Core Insights - Small-cap ETFs are experiencing renewed investor interest after a period of outflows, indicating potential investment opportunities ahead [1][2] - The shift in investor sentiment is attributed to favorable monetary and fiscal conditions for smaller companies, with historical data showing small-caps outperform large-caps by 6% in the year following Federal Reserve rate cuts [3] - Valuation metrics indicate that small-caps are trading at a 12% discount to their pre-pandemic five-year average and are 36% below large-caps on a relative basis, suggesting a buying opportunity [4] Investment Themes - Active ETFs have seen significant growth, collecting a record $580 billion in 2025, while active mutual funds faced $640 billion in outflows [5] - Over the past decade, active ETFs have gained $1.2 trillion in assets, contrasting with active mutual funds that lost nearly $4 trillion [5] - In 2025, 47% of active fixed income managers outperformed their benchmarks, compared to only 32% of active equity managers, highlighting the stronger performance of fixed income [6] Diversification Trends - The case for diversification has strengthened, as multiple asset classes delivered positive returns in 2025, marking the first time since 2019 that stocks, bonds, and commodities all outperformed cash [7] - A notable 76% of countries in the MSCI ACWI index outperformed the U.S., the highest percentage since 2009, indicating a shift in global investment dynamics [7] - The SPDR Bridgewater All Weather ETF (ALLW) is highlighted as a diversification option, with significant trading volume exceeding $10 million in 12 of the last 13 days [8]

Group 1 - The article discusses the reliability of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as market trackers, particularly focusing on the Invesco DB US Dollar Index Bullish Fund (UUP) and its performance in relation to the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) [1][2] - UUP has been a consistent tracking device for the U.S. Dollar Index since 2007, but its distribution payments can affect its charting accuracy, as evidenced by a recent price drop of 3.7% compared to a 0.33% drop in DXY [2][4] - The article highlights a structural shift in the U.S. dollar's dominance, with Morgan Stanley predicting a decline in the Dollar Index to around $94 by the second quarter of 2026, the lowest level since 2021 [6][7] Group 2 - Factors contributing to the dollar's potential decline include narrowing interest rate differentials, ongoing fiscal deficits, and a shift in global capital towards undervalued international markets [7] - The dollar is currently facing resistance around the $100 mark, and if it fails to maintain this level, a "sell dollars" trade could emerge as a significant macroeconomic theme [7] - For investors anticipating a structural decline in the dollar, moving into inverse ETFs like the Invesco DB US Dollar Index Bearish Fund (UDN) is suggested as a strategy to capitalize on the dollar's weakness [8]

Core Viewpoint - Nasdaq is seeking SEC approval to remove restrictions on options trading for crypto ETFs, which could enhance market accessibility and trading fairness for investors [1][3]. Group 1: Nasdaq's Proposal - Nasdaq filed a form with the SEC to amend options position and exercise limit rules for certain crypto assets [1]. - The proposed rule change aims to eliminate the previous 25,000 position and exercise limit restrictions for options on crypto ETFs [3]. - Nasdaq is requesting immediate effectiveness of the proposal, asking the SEC to waive the standard 30-day delay [4]. Group 2: Impact on Crypto ETFs - If approved, the rule change will affect various crypto funds, including those linked to Bitcoin and Ethereum launched by major asset managers like BlackRock and Fidelity [2]. - As of January 22, spot Bitcoin ETFs have total net inflows of $56.6 billion, while spot Ether ETFs have $12.34 billion in inflows [4]. Group 3: Market Implications - Nasdaq believes the change will promote "just" and "equitable" trading principles, eliminate discrimination, and foster a free and open market [3]. - The exchange asserts that the proposal does not impose significant burdens on competition and aims to protect investors [4].

