Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, GCM Grosvenor achieved a record fundraising year, raising $10.7 billion, with $3.5 billion raised in Q4 alone [5][6] - Fee-Related Earnings, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted Net Income increased by 11%, 15%, and 18% respectively compared to 2024 [6][24] - The company ended 2025 with $91 billion in assets under management, a 14% increase from the end of 2024 [7][24] - Fee-Paying AUM grew 12% year-over-year to $72 billion, while Contracted Not Yet Fee-Paying AUM increased 27% year-over-year to $10 billion [8][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Absolute Return Strategies (ARS) performance was strong, with a Multi-Strategy Composite generating a 15% gross rate of return in 2025 [5] - Infrastructure, the fastest-growing strategy, returned approximately 11% for the year [5] - ARS fee-paying AUM and management fees grew 15% and 5% year-over-year respectively [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The individual investor channel saw AUM increase by 18% year-over-year, reflecting strong demand for customized solutions [9][18] - The company has less exposure to SaaS businesses, with only 4% of total AUM and less than 6% of credit AUM [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - GCM Grosvenor is focused on maintaining a capital-light business model while increasing shareholder returns through share buybacks and debt repayment [27][13] - The company launched Grove Lane Partners, a new wealth management distribution joint venture, and an infrastructure interval fund [9][10] - The firm aims to double its 2023 Fee-Related Earnings to over $280 million and grow adjusted net income per share to more than $1.20 by 2028 [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the investment opportunity set and the strength of their fundraising pipeline entering 2026 [5][6] - The company remains optimistic about the future despite recent market volatility, emphasizing the importance of diversification in their investment strategy [10][12] - Management noted that while carry realizations were light in Q4, the gross unrealized carried interest balance reached an all-time high of $949 million, indicating potential for future revenue growth [7][24] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 2.8 million shares in Q4 at an average price of $11.11 per share, totaling $31 million [24] - An additional $35 million was authorized for share buybacks, bringing the total available for repurchase to $91 million [13][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on capital allocation plans - Management indicated a focus on remaining a capital-light business, with plans for share buybacks and debt repayment [27][28] Question: Operating leverage and margin expansion - Management expressed confidence in continuing to drive margin expansion through 2028 [29][31] Question: Outlook for absolute return business and organic growth - Management maintained a cautious stance on budgeting for flows but acknowledged recent successes in the absolute return business [35][36] Question: Fundraising outlook for 2026 - Management noted a strong pipeline for 2026 but did not commit to exceeding 2025 fundraising levels [58][59] Question: Performance fees and carried interest - Management acknowledged lower-than-expected carry realizations in Q4 but expressed optimism about future revenue from carried interest [60][61]

MetLife 2026 Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company**: MetLife (NYSE: MET) - **Date**: February 10, 2026 - **Speakers**: Michel Khalaf (President and CEO), John McCallion (Head of Investment Management) Key Points Strategic Initiatives - **New Frontier Strategy**: Launched over a year ago, focusing on strong growth, attractive returns, and lower risk. Aimed to deliver a superior value proposition by 2025 [5][6] - **Financial Performance**: In 2025, MetLife achieved $10 billion in free cash flow and reduced direct expenses by 40 basis points, reflecting an efficiency mindset [5][6] - **Growth in Key Segments**: Significant progress in group benefits, asset management, and international markets, with a focus on retirement origination and reinsurance capabilities [6][7] Financial Metrics - **Assets Under Management (AUM)**: Increased from approximately $600 billion to over $740 billion, indicating strong growth across various segments [7] - **Earnings Per Share (EPS)**: MetLife established a target for double-digit EPS growth, with a 60-40 split between earnings growth and capital management [9] - **Return on Equity (ROE)**: Current target set at 15%-17%, with expectations for continued growth driven by high-return businesses and the runoff of legacy businesses [10][11] Expense Management - **Expense Ratio Goals**: Committed to reducing the expense ratio by 100 basis points over five years, with a current ratio of 11.7% expected to reach 11.3% [13][14] - **Use of AI**: Leveraging AI to enhance process efficiency and reduce expenses, contributing to overall cost management [13][24] Market Dynamics - **Disability and Life Insurance Trends**: Adjusted loss ratios in life insurance and slight increases in average severity in disability insurance, with expectations for favorable trends to persist [19][20] - **Impact of AI on Employment**: AI is expected to enhance productivity rather than reduce workforce size, creating new opportunities for growth [22][23] International Growth - **Japan and Korea Markets**: Strong growth driven by diversified distribution and product capabilities, with a focus on market-linked instruments as cash savings transition [36][37] - **Sales Performance**: 2/3 of sales in 2025 came from US dollar products, capitalizing on favorable currency conditions [37] Investment Management - **PineBridge Acquisition**: Closed on December 30, 2025, expected to enhance growth in EBITDA and earnings through revenue synergies [31][32] - **Investment Strategy**: Focus on higher-yielding fixed income assets in response to the current economic environment, maintaining a 9% annualized return target for 2026 [43] Regional Performance - **LATAM Growth**: Confident in continued momentum in Latin America, targeting near-term earnings of $1 billion [42] Conclusion - MetLife is positioned for strong growth through strategic initiatives, effective expense management, and leveraging market opportunities across various segments and regions. The focus on diversification and innovation, particularly through AI and acquisitions, is expected to drive future performance.

