Wilmington Trust’s Capital Considerations

America on the Move—The Reshaping of Cities and Suburbia

For many, COVID-19 has meant the home front has been doubling as the workplace, creating growing pains and the need for more space. At the same time, Millennials have been getting the itch to become homeowners. These forces have resulted in a massive migration from big cities to the suburbs and smaller cities. What do these trends mean for real estate markets—is another housing bubble ahead? Chief Investment Officer Tony Roth and Eric Willett, director of Research and Thought Leadership for CBRE’s Pacific Southwest Division, break down the impacts on homeowners and investors.

The Economic Toll of Climate Change

Just a few years ago, the U.S. was moving at a snail’s pace relative to Europe when it came to prioritizing the climate crisis. Today, we see fervent interest from policy and industrial standpoints, as well as mainstream society—while catastrophic weather events continue to exact heavy financial tolls. How is the world rehabbing from its addiction to fossil fuels and what are the likely global economic effects? Chief Investment Officer Tony Roth explores the weighty price tag with Gernot Wagner, NYU climate economics professor who pens Bloomberg’s Risky Climate and is co-author of Climate Shock.

Is the Stock Market Running Out of Juice?

The economy is still rising after a COVID-induced hibernation, further bolstered by easy monetary policy and vaccinations, while pent-up demand and stimulus are being deployed, brightening the outlook for corporate earnings—but for how long? How much has the recovery been priced into stocks? Chief Investment Officer Tony Roth welcomes the insights of seasoned stock pro Lori Calvasina, head of U.S. Equity Strategy at RBC Capital Markets, who recently raised her S&P 500 price target.

Building Back Bridges & Roads? America’s Newest Deal

The infrastructure package, which currently comes with a $1.7 trillion price tag, seeks to deliver new roads and bridges and expands clean energy initiatives. While President Biden is working toward a deal, a broad sweep of complex economic issues has yet to be worked out. To dimension the implications and likely outcome of this initiative, Chief Investment Officer Tony Roth turns to Professor Rick Geddes, director of Cornell University’s Program in Infrastructure Policy.

Wealth Management Leader Doris Meister Surveys the Industry Landscape

With each challenge comes the opportunity to reevaluate and do better. This was supremely evident in 2020, as the pandemic brought about a sea change in the way business is done. At Wilmington Trust/M&T Bank, for example, sweeping advances in technology that were in the works before COVID were brought to bear at breakneck speed. How has the virus changed the ways advisors help clients achieve their goals? What should you look for when choosing an advisor? For the answers, we look to our own Head of Wealth Management Doris Meister, a leader at top firms for over 25 years.

Streaming Wars

Cable vs. streaming: Who will survive or even thrive? In our latest episode we explore rapidly changing tastes and how viewers are choosing to consume content from an ever-increasing supply of providers—as well as what it means for earnings of broadcast television and cable companies. Chief Investment Officer Tony Roth welcomes media and entertainment equity analyst Neil Macker from the investment research firm Morningstar to discuss what’s in store for these industries.

The Rise (and Fall?) of Emerging Tech Contenders

With soaring valuations and prospects for expansion, early-stage growth firms are practically giddy with excitement and visions of stardom. Big-player sectors like technology and health care have greatly benefited from macro trends and enjoy elite status as increasingly important pieces of the future economy.
Still, private equity investors are forced to face the hard truth: not every behemoth wannabe makes it to the bigtime. What do you look for to help assess which young upstart will be a shining star or which others will fizzle out, so to speak?
Chief Investment Officer Tony Roth talks to David Reuter, a partner at the private equity firm LLR, about this and much more in the emerging technology space.

Income Thirsty Investors Drink Up

To get a fix on the outlook for fixed income securities, we turn to Lord Abbett Partner and Portfolio Manager Leah Traub. In her important discussion with Chief Investment Officer Tony Roth, Leah shares what she believes is on the horizon for interest rates, dividends, and much more. Listen in and find out if your fixed income portfolio needs fixing.