The Navigator’s Tale: The Power of Blending Research
AUTHOR
Pat Beksha
Sr. Strategist,
Investment Product Specialist
Imagine you’re the captain of a ship, sailing through the unpredictable waters of European equity markets. For years, you’ve relied on two trusted navigators.
Navigator One
A seasoned sailor, relying on experience, intuition, and a deep understanding of the tides and weather. He’s your “fundamental analyst” — skilled at reading the signs, knowing which ports are safe, and which storms to avoid.
Navigator Two
A master of technology. She uses advanced instruments, satellite data, and mathematical models to chart the best course. She’s your “quantitative analyst” — able to process vast amounts of information and spot patterns invisible to the naked eye.
In calm seas, each navigator has their strengths. Sometimes, the seasoned sailor’s intuition helps you avoid hidden reefs. Other times, the tech-savvy navigator’s data reveals a shortcut that saves days of travel.
But what happens when the weather turns? When the market is full of uncertainty from political shifts, economic shocks or sudden storms, relying on just one navigator can leave you exposed. The experienced sailor might miss a new hazard; the technologist might overlook a subtle change in the wind.
That’s where the Blended Research® approach comes in. Instead of choosing one navigator, you combine their insights. You plot your course using both experience and data, intuition and analysis. By avoiding the difficulties of relying on just one perspective, you’re better equipped to handle whatever the market throws your way.
In today’s environment, uncertainty is the norm, not the exception. As markets shift rapidly, what worked last year may not work tomorrow. Blending fundamental and quantitative research gives us two sets of eyes on the helm. Combining both of these viewpoints, with strict navigation parameters relative to our benchmark, can help us reach our target destination with greater confidence.
For financial advisors, this means you can offer clients a strategy that’s not just about chasing returns, but about managing risk and adapting to change. Choosing the MFS Meridian Blended Research European Equity Fund is like having both navigators on board, helping you steer through uncertainty and delivering clients to their destination.
The views expressed are those of MFS, and are subject to change at any time. These views should not be relied upon as investment advice, as securities recommendations, or as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any MFS investment product.
Emerging markets can have less market structure, depth, and regulatory, custodial or operational oversight and greater political, social, geopolitical and economic instability than developed markets.
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