Core Insights - Circle's USYC has surpassed BlackRock's BUIDL to become the largest tokenized money market fund globally, with USYC at $1.69 billion in assets and BUIDL at $1.68 billion, marking an 11% growth for USYC and a 2.85% decline for BUIDL over 30 days [1][2] Fund Performance - USYC's growth is primarily attributed to its partnership with Binance, which holds $1.43 billion of USYC, accounting for 94% of the total supply [2][3] - BUIDL has a more diversified holder base with 103 distinct holders, although its top 10 holders still represent over 95% of its total value [5] Market Context - The overall tokenized treasury market is valued at $10.07 billion, with USYC and BUIDL together representing approximately one-third of this market [5] - Stablecoin transaction volumes have increased to $33 trillion in 2025, potentially driving further institutional interest in related products [6]

Core Viewpoint - Hargreave Hale AIM VCT plc is launching an offer for subscription to raise up to £20 million, with an option to raise an additional £10 million through an over-allotment facility [2] Group 1: Offer Details - The offer is open until 17:00 on 15 December 2026, unless fully subscribed earlier or closed at the Directors' discretion [3] - Applications for ordinary shares for the 2025/26 tax year must be submitted by 17:00 on 25 March 2026 [3] - An Electronic Application Form is required for participation, which is deemed the most efficient method for investors [4] Group 2: Early Bird Discount - Canaccord Genuity Asset Management Limited will provide an "early bird discount" of up to 2% on the initial fee for applications received by 17:00 on 27 February 2026, with a maximum aggregate subscription of £10 million [5] - The discount applies only to applications that do not incur introductory commission to a Financial Intermediary, reducing the discount to 1% in such cases [5] Group 3: Related Party Transaction - The Company has entered into an Offer Agreement with CAM, which will administer the Offer and act as the receiving agent, for a fee of 3.5% of the gross proceeds [6] - This arrangement is classified as a relevant related party transaction under UK Listing Rules, and the Board considers it fair and reasonable for shareholders [7] Group 4: Offer Document Availability - The Offer Document can be downloaded from the Company's website and will also be available for inspection at the National Storage Mechanism [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings per share (EPS) for Q4 2025 was $0.81, unchanged from the prior quarter, while full-year EPS increased to $3.09 from $2.93 in 2024 [4][5] - Revenue for Q4 increased by 2% sequentially to $143.8 million, and full-year revenue rose by 6.9% to $554 million [4][5] - Operating income for Q4 increased by 3% to $52.4 million, with full-year operating income up 6.3% to $195.1 million [6][5] - The effective fee rate for Q4 was stable at 59 basis points, consistent with the prior quarter [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ending assets under management (AUM) in Q4 was $90.5 billion, slightly down from Q3, but average AUM was higher compared to the prior quarter [6][19] - Net inflows during Q4 were $1.2 billion, primarily from advisory and closed-end funds, offset by market depreciation and distributions [6][19] - The institutional pipeline strengthened, ending the year with $1.72 billion across 20 mandates [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. REITs returned just 3.2% in 2025, ranking last among the 11 GICS sectors in the S&P 500 [20] - Natural resource equities performed well, with a return of nearly 30%, while global listed infrastructure saw returns ranging from 14% to 22% [21] - Global real estate stocks were flat in Q4, with gains in Asia-Pacific markets countered by weakness elsewhere [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on harvesting returns on investments made in new strategies and vehicles over the past years [25] - There is an expectation for REIT earnings to accelerate above trend to roughly 8% in 2026 and 2027 due to lower supply and increasing demand [16] - The company plans to increase coverage in the RIA channel and expand its institutional presence outside the U.S. [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that economic activity and market returns are expected to broaden in 2026, with above-consensus global growth anticipated [14] - The company is optimistic about the return of investor interest in private real estate, driven by improving market conditions [36] - There is a belief that the combination of broadening economic growth and relative valuation attractiveness will benefit the company's asset classes in 2026 [18] Other Important Information - The company reported liquidity of $403 million at year-end, a $39 million increase from the prior quarter [8] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 25.7%, consistent with the previous year [8] - The company celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2026, highlighting its evolution and commitment to listed markets [31][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Signs of improving demand for private real estate - Management noted early signs of