Knowledge Center Archive

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.

 

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    • February 09, 2012
    • Podcast: January 2012 Payroll Report
    • January’s non-farm payroll number came in above expectations at 243,000, proving to be a very strong report for the start of the year after consensus estimates called for the addition of 140,000 jobs. Companies are gaining confidence, as reflected in recent labor data, and the encouraging news is being driven by overall growth within most sectors. [... More]
    • February 08, 2012
    • Quick Poll: The Top 10 Priorities for U.S. Pension Plan Sponsors in 2012

    • The Pension Management Research Panel conducted its 3rd annual Quick Poll asking U.S. pension plan sponsors to identify their organization's top investment priorities and challenges for the upcoming year.

      [... More]
    • January 30, 2012
    • Fitch Downgrades Several European Governments
    • On Friday, January 13, Standard & Poor’s (S&P) downgraded its credit ratings on several European governments. While this action has generated significant media attention, SEI’s Funds have little exposure and the actual market impact has been minimal. [... More]
    • January 27, 2012
    • Podcast: January 2012 Federal Open Market Committee
    • The start of the new year was reminiscent of the fourth quarter of last year. Economic data continued to point toward tepid growth, and the Fed’s rhetoric remained dovish. Investors are wondering if and when—the Fed might move forward with a third round of quantitative easing, or QE3. [... More]
    • January 27, 2012
    • Regulated Alternatives: The New Conventional
    • The evolution of investment philosophies and strategies is causing previously distinct investor segments and products to converge.  The trend of packaging alternative investment strategies within mutual funds and UCITS continues unabated, with new products being introduced regularly and asset flows gaining momentum. [... More]
    • January 16, 2012
    • The Future Wealth Report: A Client Revolution
    • As part of SEI's commitment to delivering solutions that are both relevant and innovative, today and tomorrow, we are proud to be a partner on the Futurewealth Project. This project is creating a very unique body of empirical research on the global high-net-worth individual investor market. [... More]
    • January 16, 2012
    • S&P’s European Downgrades—The Implications
    • On Friday, January 13, Standard & Poor’s (S&P) downgraded its credit ratings on several European governments. While this action has generated significant media attention, SEI’s Funds have little exposure and the actual market impact has been minimal. [... More]
    • January 16, 2012
    • Fourth Quarter 2011 Market and Performance Update
    • Ongoing eurozone troubles undercut optimism, but strong economic data releases from the U.S. boosted sentiment. Equity and fixed-income markets gained, with risky assets among the strongest performers. [... More]
    • January 10, 2012
    • Podcast: December 2011 Payroll Report
    • December’s nonfarm payroll number came in above expectations at 200,000 jobs created, and that number was revised higher by 5,000 after the release of the ADP report. It is no secret that hiring in the U.S. is increasing. However, it needs to accelerate even more in order to help move the unemployment rate lower and keep consumer confidence elevated. [... More]
    • January 09, 2012
    • ASC 715 Discount Rate Selection - Addendum

    • Now that the year has closed, this paper provides a summary update on the assumptions for ASC 715 based on end-of-year indices.

      [... More]
    • January 03, 2012
    • Economic Outlook: A Pivotal Year Ahead
    • There is no denying that the past year was a trying one for investors. Global financial markets remain fragile and subject to sharp moves based on the latest headlines. With Europe on the cusp of recession, China laboring through the downside of a property bubble, and the U.S. heading towards its most important election cycle in decades, there will be no quick end to the uncertainty that has made investing a difficult enterprise. [... More]
    • December 23, 2011
    • North Korea’s Leadership Transition Raises Questions
    • In a year marked by volatility, the death of Kim Jong II adds a further level of uncertainty to the Korean peninsula. While an orderly transition appears to be taking place, the previous leader’s transition had been planned and prepared for over a 20-year period versus just a few years for the current transition. [... More]
    • December 20, 2011
    • Guidance for Setting ASC 715 Discount Rates and ROA Assumptions
    • In this video presentation, Jon Waite, FSA, Chief Actuary for SEI's Institutional Group, reviews the current pension landscape and provides statistics and guidance to aid in ASC 715 rate setting. [... More]
    • December 19, 2011
    • SEI FASB ASC Annual Research Paper
    • Are you budgeting for the 2012 plan year? Now in its tenth year, SEI’s Pension Accounting Series (updated for 2011 disclosures), by Jon Waite, is designed to educate plan sponsors and corporate officers as well as address issues regarding FASB ASC 715. [... More]
    • December 16, 2011
    • Podcast: December 2011 Federal Open Market Committee
    • December 13 marked the eighth and final FOMC meeting for 2011. Although the U.S. economy strengthened over the course of the year, there were many exogenous events that created shockwaves throughout the system and placed a heavy burden on the FOMC. For the Committee, the year ended similarly to how it began—with economic growth visible, but moving at a slower pace than everyone would like to see. [... More]
    • December 15, 2011
    • November 2011 Market and Performance Update
    • Ongoing eurozone troubles and the failure of the U.S. Super Committee undercut the optimism witnessed at the end of October. Equity and fixed-income markets declined, with risky assets among the weakest performers. Losses were partially offset by month end as news of intended joint central bank action buoyed sentiment. [... More]
    • December 13, 2011
    • The European Union’s ‘Fiscal Compact’—More of the Same
    • While the latest European Union framework for addressing the eurozone’s government debt crisis should buy more time, it does not solve the underlying problems. The summit exposed some interesting political rifts, but SEI believes that current speculation on the euro’s inevitable demise is overdone. [... More]
    • December 09, 2011
    • Podcast: November 2011 Macro Summary View
    • Financial markets were down sharply throughout most of the month. This was not surprising, as headwinds from the European sovereign debt situation continued to pose a large threat not only to the U.S. economy, but to the global economy as well. November also saw the downfall of the “Super Committee,” and the rise of a unified global intervention by central banks around the world. [... More]
    • December 07, 2011
    • The Generation Gap
    • Centered around the findings of the SEI Family Wealth and Succession Survey conducted in June 2011, The Generation Gap elucidates the issues many wealthy families face when mapping out their succession plans. Affluent family heads face a multitude of challenges inherent in effectively passing wealth to the next generation. Knowing how other families handle these issues can help you make better decisions when the time comes to decide your own legacy plan. [... More]
    • December 07, 2011
    • 5th Annual LDI Quick Poll Results: More Sponsors Using LDI than in Past Years

