S&P Dow Jones Indices - Thought Leadership RSS Feed

Looking Beyond Traditional Benchmarks to Add Value in Emerging Markets

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 EDT

As emerging markets have grown in size and importance, emerging market equities have become a core part of many portfolio allocations.

ETF Performance & Perspectives - May 2013 by S&P Capital IQ

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:00:00 EDT

S&P/ASX Fixed Interest Week in Review May 9, 2013

Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 EDT

The Reserve Bank of Australia Cut its Benchmark Rate to Record Low.

Market Attributes for Financial Advisors April 2013

Tue, 07 May 2013 11:45:00 EDT

CDS Market Attributes April 2013

Tue, 07 May 2013 10:19:00 EDT

The S&P/ISDA CDS U.S. High Yield B and Below Index led the charge, with spreads tightening by 61 basis points.

Valuations Update

Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Despite an S&P 500 price advance of 13% YTD, nearly 20% since mid-November, and almost 140% since this bull market started, EPS growth has kept pace over the long term. As a result, P/E ratios, based on trailing or projected EPS remain below average. • The S&P 500 is trading at an 11% discount to the average projected 12-month P/E on operating EPS since 2000, and would be trading near 1820 if its multiple equaled the 13-year average of 16.2X. • At 15.4X trailing 12-month operating EPS, the S&P 500 is trading at a 13% discount to its median multiple of 17.8X over the past quarter century. • Even using the more inclusive trailing 12-month GAAP EPS, the S&P 500 is trading at a multiple of 18.3X, which is an 8% discount to its 25-year median. • Finally, the current trailing GAAP P/E is 7% below the average of 20X seen whenever inflation has been in the second lowest quintile since 1948. We therefore think that even though valuations are no longer as compelling as they were just a year ago, they remain appealing whether you look to trailing or forward, operating, or GAAP EPS for the S&P 500.

Sell in May Looms Larger Overseas

Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:00 EDT

As if weaker fundamentals weren’t enough, foreign equities also face stiffer seasonal headwinds than the S&P 500. India, Brazil, Switzerland & Mexico have fared best while Taiwan, Korea & most European markets have underperformed.

Dow Jones - UBS Commodity Index Market Attributes April 2013

Fri, 03 May 2013 14:41:00 EDT

The DJ-UBS Commodity Index fell 2.8% in April, bringing the index down to -3.9% YTD. Gold is no longer the index heavy weight, with its index weight dropping to 9.8% in April. Find out which commodity took its place.

Commodities Market Attributes April 2013

Fri, 03 May 2013 14:32:00 EDT

The S&P GSCI fell 4.7% in April, bringing the index down to -4.2% YTD.

Fixed Income Market Attributes April 2013

Fri, 03 May 2013 14:17:00 EDT

Treasury yields tightened across all maturity ranges on the curve, with the long end moving the most. The yield-to-maturity of the S&P/BGCantor 20+ Year US Treasury Bond Index tightened by 22 basis points in April, finishing at 2.81%.

U.S. Equities Market Attributes April 2013

Fri, 03 May 2013 12:44:00 EDT

The S&P 500® set a new all-time closing high again on the last day of April, as it posted its sixth consecutive monthly gain.

Market Attributes Pan Asia: Fixed Interest April 2013

Fri, 03 May 2013 12:15:00 EDT

S&P Dow Jones Indices' Market Attributes series provides market commentary highlighting developments across various asset classes.

Australia Fixed Interest Market Attributes April 2013

Fri, 03 May 2013 10:58:00 EDT

The S&P/ASX Australian Fixed Interest Index rose 1.65% in April, bringing the YTD total return to 1.74%.

Determining A Municipal Bond Default Rate: A New Use For The Benchmark Index

Thu, 02 May 2013 13:17:00 EDT

Pundits, analysts, portfolio managers and others have estimated the municipal bond default rate for years.

Market Attributes: U.S. Index Dashboard April 30, 2013

Wed, 01 May 2013 09:38:00 EDT

US Index Investment Strategy

Market Attributes: Canada Index Dashboard April 30, 2013

Wed, 01 May 2013 09:38:00 EDT

Canadian Index Investment Strategy

Investment Policy Notes May 1, 2013

Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Economic and Stock Market Outlooks

Fixed Income Update: U.S. Municipal Bond Defaults Through April 2013

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

May 1, 2013. As of April 29, 2013, the S&P Municipal Bond Index recorded 201 outstanding bond deals in monetary default.

SPIVA® U.S. Year-End 2012

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:15:00 EDT

S&P Shariah Scorecard

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EDT

S&P/ASX Fixed Interest Week in Review

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EDT

S&P/ASX Fixed Interest Week in Review April 26, 2013.