increasing interest in private real estate, with expectations for it to become a more significant contributor in 2026 [36][38] Question: Progress in the institutional channel - Management indicated a strong pipeline for the institutional channel, with improved conversations and a broader range of mandates [45][46] Question: Dynamics driving the won and unfunded pipeline - Management confirmed that the recent increase in the won and unfunded pipeline reflects broader market dynamics and improved allocator confidence [48][50] Question: Regional demand for advisory and sub-advisory - Management observed expanding demand in non-U.S. markets, with allocators from various countries showing interest [53][54] Question: Areas of demand for active ETFs - Management reported strong interest from RIAs and existing holders of open-end funds converting to active ETFs, indicating a positive trend for future growth [61][62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings per share (EPS) for Q4 2025 was $0.81, unchanged from the prior quarter, while full-year EPS increased to $3.09 from $2.93 in 2024 [4] - Revenue for Q4 increased by 2% sequentially to $143.8 million, and full-year revenue rose by 6.9% to $554 million [5][6] - Operating income for Q4 increased by 3% to $52.4 million, and for the full year, it rose by 6.3% to $195.1 million [6] - The effective fee rate during Q4 was stable at 59 basis points, consistent with the prior quarter [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ending assets under management (AUM) in Q4 was $90.5 billion, slightly down from Q3, but average AUM was higher compared to the prior quarter [6][19] - Net inflows during Q4 were $1.2 billion, primarily from advisory and closed-end funds, offset by market depreciation [6] - The institutional pipeline strengthened, ending the year with $1.72 billion across 20 mandates [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Equities finished 2025 with double-digit gains for the third consecutive year, with diversified real assets rising about 3% in Q4 [11] - Natural resource equities rose more than 6% in Q4, driven by strength in metals and mining stocks [11] - Global real estate stocks were flat overall in Q4, with significant disparities in returns by property type [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on harvesting returns on investments made in recent years and increasing coverage in the RIA channel while maintaining presence in wirehouses [25] - The largest AUM strategy, U.S. REITs, is expected to enter a favorable return cycle, with earnings anticipated to accelerate [25][26] - The company is positioning itself to benefit from a broadening economic growth engine and relative valuation attractiveness in 2026 [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that economic activity and market returns are expected to broaden in 2026, with above-consensus global growth anticipated [14] - The company is optimistic about the return of investor interest in private real estate, driven by adjustments in commercial real estate prices and reduced interest rates [36][38] - The institutional channel is showing improved activity, with a strong pipeline and increased interest from allocators [45][46] Other Important Information - The company reported liquidity of $403 million at year-end, a $39 million increase from the prior quarter [8] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 25.7%, consistent with the previous year [8] - The company launched five active ETFs with total AUM of $378 million, indicating strong market acceptance [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Signs of improving demand for private real estate - Management noted early signs of increasing interest in private real estate, with expectations for it to become a more significant contributor in 2026 [36][38] Question: Progress in the institutional channel - Management highlighted a strong pipeline for two consecutive quarters, with improved allocator confidence and more liquidity in portfolios [45][46] Question: Dynamics driving the won and unfunded pipeline - Management indicated that the recent increase in the won and unfunded pipeline reflects broader positive dynamics in the market [48][50] Question: Demand for active ETFs - Management observed that active ETFs are gaining traction, particularly among RIAs who exclusively use ETFs, which is driving new capital into these vehicles [62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings per share (EPS) for Q4 2025 was $0.81, unchanged from the prior quarter, while full-year EPS increased to $3.09 from $2.93 in 2024 [4] - Revenue for Q4 increased by 2% sequentially to $143.8 million, and full-year revenue rose by 6.9% to $554 million [5] - Operating income for Q4 increased by 3% to $52.4 million, and for the full year, it rose by 6.3% to $195.1 million [5] - The effective tax rate was 25.7% for Q4 and 25.3% for the year, consistent with 2024 [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ending assets under management (AUM) in Q4 was $90.5 billion, slightly down from Q3, but average AUM was higher compared to the prior quarter [5] - Net inflows during Q4 were $1.2 billion, primarily from advisory and closed-end funds [5] - The