S&P Dow Jones Indices - Education 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Insights - A Quarterly Newsletter Dedicated to Index Innovation Spring 2013

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:24:00 EDT

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

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.

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.

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.

PEs and GDP

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EDT

S&P Capital IQ’s Chief Equity Strategist Sam Stovall discusses whether EPS and P/E multiples could rise in a period of below-average U.S. economic growth.

Poor Friday for Puerto Rico Munis

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EDT

State bond funds with heavy Puerto Rico exposure were negatively affected by Puerto Rico muni bonds’ decline of more than 1.4% on Friday. Find out how the rest of the muni bond market performed last week.

Practice Essentials: Understanding Canadian and U.S. REITs

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 09:21:00 EDT

Traditionally, real estate has been an illiquid asset class. However, publicly traded property stocks, including real estate investment trusts (REITs) and real estate operating companies (REOCs), allow investors to gain exposure to real estate without sacrificing the liquidity benefits of listed equities or exposing them to the burdens of owning physical property.

FA Talks: Why Consider REITs?

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 09:02:00 EDT

Find out how the unique structure of REITs offers relatively easy access to a traditionally illiquid asset class, and how regional REIT markets differ.

Happy Birthday Bull

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 13:58:00 EDT

S&P Capital IQ’s Sam Stovall, Chief Equity Strategist discusses the bull market’s fourth birthday.

The Muni Bond Market Saw Lots of Activity This Week

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EDT

The muni bond market was busy with activity this week, including the Puerto Rico downgrade. Amid all the activity, muni bond yield was up and prices were down for the second straight week. Learn J.R. Rieger’s take on more of the week’s trends and activity.

Is the Muni Market Moving Away From Long-Term Bonds?

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:45:00 EDT

Signs could be pointing to the much predicted great rotation out of long-term bonds. In other news, muni bond prices fell, with the rising yield. Learn J.R. Rieger’s take on these trends and more.

Compelling Combination

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 09:17:00 EST

S&P Capital IQ’s Sam Stovall, Chief Equity Strategist addresses the implications of the S&P 500 rising in price in both January and February.

March Mayhem

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST

S&P Capital IQ’s Sam Stovall, Chief Equity Strategist addresses the effect of uncertain global politics on the market’s likely performance in March.

High-Yield Muni Bonds are the Story for the Second Straight Week

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST

In this edition of the Rieger Report, J.R. Rieger discusses the rally of high-yield muni bonds amid a solid market over the first two months of the year. The S&P Municipal Bond High Yield Index has shown a positive total return of over 1.65% YTD. Find out about this trend and more.

Bear Basics

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST

S&P Capital IQ’s Sam Stovall, Chief Equity Strategist addresses whether economic, fundamental or monetary indicators were pointing to a market top.

High-Yield Muni Bonds Continue To Rally

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST

In general, the muni bond market has been stable during the past week. Noteworthy is the rally of high-yield bonds, which have posted year-to-date positive total returns of 1.4% as tracked by the S&P Municipal Bond High Yield Index. Listen to J.R. Rieger’s take on this trend and more.

Lunar Lunacy

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST

S&P Capital IQ’s Sam Stovall, Chief Equity Strategist addresses market indicators that demonstrate correlation, but not causation.

Do Declining Muni Bond Prices Reflect Diminishing Credit Quality?

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST

Municipal bond prices as tracked by the S&P National AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index have slipped this week. Is the credit quality of investment-grade municipal issuers deteriorating? Listen to J.R. Rieger’s take.

FA Talks: What We Can Learn From Endowment Funds

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST

Doug Wolfe of Saddle River Capital Management discusses his wealth management firm’s approach to dynamic ETF allocation.

January Barometer Portfolio

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST

Sam Stovall, Chief Equity Strategist of S&P Capital IQ discusses the market’s performance in January, as well as the January barometer portfolio.

Land-Backed Muni Bonds Performing Well in 2013

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST

Land-backed muni bonds, which typically produce the most defaults, have been positive so far this year. Find out how the rest of the muni bond market has performed this week and YTD.