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Australian Corporate Bond Yields Dropped to a Record Low on Strong Buying Interest

S&P Dow Jones Indices Shariah Quantitative Analysis: Q1 2013

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

S&P Dow Jones Indices Shariah Quantitative Analysis: Q1 2013

It's Time For Investors To Resume Viewing Stocks As Stocks, And Not As A Surrogate For Bonds

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

The Lookout Report is a compendium of current data and perspectives from across S&P Capital IQ and S&P Indices covering corporate earnings, market and credit risks, capital markets activity, index investing, and proprietary data and analytics. Published bi-weekly by the Global Markets Intelligence research group, the Lookout Report offers a detailed cross-market and cross-asset view of investment conditions, risks, and opportunities.

It's Time For Investors To Resume Viewing Stocks As Stocks, And Not As A Surrogate For Bonds

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Practice Essentials - Understanding Commodities and the S&P GSCI®

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

This Practice Essentials paper focuses on understanding commodities as an asset class as well as the S&P GSCI® , a preeminent measure of a basket of commonly traded commodities futures contracts.

Investment Policy Notes April 24, 2013

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Economic and Stock Market Outlooks

Stay Defensive and Domestic

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Global growth jitters & the hunt for yield fuel defensive and domestic sector rotation

Beyond LargeCap

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:00:04 EDT

We offer multiple transparent and investable indices to provide full market exposure. Recognizing that indexing works across the spectrum of market segments, not just large-caps, our mid- and small-cap indices help investors achieve retirement goals while lowering plan costs and streamlining due diligence.

Benchmarking Target Date

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:59:52 EDT

Our broad-based, widely adopted target date indices represent the only consensus-driven series offered by an independent index provider. Their asset allocation is not model-driven, but naturally de-risk through time because each index reflects a consensus asset allocation for its target date maturity.

2012 SPIVA Awards

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:57:42 EDT

The SPIVA® Awards support researchers from around the world that explore innovative techniques that enhance the use of indices in the financial markets. Prizes are awarded to individuals or teams for their submission on distinctive, high-quality research in the use of financial market indices for investment analysis and management.

2011 SPIVA Awards

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:56:37 EDT

2011 SPIVA Awards

Trading Solutions

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:56:37 EDT

Hedge fund professionals and traders using ETFs or futures to mitigate risk or execute arbitrage strategies turn to S&P Dow Jones Indices, an independent and trusted source for underlying index data as well as liquid ETFs and futures-linked to a broad range of proprietary benchmarks across asset classes.

Data Solutions

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:56:28 EDT

Recognized as the world’s leading index provider we provide leading global hedge funds, traders and alternative asset managers with independent, comprehensive and cost-effective data solutions that facilitate a wide variety of investment and trading strategies.

Real Asset

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:56:28 EDT

We provide solutions for inflation protection and portfolio diversification via direct or indirect exposure to real assets. The preeminent benchmark for commodities, the S&P GSCI^®, offers efficient and cost effective exposure through a global basket of commodity futures. We also offer real asset exposure indirectly via equities such as base metals, REITS and infrastructure indices.

Core

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:54:25 EDT

Through our headline indices, such as the S&P/TSX 60 and the S&P 500^®, we offer financial advisors and other investment professionals a variety of ways to achieve core equity exposure. Learn how our benchmark indices are constructed and used to support index-based investment products that help build core allocations.

Tactical

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:54:25 EDT

We support tactical asset management with precise exposures across sectors, regions and industries. Our indices provide a liquid and tradable benchmark for related derivative products. Through various weighting methodologies investors can access portfolios of securities based upon the Global Industry Classification Standards (GICS^®). For advisors with sector-influenced views, these indices provide a myriad of market exposure, diversification and attribution opinions.

Income

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:54:01 EDT

There’s a wide range of income investing options available to advisors. We help financial advisors and other investment professionals sift through the choices and understand the different types of yields available in the marketplace. Learn how our income related indices are constructed and can be used to support index–based investment products that help create income generating strategies.

Multi-Asset

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:54:01 EDT

As indexing has evolved to include multi-asset classes and dynamic asset allocation rules, we have been at the forefront of providing liquid, investable benchmarks. Index strategies such as leveraging active management schemes to attempt to capture the return of the better performing asset can be used as the underlying for structured notes, helping investors gain exposure while limiting downside risk.

Core

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:54:01 EDT

Through our headline indices, we offer wealth managers and financial planners a variety of ways to achieve core equity exposure. Learn how S&P benchmark indices are constructed and used to support index-based investment products that help build strategic asset allocations.