Group 1 - The core focus of Wilson Research is to provide insights on exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that balance growth potential and dividend yield [1] - The analysis incorporates fundamental analysis along with macro-level factors such as industry trends, economics, and geopolitics [1] - Wilson Research aims to offer actionable information for long-term investors who prioritize diversification and low fees [1] Group 2 - The team at Wilson Research includes an MBA graduate and an independent financial coach [1] - The investment philosophies of Warren Buffett and Robert Kiyosaki serve as inspiration for Wilson Research [1]

Core Insights - U.S. Treasuries face potential losses as Chinese regulators advise financial institutions to limit U.S. government bond holdings due to market volatility concerns [1] - The guidance targets banks with significant U.S. debt exposure, encouraging them to reduce positions without specific targets or timelines [2] - China-based investors' Treasury holdings have decreased to $682.6 billion, the lowest since 2008, down from a peak of $1.32 trillion in 2013 [3] U.S. Debt Rating and Fiscal Concerns - Moody's downgraded the U.S. sovereign credit rating in May 2025, citing concerns over the $38.6 trillion debt burden, following similar actions by Fitch and S&P [4] - Rising 10-year Treasury term premiums indicate that markets are pricing in greater long-term fiscal risk, with the Term Premium rising from negative 0.4090 in February 2021 to 0.6148 in January 2026 [5] Suggested ETF Investment Strategies - Defensive Fixed Income Exposure: Short-Term Treasuries like Vanguard Short-Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) yield 3.96% annually [6] - Diversification with Investment-Grade Corporate Bonds: iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (LQD) yields 4.48% annually [7] - International and Global Diversification: Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) yields 4.39% annually, while iShares J.P. Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond ETF (EMB) yields 4.93% annually [8] Tactical Plays on Rising Yields - China’s potential reduction in Treasury exposure may lead to higher yields and increased fiscal risk [8] - Inverse Bond ETFs like ProShares UltraShort 20+ Year Treasury (TBT) can profit from rising long-term yields [9] - Floating Rate Bond ETFs such as iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF (FLOT) yield 4.78% annually, adjusting coupon payments with interest rates [9] Equity Market Protection - Dividend-Paying Equity ETFs like VYM and SCHD provide stability and income during bond market volatility [10] - Low Volatility Equity ETFs such as SPLV and USMV can cushion against equity market swings linked to fiscal instability [10]

Core Viewpoint - Funds of funds (FoFs) offer broader diversification compared to single mutual funds or ETFs but come with higher fees and potential risks [2][4]. Potential Benefits of Funds of Funds - Greater diversification than investing in a single mutual fund or ETF, as FoFs typically invest across various asset types, strategies, and regions, potentially lowering portfolio volatility [4]. - Can be geared toward specific goals, such as retirement or education savings, with automatic rebalancing to reduce risk as the target date approaches [4]. - Access to specialized investment opportunities, including professional management and exposure to private funds that may not be available to retail investors [4]. Risks of Funds of Funds - Higher expenses due to multiple layers of fees from both the FoF and underlying funds, which can impact overall returns [4]. - Less transparency regarding portfolio composition and underlying risks, potentially leading to concentration or over-diversification risks [4]. - Limited direct control over investments, as investors cannot choose specific securities and must rely on the decisions made by FoF managers and underlying fund managers [4].