Video Interview with David Blitzer on the November Case-Shiller Results

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 14:01:00 EST

David Blitzer, Managing Director and Chairman of the Index Committee at S&P Dow Jones Indices, discusses the current state of the housing market after the latest data results for the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices were released. David notes that as housing prices continue to rise, the housing market is moving in the right direction.

Correction Conviction

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST

Sam Stovall, Chief Equity Strategist of S&P Capital IQ discusses the market’s recent advance and the possibility of decline in February.

Insights: A Quarterly Newsletter Dedicated to Index Innovations January 2013

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST

The S&P 500® and the Dow Jones Industrial Average, like all of S&P Dow Jones indices, are overseen by committees. Some indices offered by other index providers are described as rules-based without the benefit of an oversight committee, suggesting that rules are somehow better because their indices are untouched by human hands.

A Comeback for Puerto Rico?

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST

The S&P Municipal Bond Puerto Rico Index returned over 2.3% in January, outperforming bonds from California, Illinois, New Jersey and New York. Listen for JR Rieger’s take on muni bond performance in January.

Momentum, Housing and Second Terms

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST

Sam Stovall, Chief Equity Strategist of S&P Capital IQ discusses momentum, housing and the start of the president’s second term.

A Tendency To Surprise

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST

Following a 5-Year High

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST

Sam Stovall, Chief Equity Strategist of S&P Capital IQ discusses the outlook for stocks after reaching a five-year recovery high.

Munis Fared Well Despite Supply Of New Bond Issues

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST

In this edition of the Rieger Report, J.R. Rieger discusses the factors that drove muni performance this week. Find out why muni bonds can help investors keep more than other fixed income asset classes.

Q4 EPS Outlook

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST

Sam Stovall, Chief Equity Strategist of S&P Capital IQ discusses the outlook for the fourth-quarter 2012 earnings.

Muni Bond Market Remains Resilient

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST

In this week’s podcast, J.R. Rieger sheds light on muni indices that have fared well despite tax-exemption uncertainty.

Practice Essentials: The Role Of Dividends In Income Portfolios

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 13:11:00 EST

Dividends have been in existence since the 16th century, when sailing ship captains in Holland and Britain began selling the payoffs of financially motivated voyages to investors.

The Role Of Dividends In Income Portfolios

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST

New Year by the Numbers

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST

Sam Stovall, Chief Equity Strategist of S&P Capital IQ discusses 2012 returns by asset class and what history says we may experience in 2013.

Dow Jones Industrial Average: A Year in Review

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST

December was a Tough Month for Munis as Fiscal Cliff Looms

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST

In this week’s edition of the Rieger Report, JR Rieger discusses why muni bond prices have slipped and puts it all into context by highlighting their positive returns as 2012 comes to a close.

A Discounted Market

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST

Sam Stovall, Chief Equity Strategist of S&P Capital IQ discusses how deeply the S&P 500 is trading to its historical trailing and projected P/E ratios.

Muni Bond Yields Bounce Off Record Lows

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST

Last week, muni bond yields bounced off record lows in response to the market absorbing a wave of new issue supply. Listen for J.R. Rieger's perspective on recent muni market performance.

Recessionary Restraint

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST

Sam Stovall, Chief Equity Strategist of S&P Capital IQ discusses how the duration and fragility of this economic recovery hints at a down 2013 for stocks.

A Favorable Finale?

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST

Sam Stovall, Chief Equity Strategist of S&P Capital IQ discusses the high level of investor bullishness and average increase in share prices during December.

Expectations of Higher Taxes Exacerbate Muni Demand Imbalance

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST

Find out how historically low yields and the looming fiscal cliff have impacted the muni market this week.

Looking Beyond Traditional Benchmarks to Add Value in Emerging Markets

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 09:00:00 EST

Munis Prove Their Worth in Low-Rate Environment

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST

In this edition of the Rieger Report, JR Rieger shows that it's not just about what you earn -- it's also about what you keep. Find out how investment-grade munis stacked up to corporate bonds, Treasury bonds and other asset classes this week.

Outlook 2013

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 00:00:00 EST

Sam Stovall, Chief Equity Strategist of S&P Capital IQ discusses our investment outlook for 2013.

