Services Tags: Investment Consulting

Q1 2020 Market Insights Video

This video features an in-depth analysis of the first quarter’s performance with a special focus looking forward from the coronavirus pandemic and resulting economic and market impacts.

Our Market Insights series examines the primary asset classes we cover for clients including the U.S. economy, fixed income, U.S. and non-U.S. equities, hedge funds, real estate, infrastructure, private equity, and private credit, with presentations by our research analysts and directors. For more information, questions, or feedback, please send us an email.

Light at the End of the Tunnel?

While the coronavirus pandemic is far from over, signs of improvement ranging from infections peaking to progress in the search for a cure seem to be arising on a daily basis lately. The following newsletter summarizes some of these key positive indicators and offers some guidance for portfolios in the months to come.

Read > Light at the End of the Tunnel?

 

The opinions expressed herein are those of Marquette Associates, Inc. (“Marquette”), and are subject to change without notice. This material is not financial advice or an offer to purchase or sell any product. Marquette reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs.

Eric Gaylord Speaking at Investment Management Institute DC Literacy Summit 2/13

On Wednesday, February 13, Eric Gaylord, CFA, will be speaking at Investment Management Institute’s first DC Literacy Summit in Stamford, Connecticut.

Eric will join two other panelists in a discussion entitled, “How Should Employee Education Work?” reviewing the role, process, and practical use of education for defined contribution plan participants.

The DC Literacy Summit brings together institutional investors, consultants, and asset managers to exchange ideas and solutions for program structure and development, particularly with new participants and younger employees. IMI is a leading education and research organization servicing institutional investors and wealthy families internationally.

For more information, please visit the event web page.

 

How Will Private Real Estate Be Impacted by Coronavirus and the Market Downturn?

As we have seen in past market downturns, almost all risk assets feel some degree of pain as correlations trend towards one and returns drift downwards in seemingly perfect harmony. In the case of private real estate, headlines have been sparse to this point but it is only a matter of time until the repercussions are felt, particularly for the sectors hardest hit by the outbreak.

This newsletter details potential near-term and long-term effects of the coronavirus pandemic on private real estate, with a look at historical performance as well as some of the unique features of this particular downturn.

Read > How Will Private Real Estate Be Impacted by Coronavirus and the Market Downturn?

 

The opinions expressed herein are those of Marquette Associates, Inc. (“Marquette”), and are subject to change without notice. This material is not financial advice or an offer to purchase or sell any product. Marquette reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs.

 

Defined Contribution Guidance: Coronavirus Update

March certainly came in like a lion (though whether it came out like a lamb is debatable). The continued spread of the coronavirus pandemic led to sharp and steep sell-offs in both the bond and equity markets as investors fled to cash. An array of fiscal and monetary stimulus aimed at staving off a global recession followed suit.

With so many looming unknowns, what can plan sponsors do to best support defined contribution plan participants? This newsletter provides an overview of recent developments in response to the coronavirus and how plan sponsors can maintain fiduciary best practices and continue to help participants act prudently in the days that lie ahead.

Read > Defined Contribution Guidance: Coronavirus Update

 

The opinions expressed herein are those of Marquette Associates, Inc. (“Marquette”), and are subject to change without notice. This material is not financial advice or an offer to purchase or sell any product. Marquette reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs.

 

Marquette Associates Continues to Expand Wealth Consulting Capabilities

CHICAGO, IL, February 13, 2019 – Marquette Associates, Inc. today announced plans to expand its wealth consulting offerings with an ownership interest in Milwaukee-based investment adviser, Operose Advisors LLC.

“Providing a high net worth solution built upon our institutional approach has been a key focus of our long-term strategy over the last number of years,” said Brian Wrubel, President & CEO of Marquette. “Operose shares our culture of client service and our investment philosophy. This partnership creates an integrated solution for private clients with assets ranging between $1-25 million and small market investment advisory opportunities.”

Operose Advisors provides investment advisory and wealth management services to individuals, families, trusts, and closely-held businesses. By partnering with Operose, Marquette will establish its fifth office and continue to expand its presence in Wisconsin. Managing Partner Nicholas Bauer, CFA, leads Operose Advisors and has 20 years of investment experience. He and his team in Milwaukee will ensure continuity of service, while leveraging Marquette’s institutional model and benefiting from added resources.

Marquette also welcomed Aimee O’Connor, CFP® as a senior vice president in January to continue expanding the firm’s ultra-high net worth/family office capabilities based in Chicago. As a senior investment consultant, Aimee is involved in the daily management and administration of Marquette’s private client relationships. She has 14 years of investment experience including work as an independent consultant working with RIAs, family offices, and high net worth individuals. Previously, she was the co-director of consulting and senior consultant at DiMeo Schneider & Associates.

“We are excited at the opportunity to add Aimee to our team. Her considerable background working with private clients is a great fit as we steadily grow this part of our business,” said Wrubel. “The partnership with Operose, and the addition of Aimee, uniquely positions Marquette to offer a cost-effective, institutional approach for private families of all sizes.”

