KNOWLEDGE CENTRE

You’ll turn to the Knowledge Center again and again for credible, authoritative analysis, extending beyond the “what” to the “how.”

The Knowledge Center Archive allows you to filter materials by the markets we serve and by material type.

• May

  14

  2013

  Emerging-Markets Equity: It’s About the Middle Class, Small Caps and Long-Term Growth

  Emerging markets have dramatically evolved over the past 20 years, quadrupling as a percentage of the MSCI ACWI-ex U.S. Index. On a global basis, the middle class is expected to expand rapidly through 2030. We believe the bulk of that growth will be concentrated in emerging-markets countries in Asia and the Pacific Basin. An expanding middle class should increase domestic consumption in emerging economies and this will likely provide a disproportionate benefit to small-cap stocks. Emerging-markets equities are trading at a 20% discount to historic average valuations.

  [... More]
  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:Advisor,Categories:Advisor.Investments,Categories:Institutions,Categories:Institutions.Markets and Economy,Categories:Private Banking,Categories:Private Banking.Managing Money,Categories:Wealth,Categories:Wealth.Market and Economy,Content Types:Commentary
• Apr

  30

  2013

  Annual Market Commentary to 31 March 2013

  At this stage of the market cycle, we expect stock markets to rally on good economic news, even if bond prices react negatively. Of course, there is enough political and economic uncertainty in the world that it is difficult to make sweeping generalisations even within asset classes. We have been neutral on the bond/stock call in the short-term, but expect equities to be the better-performing asset over the next five-to-10 years.

  [... More]
  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:Advisor,Categories:Advisor.Investments,Categories:Institutions,Categories:Institutions.Markets and Economy,Categories:Private Banking,Categories:Private Banking.Managing Money,Categories:Wealth,Categories:Wealth.Market and Economy,Content Types:Commentary
• Apr

  10

  2013

  First Quarter 2013 Market Commentary

  After an optimistic January, the mood in February and March was more downcast. Global equity markets held up well amidst the bad news in the quarter and outperformed the fixed income market. Risk appetite was apparent in the global fixed income markets and high yield bonds performed well.

  [... More]
  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:Advisor,Categories:Advisor.Investments,Categories:Institutions,Categories:Institutions.Markets and Economy,Categories:Private Banking,Categories:Private Banking.Managing Money,Categories:Wealth,Categories:Wealth.Market and Economy,Content Types:Commentary
• Apr

  10

  2013

  Economic Outlook: Investors Keep Calm and Carry On

  Although Europe is a mess, the U.S. markets keep growing. Can the growth continue? While past performance is no guarantee of future results, there are some signs that the answer is “yes.”   

  [... More]
  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:Advisor,Categories:Advisor.Investments,Categories:Institutions,Categories:Institutions.Markets and Economy,Categories:Private Banking,Categories:Private Banking.Managing Money,Categories:Wealth,Categories:Wealth.Market and Economy,Content Types:Commentary
• Mar

  27

  2013

  Commentary: Proposed European Financial Transaction Tax

  The European Union (E.U.) has proposed a financial transactions tax on trading of stocks, bonds and derivatives. The aim is to recoup costs related to recent financial crises and help prevent future occurrences. Less than half of E.U. member countries have so far agreed to impose the FTT. While the FTT could have a number of various consequences, we do not view it as a serious threat to our business.

  [... More]
  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:Advisor,Categories:Advisor.Investments,Categories:Institutions,Categories:Institutions.Investment Management,Categories:Private Banking,Categories:Private Banking.Managing Money,Categories:Wealth,Categories:Wealth.Market and Economy,Content Types:Commentary
• Mar

  26

  2013

  6 Ways Hedge Funds Need to Adapt Now

  In SEI's sixth annual hedge fund survey, institutional investors and fund managers speak out on what it takes to succeed in a tough climate.  Hedge funds may be facing challenges, but investors still need them and want them in their portfolios.

