Core Viewpoint - Invesco is an independent investment management firm focused on enhancing the investment experience for individuals [1] Group 1 - Invesco emphasizes the importance of understanding investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before making investment decisions [1] - The firm provides educational information but does not offer specific investment recommendations or tax advice [1] - Invesco's opinions are based on current market conditions and may change without notice, indicating a dynamic approach to investment management [1] Group 2 - Invesco Distributors, Inc. serves as the US distributor for Invesco Ltd.'s retail products and collective trust funds [1] - The company operates through various affiliated investment advisers that provide advisory services without selling securities [1] - Invesco Unit Investment Trusts are distributed by Invesco Capital Markets, Inc. and other broker-dealers, highlighting the firm's extensive distribution network [1]

Key Takeaways Virtus will acquire a majority interest in Keystone for up to $370 million. The deal adds Keystone's asset-backed lending strategies spanning equipment, real estate and financial assets.The transaction is expected to close in early 2026 and be accretive to VRTS earnings that same year. Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. (VRTS) , entered a definitive agreement to acquire a majority interest in Keystone National Group ("Keystone"), an investment manager specializing in asset-centric private credit ...

Company Overview - Amcor PLC manufactures and sells packaging products across various regions including Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, and Asia Pacific, and offers a robust 6.3% dividend [1][5] - Franklin Resources, known as Franklin Templeton, is a global money manager with a 5.51% dividend, and its stock has increased by 15.44% over the past six months [5][13] - Chevron Corp. is an integrated energy corporation specializing in oil and gas, providing a 4.59% dividend, with significant ownership by Berkshire Hathaway [9][10] Dividend Aristocrats - The 2025 S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats list includes 69 companies that have increased dividends for 25 consecutive years, appealing to passive income investors [3] - Companies must meet specific criteria to be included in the Dividend Aristocrats list, such as being a member of the S&P 500 and having a market capitalization of at least $3 billion [2][3] Investment Characteristics - Passive income is defined as earnings generated without continuous active effort, making it attractive for those seeking financial independence [4] - Realty Income Corp. is structured as a REIT, providing a 5.59% dividend and a history of consistent monthly dividends, appealing to growth and income investors [22][23] Company Segments - Amcor operates through two segments: Flexibles, which provides packaging for food, beverage, and personal care, and Rigid Packaging, which offers containers for various food and beverage products [6][8] - IBM operates through four segments: Software, Consulting, Infrastructure, and Financing, providing integrated solutions and services globally [17][20] Strategic Partnerships - IBM has strategic partnerships with major tech companies such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft, enhancing its service offerings [18][21]

Core Insights - Cohen & Steers, Inc. has been recognized as one of the "Best Places to Work in Money Management" for the sixth consecutive year by Pensions & Investments [1][2] Company Recognition - The recognition is part of P&I's annual program aimed at identifying top employers in the money management industry [1][3] - The award reflects Cohen & Steers' commitment to an inclusive culture that fosters employee development and merit-based success [2][6] Survey Methodology - The evaluation process consisted of a two-part survey: 20% focused on workplace policies and practices, while 80% was based on employee experience [3] - The combined scores from both parts determined the top companies recognized in the survey [3] Company Overview - Cohen & Steers specializes in real assets and alternative income, including various investment strategies such as listed and private real estate, preferred securities, and infrastructure [6] - The firm was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in major global cities [6]

Core Insights - Todd Combs, a key investment manager at Berkshire Hathaway, is leaving to join JP Morgan, where he will lead the $10 billion Strategic Investment Group and serve as a special advisor to CEO Jamie Dimon [1][3][5] Group 1: Todd Combs' Background and Role - Combs has been with Berkshire Hathaway since late 2010 and has served as CEO of Geico since 2020, gaining recognition as a protégé of Warren Buffett [2][4] - His departure comes shortly before Buffett's retirement, which he announced in May, recommending Greg Abel as his successor [4] Group 2: JP Morgan's Perspective - Jamie Dimon praised Combs as one of the greatest investors and leaders, highlighting his successful investment management alongside Warren Buffett [5] - Dimon emphasized Combs' understanding of JP Morgan's operations due to his nine years on the board [5][6] Group 3: Warren Buffett's Legacy - Warren Buffett has led Berkshire Hathaway since 1965, achieving compounded annual gains of 19.8% from 1965 to 2023, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [7]

Core Insights - StepStone Group Inc. has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Money Management for the third consecutive year by Pensions & Investments [1][2][3] Company Overview - StepStone Group Inc. is a global private markets investment firm that provides customized investment solutions and advisory services [5] - As of September 30, 2025, StepStone managed approximately $209 billion in assets under management and was responsible for about $771 billion in total capital [5] Recognition Process - The recognition by Pensions & Investments is based on a two-part survey process conducted in partnership with Workforce Research Group [4] - The first part evaluates workplace policies and practices, accounting for approximately 20% of the total evaluation, while the second part measures employee experience, contributing about 80% [4]

Invesco is an independent investment management firm dedicated to delivering an investment experience that helps people get more out of life.Be the first to know! Sign up for Invesco US Blog and get expert investment views as they post.Disclosure for all Invesco US articles: Before investing, carefully read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus and carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a ...