About Operose Advisors
Operose Advisors LLC is an investment adviser registered with the State of Wisconsin. We are dedicated to growing the wealth, knowledge and professional networks of the clients we serve by employing an institutional approach to wealth management.

About Marquette Associates
Marquette Associates is a Chicago-based, independent investment consulting firm that guides institutional investment programs with a focused client service approach and careful research. Marquette has served a single mission since 1986 – enable institutions to be more effective investment stewards. Marquette places client fiduciary duties first through complete independence and 100% employee ownership. The firm currently serves more than 385 clients with over $182 billion in assets – from public funds, unions and corporations to endowments, foundations and other non-profits. For more information, please visit www.marquetteassociates.com.

Contact:
Brian M. Wrubel, 312.527.5500
bwrubel@marquetteassociates.com

Print Update

Signs of a Market Bottom?

In just a matter of weeks, U.S. equities went from all-time highs to bear market correction territory. As of March 20th, the S&P 500 had a drawdown of -31.9% from its February 19th high. Following the steep sell-off, equities subsequently rallied the week of March 23rd, logging weekly gains that were among their best in history. With equities having officially fallen into correction territory then subsequently appearing to show signs of stabilization and fiscal/monetary stimulus poised to (theoretically) cushion the impact of COVID-19, investors are left to wonder if the worst is over.

However, identifying market bottoms is a difficult endeavor. Every bear market is unique and this one is no different. Based on the severity of economic contraction thus far, it is likely that we are headed for — or possibly already in — a recession. Notably, though, not all bear markets coincide with a recession and not all recessions coincide with a bear market. Given that a recession is looming if not already here, we examined the last 40 years of data when bear markets coincided with recessions to see if we can identify signs of a bottom. Over the past 40 years, there were four such periods: 1973–1975, 1981–1982, 2000–2001, and 2007–2009. In the following newsletter, we review four categories of data over these time periods: technical, valuation, economic, and COVID-19 to see if we can identify consistent indicators of a market bottom.

Read > Signs of a Market Bottom?

 

The opinions expressed herein are those of Marquette Associates, Inc. (“Marquette”), and are subject to change without notice. This material is not financial advice or an offer to purchase or sell any product. Marquette reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs.

 

Marquette Associates Ownership Update

CHICAGO, IL, February 8, 2019 – Marquette Associates, Inc. today announced an update to the firm’s succession plan in a continuing effort to strengthen the firm’s stability and ongoing growth. The three largest shareholders will sell 30% of their ownership to the existing shareholder base. The current leadership at Marquette will remain in place – there are no planned retirements and the firm will remain under the leadership of President & CEO Brian Wrubel for the foreseeable future.

“Marquette has always been defined by our people, our client service and our independence. We have a talented group of investment professionals that are assuming more active leadership responsibilities and as an employee-owned firm, we are accountable to our clients and to each other and have worked since our founding in 1986 to grow the firm responsibly and with our clients’ interests at the forefront,” said Wrubel. “This restructuring acknowledges our commitment to Marquette’s next generation of leaders and is an important step for Marquette in continuing to broaden and diversify the firm’s ownership base.”

With the ambiguity that has become common within the investment consulting industry surrounding consolidation and outside capital, Marquette remains committed to independent ownership and transparency for its clients. The firm strongly believes that the talent, discipline, and care demonstrated by its managing partners will secure its position as one of the leading employee-owned investment consulting firms for years to come.

About Marquette Associates
Marquette Associates is a Chicago-based, independent investment consulting firm that guides institutional investment programs with a focused client service approach and careful research. Marquette has served a single mission since 1986 – enable institutions to be more effective investment stewards. Marquette places client fiduciary duties first through complete independence and 100% employee ownership. The firm currently serves more than 385 clients with over $182 billion in assets – from public funds, unions and corporations to endowments, foundations and other non-profits. For more information, please visit www.marquetteassociates.com.

Contact:
Brian M. Wrubel, 312.527.5500
bwrubel@marquetteassociates.com

Print Update

April 2nd Update: A Quarter That Will Go Down in History

With March officially in the books, the following is a brief summary of what has transpired in the capital markets since our update early last week. As expected, the coronavirus has exploded across the U.S. and continued its spread across Europe as well. At the time of writing, the number of cases is approaching 1 million worldwide and has exceeded 200,000 here in the United States. Stocks finished their worst quarter ever on Tuesday and volatility continues to haunt the markets. While the worst may still not yet be behind us, we hope that the growing number of shelter in place edicts and more consistent social distancing may help to stem the coronavirus outbreak across the world. Please note that all return data in the following discussion utilizes the quarter end date of March 31st, 2020.

Read > April 2nd Update: A Quarter That Will Go Down in History

 

The opinions expressed herein are those of Marquette Associates, Inc. (“Marquette”), and are subject to change without notice. This material is not financial advice or an offer to purchase or sell any product. Marquette reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs.