Marquette Speaking at Markets Group 2026 Midwest Institutional Forum 4/21–22

March 23, 2026

On Wednesday, April 22, Greg Leonberger, FSA, EA, MAAA, FCA, Frank Valle, CFA, CAIA, and James Torgerson will be speaking at the 12th Annual Midwest Institutional Forum hosted by Markets Group in Chicago.

On the 21st, James will be moderating the opening panel for the conference, “Portfolio Construction – Finding the Best Opportunities in 2026,” described as follows: Many are calling this a new investment era with opportunities for investors that have never been seen before. Market movements, fiscal challenges, the denominator effect, and revised globalization have all created unique opportunities for investors who go well beyond the traditional 60/40 portfolio construct. Join our panel of experts as they aim to answer several key questions, including:

• What will a “diversified” portfolio look like in 2026? And what will it look like over the next 5-10 years?
• How are investors approaching portfolio construction and allocation decisions in the current landscape?
• Where do they see opportunities across asset classes and sectors, and how is this impacting their decision-making with new and existing managers?

On the 22nd, Greg will be moderating the Opening Panel Discussion: Navigating Markets in 2026: Investment Strategies and Macroeconomic Outlook. Investors are faced with the imperative challenge to construct resilient portfolios in the face of economic shifts and market volatility. The panel will shed light on the current macroeconomic landscape, providing insights into global economic trends and their potential impact on various asset classes. From equities and fixed income to alternative investments, our experts will share their perspectives on where opportunities lie and the potential pitfalls to avoid in the pursuit of optimal asset allocation.

That afternoon, Frank will be joining a panel entitled, “Fixed Income: Trends Shaping Today’s Landscape,” described as follows: Federal Reserve rate cuts are undetermined, but what will result from the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet and the U.S. Government’s borrowing needs? Given this precarious moment in time, investors are left wondering what role bonds should play within their portfolios. This panel will aim to answer such key questions as:

• How are investors strategizing around rate movement in 2026?
• How quickly will the Fed reduce its balance sheet and for how long?
• How is the liquidity in the bond market and what is the impact on fixed income portfolios?

The Midwest Institutional Forum brings together institutional investors, consultants, and industry experts from across the Midwest. For more information, please visit the event website.