  [... More]
  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:IMS,Content Types:White Paper
• Mar

  20

  2013

  The Crisis in Cyprus? The Real Fear is Pandora’s Box

  The proposed bailout for the small European nation of Cyprus has caused a great deal of controversy. Cyprus is not relevant to global economic performance. The concern is a eurozone-wide bank panic.

  [... More]
  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:Advisor,Categories:Advisor.Investments,Categories:Institutions,Categories:Institutions.Markets and Economy,Categories:Private Banking,Categories:Private Banking.Managing Money,Categories:Wealth,Categories:Wealth.Market and Economy,Content Types:Commentary
• Mar

  6

  2013

  February 2013 Monthly Commentary

  After an optimistic January, the mood in February was more downcast. Major central banks remained accommodative in an effort to help stimulate growth. Global financial markets declined marginally. Risk appetite in fixed income markets continued to expand, while demand for risk within equities was more muted.

  [... More]
  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Client,Audience:Prospect,Categories:Advisor,Categories:Advisor.Investments,Categories:Institutions,Categories:Institutions.Markets and Economy,Categories:Private Banking,Categories:Private Banking.Managing Money,Categories:Wealth,Categories:Wealth.Market and Economy,Content Types:Commentary
• Mar

  5

  2013

  The U.S. Mortgage Market - Opportunity in the Wake of Crisis

  The bubble and crash in the U.S. residential mortgage market resulted from a multitude of factors. The crash created widespread panic, a dramatic decline in asset values, and ultimately, opportunity. SEI’s SGMF US Fixed Income Fund has benefitted, and we believe opportunities remain in the mortgage sector.

  [... More]
  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:Advisor,Categories:Advisor.Investments,Categories:Institutions,Categories:Institutions.Markets and Economy,Categories:Private Banking,Categories:Private Banking.Managing Money,Categories:Wealth,Categories:Wealth.Market and Economy,Content Types:Commentary
• Mar

  5

  2013

  Financial Crises - A “Hardy Perennial”

  The dramatic financial crisis of 2008 caused severe market and economic dislocation. Although it was the largest in the U.S. since the 1930s, crises are an all-too-common feature of financial economies. A close look at the U.S. mortgage crisis reveals the dynamics of - and disagreements over - financial crises.

  [... More]
  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:Advisor,Categories:Advisor.Investments,Categories:Institutions,Categories:Institutions.Markets and Economy,Categories:Private Banking,Categories:Private Banking.Managing Money,Categories:Wealth,Categories:Wealth.Market and Economy,Content Types:Commentary
• Feb

  28

  2013

  "Sequestration"—Is the Sky About to Fall?

  Some $85 billion worth of federal spending cuts are expected to take effect on March 1. While this looks like a large number, it amounts to only 2.4% of the federal budget and 0.5% of the U.S. economy. SEI sees no reason to adjust our investment strategies based on the potential impact of sequestration.

  [... More]
  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:Advisor,Categories:Advisor.Investments,Categories:Institutions,Categories:Institutions.Markets and Economy,Categories:Private Banking,Categories:Private Banking.Managing Money,Categories:Wealth,Categories:Wealth.Market and Economy,Content Types:Commentary
• Feb

  13

  2013

  January 2013 Monthly Commentary

  2012 ended on a positive note and this sentiment extended into and throughout January. Major central banks remained accommodative in an effort to help stimulate growth. Global equities experienced respectable gains for the month as investor sentiment remained buoyed, while global bonds declined marginally. Risk appetite in the financial markets was high in January.

  [... More]
  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:Advisor,Categories:Advisor.Investments,Categories:Institutions,Categories:Institutions.Markets and Economy,Categories:Private Banking,Categories:Private Banking.Managing Money,Categories:Wealth,Categories:Wealth.Market and Economy,Content Types:Commentary
• Feb

  11

  2013

  Strong Momentum and Elevated Sentiment

  Stock markets started 2013 with a bang, which could bode well for full-year returns. We are cautious at the moment, as investor sentiment appears to be somewhat stretched. However, we believe that the underlying economic fundamentals validate the optimism reflected in stock prices.