Alternative investments such as private equity and private credit were once typically only available to institutional investors and high net worth individuals via private funds with high investment thresholds. However, these assets are becoming more widely available, partly due to the accessibility of online investment platforms that offer products with exposure to alternative assets. Feeder funds are one avenue through which retail investors can gain exposure to alternative investment strategies. What A ...

Core Viewpoint - The current market dynamics show a disconnect between stock performance and bond yields, with stocks trading positively while bonds remain resilient despite expectations for higher yields [1][3][6]. Group 1: Market Sentiment - Stocks are trading with enthusiasm, reflecting a growth narrative, while President Trump has mentioned a potential growth rate of 15% [1][2]. - Despite expectations for higher yields due to corporate debt accumulation, bonds are performing well globally, indicating a possible negative growth outlook [2][3]. Group 2: Price Action Analysis - The current price action in bonds is seen as unusual, as it suggests a preference for locking in low yields, which contradicts the positive sentiment in stocks [3][4]. - There is a concern that the current market rally in stocks may not be sustainable, with potential for a broader market washout if yields rise as expected [4][6]. Group 3: Sector Rotation and Diversification - The rotation trade away from US tech stocks towards cheaper global equities is viewed as a fundamental strategy, although it may have gone too far [9][11]. - Small-cap stocks in the US are under scrutiny, with concerns that some software companies may face challenges due to indiscriminate targeting [10][11].

Portfolio Strategy Research 6 February 2026 | 5:01AM GMT Strategy Espresso: Tech wreck: Sharp rotations and what is now priced Sharon Bell +44(20)7552-1341 | sharon.bell@gs.com Goldman Sachs International Guillaume Jaisson +44(20)7552-3000 | guillaume.jaisson@gs.com Goldman Sachs International Peter Oppenheimer +44(20)7552-5782 | peter.oppenheimer@gs.com Goldman Sachs International Giovanni Ferrannini +44(20)7051-2589 | giovanni.ferrannini@gs.com Goldman Sachs International Investors should consider this re ...

(Bloomberg) — Gold (GC=F) climbed above $5,000 an ounce, as dip-buyers returned to the market after an exceptionally volatile week for precious metals. Bullion rose as much as 1.7% in Asian trading on Monday, recovering some more ground after a historic rout at the end of last month. The metal has recovered around half of the losses sustained since it plunged from an all-time high hit on Jan. 29. Silver also advanced. Most Read from Bloomberg Gold’s ability to stabilize above the $5,000 threshold “will ...

Core Viewpoint - The Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF is highlighted as an ideal long-term investment option due to its broad market coverage and ultra-low expense ratio, making it suitable for various investment goals [1][10]. Group 1: ETF Characteristics - The Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF tracks the CRSP US Total Market Index, encompassing approximately 3,500 individual stocks across large, mid, small, and micro-cap categories, providing comprehensive market exposure [4]. - The ETF charges an expense ratio of just 0.03%, positioning it as one of the most cost-effective investment options available [10]. Group 2: Market Performance and Trends - In 2026, the Russell 2000 index, representing small-cap stocks, outperformed the S&P 500 for 14 consecutive trading days, a phenomenon not seen in 30 years, indicating a shift in market dynamics favoring diversification [7]. - The Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF is currently outperforming due to its diverse sector allocation, contrasting with the large-cap universe heavily weighted towards technology stocks [8]. Group 3: Investment Strategy - A more comprehensive portfolio, such as that offered by the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF, includes around 25% of stocks that are not large caps, allowing for diversification and potential resilience against market fluctuations [6]. - The ETF is recommended as a "set it and forget it" fund, suggesting that long-term investment could yield significant returns with minimal effort [10].