Core Viewpoint - The expectation of a third Federal Reserve rate cut in 2025 is influencing the stock market, which is nearing record highs, but the Fed's plans for its balance sheet will be critical for future market movements [1][2]. Group 1: Federal Reserve and Monetary Policy - The stock market, particularly the S&P 500 index, has shown significant growth, rising to 6,870.40, which is only 0.3% below its October record, reflecting a 16.8% increase year-to-date [2]. - There are two monetary policies at play: balance-sheet monetary policy benefiting the "asset rich" and interest rates affecting the broader economy, particularly small businesses and lower-income households [3]. - The Fed's $6.5 trillion balance sheet is crucial for market sentiment, with questions about whether it will remain flat or begin to grow [4]. Group 2: Economic Disparities - Recent credit card data indicates that lower-income consumers are more likely to carry balances and face credit limits, while upper-income consumers are driving consumer spending without carrying balances [4]. - The economic landscape is characterized by a "K-shaped" recovery, where higher-income households are improving while lower-income households face challenges due to higher interest rates [3]. Group 3: Stock Market Outlook - Despite some weaknesses during a tumultuous year, the stock market is positioned to recapture record highs soon [5].

Group 1 - Franklin Templeton announced the liquidation and dissolution of ClearBridge Sustainable Infrastructure ETF (INFR), expected to occur on or about January 29, 2026, following approval from the Fund's board of trustees on December 4, 2025 [1] - After December 31, 2025, the Funds will stop accepting creation orders, and trading on NASDAQ will be halted before market open on January 23, 2026 [2] - The liquidation process will begin prior to January 22, 2026, during which the Fund will hold cash and securities that may not align with its investment goals and strategies [3] Group 2 - Shareholders can sell their shares on NASDAQ until market close on January 22, 2026, after which the shares will be delisted [4] - Upon completion of the liquidation, shareholders who do not sell their shares will receive cash equivalent to the net asset value of their shares, including any capital gains and dividends, around January 29, 2026 [5] - Shareholders in taxable accounts may recognize a taxable gain or loss from the liquidation proceeds and may also receive taxable distributions of income and/or capital gains [6] Group 3 - Franklin Resources, Inc. operates as Franklin Templeton, serving clients in over 150 countries with a mission to enhance client outcomes through investment management expertise [7] - The company has over 1,600 investment professionals and manages $1.67 trillion in assets under management (AUM) as of November 30, 2025 [7]

Core Viewpoint - Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund, Inc. has announced a tender offer to acquire up to 20% of its outstanding shares at a price of 98.5% of the Fund's net asset value per share, set to commence on March 3, 2026, and end on March 31, 2026, unless extended [2][11] Group 1: Tender Offer Details - The 2026 Tender Offer will be executed at a price equal to 98.5% of the Fund's NAV, minus related costs and expenses [2][3] - If more than 20% of the Fund's shares are tendered, purchases will be made on a pro rata basis [3][6] - The Fund will not conduct the 2026 Tender Offer if shares are trading at a premium to NAV on the commencement date [2] Group 2: Conditional Tender Offer Policy - The Board has changed the measurement period for the performance-related conditional tender offer policy from five years to three years [4] - A Conditional Tender Offer will occur if the Fund's total return performance is less than that of the MSCI China A Onshore Index over the three-year period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028, and if shares are trading at or below NAV at the end of this period [4] - If triggered, the Conditional Tender Offer will allow for the purchase of up to 25% of the Fund's outstanding shares at 98.5% of NAV [5][6] Group 3: Share Repurchase Program - The Fund has a share repurchase program aimed at enhancing stockholder value, having repurchased 302,038 shares at an average discount of -16.57% from NAV between January 1, 2025, and October 31, 2025 [7] - Since the inception of the program, a total of 664,960 shares have been repurchased at an average discount of -17.87% from NAV [7] - The Fund may suspend open market purchases during the Tender Offer period [8] Group 4: Fund Overview - The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that invests at least 80% of its assets in A-shares of Chinese companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges [9] - As of September 30, 2025, Morgan Stanley Investment Management manages $1.8 trillion in assets [9]