Services Tags: OCIO

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act

In the early hours of March 25th, the Senate and the Trump administration reached a deal on the $2 trillion stimulus package aimed at cushioning the fall for U.S. businesses and consumers in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The bill was approved by the Senate late on March 25th, passed through the House on March 27th, and was signed by Trump the afternoon of March 27th. The size of the package is over 9% of the U.S. GDP and is greater than the three major relief packages passed during the 2008 crisis combined.

This legislative update summarizes the key elements of the CARES Act and concludes with an assessment of the expected impact of this stimulus package.

Read > The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act

 

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.

The Future of Investing: Sustainability and ESG Integration

With 2020 underway, sustainable investing continues to be a trending topic, although the concept of incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics into an investment thesis is not new. ESG integration is returns-focused and incorporates long-term sustainability factors into the investment research process to identify companies with higher return potential.

In this white paper, we examine the current ESG landscape, including the various movements that have preceded ESG integration, recent strides by American corporations, fiduciary guidance, and the growing response by investment managers to meet investor demand, especially in reporting and performance measurement. We also present our approach to incorporating ESG into our manager evaluation process and the best practices our team looks for when performing due diligence for ESG-mandated strategies.

Read > The Future of Investing: Sustainability and ESG Integration

 

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.

Will the Spread of Coronavirus Drive a Risk-Off Market?

Global markets have come under pressure as the number of coronavirus cases grows. Through January 27th, the S&P 500 is down 3% from its mid-January peak when the U.S.-China phase one trade deal was signed. The 10-year Treasury yield has fallen from 1.85% to 1.61% over this same period, as bond spreads widened and the dollar strengthened.

This newsletter summarizes recent market activity and potential implications of the spread of coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, China. For long-term investors, this outbreak is likely nothing but noise; however, future news about the coronavirus could impact markets in the short-term.

Download PDF > Will the Spread of Coronavirus Drive a Risk-Off Market?

 

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

2020 Market Preview

2019 was certainly a profitable year for investors as traditional and alternative asset classes delivered positive returns.  As we enter 2020, there are a litany of questions facing global markets ranging from the U.S. election to trade disputes to global monetary policy, all of which will undoubtedly influence investment returns. The following newsletters examine the primary asset classes we cover for our clients, with in-depth analysis of last year’s performance and more importantly, trends, themes, and projections to watch for in 2020.

We hope these materials can assist you and your committees as you plan for the coming year, and please feel free to reach out to any of us should you have further questions about the articles. We have also produced a 2020 Market Preview video if you would like to hear a high-level summary of the market previews. Here’s to another positive year from the markets in 2020!

U.S. Economy: Signs of Slowing?
by Greg Leonberger, FSA, EA, MAAA, Partner, Director of Research

Fixed Income: The New Roaring Twenties — Will It Be Different This Time?
by Ben Mohr, CFA, Director of Fixed Income

U.S. Equities: Climbing the Wall of Worry
by Robert Britenbach, CFA, CIPM Research Analyst, U.S. Equities

Non-U.S. Equities: Big Expectations, Little Wiggle Room
by David Hernandez, CFA, Senior Research Analyst, Non-U.S. Equities
and Nicole Johnson-Barnes, CFA, Research Analyst

Real Estate: What Will Happen Next?
by Jeremy Zirin, CAIA, Senior Research Analyst, Real Assets

Infrastructure: The Energy Revolution Is Driving the Future of Infrastructure
by Jeremy Zirin, CAIA, Senior Research Analyst, Real Assets

Hedge Funds: Rising Geopolitical Risks and a U.S. Election Could Lead to Tempered Expectations
by Joe McGuane, CFA, Senior Research Analyst, Alternatives

Private Equity: As Asset Class Grows, Continues to Deliver for Investors
by Derek Schmidt, CFA, CAIA, Director of Private Equity

Private Credit: An Asset Class Coming Into Its Own
by Brett Graffy, CAIA, Research Analyst

To read the above files in one combined document > 2020 Market Preview

 

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

2020 Market Preview Video

This video coincides with our annual Market Preview newsletters and includes a recap of 2019’s performance and what investors can expect heading into 2020. 2019 was certainly a profitable year for investors as traditional and alternative asset classes delivered positive returns. As we enter 2020, there are a litany of questions facing global markets ranging from the U.S. election to trade disputes to global monetary policy, all of which will undoubtedly influence investment returns.

This video is part of our Market Insights series, a quarterly presentation designed to brief clients on the market as soon as possible after quarterly market data becomes available. Members of our research team discuss the overall U.S. economy, along with fixed income, U.S. and non-U.S. equity, hedge funds, private equity, real estate, and infrastructure.

For more information, questions, or feedback, please send us an email.

Jeremy Zirin Speaking at NAREIM Capital Raising & Investor Relations Meeting 12/5

On Wednesday, December 5, Jeremy Zirin, CAIA will be speaking at the 2018 National Association of Real Estate Investment Manager’s (NAREIM) Capital Raising & Investor Relations Meeting in Chicago, Illinois.

As a senior research analyst in real estate, Jeremy will be participating in an interactive discussion regarding the challenges facing institutional investors as they deploy allocations and construct portfolios in the commercial real estate market. The discussion seeks to illustrate the panelists’ outlook for the real estate asset class and how each responds to the need to diversify investor bases.

For more information, please visit the event page.

Institutional Retirement Plans Legislative Update — SECURE Act

As speculated in Marquette’s recent  4Q 2019 DC Legislative Update, Congress passed sweeping retirement savings reform by tacking the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 (“SECURE Act”) onto its year-end spending bills. On December 17th and 19th, the House and Senate respectively passed the SECURE Act (“the Act”) with the goal of enhancing retirement readiness for Americans. This update outlines a summary of the Act’s provisions impacting our defined contribution (DC) and defined benefit (DB) plan clients.

Read > Institutional Retirement Plans Legislative Update — SECURE Act

As always, your consultant will be able to address any specific questions you may have regarding these changes. A similar summary targeting individual investors can be found here.

 

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.