    • The SEI Pension Management Research Panel conducted the 5th Annual Global Quick Poll on LDI. The poll reviews the current state of LDI, including the adoption of the strategies and the increase in sponsors now using the strategies. The poll results also review the goals and objectives of those pension plan executives using LDI.

      [... More]
    • December 06, 2011
    • Podcast: November 2011 Payroll Report
    • November’s non-farm payroll number came in slightly below expectations, showing the creation of 120,000 new jobs. While the government and construction sector shed workers, there was encouraging news with growth in the retail, health care and private sectors. [... More]
    • November 28, 2011
    • Video: October 2011 Macro Summary View
    • Markets were flying high again in October. With a better outlook for concerns in Europe, U.S. economic data showed signs of stabilizing. Nagging recession worries eased as equity markets, as measured by the Dow Jones Industrial Average, soared 9.5%. The preliminary third-quarter gross domestic product expanded 2.5%, which was better than expected. [... More]
    • November 22, 2011
    • Super Committee: Not-So-Super Results
    • The Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction—more commonly known as the "Super Committee"—has failed to reach an agreement to reduce the U.S. deficit. Despite the initial negative reaction to the failure, we believe that Europe’s sovereign debt situation continues to pose the larger and more immediate threat to the global economy. [... More]
    • November 16, 2011
    • Italian Government Debt Selloff Highlights Global Concerns
    • The short-lived exuberance over the latest rescue proposal for Greece has been replaced by anxiety over the funding woes faced by other European governments, most notably Italy, the eurozone’s third largest economy. [... More]
    • November 15, 2011
    • Eurozone Crisis Hits Home—U.S. Investors Focused on Capital, Counter-Party Risks
    • As government debt problems intensify in the European Monetary Union, financial firms outside of Europe have come under increasing pressure. The larger issue is not individual firms, but the risk of contagion from Europe to the global financial system and world economy. [... More]
    • November 14, 2011
    • October 2011 Market and Performance Update
    • News of a eurozone deal and positive U.S. economic data releases were welcomed by investors, before the mood began to turn sour again towards the end of the month. The short-lived positive sentiment led October’s rebound in the global equity and bond markets. In a reversal of the summer’s fortunes, equity and riskier fixed income investments performed best. [... More]
    • November 10, 2011
    • Has Europe Finally Rescued Itself? Probably Not.
    • The European Union’s (EU) broad, strategic rescue package for Greece aims to lower the country's government debt-to-gross-domestic-product ratio over the next decade while containing potential short-term damage to the financial system. The plan has garnered support from private-sector investors and foreign governments, but Greece must agree before it can be implemented. What are the plan's possible outcomes? [... More]
    • November 09, 2011
    • Podcast: November 2011 Federal Open Market Committee Meeting
    • There is no telling what the new year might have in store, although Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke noted the possibility of “flexible inflation targeting.” The economy shows signs of stabilizing as we wait for the full effects of Operation Twist, but unemployment remains stubbornly high. Looking into the near future, we see no compelling reasons for a change in policy. [... More]
    • November 09, 2011
    • Podcast: October 2011 Macro Summary View
    • Investors were bracing for uncertainty, but markets were flying high in October. The European debt crisis plagued the markets, but the European Summit provided a dim light at the end of the tunnel. Nagging worries of another recession eased as equity markets soared 9.5% for the month. Overall, we continue to expect modest growth in the economy. [... More]
    • November 08, 2011
    • Podcast: October 2011 Payroll Report
    • October’s nonfarm payroll number was modestly below expectations at an increase of 80,000, while the unemployment rate remained in unwelcome territory at 9.1%. However, a reading of the third-quarter gross domestic product revealed that the economy is gradually improving, and consumers continued to show signs of life, helping to foster growth. [... More]
    • November 07, 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]
    • October 19, 2011
    • Podcast: September 2011 Macro Summary View
    • Increased global headwinds added layers of complexity and uncertainty to the U.S. economic landscape and prospects for recovery. Headlines relating to the ongoing debate over whether or not a recession is imminent dominated the media. [... More]
    • October 14, 2011
    • Third Quarter 2011 Market Update
    • Global equity and bond markets experienced a dramatic and highly volatile quarter, with a strong flight-to-safety. Market sentiment was driven by fears that the global economy could be pushed back into recession. Nevertheless, the data still supports a positive view of overall business activity in the U.S., the European core economies and developing markets. [... More]
    • October 12, 2011
    • Podcast: September 2011 Payroll Report
    • September’s nonfarm payroll number surprised to the upside, showing growth in private-sector nonfarm payrolls—albeit at a tepid pace. It appears that companies have curbed reducing their headcounts for now. Unfortunately, they are not hiring at the pace needed to support robust economic growth. [... More]
    • October 11, 2011
    • The "Formula Clause" Pitfall
    • Many lawyers use a "formula clause" within their clients' trusts, which designates inheritances via fractions or percentages, not fixed dollar amounts. With the increase of the estate tax exemption to $5 million and new portability feature in the 2010 Tax Relief Act, use of the forumla clause may result in inadvertently disinheriting surviving beneficiaries. A simple amendment can be used to correct the defect. [... More]
    • October 11, 2011
    • A Role for the Estate Tax in the Debt Debate?
