Research

Using Long Volatility Exposure to Hedge a Portfolio

Investors need to understand that the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) is not the same as VIX futures, and this has important implications when it comes to trying to hedge a portfolio with a long volatility approach. The VIX index itself is a fantastic indicator of 30-day implied volatility. VIX futures are simply the market’s best guess where the VIX index will be on settlement at that point in time.

Using Long Volatility Exposure to Hedge a Portfolio

Investors need to understand that the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) is not the same as VIX futures, and this has important implications when it comes to trying to hedge a portfolio with a long volatility approach. The VIX index itself is a fantastic indicator of 30-day implied volatility. VIX futures are simply the market’s best guess where the VIX index will be on settlement at that point in time.

Litigation Trade Example

The managers identified a bond where the servicer was not correctly interpreting the payout. In this case, the servicer was paying the principal on the bonds to an insurance company before the senior bondholders. It was paying the insurance company for losses the insurance company had previously paid out on mezzanine bonds. Insurance recovery rights are called rights of subrogation. ESM bought the senior bonds and challenged the servicer.

Litigation Trade Example

The managers identified a bond where the servicer was not correctly interpreting the payout. In this case, the servicer was paying the principal on the bonds to an insurance company before the senior bondholders. It was paying the insurance company for losses the insurance company had previously paid out on mezzanine bonds. Insurance recovery rights are called rights of subrogation. ESM bought the senior bonds and challenged the servicer.

Do Low Interest Rates Justify High Stock Valuations?

The belief this time is different from the past has always been the most dangerous of phrases for investors. However, this is where participants exist today. While it is true the excessive monetary liquidity has certainly changed short-term market dynamics; there is no evidence it has mitigated long-term consequences.

Fundamentally Speaking: Earnings Don’t Support Bullish Thesis

With the second quarter of the 2020 reporting season mostly behind us, and with markets testing “all-time” highs, do earnings support the bullish thesis? Such is the fundamental question surrounding the debate over the record deviation between “momentum” and “growth.”

The Case for Non-Traditional Fixed Income in Every Rate Environment

In this case study we will take a close look at the large, liquid and mature $1.2 trillion U.S. senior secured corporate loan market. In this study, we present our case for loans in every rate environment.

#Macroview: Why Soros Just Called the Market A Bubble

In a previous post "Market Bubbles," I touched on George Soros' "theory of reflexivity." Interestingly, MarketWatch discussed with George why he no longer participates in the "bubble." The foundation of his argument comes from his previous work in "Alchemy of Finance."

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Income Shines: November 2024 HANDLS Monthly Report

November proved to be a strong month for income-focused investments, with all sectors delivering positive returns despite market volatility.

Building a Winning Portfolio for Trump’s Second Term

Building a portfolio for a second Trump term means focusing on companies positioned to benefit from shifting regulatory priorities and trade dynamics.

David Miller on CNBC’s Market Navigator: Will Overheating Hurt Nvidia?

Will Mag 7 stock Nvidia beat estimates? David Miller, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Catalyst Funds, Rational Funds, and Strategy Shares, provided his insights to CNBC on Nov. 19 on why he believes the company will come out ahead this week despite potentially challenging headlines.

Chart of the Week: is the Stock Market Getting Ahead of Itself?

In October, Goldman Sachs strategists cautioned investors to be prepared for stock market returns during the next decade that are toward the lower end of their typical performance distribution.

What’s the Real Value of Active Management?

In my opinion, true active strategies have a very important role in portfolios as complements to passive, cheap beta. Advisors need to understand what they own.