Investing Through the Cycle

The MFS Investment Solutions Group presents a historical perspective on earnings in relation to global equity returns.

We discuss the impact, applicability and materiality of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals on long-term investment and asset allocation decisions.

This paper looks at the recent volatility in emerging markets debt against the backdrop of the historical resilience the asset class has shown in the wake of crises and drawdowns.

The latest market downturn was the fastest in history.  Learn about the historical context of this drop in this Investment Insights from the Investment Solutions Group.

Searching for the Low Carbon Sweet Spot

MFS' Director of Fixed Income Research - Europe discusses the likelihood of a lengthy downturn followed by a modest recovery and the anticipated rise in credit defaults.

We provide our view of climate change and its likely impact on the investment landscape over the next decade as well as how we consider and evaluate climate issues within our investment process.

We analyze the long-term durability of the stock market following periods of significant drawdowns.

Around the globe, investors are increasingly interested in sustainability issues. Vishal Hindocha and Dan Popielarski explain the role of active management when investing in, and engaging with, companies.

Nick Paul discusses the synergies of a dual mandate manager and the benefit of a cross-cap investment approach to the mid- and large-cap asset classes.

Rob Wilson, Barnaby Wiener and Rob Almeida detail the impact of shareholder primacy on equity valuations in this latest Investment Insight.

In its third edition and with an introductory message from MFS President Carol Geremia, this report provides a comprehensive review of MFS’ sustainable investing activities for calendar year 2019.

The recent spread widening in high yield bonds favors active security selection: distinguishing viable long-term businesses from those propped up by debt and stimulus stilts. 

A summary of the global edition of the Capital Markets View for the second quarter of 2020, which incudes equity and fixed income insights.

Erik Weisman and Rob Almeida discuss what the US economy and financial markets might look like post-crisis in their latest Market Insight.

Brian Mastrullo, Brad Rutan and Rob Almeida analyze selected equity-like opportunities in the credit market in our latest Investment Insight.

The US regional edition of our Long-Term Capital Market Expectations for 2020. These proprietary expectations represent a forward look over a 10-year time horizon as of April 2020.

Insights and updates from MFS leaders.

The economic impact of the COVID-19 health crisis and the response of policymakers can be viewed through the lens of liquidity and solvency.

Erik Weisman and Rob Almeida assess how Europe will weather the current crisis in their latest Market Insight.

Rob Almeida and Erik Weisman continue their assessment of the equity markets through an earnings lens, notably during a recovery, in their latest Market Insight.

In this ESG in Depth, we discuss the impact of the Gig Economy and changing regulation on workers and the platforms that employ them.

Rob Almeida and Erik Weisman analyze the potential effectiveness of unprecedented fiscal stimulus.

Erik Weisman and Rob Almeida discuss potential scenarios for the global financial markets as the world works through the effects of COVID-19. 

Erik Weisman and Rob Almeida discuss potential scenarios for the global financial markets as the world works through the effects of COVID-19. 

Rob Almeida and Erik Weisman assess the equity markets through an earnings lens in their latest Market Insight.

Rob Almeida and Erik Weisman assess the equity markets through an earnings lens in their latest Market Insight.

COVID-19 is leading to unprecedented economic destruction across the globe. Dislocations like these can present investment opportunities. 

Rob Almeida and Erik Weisman analyze the impact of machines on volatility in this special Market Insight.

Rob Almeida and Erik Weisman analyze the potential depth of the coronarvirus impact in this special market insight.

Proxy Policy Updates & Engagement Priorities

The Investment Solutions Group provides an equity insight on US valuations and its impact on long-term returns.

We dissect the advantages of a strategic allocation to the real estate sector and the related transparency, liquidity and accessiblity offered by REITs.

We examine the investment characteristics and performance attributes of US taxable municipal bonds compared with other high-grade fixed income asset classes.

MFS' Director of Quantitative Equity Research, shares an overview of mean reversion in returns, including its impact on value and momentum factors.

This paper explores the ever-shifting global equity opportunity set and examines asset allocation and implementation considerations for investors.

