S&P Dow Jones Indices - Research RSS Feed

A Primer for International Corporate Bonds

Fri, 24 May 2013 14:43:00 EDT

From a U.S. perspective, international corporate bonds refer to bonds issued by non-U.S. corporations in a currency other than the U.S. Dollar.

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.

S&P Shariah Scorecard

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:30:00 EDT

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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%.

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

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EDT

S&P Global Equity Indices Monthly Update March 2013

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 09:15:00 EDT

S&P Global Equity Indices Monthly Update March, 2013

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

See how the global equity indices performed in March 2013.

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

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

As of March 28, 2013, the S&P Municipal Bond Index recorded 203 outstanding bond deals in monetary default.

S&P Global Equity Indices Monthly Update March, 2013

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

See how the global equity indices performed in March 2013.

Income Beyond Bonds

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 14:33:00 EDT

Since the mid-1950s, one of the axioms of investment management has been that, in comparison to stocks, bonds are the superior income-generating asset.

A Look Inside Dividends

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:18:00 EDT

Aye Soe, Director of Global Research and Design, talks about why dividend-based equity investing has become one of the most discussed investment topics in recent years. Hear more about the historical significance and benefits of dividend investing. Also, learn more about the S&P Dow Jones Dividend Indices family, specifically its two headline dividend indices.

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.

S&P Target Date Scorecard Year-End 2012

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EDT

A unique target date fund "scorecard" designed to help plan administrators select, evaluate and monitor their target date fund.

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.

The Case for Unconstrained Sector Weights

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 17:24:00 EDT

The low volatility anomaly has attracted considerable interest from both the academic community and from investors.

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.

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

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EDT

As of February 2013, the S&P Municipal Bond Index recorded 205 outstanding bond deals in monetary default. This represents 305 individual bonds (some deals have multiple bond issues) in the index, totaling more than USD 8 billion in par value or 0.57% of the total par value of the index.

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.

Dividend Investing And A Look Inside The S&P Dow Jones Dividend Indices

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:25:00 EST

Dividends have fascinated investors and theorists since the origins of modern financial theory. Voluminous research has been written on the various topics related to dividends and dividend-paying firms.

S&P Global Equity Indices Monthly Update February, 2013

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST

See how the global equity indices performed in February 2013.

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.

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.

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

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 00:00:00 EST

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.

Fixed Income Update: Unveiling The Hidden Cost Of Retail Bond-Buying January 2013

Sat, 02 Feb 2013 15:30:00 EST

The Limits Of History

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 14:44:00 EST

The Limits Of History

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 14:36:00 EST

Anyone who’s ever read a prospectus knows that “past performance is no guarantee of future results.” The sentence has almost assumed the status of a cliché, but one of the less-appreciated properties of clichés is that they’re true.

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.

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.

S&P Shariah Scorecard 4th Quarter 2012

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST

S&P Shariah Indices Quantitative Analysis 4th Quarter 2012

SPIVA® Scorecard: Senior Loans

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 16:52:00 EST

A Unique Scorecard For The Active Versus Passive Debate

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.

Fixed Income Update: U.S. Municipal Bond Defaults Through December 2012

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST

In 2012, the S&P Municipal Bond Index recorded 52 new monetary defaults of bond deals, which missed at least part of their principal and/or interest payments.

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.

S&P Global Property & REIT 4th Quarter 2012

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST

Quantitative Analysis

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.

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

S&P Global Equity Indices Monthly Update December 2012

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST

See how the global equity indices performed in December.

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.

SPIVA® Persistence Scorecard

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST

The phrase “past performance is not an indicator of future outcomes” (or some variation thereof) can be found in the fine print of most mutual fund literature.

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.

U.S. Municipal Bond Defaults Through November 2012

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 00:00:00 EST

The total par value of outstanding municipal bonds in monetary default tracked in the S&P Municipal Bond Index moved lower in November as several outstanding defaults made their final disbursement to bondholders.

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.

Commodity Investments: The Missing Piece of the Portfolio Puzzle?

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 13:00:00 EST

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.

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.