Tag: Industry Insights
Q1 2026 Preliminary Plan Universe Performance
Conflict in the Middle East drives first negative quarter for U.S. Plan Sponsors since Q4 2024.
Q1 2026 Factor Performance Analysis
Global equities in transition: factor rotation and market weakness
February 2026 Factor Performance Analysis
AI sell-off, mixed factor trends, and Canadian market outperformance
Q4 2025 Plan Universe Allocation & Return Analysis
Equity allocations drive defined benefit plan performance to post best annual performance since 2020.
Q4 2025 Preliminary Plan Universe Performance
Equity allocations drive defined benefit plan performance to post best annual performance since 2019.
Beyond Compliance: Insights from the 29th Annual GIPS® Conference
And what it means for your firm
From challenge to advantage: Rethinking fund positioning for institutional investors
Institutional investors are reshaping how they evaluate and choose funds — demanding greater transparency, evidence-based differentiation, and deeper insights into factor and ESG exposures. However, fund distribution and sales teams still encounter strategic and technical hurdles when positioning their products in this landscape. Identifying genuinely comparable funds, understanding how investors create shortlists, and demonstrating a […]
Q3 2025 Preliminary Plan Universe Performance
Global equity markets posted strong performance in Q3 2025, led by continued excitement around AI.
Navigating the regulatory crossroads: Why increasing divergence matters for investment funds
Introduction In a time of rapid regulatory change, investment managers face a shifting landscape. As highlighted in a recent article by Funds Europe, our own Lewis Davison explores how the widening divergence in regulatory approaches across Washington, Brussels, and London is influencing funds’ structure, domicile, and investor reach. (Funds Europe) At Confluence, we believe recognising […]
Why factors matter
How understanding factor exposures helps investors evaluate manager skill, risk alignment, and portfolio performance.
How OTC data gaps are hiding massive risks and blocking fiduciary duties
Over-the-Counter Securities Without Terms = Risk Without Insight. The second post in a multi-part series on Fixed Income Transparency. Read more about the industry’s data double standard.
Navigating the new OCIO GIPS guidelines: Unlocking value with the updated OCIO GIPS® standards
OCIO GIPS reporting becomes mandatory December 31, 2025 On December 31, 2025, new GIPS requirements for OCIO (Outsourced Chief Investment Officer) portfolios take effect. This represents a fundamental shift in how firms must calculate, structure, and present performance to prospective clients. The challenges facing OCIOs Meeting these standards requires more than a disclosure update. Firms must […]
Stablecoins: Bridging volatility and stability in the digital asset space
What are Stablecoins? Stablecoins are a specialized type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to a less volatile reference asset, usually a flat currency like the U.S. dollar (USD), short-term treasuries, or even commodities like gold. Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies that often experience dramatic price fluctuations, stablecoins aim to maintain a […]
When it comes to AI agents, what are they and what is going to change?
AI, defines this next frontier in AI deployment, and what it means for future workflows.
Why investment managers are choosing co-sourcing for regulatory reporting
As regulatory complexity increases and teams run leaner, co-sourcing offers a smarter way to scale—without giving up control.
Q2 2025 Plan Universe Allocation & Return Analysis
Fixed Income Allocations Drive Defined Benefit Plan Performance as Uncertainty Impacts Markets Q2 2025
From data to decisions: PARis in action
An integrated solution that aggregates, analyses and reports on investment portfolios.
Five regulatory reporting market trends to watch: from complexity to efficiency
Key takeaways The regulatory landscape is complex and constantly evolving. Across financial services, firms are facing a wave of change: tighter deadlines, deeper disclosures, and shifting expectations from regulators and clients. Balancing deregulation in some jurisdictions while obligations expand in others, today’s compliance leaders are challenged to keep up and adjust faster than ever before. […]
An independent lens on your Fixed Income portfolio
View your portfolio through an impartial, third-party lens.
FCA to review the consumer duty: What it could mean for asset managers
In her Mansion House speech on 15 July 2025, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will carry out a targeted review of the Consumer Duty, introduced in 2023. The review will focus specifically on its impact on wholesale firms and the application of obligations to professional client relationships. This initiative is […]
Q2 2025 Preliminary Plan Universe Performance
Equity Allocations Drive Defined Benefit Plan Performance Q2 2025.
Q1 2025 Plan Universe Allocation & Return Analysis
Fixed Income Allocations Drive Defined Benefit Plan Performance as Uncertainly Impacts Markets Q1 2025
Q1 2025 Preliminary Plan Universe Performance
Fixed income allocations drive defined benefit plan performance as uncertainty and market volatility impact markets Q1 2025.