Insights: A Quarterly Newsletter Dedicated to Index Innovations October 2012

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 09:10:00 EST

On July 2, 2012, The McGraw-Hill Companies and CME Group announced the launch of S&P Dow Jones Indices—bringing together under one roof some of the world’s most iconic market indices.

10 Month Moving Average

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:00:00 EST

Sam Stovall, Chief Equity Strategist of S&P Capital IQ discusses if an investor should lighten their exposure to equities now that the S&P 500 has dropped below its 10-month, or 43-week, moving average.

Investment-Grade Munis Steady as High-Yield Munis Keep Rising

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:00:00 EST

Since Hurricane Sandy hit the U.S. East Coast, investment-grade muni bonds have risen 1.36%, modestly outpacing the 7-10 year U.S. Treasury bond market.

Practice Essentials: Limiting Risk Without Limiting Equity Exposure

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 10:25:00 EST

Market volatility can be a powerful enemy of long-term performance. Traditional indexing generally allows investors to diversify individual company risk and still enjoy exposure to 100% of the market return.

Limiting Risk Without Limiting Equity Exposure

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST

Dewey/Truman Redux

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 EST

Sam Stovall, Chief Equity Strategist of S&P Capital IQ discusses how, just like in 1948, investors said “Oh No!” to the reelection of the status quo.

Practice Essentials - Laddering a Portfolio of Municipal Bonds

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:00:00 EST

In any home construction project, chances are a ladder will be used to reach a higher point.

Re-Election Retreat

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 00:00:00 EST

S&P Capital IQ’s Sam Stovall, Chief Equity Strategist addresses the S&P 500’s price retreat following the re-election of President Obama.

New Jersey Muni Bonds Outperform Despite Hurricane

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 00:00:00 EST

In the wake of a hurricane, flooding, snow, power outages and elections, muni bonds remain a flight-to-quality asset class.

David Blitzer Discusses “Options before Quants”

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 15:00:00 EST

Cyclical Six

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:00:00 EDT

S&P Capital IQ’s Sam Stovall, Chief Equity Strategist addresses discussed the S&P 500’s typical performance during the upcoming six strongest months of the year.

Muni Bonds With Incremental Yield Attract Greatest Demand

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:00:00 EDT

The supply/demand imbalance continues to keep muni bond prices low

Practice Essentials: The Nuts And Bolts Of Fixed Indexed Annuities

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:37:00 EDT

Fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) are used by financial advisors and insurance agents for income planning or to provide clients with market-based returns while seeking to reduce risk by limiting potential losses.

Practice Essentials - S&P 500® Low Volatility Index: Low and Slow Could Win the Race

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 00:00:00 EDT

The S&P 500 Low Volatility Index addresses the need for an easily comprehendible and transparent benchmark for managed volatility equity strategies.

Practice Essentials - Three Reasons To Consider Index Funds

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 09:39:00 EDT

Indexing is a way to invest that is based on choosing investment products that track or mirror a market or segments of the market, such as the S&P/ASX 200.

Yield-Hungry Investors Push High-Yield Muni Returns Past 15%

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Investors continue to force the price of high-yield municipal bonds upward.

A Quick Look at Index versus Active Funds

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 EDT

This Practice Essentials provides a brief overview of the S&P Indices Versus Active (SPIVA®) Australia Scorecard, our semi-annual report on the relative performance of indices and actively managed funds.

Could Weakening Puerto Rico Bonds Be a Drag on State Muni Funds?

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Triple tax-exempt munis from Puerto Rico often have an allocation in state muni funds.

Practice Essentials - REITs: Making Property Accessible

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Publicly traded property stocks, including real estate investment trusts (REITs) and real estate operating companies (REOCs), allow investors to gain exposure to real estate, an illiquid asset class, without sacrificing the liquidity benefits of listed equities.

FA Talks: Sell in May

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 17:30:00 EDT

FA Talks: Sell in May

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 00:00:00 EDT

Listen to Sam Stovall explain how sector rotation strategies can help investors to take advantage of one of his Seven Rules of Wall Street, “sell in May and go away.”