I'm not saying I'm expecting a crash to the same degree as what we saw more than a quarter century ago. But what I am saying is that market participants may become more discriminating with their investment choices, and those companies in the AI space that are the most efficient could see the greatest gains. In other words, I think being a stock picker could be a good thing in 2026.That said, it will be interesting to see if 2026 bring sabot uncertainty around how easy the gains from AI exposure will be. The ...

This analysis is not focused on returns or performance. Instead, it examines the distinct factors that made certain mutual fund categories stand out during the year. Here’s a closer look at them:Also Read | How equity and gold SIPs can turn Rs 24,000 into Rs 6 crore in nearly 2 decadesSilver ETFs caught investors’ attention in the current calendar year as the prices of silver in India went up significantly above global benchmarks due to local shortages, which led to inflated prices of silver ETFs on the ex ...

Core Insights - The Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) includes both U.S. and international equities, while the Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) focuses solely on non-U.S. stocks, leading to differences in returns, yield, and sector exposure [1][2]. Cost & Size Comparison - VT has an expense ratio of 0.06% and a 1-year return of 15.2% with a dividend yield of 1.7% [3] - VXUS has a slightly lower expense ratio of 0.05% and a higher 1-year return of 22.7% with a dividend yield of 2.7% [3][4]. Performance & Risk Metrics - Over the past five years, VT experienced a maximum drawdown of 26.38%, while VXUS had a higher drawdown of 29.44% [5]. - An investment of $1,000 in VT would have grown to $1,520, compared to $1,247 for VXUS over the same period [5]. Portfolio Composition - VXUS provides exposure to 8,663 international stocks, with top holdings including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Tencent, and ASML [6]. - VT encompasses 9,957 stocks, with major positions in Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft, reflecting significant U.S. tech sector representation [7][10]. Investment Implications - The choice between VT and VXUS depends on the investor's desire for U.S. exposure in their global holdings, with VT being suitable for comprehensive global exposure and VXUS for adding international diversification to existing U.S. investments [8][11].

Core Viewpoint - Certuity, a registered investment advisor with $4 billion in assets under management (AUM), focuses on strategic long-term investments for high-net-worth clients, emphasizing global diversification and a balanced approach to asset allocation [4][5]. Investment Philosophy - The firm prioritizes a five- to seven-year investment horizon, encouraging clients to avoid overreacting to market fluctuations [5]. - Certuity employs a barbell strategy, catering to both ultra-high-net-worth clients (over $25 million) and those with $5 million to $15 million in assets [3][4]. Asset Allocation Strategy - Certuity's model typically starts with a 75% equity and 25% fixed-income allocation, which is believed to yield higher returns compared to the traditional 60/40 model [9]. - Within equities, approximately 65% is allocated to U.S. markets, 20% to developed international markets, and 15% to emerging markets [9]. - Fixed-income investments are primarily in municipal portfolios and core bond funds, with adjustments made for clients seeking additional yield through private credit [10]. Private Market Investments - The firm has a strong belief in private markets, with significant allocations to private equity, private credit, and niche areas like sports investing [6][15][17]. - Certuity is actively involved in sports investing, which is characterized by low correlation to traditional assets and has shown strong performance over the past five to six years [17][18]. Due Diligence and Investment Process - Certuity employs a thorough due diligence process for third-party asset managers, focusing on people, philosophy, and performance [26]. - The firm conducts its own underwriting for private market investments, although it collaborates with third-party consultants for additional insights [28][29]. Future Investment Plans - Certuity plans to launch a drawdown energy infrastructure fund, anticipating increased demand for energy production and transmission [21]. - The firm is also exploring opportunities in venture capital and real estate, areas it has not been active in recently [22].

Core Viewpoint - The iShares Global 100 ETF (IOO) offers a means for investors to achieve global exposure with a focus on balanced earnings durability, but the performance advantages observed in the recent past are unlikely to continue in the future [1]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - The iShares Global 100 ETF (IOO) is highlighted as a beneficial investment vehicle for gaining global market exposure [1]. - The ETF is characterized by its balanced earnings durability, which is a key factor for investors seeking stability [1]. Group 2: Performance Outlook - Analysts suggest that the favorable performance trends seen in the past may not be replicated moving forward, indicating a potential shift in investment dynamics [1].

The In terms of returns, Why Global Diversification Matters More Than EverMarket cycles do not move in tandem across geographies. While Indian markets remain a compelling long-term growth story, global exposure—especially to the US—can help investors balance risk, reduce portfolio volatility, and access sectors that are either underrepresented or unavailable domestically.Investment flows into overseas equities rebounded sharply, rising from USD 152 million in August to USD 279 million in September. (Refere ...