  [... More]
  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:Advisor,Categories:Advisor.Investments,Categories:Institutions,Categories:Institutions.Markets and Economy,Categories:Private Banking,Categories:Private Banking.Managing Money,Categories:Wealth,Categories:Wealth.Market and Economy,Content Types:Commentary
• Jan

  31

  2013

  2012 Annual Market Commentary

  For 2012 as a whole, global high yield debt and emerging market bonds performed best within the fixed income markets as gains in the “risk on” periods outweighed losses in the “risk off” ones. Global government bonds lagged notably in comparison. However, government bonds did remain somewhat in demand and consequently yields generally fell (while prices rose). European government bonds - especially Greek sovereigns - rallied in particular.

  SEI believes that 2013 will be characterised by improved global economic growth, less volatility in the European financial markets, and by a calming of the political waters in the U.S. and elsewhere.

  We favour equities over bonds, believing that current valuations on the global equity markets are reasonable, and that fixed income markets are at present much more expensive than equity markets.

  [... More]
  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:Advisor,Categories:Advisor.Investments,Categories:Institutions,Categories:Institutions.Markets and Economy,Categories:Private Banking,Categories:Private Banking.Managing Money,Categories:Wealth,Categories:Wealth.Market and Economy,Content Types:Commentary
• Jan

  16

  2013

  Fourth Quarter Market Commentary

  Investor focus switched from the U.S. elections to the looming U.S. “fiscal cliff” and ongoing worries surrounding the fate of the eurozone. Major central banks once again remained accommodative in an effort to help stimulate growth. Global equities experienced respectable gains for the quarter as investor sentiment improved, while global bonds declined marginally. Equities outperformed fixed income securities for the period as a whole.

  [... More]
  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:Advisor,Categories:Advisor.Investments,Categories:Institutions,Categories:Institutions.Markets and Economy,Categories:Private Banking,Categories:Private Banking.Managing Money,Categories:Wealth,Categories:Wealth.Market and Economy,Content Types:Commentary
• Jan

  2

  2013

  Markets Climb a Cliff of Worry

  Despite all the political and economic uncertainties in the world, financial assets registered robust gains in 2012. We expect 2013 to be characterized by improved global economic growth, less financial-market volatility in Europe and some calming of the political waters in the U.S. and elsewhere. While this should be good news for equity markets, we strongly believe that the 30-year secular bull market in bonds is drawing to a close.

  [... More]
  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:Advisor,Categories:Advisor.Investments,Categories:Institutions,Categories:Institutions.Markets and Economy,Categories:Private Banking,Categories:Private Banking.Managing Money,Categories:Wealth,Categories:Wealth.Market and Economy,Content Types:Commentary
• Jan

  2

  2013

  The Fiscal Cliff: A Deal of Sorts

  Despite the partial solution, we view the progress as a positive sign and (from an asset allocation perspective) plan to take a more aggressive, pro-cyclical stance in favor of equities as a result.

  [... More]
  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:Advisor,Categories:Advisor.Investments,Categories:Institutions,Categories:Institutions.Markets and Economy,Categories:Private Banking,Categories:Private Banking.Managing Money,Categories:Wealth,Categories:Wealth.Market and Economy,Content Types:Commentary
• Dec

  13

  2012

  November 2012 Market Update

  Investor focus remained on the looming “fiscal cliff” in the U.S. and on ongoing worries surrounding the fate of the eurozone in November. Major central banks once again remained accommodative in an effort to help stimulate growth. 