Q1 2025 Factor Performance Analysis
Momentum equities kick off 2025 — But sentiment is clearly shifting
A closer look at the defense and aerospace industry
Growing focus on defense sector The defense and aerospace sector is generally more stable than other industries, as it is less affected by economic cycles. It also offers a diversified approach to portfolios while providing exposure to Large-cap companies with stable revenue. These stocks often increase in value due to geopolitical tensions and conflicts. In […]
Beyond borders: Why Canada matters more than ever for investors
Introduction: A timely conversation The global investment landscape is shifting, and Canada is at a critical juncture. With tariffs, political shifts, and economic realignments shaping the market, investors are reassessing Canada’s role in their portfolios. On a recent Confluence-hosted webinar, industry experts gathered to discuss why Canada is more relevant than ever for investors—and how […]
5 things to consider when using AI in financial services
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the financial services industry, offering tools to revolutionize how firms handle reconciliation, compliance, and data management. But as exciting as these advancements are, adopting AI comes with challenges and considerations. From creating consistency in an ever-changing regulatory environment to maintaining control over sensitive data, here are five key ways AI […]
Q4 2024 Plan Universe Allocation & Return Analysis
Equity and alternatives drive top performing plans in 2024
Q4 2024 Preliminary Plan Universe Performance
The Confluence All Defined Benefit Plan Sponsor Universe posted the first negative quarter since Q3 2023.
MAGA Two.0
Although U.S. elections have always been highly significant for both global and national stock markets, the president’s influence on the economy and markets is typically indirect and limited. While changes in the White House create uncertainty in the markets, and uncertainty is generally bearish, changes caused through fiscal policy and economic agendas have a more […]
Q3 2024 Plan Universe Allocation & Return Analysis
Defined benefit plans post their best third quarter performance in 14 years
Ahead of the curve: Why private wealth managers should adopt Composites
Composites Insights Series The wealth management industry is on a rapid growth trajectory, with AUM projected to increase by as much as 50% between 2020 and 2025, according to the Business Research Company1. This means there is an incredible amount of opportunity in the space, but it also means that client demands and regulatory burdens […]
October 2024 Q3 Preliminary Plan Universe Performance
Plan Universe Performance During the third quarter of 2024, global equity markets posted another positive quarter, with the MSCI ACWI Index returning 6.72%. Year-to-date, global equity markets have been strong, with the MSCI ACWI Index returning 19.08%. Equity markets have been led by U.S. large cap stocks, with the Russell 1000 Index returning 21.18% compared […]
Japanese equities in the wake of interest rate changes
Surge of volatility triggered by the Bank of Japan's decision to raise rates
What do AI stocks, the tech bubble, and Taylor Swift have in common?
What are your chances of scoring Taylor Swift tickets? You’ll likely find yourself in the pre-sale queue with odds of 1 in 20, or even 1 in 50. For most, this means turning to the secondary resale market. An “affordable” concert experience can range from $50 to over $1,000 per ticket. But why the surge? It’s basic […]
Efficient style frontier
Three industry experts sat down with Confluence to discuss the Efficient Style Frontier -how technology and industry expertise can help balance growth and value factors for optimal risk-adjusted returns. On the agenda were: The panel included Style Analytics clients from three very different firms. While each described a unique perspective and approach, one consistency was […]
Treasuries should benefit from highly probable September cuts
As of the last policy decision in July 2024, the Federal Reserve maintained its interest rates at a high of 5.25% to 5.50%. However, it is expected that the U.S. Federal Reserve will lower interest rates by 25 basis points after each of its final three meetings in 2024, according to the majority of Reuters-surveyed economists who said a recession is unlikely. Inflation data (currently 2.9 %) and the August employment numbers (significantly weaker than initially estimated) will guide the Fed’s hand in September. Chair Powell stressed in a 2023 speech that the Fed “is navigating by the stars under cloudy skies.”
Q2 2024 Plan Universe Allocation & Return Analysis
Relatively flat quarterly performance for defined plans.
