Equity

Don’t be distracted by the recent well-publicized earnings misses of several tech-sector giants – stocks did well in October overall. There are larger geopolitical, macro and company-specific factors at play that call for a nuanced approach to technology and tech-related stocks.

Consumer companies that are adept at turning mountains of customer data into actionable intelligence are boosting sales and gaining market share, creating opportunities for investors.

We are cautiously optimistic about cyclical stocks. Their historically low relative value and deeply negative overall investor sentiment could be a recipe for a strong relief rally.

In What’s unique about Voya’s approach to ESG?, Jim and Laura dive into processes and tools, including our proprietary V-score, that make ESG a meaningful part of investment decisions in Voya’s equity strategies.

Taking the tough questions head on, Do ESG critics have a point? raises issues such as ESG’s recent underperformance (and the problem with generalizing issues about ESG), the veracity of impact investing and the troubling lack of clarity on ESG product labeling.

Listen in as Jim Dorment (head of value and portfolio manager) and Laura Kane (head of ESG research) gather to peel back the layers on key topics facing ESG investors today.

How are E, S and G evolving? takes a look at critical changes in how investors assess each component of environment, social and governance factors. It’s not enough to focus (rightly) on the low-carbon transition—there are issues of labor disruptions caused by the transition to consider as well.  

Performance is the focus of Where will the next wave of ESG alpha come from?, shining a light on the difference between divesting “bad ESG” companies vs. including and engaging companies to find those likely to be voted “Most Improved in ESG.”

Big data is fueling, informing and empowering businesses globally. As growth-oriented investors, we see opportunities in best-in-class companies that are creating the technologies driving big data services.

Human behavior is predictable—regardless of the state of the economy, people will get married, have children and buy homes.

The prospect of rising real interest rates favors value versus growth stocks, while moderating economic growth and persistent inflation favor inexpensive stability value names over well-priced cyclicals.