    • How will the estate state tax factor into plans for closing the country's cavernous 1.5 trillion dollar budget deficit? A bi-partisan “Super Committee” will decide soon. The extension, removal or alteration of the estate tax will have concrete effects upon thousands of high net worth families and their succession plans.  [... More]
    • October 11, 2011
    • A Closer Look at China
    • While investors remain focused on Europe and the U.S., China has been showing signs of distress. We take a closer look at what this could mean for the global economy, markets, and investors, and how our funds are positioned vis-à-vis China. [... More]
    • October 10, 2011
    • European Banks Cast a Long Shadow
    • Fears of a major European bank collapse flared up again recently, causing risk aversion and market volatility to intensify. While news about Dexia confirms that European financial stresses will persist, policymakers’ responses indicate that they are well aware of the financial system’s fragility. [... More]
    • October 06, 2011
    • Quarterly Economic Outlook: Blood in the Streets: Time to Buy
    • There is no arguing that the past few months have been simply awful—so awful, in fact, that we think the stage has been set for an improvement in equities and other risk-oriented investments over the next 12 months, most likely starting before year-end. [... More]
    • October 05, 2011
    • Video: Recession Rhetoric Yields Fear and Volatility
    • Since midsummer, investors have been wondering whether the U.S. and global economies will continue their tepid recoveries or slide back into recession. Although unpleasant, panic and fear usually set in before a bottom is reached. We think investors should avoid getting caught up in the non-stop news flow and frenetic trading activity, and stay the course with a suitably designed asset allocation and disciplined rebalancing. [... More]
    • October 04, 2011
    • Emotional Decision Making Can Be Hazardous to Your Wealth
    • Hard-wired behavioral tendencies conferred on us by natural selection sometimes work against us. This is especially true in investing, where long-term success requires that we learn to manage our emotions and avoid panic-driven decision-making. [... More]
    • September 28, 2011
    • Video: August 2011 Macro Summary
    • The month began with the U.S. government having difficulty finding a solution to its debt-ceiling problem. Standard and Poor’s then downgraded U.S. credit to AA from AAA, creating a wave of selling in the risk markets, with equities, high yield, and investment-grade spreads all feeling the pain. The Treasury market benefitted from the news by way of inflows. [... More]
    • September 28, 2011
    • Podcast: August 2011 Federal Open Market Committee Meeting
    • Concern about a relapse into another recession continues to rear its head. The financial system will feel added pressure from Operation Twist as the yield curve flattens, potentially hurting bank earnings. At this point, we maintain the view that the economy is slowing, with marginal growth. We also expect increased volatility in the fourth quarter as we sift through U.S. data and Europe continues to work through its sovereign default risks. [... More]
    • September 22, 2011
    • Fed 'Twist' Likely to Have Little Impact
    • The Federal Open Market Committee announced its intention to launch a Maturity Extension Program. SEI has and continues to hold the view that slow economic growth rather than global recession is the likely outcome of the current economic malaise. Nothing in the Fed’s statement has changed our view. [... More]
    • September 20, 2011
    • Italian Government Debt Downgraded by S&P—Credit Crisis Here to Stay
    • Standard & Poor’s has downgraded the Italian government debt to A from A+, but did not bring to light any new information. It has had little impact on financial markets. In spite of bad news, it is important to realize that the world economy is still in better shape than it was prior to the global financial crisis and recession of 2007-2009. [... More]
    • September 13, 2011
    • The Relationship Business: Expect the Unexpected
    • At its heart, wealth management is a service business built on the power of personal relationships. According to SEI sponsored research, investor perception of the client-manager relationship entails far more than just the one-on-one interaction with their wealth managers [... More]
    • September 13, 2011
    • Podcast: August 2011 Macro Summary View
    • Following a trend that began in 2007, August doldrums were absent once again this year. This month started with the U.S. government's debt ceiling woes, and its subsequent credit downgrade by S&P. We are positive on the economy, but we remain cautious, as there are key hurdles that need to be passed in the upcoming weeks, as we look for clarity regarding the health of European banks and countries abroad as well as an assessment of the U.S. and global economies. [... More]
    • September 12, 2011
    • August 2011 Market and Performance Update
    • Global equity and bond markets experienced a dramatic and highly volatile August, with investors shying away from risk in favor of defensive assets. Equities sold off, while gold and fixed income benefited. Already poor market sentiment was pushed lower by ongoing U.S. debt issues and renewed concerns about the eurozone. [... More]
    • August 26, 2011
    • Eurozone Turmoil Driving Global Market Volatility
    • SEI fund managers and analysts on both sides of the Atlantic agree that Europe is the main factor driving today’s market uncertainty and volatility, and that a recession there would be likely to precipitate a global downturn. We believe the eurozone’s long-term challenges could prove insurmountable without either a partial dissolution of the European Monetary Union or much tighter integration of its members’ fiscal operations. Find out why. 
      [... More]
    • August 19, 2011
    • A Wild Ride: Taking a Closer Look at Recent Market Volatility
    • Despite the recent volatility, our view of the markets remains intact. Strategically, the U.S. economy appears to have entered a soft patch from which it is likely to emerge without entering recession. For investors, times like these underscore the importance of employing a time horizon that is appropriate to your objectives, implementing an appropriate asset allocation and maintaining a disciplined approach to portfolio rebalancing to keep your goals and your investments aligned. [... More]