Core Insights - The 2026 Global Investor Outlook by Colliers indicates a shift in investor behavior towards active capital deployment and diversification across sectors and regions, driven by improving market fundamentals and returning liquidity [1][2][3] Investment Strategies - Nearly 49% of investors prefer direct investments and separate accounts, with a growing interest in platform joint ventures and M&A, while private equity and secondary funds are increasingly targeting property-owning entities and operating businesses [2][3] - A significant 37% of investors are leaning towards core and core-plus strategies, despite only 9% of real estate funds being raised in these areas, highlighting a disconnect between investor appetite and fund orientation [2] Market Dynamics - Multi-regional strategies now account for nearly 30% of global fundraising, with North America’s share decreasing from 50% in 2024 to 40% in 2025 YTD, while Europe and Asia Pacific saw increases of 50% and 130% year-on-year, respectively [3] - Data centres have become the second-most popular asset type, representing 31% of global real estate funds raised from Q1 to Q3 2025, while offices are experiencing a global rebound [4][5] Sector Performance - Industrial, multifamily, and retail assets continue to attract capital, particularly in markets with strong fundamentals and limited supply, focusing on logistics hubs and urban residential growth corridors [6] - Investors are increasingly looking to reposition existing assets for value creation, with a focus on adaptive reuse in supply-constrained markets, particularly in APAC and Europe [7] Regional Insights - In the United States, pent-up capital and attractive valuations are driving renewed activity, especially in multifamily, industrial, and data centres [12] - Europe remains a key destination for global capital, with office and industrial sectors leading a rebound amid improving liquidity [12] - APAC is witnessing robust growth prospects, boosting demand for office, logistics, and emerging alternatives like data centres and student housing [12] - Canada’s appeal as a safe haven, along with supply constraints in multifamily and retail sectors, is enhancing investor confidence [12]

Core Message - The importance of global diversification in investment strategies is emphasized, highlighting that limiting investments to India may result in missed opportunities and safety nets [1][17]. Investment Strategies - Financial experts at Mint Horizons discussed practical tips for finding global investment opportunities, particularly through GIFT City, India's new financial hub [2][4]. - Saurabh Mukherjea pointed out the low correlation between Indian and US markets, suggesting a portfolio allocation of 60% in India and 40% in dollar-based assets for average Indian investors [3]. GIFT City Developments - GIFT City is emerging as a key gateway for Indian and global investors to access overseas assets efficiently, supported by regulatory and product innovations [4][5]. - Marcellus Investment Managers launched a NASDAQ ETF in GIFT City, enabling corporates to invest up to half of their net worth abroad under the new Overseas Portfolio Investment regime [5]. Fund Offerings - PPFAS has established a Foreign Portfolio Investor retail license in GIFT City, allowing for the launch of globally diversified portfolios [6]. - DSP Mutual Fund introduced a retail fund in GIFT City with a minimum investment of $5,000, aiming for long-term dollar returns of 12-13% [7]. Unique Investment Opportunities - Investing internationally allows access to asset classes unavailable in India, such as gold mining, as highlighted by Vivek Iyer [9][10]. - Dharmendra Jain discussed a bottom-up approach to a Global Innovation Fund, with significant exposure to the US and Far East markets [11]. Emerging Markets - Aashish P Somaiyaa presented a case for investing in emerging markets outside India, noting a correlation of 0.6 with Indian markets, which can complement Indian investments [12]. Digital Platforms and Taxation - Digital platforms are simplifying the process of international investments, with expectations of a significant increase in the number of investors in the coming years [14][15]. - Taxation structures for investments routed through GIFT City are favorable, with potential tax-free benefits for investments made from jurisdictions like Dublin [16].

Core Insights - Investors may overlook growth-oriented, profitable companies generating free cash flow (FCF) due to home country bias, but can benefit from international exposure through the VictoryShares International Free Cash Flow Growth ETF (GRIN) [1] Group 1: ETF Overview - GRIN tracks the Victory International Free Cash Flow Growth Index, targeting high-growth, international large-cap companies with potential for compounding FCF generation over time [2] - The Index uses FCF as a forward-looking measure, filtering companies based on FCF trends, FCF to return on invested capital, and growth prospects [2] Group 2: Importance of FCF - FCF is a key metric for assessing sustainable growth companies, indicating their ability to reinvest, offer dividends, or buy back stock, all contributing to shareholder value [3] - GRIN's indexed approach focuses on international companies exhibiting these characteristics, helping diversify portfolios concentrated in U.S. equities [3] Group 3: Notable Holdings - Rolls-Royce Holdings, a British aerospace and defense company, is a top holding in GRIN with a 3.88% allocation, potentially benefiting from increased military spending in the EU [4] - Siemens Energy, a German company, is experiencing record orders due to power demands from AI applications, crucial for Europe's power grid [5] - Siemens is also a leading wind power company, contrasting with the U.S. political agenda, highlighting missed opportunities for investors with a home country bias [6] - Sea Limited, based in Singapore, has seen a nearly 70% increase in value for the year as of 8/31/2025, capitalizing on e-commerce strength in Southeast Asia [7] Group 4: Diversification Strategies - For global diversification, investors can pair GRIN with other VictoryShares ETFs, such as the value-oriented VictoryShares Free Cash Flow ETF (VFLO), which focuses on high-quality, large-cap U.S. stocks [8] - The VictoryShares Free Cash Flow Growth ETF (GFLW) provides exposure to U.S. companies with high FCF profitability and growth potential [9]

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the importance of global diversification in investment portfolios to complement core investments in US markets [1] - It highlights the iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF as a classical market benchmark for global diversification [1] Group 2 - The author has a strong background in finance, with expertise in corporate finance, M&A, and investment analysis, particularly in real estate and renewable energy sectors [1] - The article aims to share insights and analysis with a global audience, fostering informed investment decisions [1]