compensation ratio decreased to 39% for the quarter, below the guidance of 40.5% [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Natural resource equities rose more than 6% in Q4, driven by strength in metals and mining stocks [11] - Global real estate stocks were flat in Q4, with significant disparities in returns by property type [11] - Private real estate had a total return of 0.9%, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of increasing total returns [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on harvesting returns on investments made in new strategies and vehicles over the past years [25] - There is an expectation for REIT earnings to accelerate above trend to roughly 8% in 2026 and 2027 due to lower supply and increasing demand [16] - The company plans to increase coverage in the RIA channel and grow its institutional presence outside the U.S. [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management anticipates a broadening of economic activity and market returns in 2026, moving away from a historically narrow growth pattern [13] - There is a belief that the economic and market rotation is underway, with real assets expected to outperform equities [13] - The company is optimistic about the potential for natural resource equities and listed infrastructure to play a larger role in portfolios [18] Other Important Information - The company reported liquidity of $403 million at year-end, a $39 million increase from the prior quarter [8] - The company celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2026, highlighting its evolution and the importance of listed markets [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Signs of improving demand for private real estate - Management noted early signs of increasing interest in private real estate, driven by issues in private credit markets [34] Question: Scaling of active ETFs - Active ETFs are expected to scale quickly due to established strategies and market acceptance [36] Question: Progress in the institutional channel - Conversations have improved, with a strong pipeline and increased interest from allocators [40] Question: Regional demand for advisory and sub-advisory - There is expanding demand from non-U.S. markets, with allocators from various countries showing interest [44] Question: Dynamics that could change global real estate performance - A re-acceleration in demand from global institutions and improved performance of international real estate are expected to be positive factors [46]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses strategies for generating alpha, or outperformance, in investment portfolios, emphasizing the importance of diversification beyond U.S. large-cap stocks amid current market volatility and macroeconomic uncertainties. Group 1: Portfolio Construction Strategies - Asset management firms like Pimco and State Street Investment Management are focusing on generating differentiated returns through broader portfolio construction strategies that include cash, bonds, and commodities [1][2]. - Matthew Bartolini from State Street highlighted that 2025 marked the first year since 2019 where stocks, bonds, gold, and commodities all outperformed cash, suggesting a shift in investment strategy towards "craftsmanship alpha" [3]. - Investors are encouraged to manage cash effectively, with enhanced cash accounts potentially yielding 1%-2% more than traditional cash accounts [4]. Group 2: Fixed-Income and Bond Strategies - Pimco suggests that investors should seek extra returns from bonds rather than trying to beat the S&P 500, exemplified by their newly launched actively managed PIMCO US Stocks PLUS Active Bond ETF (SPLS) [5]. - Schneider from Pimco noted the importance of looking beyond U.S. markets due to divergent monetary policies across countries, which present relative-value opportunities [6]. - Investors are advised to consider a broader range of fixed-income exposures, including securitized assets, rather than focusing solely on corporate credit [7]. Group 3: Diversification and Asset Allocation - Bartolini emphasized that improving portfolio design does not necessitate abandoning the U.S. market, but rather looking at additional asset classes to mitigate U.S. market risks [8][9]. - There is a call for greater blending of assets, as many investors currently have up to 80% exposure to U.S. equities, which may lead to structural underweighting in real assets like gold and commodities [11]. - The article notes that small-cap stocks have outperformed large-caps since mid-2025, with the Russell 2000 Index trading at an all-time high and showing a nearly 9% increase this year, contrasting with the flat performance of the S&P 500 [13].

Refer to pages 15-19 of this presentation for reconciliations of U.S. GAAP to as adjusted results. Cohen & Steers: Q4 2025 and Full Year 2025 Earnings Presentation Summary of fourth quarter and full year 2025 results Fourth quarter 2025 Full year 2025 Assets under management • Net inflows of $1.5 billion in FY 2025 versus net outflows of $171 million in FY 2024 2 Flows Financial results, as adjusted • December 31, 2025 AUM was $90.5 billion versus $85.8 billion at December 31, 2024 • Average AUM was $88.6 b ...