The Pulse by Bernstein

We often hear about the Fed and interest rates. But what do they really mean to me? Matt and Seena are joined by AB's senior research associate, Chris Brigham, as they discuss the history of rates and their influence on our everyday lives.  Note to All Readers:  The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of...

With rising geopolitical uncertainty and fears of stagnation, investors are looking for ways to lessen portfolio risk. Could gold be the answer? AB portfolio manager Vinod Chathlani walks through the pros and cons. http://bit.ly/goldworthitsweight | Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliabl...

Most investors look to harvest losses at year end, but tax management shouldn't be a seasonal effort. Focusing on after-tax returns means taking taxes into account in real time, throughout the year. Plus, not every loss is worth harvesting. Where do you draw the line? Our research points to an effective rule of thumb. | Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of Alli...

Though most market timers inevitably fall short, they still find it hard to resist. Before you succumb, ask yourself these questions to determine whether a market retreat makes sense for you. It may be harder to pull off than you think. For more on the daunting math, read our white paper, "The Hidden Costs of Market Timing". http://bit.ly/market-timing-blog | Note to All Readers: The information c...

Algorithms have become key assets in the new economy, but how do stock pickers value them? We tackle this and more as we dig into digital success. For more on artificial intelligence, see Big Data's Holy Grail .  Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this podcast. All...

Do illiquid alternatives make sense in my portfolio?" Rather it's "How much illiquid alts should I have?" Arriving at the answer requires an allocation model that goes beyond the efficient frontier. Guest Alex Chaloff discusses Bernstein's innovative model and why it creates the optimal allocation. And for more, read "A Framework for Allocating to Illiquid Investments [http://bit.ly/illiquidity] ...

Disruption on multiple fronts is challenging the healthcare sector in the US and pressuring the status quo. Guest Moira McLachlan joins Matt to discuss how these disruptive forces provide an opportunity for investors to avoid companies at risk and find those poised to benefit. For more, read our upcoming blog " Investing in Healthcare Disruption " being published on June 14, 2019. Note to All Read...

Will modern monetary theory (MMT) usurp monetary policy as the US's primary economic policy? US senior economist Eric Winograd walks through MMT— how it's controversial, why it's popular, and what it means for financial markets. For more, read our June Capital Markets Outlook blog, Will Modern Monetary Theory Go Mainstream? http://bit.ly/June2019CMO Note to All Readers: The information contained h...

Evolving consumer preferences are changing the rules of the game for both major retail brands and their challengers. Size counts for less while agility matters even more. For more on disruption in retail, read "Shifting Balance of Power". http://bit.ly/millenialswp Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it beli...

As the momentum behind artificial intelligence (AI) continues to build, investors are keen to position their portfolios to benefit. Is "big data" http://bit.ly/bigdatawp the next big opportunity?    Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this podcast. AllianceBernstein...

Will cannabis stocks deliver or should investors hold out for clarity amidst the haze? While others debate the merits of broader legalization, our focus remains on the fundamental investment case. For more of our clear-eyed assessment, check out our recent blog http://bit.ly/smoketoclear . Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affil...

Impact investing ranks among the fastest growing areas in the industry. Today we explore how impact investors can marry their values with their portfolios to help alleviate the opioid epidemic. For more on impact investing in the healthcare space, check out our blog http://bit.ly/healthcaremuni Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its...

The behaviors of millennials are challenging the status quo and having a profound impact on industries. Continuing our series from our white paper, http://bit.ly/ShiftingBalance , in this podcast we highlight important secular shifts and their investment implications. Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it b...

Millennials' behaviors and values are trickling through to other generations and profoundly impacting industries from retail to media, travel to healthcare, and grocery to payments. As investment managers we need to understand how their behaviors will influence business models and future profitability. In our white paper: http://bit.ly/ShiftingBalance , we discuss how new entrants are disrupting t...

What do lessons from the dot.com era teach us about the disruptive forces facing companies today? http://bit.ly/DisruptionEverywhere  Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this podcast. AllianceBernstein L.P. makes no representations or warranties concerning the accur...

The grocery market in the US is being disrupted, as e-commerce and delivery replace the aisle-by-aisle shopping trip. What's coming in its place? Fresh markets, prepared foods, a restaurant setting - an experience with the foods you eat.  Note to All Readers: References to specific securities are presented to illustrate the application of our investment philosophy only and are not to be considered...

Retailers have endured their share of disruption over the years, with neighborhood stores losing out to department stores like Sears and Kmart, who were displaced by mass retailers such as Walmart. Now e-commerce is the reigning champion. But this shift seems different and it has many wondering if traditional retail will survive.  Note to All Readers: References to specific securities are presente...

Continuing our discussion on asset allocation for endowments and private foundations, we examine investing in challenging environments, whether active or passive makes sense and other decisions fiduciaries face.  Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this podcast. All...

A monumental challenge is facing fiduciaries of endowments and private foundations. They face a formidable task—developing a strategy that is structured for today's investment environment while still focused on fulfilling their long-term mission.  Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable...

Investors should curb their enthusiasm for so-called Initial Coin Offerings. We have serious doubts about them as an asset class.  Note to All Readers:  Cryptocurrencies are extremely speculative investments that involve a high degree of risk. AB does not currently offer investments directly related to cryptocurrency. The material provided is not intended to be, nor should it be construed or used...

After over 100 years of slow technological evolution, the automobile is on course to change radically. From electric propulsion to self-driving cars, the technology we now have in cars is undergoing a drastic overhaul. At the same time, the demand for personal car ownership is giving way to ride sharing and on-demand mobility.  Note to Readers: References to specific securities are presented to il...

How can investors evaluate the potential attractiveness of a proposed blockchain application? Here are three key questions to ask.  Note to All Readers: Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are a very speculative investment and involve a high degree of risk. Investors must have the financial ability, sophistication/experience and willingness to bear the risks of an investment, and a potential total...

Episode 3: Blockchain technology is likely to be revolutionary, but does every business with a supply chain really need blockchain?  Note to All Readers: Cryptocurrencies are extremely speculative investments that involve a high degree of risk. AB does not currently offer investments directly related to cryptocurrency. The material provided is not intended to be, nor should it be construed or used...

The future values for cryptocurrencies remain highly uncertain. How can we gauge their worth?  Note to All Readers: Cryptocurrencies are extremely speculative investments that involve a high degree of risk. AB does not currently offer investments directly related to cryptocurrency. The material provided is not intended to be, nor should it be construed or used as an investment recommendation, or a...

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have attracted a lot of attention, but are they set to become a disruptive force?  Note to All Readers: Cryptocurrencies are extremely speculative investments that involve a high degree of risk. AB does not currently offer investments directly related to cryptocurrency. The material provided is not intended to be, nor should it be construed or used as an investment re...