    • August 18, 2011
    • July 2011 Market and Performance Update
    • Global equity and bond markets experienced a volatile July, with a flight to safety driven by fears that the global economy could be pushed back into recession. Continued problems in the eurozone and ongoing U.S. debt issues along with weak economic data releases fueled concerns for the month. [... More]
    • August 17, 2011
    • Video: July 2011 Macro Summary
    • Activity within the fixed-income markets reflected that the government was no closer to a debt-ceiling deal at the end of the month than it was at the start. This created erratic price action that plagued risk markets and influenced the rates market. [... More]
    • August 16, 2011
    • Economic Insights: University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index
    • The mid-month reading of consumer confidence fell from 63.7 last month to 54.9--even lower than it was during the 2008 financial crisis. However, SEI believes the downturn is temporary. [... More]
    • August 15, 2011
    • A Brief History of Market Turbulence
    • Economic and financial crises have been a regular feature of monetary economies throughout history. While no two have been exactly alike, they tend to share some common characteristics. Read about some key lessons that investors can take away from such comparisons. [... More]
    • August 11, 2011
    • Podcast: July 2011 Macro Summary View
    • Activity within the fixed-income markets in July reflected nervousness and erratic price action as the stalemate in Washington continued. We saw why the market is known for focusing on only one item at a time, honing in first on the ongoing sovereign debt concerns in Europe, and then turning toward the U.S. debt ceiling. The market chose to overlook the softer economic data which presented itself throughout. [... More]
    • August 10, 2011
    • Podcast: July 2011 Payroll Report
    • August 5’s nonfarm payroll number was a pleasant surprise, even as attention was directed toward the debt ceiling woes. Nonfarm payrolls increased by 117,000 for the month of July, initially changing the market's tone for the better. We need this sentiment to endure. [... More]
    • August 10, 2011
    • Five Pieces of Advice About Advice
    • Advice can come from many sources.  These sources often have personal biases that can either strengthen or limit the benefits of this advice.  Preference, proximity and proficiency all play a role in how professionals dole out advice, not to mention compensation.  All of these and other factors should be examined when considering an expert opinion. [... More]
    • August 02, 2011
    • Implications of a U.S. Debt Ceiling Agreement
    • An agreement to raise the debt ceiling and avoid a default is a welcome development. However, this simply (1) averts an immediate crisis and (2) creates the time and space necessary for Congress to (hopefully) make some rather difficult decisions regarding federal spending and revenue. [... More]
    • July 26, 2011
    • Turbo-Charge Your Referral Process Toolkit
    • Register for access to the Turbo-Charge Your Referral Process Toolkit, which includes a webinar, a video case study, articles and worksheets to help you implement your strategy.
      [... More]
    • July 20, 2011
    • Second Quarter 2011 Market and Performance Update
    • The good news currently balances-out the bad news. Global growth appears resilient, although the rate of gain has eased in recent months in the face of higher energy costs and the disruption to global supply chains caused by the crisis in Japan. [... More]
    • July 08, 2011
    • Quarterly Economic Outlook: A Sense of Déjà Vu
    • If you think you’ve seen this movie before, you’re right. Greek debt woes, slow global economic growth, and a deepening fiscal crisis in Washington are the same issues that loomed large this time last year. The market reaction is also strikingly similar. [... More]
    • June 20, 2011
    • U.S. Credit Downgrade: How Would It Impact Fixed Income Investors?
    • In recent weeks, major credit rating agencies have expressed renewed concern over the financial outlook for the U.S., perhaps eventually losing its AAA rating. What are the implications for investors? [... More]
    • June 13, 2011
    • May 2011 Market and Performance Update
    • Investors began to fret about disappointing economic data releases and the resurfacing of sovereign debt fears in the eurozone. However, corporate earnings results continued to exceed expectations and, on the whole, sentiment remained generally buoyant. [... More]
    • June 01, 2011
    • U.S. Equities: Few Repeat Winners/Losers When Inflation Rises
    • In spite of media-stoked fears of rising inflation, SEI does not view inflation as a near-term threat. For U.S. equities, recent periods of rising inflation have not resulted in clear-cut winners and losers. [... More]
    • May 27, 2011
    • Webinar: Getting Real About Retirement
    • With 7,000 of the 75 million boomers reaching age 65 every day, it offers an immense and promising opportunity for financial advisors targeting the retirement market. As they struggle with decisions about distributions and IRAs, is your practice positioned to offer solid counsel and solutions? [... More]
    • May 25, 2011
    • Video: Outlook on Inflation
    • In this video presentation, Terry Gerlich, CFA, Director of Client Investment Strategy, addresses the concern that many investors have over the possibility of rising inflation. [... More]
    • May 24, 2011
    • Understanding the Mindset of Today’s Investor: Embrace Change and Become the Trusted Advisor
    • The balance of power has shifted. The economic downturn and financial crisis continue to exert tremendous pressure, leaving investors holding the cards. [... More]
    • May 20, 2011
    • April 2011 Market and Performance Update
    • Sentiment remains solid despite rising oil prices and inflationary pressures. Investors favor defensive assets in equity and fixed-income markets. [... More]
    • May 05, 2011
    • Objectivity and the Client Experience
    • Clients place great importance on their wealth manager's ability to listen to them and gain a deep understanding of their needs. What does objectivity really mean? How can wealth managers communicate objectivity to their clients? [... More]
    • May 04, 2011