Q2 Preliminary Plan Universe Performance
Plan Universe Performance During the second quarter of 2024, global equity markets posted another positive quarter with the MSCI ACWI Index returning 3%. Year to date, global equity markets have been strong with the MSCI ACWI Index returning 11.58%. Equity markets have been led by U.S. large cap stocks, with the Russell 1000 Index returning […]
Q1 2024 non-profit plans & active U.S. value equity analysis
Executive summary In June, we released a report on a recent webinar highlighting key trends driving institutional hiring activity incorporating analysis from our Prism and Style Analytics platforms. We focused the analysis within the U.S. region and concentrated on the managers winning new mandates within Large & Small-Cap growth from Non-Profit clients. In this analysis, […]
Amplifying diversity – women in portfolio management
Although portfolio management has traditionally been a male-dominated industry, there is strong evidence suggesting that historically, funds managed by women have outperformed those managed by men. A study by Goldman Sachs found that 48% of female-managed funds outperformed the market during a specific period, compared to only 37% for all-male funds. Women-led funds also demonstrated […]
Q1 2024 non-profit plans & active U.S. growth equity analysis
Executive summary Highlights of key trends in institutional hiring activity, incorporating analysis from Confluence’s Prism & Style Analytics platforms. The focus is on the equity part of the analysis within the U.S. region as it was responsible for 67% of actively managed new mandates in the last three years (compared to 23% for non-U.S. and […]
Market reaction during historic political crises in Europe provides key insights ahead of French election
French markets are bracing for significant volatility following President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement to dissolve parliament and call for fresh elections. This extraordinary move follows a strong performance by the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) in recent European elections, raising concerns about the country’s economic future.
Luxembourg-regulated Super ManCo
Revolution chosen to automate monitoring of market, liquidity, and sustainability risk for a Luxembourg-regulated Super ManCo providing management and ancillary services to UCITS, UCIs and white label structures.
Factor Performance in UK General Elections
With the UK general election scheduled for July 4th 2024, we conducted a historical analysis of factor performance in the periods surrounding previous elections. In total, we analyzed six UK general election periods between 2001 and 2019, examining how factors performed in the six months leading up to and following the vote. Key Findings The […]
2024: A year of uncertainties for global markets
As we navigate through 2024, uncertainties loom large on the horizon. High interest rates in major economies influence global economic dynamics, and geopolitical tensions cast shadows over the future. Investors find themselves grappling with the complexities of analyzing financial market trajectories amidst this backdrop of uncertainty. Bonds The anticipation of rate cuts by the FEDs […]
Q1 2024 Plan Universe Allocation & Return Analysis
Defined benefit plans post their best quarterly performance in three years.
Q1 2024 Preliminary Plan Universe Performance
Plan Universe Performance During the first quarter of 2024 U.S. equity markets posted strong returns as the economy continues to show resilience although inflation remains above 3% and the federal reserve is unlikely to cut interest rates before July. The Investment Metrics All Defined Benefit Plan Sponsor Universe posted a median net return of 4.47% […]
Breaking down silos with enterprise data management
Investment management companies have traditionally organized their operations into front, middle, and back-office groups. While this structure has served its purpose, the changing landscape of data management necessitates a shift in how these groups interact. The siloed approach to enterprise data management, based on organizational boundaries, is becoming increasingly impractical. We explore the reasons behind […]
2023 active developed market equity fee study
Executive summary In the following report we review separate accounts and commingled funds post negotiated fees using Confluence’s Prism Analytics. Utilizing data from Confluence’s PARis platform, Prism Analytics aggregates insights from 80% of the top 20 consultants as ranked by P&I on institutional assets, including over 15K institutional plans, 400K portfolios, and $8T Assets Under […]
Q4 2023 Plan Universe Allocation & Return Analysis
Defined benefit plans post their best quarterly performance in three years.
Factors and falling interest rates
Growth equity performance On December 15th, the Federal Reserve delivered a significant announcement, suggesting possible federal funds rate cuts in 2024. This revelation triggered a ripple effect across global equities, leading to an “everything” rally near the end of the year as markets priced in anticipated rate reductions as early as Q1 2024. While the […]
Value & yield factors drive active managers to outperform in emerging markets equity
Emerging markets equity performance 2023 marked the third consecutive year that developed markets equity has outperformed emerging markets. For the year, the MSCI World Index returned 24.42%, more than double the MSCI Emerging Markets Index return of 10.26%. Although their performance lagged in absolute terms, active managers of emerging markets equity outperformed their benchmarks. For […]
January 2024 Q4 Preliminary Plan Universe Performance
During the fourth quarter of 2023, markets rallied, especially toward the end of the year, after the Federal Reserve’s optimistic comments propelled U.S. equity markets to two-year highs. Despite lingering challenges such as geopolitical tensions and the high cost of borrowing, the potential of loosening monetary policy renewed optimism in global markets. The Investment Metrics […]
Mandate winners and market shareholders 3Q 23
Data derived from the Confluence Prism Analytics platform covers 80% of the top 20 institutional consultants as ranked by P&I
Q3 2023 Plan Universe Allocation & Return Analysis
Corporate plans continue to struggle in the third quarter
October 2023 Factor Performance Analysis
Quality shows strength world-wide during market downturn
Institutional defined benefit plan targeting
Confluence helped an Asset Management firm define a debt distribution strategy based on client types and sizes, moving to LDI with the Prism Analytics platform.