  [... More]
  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:Advisor,Categories:Advisor.Investments,Categories:Institutions,Categories:Institutions.Markets and Economy,Categories:Private Banking,Categories:Private Banking.Managing Money,Categories:Wealth,Categories:Wealth.Market and Economy,Content Types:Commentary
• Dec

  4

  2012

  Seven Ways to Reinvention: Evolving and Enhancing the Funds of Hedge Funds Model

  While predictions of the fund of hedge funds (FoHFs) industry’s demise appear to be off the mark, the need for innovation is undeniable. Request our 20-page paper to find out more about the headwinds facing the FoHF industry, and where investor/consultant and manager responses diverge on key issues. [... More]

  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:IMS,Categories:IMS.Industry Trends and Analysis,Content Types:White Paper
• Nov

  8

  2012

  October 2012 Monthly Commentary

  The focus remained on Europe, the upcoming U.S. elections and slowing growth in China in October. Leading central banks remained accommodative in October as part of continued efforts to help stimulate global growth. Global equities and bonds both experienced losses in the month, with fixed income performing marginally better as investor sentiment waned. Within fixed interest, emerging market debt and high yield bonds did best. [... More]

  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:Advisor,Categories:Institutions,Categories:Institutions.Markets and Economy,Categories:Private Banking,Categories:Private Banking.Managing Money,Categories:Wealth,Categories:Wealth.Market and Economy,Content Types:Commentary
• Oct

  19

  2012

  Webinar: Cross Border Distribution

  Industry experts discuss the critical issues alternative investment managers face in distributing their products outside their home countries. [... More]

  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:IMS,Categories:IMS.Industry Trends and Analysis,Content Types:Video
• Jul

  25

  2012

  Analysing the Complexities of Bank Debt Investments: Operational, Legal & Accounting Best Practices

  SEI partnered with HFMWeek to host a best practice panel on bank debt investments. [... More]

  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Client,Audience:Partner,Audience:Prospect,Categories:IMS,Categories:IMS.Distribution and Packaging,Categories:IMS.Industry Trends and Analysis,Categories:IMS.Infrastructure and Operations,Categories:IMS.Regulatory and Compliance,Content Types:Presentation,Content Types:Video
• Jul

  18

  2012

  Second Quarter 2012 Market and Performance Update

  Optimism turned sour in April and reached panic levels in May when concerns about economic and political problems in the eurozone resurfaced with a vengeance. Events surrounding the French and Greek elections led to increased uncertainty, as did the deepening eurozone debt crisis when troubles in Spain and Italy hit the headlines. Economic data released during this time painted an uncertain picture and seemed to indicate a pause in global economic growth. [... More]

  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:Advisor,Categories:Advisor.Investments,Categories:Institutions,Categories:Institutions.Markets and Economy,Categories:Private Banking,Categories:Private Banking.Managing Money,Categories:Wealth,Categories:Wealth.Market and Economy,Content Types:Commentary
• Feb

  23

  2012

  2012 SEI Global Hedge Fund Survey

  SEI's fifth annual survey of institutional hedge fund investors focuses on hedge fund allocations, objectives, performance, vehicle and strategy preferences. [... More]

  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:IMS,Categories:IMS.Industry Trends and Analysis,Content Types:White Paper
• Feb

  14

  2012

  Commentary: The Five Stages of Greece

  Greece’s experience as a member of the eurozone appears to be following a trajectory similar to the five stages of grief. We believe that the troubled nation is on the verge of the fifth stage — Acceptance — in the form of departure from the European Union. [... More]

  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:Advisor,Categories:Advisor.Investments,Categories:Institutions,Categories:Institutions.Markets and Economy,Categories:Private Banking,Categories:Private Banking.Managing Money,Categories:Wealth,Categories:Wealth.Market and Economy,Content Types:Commentary
• Aug

  30

  2011

  2011 SEI Global Private Equity Survey

  The private equity market is finally exhibiting some vital signs, several years after activity came to a virtual standstill when cheap credit evaporated amid the global financial crisis. Fund managers and investors alike are relieved to
  see unmistakable signs of a recovery.  [... More]

  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:IMS,Categories:IMS.Distribution and Packaging,Categories:IMS.Industry Trends and Analysis,Content Types:Commentary,Content Types:White Paper
• Aug