    • It's Your Money: Why Give Away More Than You Have To?
    • When ignored, taxes can diminish portfolio returns significantly over time. A number of tools for investors can help alleviate this burden. Learn more about them, and about current key tax policy trends, from David Zierath of the SEI Wealth Network. [... More]
    • April 21, 2011
    • Why Healthcare Organizations Need to Integrate Investment Decisions with Business Objectives
    • This perspective touches on the current environment and outlines how an integrated approach to investment management can help address some burdens. [... More]
    • April 09, 2011
    • What Does the New Proposal on PBGC Premiums Mean to Pension Plan Sponsors?
    • SEI provides a summary on the budget proposal containing three significant impacts on the premiums being paid by defined benefit plan sponsors. [... More]
    • April 07, 2011
    • Investment Managers Optimistic But Remain Focused on Increasing Efficiency
    • A recent SEI poll of approximately 60 senior investment management operations, distribution, and investment professionals revealed that investment managers felt overwhelmingly optimistic (88%) about their business prospects. They also identified their most daunting challenges, including new regulatory requirements. [... More]
    • April 07, 2011
    • Independence: The Right Standard?
    • The financial crisis left lasting effects on the wealth management industry. Today's investors expect more from their wealth managers than ever before. What impacts do their increasing demands have on your business? [... More]
    • April 05, 2011
    • Quarterly Economic Outlook: Moving Ahead Despite the Challenges
    • There is no denying that the first quarter was a harrowing one. Yet, with the main exceptions of Japanese and emerging-market equities, financial markets have managed through the bad news. This impressive resiliency can be attributed to the underlying strength of the global economy. [... More]
    • March 31, 2011
    • What's Your Instinct? Head Vs. Heart
    • Do you invest with your head or your heart? That is the question. Many investors believe they are completely rational when it comes to making financial decisions, but when the heat is on they tend to revert back to their most primitive instincts. This article explores the necessity of both your logical and emotional sides when making important investment decisions. [... More]
    • March 25, 2011
    • The Futurewealth Report: The Essence of Success
    • SEI has joined the Futurewealth project, dedicated to empirical research on the global high-net-worth individual investor market. The Futurewealth Report captures insight from 1,800 high-net-worth (HNW) individuals who are on the fast track to generating wealth, and identifies what it takes to be financially successful. [... More]
    • March 16, 2011
    • Japan: Too Early to Tell
    • Japan, the third-largest economy in the world, has endured earthquakes, a tsunami and multiple nuclear reactor failures. The long-term downstream consequences will not be clear for quite some time. Gross domestic product (GDP) will be negatively impacted in the short term, but rebuilding should help economic activity rebound. [... More]
    • March 16, 2011
    • Video: Oil, Water, Food and Money - An Economic View of Political Tensions in the Middle East
    • In February, political turmoil in Egypt led to the temporary closure of that country's stock market and banking system. Unrest in other countries in the region has raised questions about the implications for financial markets. This video explores the potential impact of this political tension on the supply of oil and food, as well as the impact on the global financial system. [... More]
    • March 14, 2011
    • February 2011 Market Update
    • With a year of global growth ahead, SEI maintains its neutral view toward emerging-market debt, but has a positive outlook for emerging equity. Government debt, emerging-country inflation pressures and possible surprises will color the investment backdrop. [... More]
    • March 03, 2011
    • Why Are Pension Plan Sponsors Switching to Mark-to-Market Accounting?
    • Recent news headlines have highlighted a few examples of Fortune 100 companies making changes to their accounting methods for pension plans and other post-retirement benefits. As financial executives overseeing pension plans read about these examples, questions arise regarding why companies are making these changes and whether or not such a change would make sense for their organizations. [... More]
    • March 02, 2011
    • Quick Poll: Healthcare Finance Executives Top Priorities in 2011
    • The Financial Management Research Panel polled executives from 25 different healthcare organizations overseeing asset pools ranging in size from $25 million to more than $1 billion. The results include their top ten organizational priorities in 2011.  [... More]
    • February 25, 2011
    • It’s All About the Oil: A View of Events in Libya
    • The ousting of Tunisia’s President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali on January 14 was the first domino to fall in a series of uprisings in Africa and the Middle East. The protests were largely a sideshow for the financial markets…until Libya exploded. [... More]
    • February 16, 2011
    • 2011 Economic Outlook
    • SEI presents a brief 2011 Economic Outlook Video reviewing key points from 2010 and what to look for in 2011. [... More]
    • February 10, 2011
    • Oil, Water, Food and Money: A Macro View of Political Tensions
    • Ongoing political turmoil in Egypt led to the temporary closure of that country’s stock market and banking system. The market is expected to remain closed until the week of February 13, while banks reopened on Sunday, February 6. A run on Egypt’s currency or debt would cause considerable harm to its economy and financial system. [... More]
    • February 10, 2011
    • The Top 10 Nonprofit Investment Priorities for 2011
    • The Nonprofit Management Research Panel conducted a Quick Poll asking nonprofit executives and investment committee members to identify their organization's top 10 investment priorities for the year. The poll asked respondents to identify whether or not something was a priority for the year. [... More]
    • February 08, 2011
    • Quick Poll: The Top 10 Priorities for U.S. Pension Plan Sponsors in 2011