From The Desk Of The CIO - Fixed Income

Nick Paul advocates for the de-labeling of financial assets, rather than over-prescribed categories or style-box labels, by focusing on materiality.

The MFS Investment Solutions Group discusses the intriguing relationship between growth and value investing while considering current valuations.

An allocation to global bonds has the potential to enhance risk-adjusted returns and bring diversification benefits to a portfolio. 

The MFS Quantitative Solutions Team discusses how investment factors have proven consistent in illuminating investment returns.

A look at key themes that plan sponsors may face in 2020, including low growth, demographic changes, ESG issues, and significant legislative change.

A summary of the global edition of our Capital Markets View for the first quarter of 2020, which includes equity and fixed income insights from the ISG.

The Investment Solutions Group identifies key themes to watch for 2020 and details the investment implications of each theme.

MFS is pleased to present our Long-Term Capital Market Expectations for 2020. These proprietary expectations represent a forward look over a 10-year time horizon as of January 2020.

The European Edition of our Long-Term Capital Market Expectations for 2020. These proprietary expectations represent a forward look over a 10-year time horizon as of January 2020.

The Investment Solutions Group discusses the probability of a US recession over the next year.

Interest rates are falling to zero and beyond

Noah Rumpf, Director of Quantitative Equity Research, analyzes mean reversion in returns, including the impact on value and momentum factors.

The Investment Solutions Group discusses the intrigue of global equities and the potential opportunity of diversifying beyond US equities. 

Bran Kalmar and Rob Almeida discuss the interest rate environment and its impact on the global real estate market. 

From The Desk Of The CIO — Fixed Income    

Why risk matters for performance.

We believe that there is a time horizon arbitrage opportunity in the marketplace, which managers with a disciplined investment process can capitalize on.

We assess the performance of investment factors depending on economic conditions and cycle positioning.

We discuss the importance of a bottom-up perspective on managing macro headwinds through trade and tariff uncertainty.

Across the globe, fixed income investors are increasingly interested in environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. MFS Research Analyst Mahesh Jayakumar explains how MFS incorporates ESG factors into fixed income research and looks at the opportunities and challenges facing investors.

From The Desk of the CIO - Fixed Income

Jim Fallon deconstructs past trends and recent performance of low volatility stocks, which has led to a market dynamic requiring discretion from long-term investors.

Domestic stocks have been shining brightly since the financial crisis

From The Desk Of The CIO – Fixed Income

Illustrates the varied risk-return profiles and sector and factor exposures that growth and value style strategies can bring to the overall equity allocation.

Since Japan’s real estate and stock market bubble burst in 1992, its equity market has suffered from almost three decades of economic stagnation and periods of deflation. Could this be about to change? MFS Research Analyst Rob Wilson Jr. explains the corporate governance reforms taking place at Japanese companies and the potential implications for investors.

Addresses the rise in leverage and related investment considerations, highlighting the view that selection is key (risks are largely idiosyncratic).

While the gig economy has brought tangible benefits for companies and consumers, there is an increasing concern about the impact it is having on workers. MFS research analyst, Pooja Daftary, explains how ESG issues relate to the gig economy and the potential implications for investors.

In recent years, diversity in the workforce has become a global issue. But how does a lack of diversity affect corporate behavior, and why should investors care? Lindsey Apple, MFS’ Proxy Voting and Engagement Manager, explains the importance of diversity for corporate performance and highlights where the diversity engagement agenda will likely move next.

We discuss how DC participants' fixed income allocations should evolve along the retirement savings journey to align with participants' shifting goals.

The mid-year release of the MFS  Long Term Capital Market Expectations provides a proprietary 10-year forward look across asset classes and regions. 

How we help our clients achieve their investment goals by employing an investment approach that integrates environmental, social and corporate governance.

5G technology has wide applications, but how will companies have the ability to leverage 5G?

Technological advances have led to enormous change and growth opportunities worldwide. Learn how we try to understand all aspects of creative disruption.