same giant US stocks held in broad equity allocations, investors may unwittingly double down on risk.

The case for renewables transcends politics.

Recent market volatility has reinforced the importance of casting a wider net to find attractively valued companies for equity portfolios.

Technological disruption creates opportunity—and volatility. But there are ways to capture AI innovation while managing risk.

Building a low-carbon equity strategy requires a wide view of the forces shaping businesses and returns, including climate change.

Active management is key to investing in climate-focused equity portfolios. Here’s why.

Defensive equity strategies that limit downside losses but lag too much in up-markets may be missing the mark. Is there another way to reduce volatility?

Powerful forces are creating attractive opportunities in climate-focused companies for equity investors.

Human behavior can lead to irrational investment decisions, but a well-planned low-volatility strategy may be the antidote.

New public policies reflect growing urgency to address climate risk, which equity investors should emphasize, too.

When markets are rising, investors don't always prepare for turbulence. Yet we think the best time to build a defensive plan for an equity allocation is before volatility strikes.

Stocks have advanced this year, though markets have been volatile and investors are grappling with tough challenges. We asked three of our equity portfolio managers to share their thoughts on investing in the current environment.

Climate investing takes a holistic approach to address today’s risks and pursue future growth potential among quality companies.

If volatility becomes more common in the future, strategies that help reduce downside risk should become integral to equity allocations.

Technology and healthcare are good examples of sectors that can play different equity-allocation roles than you might expect.

As corporate earnings continue to adjust to a new regime, markets are likely to be volatile in 2023. What can equity investors do to reduce risk?

Investors may be surprised to discover how a strategy targeting stocks that lose less in a downturn can beat the market over time.

These guidelines can help investors frame a defensive strategy for volatile times and bolster confidence to stay in equities through an uncertain period ahead.

As a storm of volatility continues to rage in equity markets, here are some strategies that can help investors reduce risk and stay invested through the turbulence.

For investors seeking more stable equity allocations, stocks with high-quality features and reasonable valuations can help portfolios cope with volatility.

Equity investors focused on a low-carbon strategy needn't compromise on company fundamentals. When quality and compelling valuations are equally considered, joining the global fight against climate change and generating strong return potential can work hand in glove.

Steady earnings combined with resilient business models and innovation should compel investor interest, but it hasn’t. Is the time right for a reversal?

Across the industrial sector, low-carbon investing naturally leans toward renewable energy opportunities, like wind and solar power. But it can go beyond just renewables, and more industrial companies are taking the extra step to lower emissions with efficient energy technologies and by more accurately measuring their carbon footprint.

The exit from the pandemic will be bumpy. Defensive stocks with attractive valuations can help provide balance through an uncertain recovery.

Global stocks rebounded sharply from the coronavirus market crash in 2020, but the ride was rocky. With so many risks clouding the outlook, we believe that investors should focus on generating a smoother pattern of returns through the recovery from COVID-19.

Defensive equities are usually found in sectors that have withstood market shocks, such as utilities and real estate. But as COVID-19 shakes up investment conventions, companies with intangible assets are being more appreciated for their volatility cushion.

Several equity factors diverged significantly from their typical performance patterns during the COVID-19 crisis. By understanding how factor returns behaved in this market correction relative to their historic norms, investors can not only prepare for future volatility but also take advantage of short-term market dislocations.

Following these guidelines can help equity investors navigate the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic when selecting stocks and positioning portfolios.

Even as global stocks climbed in 2019, market volatility persisted. By some measures, lower-volatility stocks now look quite expensive. But in fact, high-quality stocks that can help protect portfolios can be found at reasonable prices, if you know where to look.

Rejoice—people around the world are living longer! But pause the festivities—that means they need more retirement money. To ensure they don’t run out of cash, savers need to adjust their investment strategies as their needs change, both before and after retiring.

Global stocks rebounded in the first quarter, but the ride was rocky. Even in a rising market, volatility is a clear and present danger. With so many risks clouding the outlook, we believe that investors should focus on generating a smoother pattern of returns.

After a volatile year in global markets, equity investors are on high alert. With so much uncertainty about the macroeconomic growth outlook, we think it's important to make sure that an equity allocation is positioned to do well no matter what happens to the economy.

Recent volatility reminds us that new risks are testing standard defensive equity strategies. Portfolios that offer downside protection need to go beyond standard risk models and position themselves for changing challenges ranging from trade wars to European political instability.

Changing market conditions over the last five years have taught us a few things about managing risk. The most important lesson? Delivering downside protection constantly requires refining and adjustment.

Soaring stock prices thrill investors, but it's the disciplined, less glamorous efforts to not lose money that build lasting wealth. It's possible to get downside protection and still beat the market over time. Here's how.

Contrary to conventional wisdom, research shows that less volatile stocks tend to beat the market over the long term, by losing less in downturns. Our own research found that an active approach combining low volatility and high fundamental quality produced even stronger performance. This strategy can be used as a source of uncorrelated alpha or as part of a plan's overall risk management.