    • The Pension Management Research Panel asked executives to identify their organizations's top 10 priorities for the year. The poll asked respondents to identify whether or not items were a priority for the year and, if so, to rank them. [... More]
    • January 11, 2011
    • ASC 715 Discount Rate Selection January Addendum
    • In December 2010, SEI released research on assumptions for ASC 715 (pension accounting) valuation. This paper provides a summary update on the research based on end-of-year indices. [... More]
    • December 16, 2010
    • Tackling Transparency
    • Tackling Transparency is the first in a series of five articles about the lasting effects the financial crisis has had on the wealth management industry. What does transparency truly means to your clients? Find out how to focus on the quality, not the quantity, of your reporting. [... More]
    • December 16, 2010
    • SEI FAS ASC Paper 2011
    • SEI provides an update for pension disclosures for 2010.  Corporate defined benefit (DB) plan sponsors continue to deal with market volatility as well as an interest rate environment that remains historically low. [... More]
    • December 01, 2010
    • 4th Annual LDI Poll: LDI is a Critical Part of Pension Risk Management
    • Today, more organizations view whether or not the asset pool provides support to the pension liabilities as the true measure of pension investment success. [... More]
    • November 19, 2010
    • Insight on Challenges Being Faced by Public Pension Plans
    • SEI provides an industry perspective on challenges being faced by Public Pension Plans. [... More]
    • November 05, 2010
    • Multiemployer Disclosure Requirements Summary
    • Companies participating in Multiemployer pensions could face increased disclosure requirements. [... More]
    • October 22, 2010
    • CFO Summary: How DB Plans Should React to Changing News on Funding Levels
    • The Pension Management Research Panel discusses the changes in funded status levels and how to react. [... More]
    • October 14, 2010
    • Webinar: Product/Distribution Update
    • The SEI Knowledge Partnership recently held a Product/Distribution webinar hosted by Phil Masterson with panelists Loren Fox of Strategic Insight and T. Neil Bathon of FUSE.  The webinar covered the transition to fee-based & growing influence of platforms, growth of passives, convergence, DCIO trends and RIA trends.
      [... More]
    • October 08, 2010
    • Webinar: Product Packaging Update
    • The SEI Knowledge Partnership recently held a Product Packaging Update webinar hosted by Phil Masterson with panelists Jack Swift of Northern Lights Capital and Tim Levin of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius. [... More]
    • October 05, 2010
    • Comparing Recessions: U.S. "Great Recession" vs. Japanese "Lost Decade"
    • A spate of economic data raised concerns that the U.S. economy is facing a “lost decade” like the one Japan experienced from 1991-2001. While we see similarities, a closer look reveals significant differences which we believe ultimately render them uncomparable. [... More]
    • September 30, 2010
    • Webinar: SMA Industry Overview
    • The SEI Knowledge Partnership recently hosted an SMA Industry Overview presented by Jean Sullivan of Dover Financial Research. [... More]
    • September 27, 2010
    • Macro-Dominated Markets and Spiking Correlations: Current Challenges and Future Opportunities
    • A recent article in The Wall Street Journal focuses on how macroeconomic themes are currently a driving force in U.S. financial markets, much to the frustration of stock pickers. [... More]
    • September 13, 2010
    • An SEI Mid-Year Update: Ongoing Challenges in Managing Pension Investments
    • A quick poll asking executives to identify the most pressing issues they are currently facing regarding their organization's pension plan. [... More]
    • September 09, 2010
    • Exotic to Mainstream: Growth of Alternative Mutual Funds in the U.S. and Europe
    • The financial crisis caused investors to reconsider several fundamental investment tenets – with some even questioning the legitimacy of modern portfolio theory and its diversification underpinning. Nonetheless, respected investment strategists have concluded that diversification remains a valid approach, although it has become more difficult to achieve and warrants incorporation of a broader set of risk exposures and asset classes, both long and short, in investor portfolios. [... More]
    • August 17, 2010
    • How Nonprofits Are Addressing Current Investment Challenges in Ongoing Volatility
    • Nonprofits face many concerns and challenges at a time when these organizations still need to meet spending  requirements to support their overall missions. This quick poll discusses some challenges and how nonprofits are addressing them. [... More]
    • July 29, 2010
    • The Era of the Investor
    • What are institutional investors' thoughts on hedge fund investing?  How do investors view their hedge fund investments after having a year to reflect on their performance and liquidity (or lack thereof), not to mention the Madoff scandal? [... More]
    • July 28, 2010
    • What are Institutional Investors Saying About Private Equity?
    • SEI Knowledge Partnership's research report, "Private Equity Investors – Committed Yet Concerned," provides valuable information for private equity managers about institutional investors’ current behaviors, motivations, and concerns.
      [... More]
    • July 06, 2010
    • Summary of Defined Benefit Funding Relief for Single Employer Pension Plan Sponsors
    • A one page summary outlining recent funding relief passed by President Obama that will most significantly impact single employer pension plan sponsors.   [... More]
    • July 06, 2010
    • Summary of Defined Benefit Funding Relief for Multiemployer Plans
    • A one page summary detailing the two aspects of the new law passed by President Obama that will most significantly impact multiemployer pension plans. [... More]
    • June 22, 2010
    • Four Key Issues Impacting Multiemployer Pension Trustees in 2010
    • The Pension Management Research Panel conducted research to identify the most important issues facing multiemployer pension plan trustees in today's environment. [... More]
    • June 03, 2010
    • Investment Update: Why U.S. Investors Should Care About the Euro