Income

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:54:01 EDT

There’s a wide range of income investing options available to advisors. S&P Dow Jones Indices can help wealth managers and financial planners sift through the choices and understand the different types of yields available in the marketplace. Learn how our income related indices are constructed and can be used to support index–based investment products that help create income generating strategies.

Annuity

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:54:01 EDT

The S&P 500 has become the primary crediting method in the insurance industry. Since the inception of indexed-linked insurance annuities, we have worked closely with carriers to support the S&P 500 and its related indices on account of the high liquidity of indexed-linked products linked to the index and its reputation as an objective gauge of the U.S. equity market.

Equity

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:54:01 EDT

Product issuers and distributors rely on us for transparent methodology and to provide unique exposures to alternative beta and new sources of diversification. S&P Dow Jones Indices are designed to follow macro asset allocation trends, to tilt beta for alpha generation and to help investors manage risk.

Commodity

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:54:01 EDT

The GSCI toolbox provides an efficient and cost-effective entry into a global basket of commodity futures. With a wide range of indices covering different sectors and weights, the S&P GSCI is the broadest and most widely tracked commodity index, making it a reliable underlying for structured products. We also offers Dynamic and Enhanced versions to help reduce risk and seek optimal returns.

Commodity

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:54:01 EDT

Tactical

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:53:50 EDT

We support tactical asset management with precise exposures across sectors, regions and industries. Our indices provide a liquid and tradable benchmark for related derivative products. Through various weighting methodologies investors can access portfolios of securities based upon the Global Industry Classification Standards (GICS®). For advisors with sector-influenced views, these indices provide a myriad of market exposure, diversification and attribution opinions.

Annuity

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:53:50 EDT

Life

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:53:50 EDT

We are a leading index provider for indexed linked life products, with each of the top 10 selling products offering an S&P index as a crediting option. We provide the information needed to assess the index options beyond the S&P 500 for Universal Life Products such as the S&P MidCap 400. As this space continues to grow, our capabilities and resources will be here to support your index strategy.

Multi-Asset

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:53:38 EDT

Health

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:53:38 EDT

Our healthcare cost indices are designed to provide transparency into the healthcare market and help market participants better manage their financial exposure to future volatility. The indices seek to reflect changes in the two largest components of healthcare expenditures in the United States – hospital and physician claims.

Life

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:53:38 EDT

Multi-Asset

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:53:26 EDT

Commodity

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:53:26 EDT

Income

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:53:26 EDT

Equity

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:53:26 EDT

Real Asset

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:53:26 EDT

We provide solutions for inflation protection and portfolio diversification via direct or indirect exposure to real assets. The preeminent benchmark for commodities, the S&P GSCI®, offers efficient and cost effective exposure through a global basket of commodity futures. We also offer real asset exposure indirectly via equities such as natural resources, REITS and infrastructure indices.

Equity

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:53:26 EDT

Core

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:53:26 EDT

10 Years Later: Where in the World is Equal Weight Indexing Now?

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EDT

The S&P 500® Equal Weight Index (EWI) was introduced in January 2003, pioneering the subsequent development of non-capitalization weighted indices, which have become the dominant theme of index innovation for the past decade.

Practice Essentials Canada - Building a Better Nest Egg through Income Investing

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Income investing strategies are designed to deliver income to clients from the yield of a financial instrument or from a more diversified portfolio of instruments.

Sell in May and Go... Where?

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Like Whitewater Rafting, Let the Market Take You Where It Wants to Go

Looking For Yield

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

&P Capital IQ’s Sam Stovall, Chief Equity Strategist addresses the importance of yields within one’s portfolio, as well as the need to be selective.

Global Real Estate Report: First-Quarter 2013

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EDT

Global Real Estate Report: First-Quarter 2013

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Quantitative Analysis

Fixed Income Update: Unveiling The Hidden Cost of Retail Bond-Buying March 2013

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Owning individual bonds has its risks and rewards. However, buying a municipal bond entails an unseen transaction cost, which may not always be clear to retail investors.

Investment Policy Notes April 17, 2013

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Economic and Stock Market Outlooks

Talking Points: Putting the Performance of Municipal Bonds into Perspective

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Over the past five years, the municipal bond market has seen periods of volatility, undergone dynamic shifts in supply and demand, and been considered a flight-to-quality asset class during times of heightened global uncertainty.

The Muni Bond Market is Up in Spring

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Mutual fund outflows haven’t ruined spring for the muni market. In fact, the S&P National AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index has improved by 0.72% so far in April. Find out J.R. Rieger’s take on more spring trends in the muni bond market.