Operations incorporating climate/ESG disclosures into your investment operations
As the first wave of UK large asset managers and asset owners publish their FCA mandated ESG SDR entity and product reports, lessons can be learnt from similar exercises in the EU.
Exploring the relationship of interest rates to value vs growth investment strategies
After the economic turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, developed economies faced inflation rates reminiscent of the early 1980s. With the United States and the United Kingdom embarking on an unprecedented cycle of interest rate hikes to counter inflation, investors were left wondering about the potential impact on equity markets. Specifically, the question was whether […]
August 2023 Factor Performance Analysis
US Quality-Growth public equity outperforms Value in Developed Markets
Cyclicals vs. defensives in rising interest rates
The macroeconomic backdrop holds a paramount influence on driving growth and value factor performances. Among these, interest rates have had the most profound effect, as shown in the charts below. Changes in interest rates from 2022 to 2023 have predominantly guided the returns of Large Cap Growth and Large Cap Value portfolios: Job reports are […]
Q2 2023 Plan Universe Allocation & Return Analysis
Public equity exposure drives 2023 performance
Q2 2023 manager research: U.S. large cap value equity performance
U.S. large cap growth continues to outperform value, but value managers outperform benchmark as growth managers struggle to keep pace with Russell 1000 Index
Institutional client lifetime revenue report
Confluence’s first-of-a-kind analysis tool empowers users to explore our extensive dataset, conduct valuable research, and generate reports like this to assist asset managers in evaluating revenue retention, quantifying opportunities, and precisely valuing accounts.
Q1 2023 Preliminary Plan Universe Performance
Defined Benefit plans in the Investment Metrics Plan Sponsor Universes posted a median net return of 4.47% for the first quarter of 2023. Plan performance rebounded over the last two quarters with a median return of 10.07%, after three consecutive negative quarters to start the calendar year in 2022. For the quarter, corporate plans posted […]
Katie’s story
We’re celebrating Women’s History Month. Highlighting just some of Confluence’s amazing women
Aspasia’s story
We’re celebrating Women’s History Month. Highlighting just some of Confluence’s amazing women
Xiang’s story
We’re celebrating Women’s History Month. Highlighting just some of Confluence’s amazing women
Michele’s story
We’re celebrating Women’s History Month. Highlighting just some of Confluence’s amazing women
Composites: The next competitive advantage
Client demands and regulatory mandates in the investment management industry show no signs of slowing down in the years ahead. Thriving in this shifting landscape means asset managers need to create meaningful composites which are essential in the fair presentation, consistency, and comparability of performance over time and among firms. To achieve this firms need […]
Confluence’s top 5 most popular insights of 2022
As we leave 2022 behind and 2023 begins, make sure you didn’t miss a thing last year with this recap of our top insights.
Why integrating ESG data and analytics into your risk and performance ecosystem is critical to staying competitive
As sustainable finance disclosure regulations bring focus on ESG data and analytics, more data is becoming available for investors to assess companies’ performances. This in turn is placing additional pressure on firms to produce accurate reports at a greater and greater scale. Institutional asset managers, fund administrators, custodians, third-party providers – essentially any firm with […]
Key ESG strategy considerations
A Streamlined Approach to ESG Strategy ESG investing is at the forefront of the industry and with ESG-related regulations coming soon, having a streamlined ESG strategy in place is key for building and retaining competitive advantages. Demonstrable improvements in the breadth and depth of ESG information, tools and frameworks are evident throughout the investment management […]
FTF Exchange Podcast: Seeing the ESG Requirement as a Data Challenge
In a new FTF Exchange podcast, Todd Moyer, President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), Confluence, explains that financial services firms that want to meet investor requirements for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance will find that it boils down to a data challenge that would be helped by greater transparency. “An area of focus for Confluence, […]