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Notes from the Road...or the Boarding Gate

10 August 2023
9 min read

What You Need to Know

This short note draws out common themes from our recent conversations and meetings with clients across the US, Canada, Europe and the Middle East. The questions we were asked ranged from monetary policy and inflation to strategic asset allocation, the impact of artificial intelligence and market liquidity.

There was almost no pushback to our suggestion that equilibrium inflation will be higher, but that does not mean investors have changed their strategic asset allocation to reflect this. There was a general view that allocations to private assets are going up, especially private debt, though there were also questions on the system wide impact of this development on liquidity and the cycle. We found no consensus at all on the tactical outlook, which many investors have found especially hard to navigate.

When traveling to meet with clients, it’s striking how often common topics surface. This could, of course, suggest that we are all in one giant echo chamber, but it does seem to reflect shared concerns. Below, we summarize themes that emerged in recent meetings across the US, Canada, Europe and the Middle East. They run the full gamut from strategic to tactical and from macroeconomic to portfolio construction.

Past performance, historical and current analyses, and expectations do not guarantee future results. There can be no assurance that any investment objectives will be achieved. The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this publication. AllianceBernstein L.P. makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this publication. This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor’s personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AB or its affiliates.

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About the Authors

Inigo Fraser Jenkins is Co-Head of Institutional Solutions at AB. He was previously head of Global Quantitative Strategy at Bernstein Research. Prior to joining Bernstein in 2015, Fraser Jenkins headed Nomura's Global Quantitative Strategy and European Equity Strategy teams after holding the position of European quantitative strategist at Lehman Brothers. He began his career at the Bank of England. Fraser Jenkins holds a BSc in physics from Imperial College London, an MSc in history and philosophy of science from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and an MSc in finance from Imperial College London. Location: London

Alla Harmsworth is Co-Head of Institutional Solutions and Head of Alphalytics at AB. She was previously head of European Quantitative Strategy at Bernstein Research. Prior to joining Bernstein in 2015, Harmsworth worked for two years on Nomura's Institutional Investor-ranked European Equity Strategy and Quantitative Strategy team. Her previous experience includes seven years at Fidelity as a quantitative analyst and portfolio manager, along with stints at Nikko Asset Management and ABN AMRO. Harmsworth holds a BA (Hons) and an MA in philosophy, politics and economics from University College Oxford and an MSc in economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Location: London

Additional Contrbutors

Robertas Stancikas, Harjaspreet Mand and Maureen Hughes