    • Why should U.S. investors care about the sovereign debt troubles of Greece and other European countries? These issues can have a significant impact on domestic investments. [... More]
    • May 07, 2010
    • An Update on the Greek Sovereign Debt Crisis
    • In the past few weeks, concerns about whether or not Greece will default on payments related to its sovereign debt have reached a fever pitch. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged nearly 1,000 points before recovering significantly, ending the day down just over 300 points. [... More]
    • April 07, 2010
    • Jones v. Harris Implications
    • In light of the landmark Jones v. Harris  case, the SEI Knowledge Partnership recently hosted a webinar to discuss the case and its impact on the mutual fund industry. [... More]
    • March 29, 2010
    • Outlook on Global Sovereign Debt
    • Since global markets began their downward spiral, the coordinated efforts of central banks and governments have helped avoid systemic collapse, and the global economy has been on the road to recovery. However, fears about sovereign debt have escalated. [... More]
    • March 24, 2010
    • The Effects of Recession on U.S. State Governments
    • Individual states are expected to remain resilient but under considerable stress as the U.S. economy continues to recover from the national recession that began in December 2007. [... More]
    • March 18, 2010
    • Should We Hold a Family Meeting?
    • Are family meetings worth the effort? We believe they are an effective way to share your goals for self, family and community—the groundwork for an enduring family legacy. [... More]
    • March 16, 2010
    • Alternative Investment CFO Forum Executive Summary
    • In the Fall of 2009, the SEI Knowledge Partnership gathered top alternative investment researchers and executives to review the alternative investment management landscape and regulatory environment. The key insights from the Forum are detailed in this executive summary. [... More]
    • March 02, 2010
    • CFO Summary: The Implications of the FASB Pension Disclosure Guidelines
    • Financial executives overseeing pension plans were thrown yet another challenge in plan management. [... More]
    • February 11, 2010
    • Quick Poll: The Top 10 Priorities for Pension Plan Sponsors in 2010
    • In January 2010, the Pension Management Research Panel conducted a Quick Poll asking executives to identify their organization’s top ten pension priorities for the year. The poll was completed by 54 executives overseeing pensions ranging from US $250 million to US $10 billion in assets. None of the poll respondents were from institutional clients of SEI. [... More]
    • January 08, 2010
    • Vacation is Over. Active Tax Management is Back in School
    • As we have been repeatedly reminded with regards to our investment portfolios, “It’s not what you make that counts, it’s what you keep.” With that in mind, we thought it would be constructive to remind everyone about our efforts to increase “what you keep.”
      [... More]
    • August 24, 2009
    • Current ETF Landscape
    • There are nearly 800 ETFs traded in the United States with approximately $600 billion in assets.  ETFs have experienced tremendous growth in recent years and have attracted the interest of asset managers.  In order to help our clients understand the ETF landscape, the SEI Knowledge Partnership leveraged third party research and our own analysis to explore ETF features and product trends.  [... More]
    • August 02, 2009
    • Strategy Brief: Actively Managed Exchange Traded Funds
    • ETFs have a history of product innovation, and this Strategy Brief explores the latest innovation – actively managed ETFs. This brief outlines the key features of ETFs, describes the current classifications, addresses whether a mutual fund can convert to an ETF, discusses the active ETFs currently available, and analyzes the impediments to widespread adoption of active ETFs. The first brief in this series provides an overview of the ETF landscape, compares ETFs to index mutual funds and addresses current and future product usage. [... More]
    • July 24, 2009
    • 15(c) Process Web Seminar
    • As a mutual fund adviser, you play an important role in the renewal of a mutual fund’s investment advisory contract. In light of recent events, this web seminar was designed to help you better understand how the Board of Trustees and fund advisers handle the 15(c) process.  [... More]
    • July 15, 2009
    • Commentary: An Assessment of President Obama’s Proposed Financial Reform Legislation
    • While the plan offers increased supervision for non-banks, early identification of firms whose collapse would cause systemic issues, and enhanced consumer protection, there are many aspects that have been met with skepticism. [... More]
    • March 13, 2009
    • Stimulus Package: An Overview and Outlook
    • At the present time, we see nothing in the stimulus package that would lead to changes in our asset allocation recommendations. Active managers can be expected to find opportunities in this environment. [... More]
    • March 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]
    • January 15, 2009
    • Staffing a DCIO Sales Effort
    • This Strategy Brief is the second in our series of insights regarding the defined contribution investment only (DCIO) market opportunity for investment managers. In this Strategy Brief, we examine the requirements for establishing a sales effort and distribution team to gather DCIO assets.
      [... More]
    • December 31, 2008
    • Measuring DCIO Profitability
    • This Strategy Brief is the final in our series of insights regarding the defined contribution investment only (DCIO) market opportunity for investment managers.  In this brief we benchmark profitability, review sources of margin pressure, and examine payments to defined contribution recordkeepers. [... More]
    • December 31, 2008
    • DCIO Product Trends
    • This Strategy Brief is the third in our series of insights regarding the defined contribution investment only (DCIO) market opportunity for investment managers.In this Brief, we consider the assets classes in demand in the DCIO channel and examine the impact of regulations on the DCIO marketplace, product structure options and the importance of platform placements in gathering DCIO assets. [... More]
    • December 19, 2008
    • Distribution Wrap-Up