  17

  2010

  Shariah Investing: Resilience Through Europe

  The past few weeks have been challenging for the market with uncertainty leading to high market volatility and increasing investor anxiety. It is those stocks with stronger financial positions and limited direct exposure to the financial crisis which should be better positioned to take advantage of the improving conditions [... More]

  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:Advisor,Categories:Advisor.Investments,Content Types:Commentary
• Mar

  12

  2010

  Shariah Investing: Focusing on Fundamentals

  If 2010 continues to see the market transition to a more fundamentals-driven recovery, Investment Managers – including Shariah Managers - with a track record of strong security selection capabilities may be in a better position than other managers to navigate such an environment. [... More]

  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:IMS,Categories:Private Banking,Categories:Private Banking.Managing Money,Content Types:Commentary
• Oct

  22

  2009

  Shariah Investing: Through Bull and Bear Markets?

  As discussed in our previous Shariah Investing reports, Shariah Indices have performed better than their conventional counterparts throughout the credit crisis. Over the last eleven credit-crisis challenged quarters, the MSCI World Islamic Index has delivered a good track record with lower volatility than the MSCI World Index. However, it is not just this outperformance in volatile times that speaks positively for Shariah Investing but its performance across a full market cycle. [... More]

  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:IMS,Categories:Private Banking,Categories:Private Banking.Managing Money,Content Types:Commentary
• May

  22

  2009

  Shariah Investing: Creating a Track Record

  We may have started 2009 with hopes of the markets stabilizing however volatility, as shown in Figure 2, remains high. As a result, we do not anticipate seeing the story of Shariah Investing out performance shifting to one of underperformance just yet. Islamic investors should continue to benefit from their lack of exposure to the volatile financial sector and erratic market swings. [... More]

  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:IMS,Categories:Private Banking,Categories:Private Banking.Managing Money,Content Types:Commentary
• Mar

  12

  2009

  Hedge Fund Regulatory Update: The Regulatory Wagons are Circling

  Regulators around the globe are circling the wagons. Some form of hedge fund and hedge fund advisor regulation appears inevitable in most major jurisdictions. This web seminar replay examines the current regulatory climate facing alternative investments. [... More]

  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Client,Audience:Prospect,Categories:IMS,Categories:IMS.Regulatory and Compliance,Content Types:Presentation,Content Types:Video
• Feb

  25

  2009

  A Market Gone Bad: How Are Pensions Around the World Responding?

  The Pension Management Research Panel recently conducted a global Quick Poll of pension executives from five markets, examining the extent of the impact last year had on organisations managing pensions and how they are responding to ongoing worldwide investment volatility. [... More]

  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:Institutions,Categories:Institutions.Investment Management,Categories:Institutions.Markets and Economy,Content Types:Quick Poll
• Nov

  28

  2008

  Challenged by Commodities

  Since our last paper “Shariah Investing: Beating the Credit Crunch," the markets have proven challenging for Shariah Investing. The third quarter of 2008 saw dramatic falls in commodity and energy prices, whilst strangely, financials rallied. Islamic Finance’s dependence on these asset classes proved to be the Achilles heel. Whilst Shariah Investing continues to outperform the conventional through this credit crisis, it weathered a severe storm in Q3. [... More]

  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:IMS,Categories:Private Banking,Categories:Private Banking.Managing Money,Content Types:Commentary
• Jun

  30

  2008

  Shariah Investing: Beating the Credit Crunch

  We believe there is a strong argument to support the notion that Shariah investing is not the ‘poorer cousin’ of its conventional counterpart, but is a viable alternative approach. Whilst the behavior of Shariah funds at the individual fund level is no different to Conventional counterparts in that some will outperform and others will underperform, recently Islamic indices have highlighted that their low-debt, nonfinancial, social-ethical approaches work in market downturns. [... More]

  Article Types:Knowledge Center,Audience:Prospect,Categories:IMS,Categories:Private Banking,Categories:Private Banking.Managing Money,Content Types:Commentary