Looking For Yield In All The Right Places

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

"I Go No Where Else to Go!"

Insights - A Quarterly Newsletter Dedicated to Index Innovation Spring 2013

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:24:00 EDT

April 2013 Fixed Income Update with Rieger

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Watch this Q&A session for insights into the dynamics driving fixed income performance.

Insights: A Quarterly Newsletter Dedicated to Index Innovations Spring 2013

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

A Quarterly Publication Dedicated to Index Innovation

SPIVA® U.S. Year-End 2012

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:01:00 EDT

Aye Soe, Director of Global Research & Design, discusses the latest scorecard results. Find out more about the most recent trends in the active vs. passive debate.

The Disappointing March Jobs Report Appropriately Symbolizes The U.S. Economy And The Bullish Outlook For Stocks

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

The sub-par U.S. recovery is now approaching its four-year anniversary, and once again, just when we think that the economy is finally gaining some real momentum, along comes a number like last Friday's mediocre employment report.

Q1 EPS Outlook

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

S&P Capital IQ’s Sam Stovall, Chief Equity Strategist addresses the likely result of the upcoming Q1 2013 EPS reporting period.

European Bank Woes Reflected Across Asset Classes

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

As attractive as U.S. bank returns have been recently, it seems that European banks have experienced an equal amount of pain.

S&P/ASX Fixed Interest Week in Review April 11, 2013.

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Australian Bond Yields Drop on the Back of a Softer Labor Market

Market Attributes for Financial Advisors March 2013

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

The first quarter ended on a happy note, as the S&P 500® broke its all-time high on the last trading day of the quarter.

Market Attributes for Financial Advisors March 2013

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

The first quarter ended on a happy note, as the S&P 500® broke its all-time high on the last trading day of the quarter.

Investment Policy Notes April 10, 2013

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Economic and Stock Market Outlooks

Investment Policy Notes April 10, 2013

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Economic and Stock Market Outlooks

Practice Essentials - Understanding Senior Loans

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

S&P Dow Jones Indices Practice Essentials Series is a curriculum based, educational program covering selected financial markets, asset classes and indexing concepts.

Q1 Earnings Outlook

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Restraints Include Difficult Comparisons, a Stronger Dollar and Higher Taxes

The Final Frontier

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Thanks to less integration into the global economy, frontier markets & smaller EM offer more exposure to domestically driven, secular consumer and infrastructure growth with significantly less correlation and volatility than larger emerging markets

DJIA, S&P 500® Are Back - What About Other Markets?

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:06:00 EDT

In light of the recovery of the DJIA and S&P 500, how have other key indices fared since the depths of the Financial Crisis?

CDS Market Attributes March 2013

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EDT

Strong Start

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

S&P Capital IQ’s Sam Stovall, Chief Equity Strategist addresses whether a strong start to the year will evolve into an even stronger conclusion.

S&P/ASX Fixed Interest Week in Review April 4, 2013.

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Australian Bond Prices Rose Following Bank of Japan’s Asset Purchases Announcement

CDS Market Attributes March 2013

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

The S&P/ISDA CDS U.S. Investment Grade A and Above Index tightened by 15 bps as consumer issuers like Wal-Mart and Nordstrom’s tightened in March.

Market Attributes Pan Asia: Fixed Interest March 2013

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

S&P Dow Jones Indices' Market Attributes series provides market commentary highlighting developments across various asset classes.

Leading Indicator or Confirming Evidence?

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:42:00 EDT

For the 12 months ended February 15, 2013, the S&P 500® registered a total return of 15.7%.

Australia Fixed Interest Market Attributes April 2013

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:45:00 EDT

Investment Policy Notes April 3, 2013

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Economic and Stock Market Outlooks

Australia Fixed Interest Market Attributes March 2013

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

The yield of the S&P/ASX Australian Fixed Interest Index rose to its highest level YTD (3.78%) in March, in response to waning expectations of further rate cuts.

Commodities Market Attributes March 2013

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EDT

March 2013 Commodities Video

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:43:00 EDT

Jodie Gunzberg, Head of Commodity Indices at S&P Dow Jones Indices discusses the fundamentals driving the S&P GSCI for the month of March.

Market Attributes: Index Dashboard March 28, 2013

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:41:00 EDT

Index Investment Strategy

Fixed Income Market Attributes March 2013

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EDT

Fixed Income Update: U.S. Municipal Bond Defaults Through March 2013

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EDT

U.S. Equities Market Attributes March 2013

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 09:45:00 EDT