    • SEI panelists weighed in on distribution issues and highlighted the details that should not be overlooked.

      [... More]
    • December 18, 2008
    • Practical Considerations for Managers Launching Long-Short Strategies
    • As investors continue to search for higher risk-adjusted returns and investment managers continue their quest to generate alpha, long-short strategies have seen significant asset growth.  This strategy brief explains long/short funds and some of the operational issues which a manager should note when opening a long/short strategy as compared to long only strategy. [... More]
    • December 15, 2008
    • An SEC Primer: Steps Towards Improving the Outcome

    • If you are a registered mutual fund adviser, there is sure to be an SEC examination in your future. But, it’s hard to know what to expect or where the pitfalls might lie.

      [... More]
    • December 08, 2008
    • Countdown to Hedge Fund Adviser Registration

    • A recent SEI Web seminar laid out the key issues to address in the registration process and a strategy for getting it all done.

      [... More]
    • December 08, 2008
    • Top 7 Compliance Issues

    • The SEC has put a number of changes before investment advisors and more mandates and challenges lie ahead.  An SEI Web seminar offered guidance on priority issues.

      [... More]
    • December 02, 2008
    • How to Make Sure Your Compliance Program is Ready

    • The SEC has taken on a number of new issues, again raising the possibility of more intense regulatory scrutiny and the trend suggests that compliance programs may need additional bolstering before their next annual review.

      [... More]
    • December 02, 2008
    • Assessing the Impact of UCITS III

    • Implementation of UCITS III is reshaping the marketplace for all retail investment funds sold cross-border in the European Union.  For SEI's web seminar and presentation, top international legal and regulatory experts provide their insights on the legislation's far-reaching impacts on traditional and alternative fund managers alike. 

      [... More]
    • December 01, 2008
    • Compliance Program Countdown

    • Four years ago funds and advisors were requred to have a comprehensive compliance program documented and implemented. SEI made sure to help you ready.

      [... More]
    • November 17, 2008
    • Asset Management and Technology Operations Survey

    • Technology provides a critical lever for improving overall business economics and increasing quality across nearly all functional areas and asset managers are continuing to increase their investment in technology and deal with the complexities accompanying technological advancement.

      [... More]
    • November 17, 2008
    • Making Risk Assessments More Effective

    • These days, systematic, formal risk assessment and related testing of compliance risk areas is a must-have to design and monitor effective compliance programs and to satisfy the SEC. An SEI Web seminar offered some guidelines and interpretation from regulatory experts.

      [... More]
    • November 10, 2008
    • CITs: The New Wave in Retirement Investing

    • Until recently the popularity and availability of Collective Investment Trusts (CITs) had been limited. However, the tide has now reversed and CITs are quickly becoming a popular investment vehicle.  It is clear that asset managers will need CIT capabilities to compete in the retirement market and CITs present a major opportunity for asset managers, regardless of their size. [... More]
    • November 07, 2008
    • What Should Funds Boards Be Doing to Advance Compliance Efforts?

    • As the SEC deadline for the first mandated annual evaluation of adopted compliance programs looms closer, the role of mutual fund boards is coming under a spotlight. An SEI Web seminar helped to fill the gap with recommendations on how fund boards and CCOs should be working together.

      [... More]
    • October 27, 2008
    • Commentary: Presidential Elections and the Stock Market
    • As volatile as the markets and economy have been, investors wonder what a victory for either candidate might mean to them financially. While that is nearly impossible to predict with any sense of certainty, history can tell us a great deal about how the equity markets have reacted post election. [... More]
    • October 09, 2008
    • Exchange Traded Products: A Look Ahead
    • Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) have experienced phenomenal growth by almost every measure.  Are there still opportunities for newcomers on this increasingly crowded playing field? [... More]
    • June 10, 2008
    • Capturing More of the Rollover Market

    • Financial advisors who specialize in the retirement market have seen significant growth in their practices.

      [... More]
    • December 15, 2007
    • Five Critical Challenges for Hedge Funds

    • To help hedge fund managers understand the competitive requirements of the institutional landscape, SEI analyzed industry trends and sponsored a survey of more than 100 institutional investors. Our comprehensive review of the hedge fund industry gives you the insights you won’t find anywhere else.

      [... More]