Practitioner’s Perspectives – Factoring in Inflation

Inflationary pressures are impacting the equity markets to start 2022, affecting how advisors build client portfolios.

During this interactive panel discussion led by Todd Rosenbluth, CFRA Head of ETF Research, we heard from industry experts from iShares, FTSE Russell, and Foster Group about how Factor ETFs can be used to seek protection against, as well as potentially benefit from, the inflationary environment.

Speakers

	Todd Rosenbluth Head of ETF and Mutual Fund Research, CFRA Todd is Head of ETF and Mutual Fund Research at CFRA, leading the firm’s holdings-based research efforts. Todd publishes regular thought leadership content on equity and fixed income products, supports the quantitative fund models, and interacts with clients. He also serves as a member of CFRA’s Investment Policy Committee. Todd has frequently provided ETF education at Inside ETFs conferences and been quoted in media outlets, such as Barron’s, New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. He also held Senior Director of ETF and Mutual Fund Research for S&P Global Market Intelligence. Todd holds a BGS in Finance from the University of Michigan and an MBA in Finance from New York University.
	Robert Hum, CAIA Director, US Head of Factor ETFs, BlackRock Robert Hum, CAIA, Director, is the US Head of Factor ETFs, within BlackRock's ETF and Index Investments Group. In this capacity, Mr. Hum leads the overall product strategy for Factor ETFs through analytics, thought leadership, sales enablement and client engagement. Prior to joining BlackRock, he worked within the research division of Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management (LTAM) as a Senior Analyst. While at LTAM he was a member of the Ladenburg Thalmann Investment Committee and led a team of analysts responsible for portfolio construction, risk management and due diligence for their Global Multi-Asset Portfolios. Within the Investment Committee, Mr. Hum was the Head of ETF Due Diligence and was instrumental in the introduction and implementation of Smart Beta Factor ETFs. He began his career at Van Eck/Market Vectors, where he held multiple roles within their business development and risk departments. Mr. Hum earned a BA in Economics and Business from Lafayette College and holds the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designation.
	Mark Barnes, PhD Head of Investment Research, Americas, FTSE Russell Mark Barnes is Head of Investment Research, Americas for FTSE Russell. Dr. Barnes joined FTSE Russell in 2018 and is responsible for applied research and new index development for the United States. In his role in applied research, he is responsible for engaging with clients to explain the FTSE Russell index construction methodology and to work with them to find solutions to their investment problems. Prior to joining FTSE Russell, Dr. Barnes was a Director and Portfolio Manager within the Multi Asset group at PanAgora Asset Management in Boston. He was responsible for equity strategies within the group including alternative beta, defensive equity and country allocation overlay strategies.
	Kent Kramer, CFP, AIF Chief Investment Officer, Foster Group As Chief Investment Officer, Kent leads Foster Group’s Investment Strategy Group and Investment Committee. The Investment Strategy Group meets bi-monthly to evaluate current investments held in managed portfolios, review overall portfolio allocation strategies, and research new investment products and strategies under consideration. The Investment Committee is responsible for governance over all investment functions including portfolio construction, trading, benchmarking and fiduciary standards. As an experienced advisor, he participates in meetings with investors to help determine how to design and implement a portfolio matched to specific needs and circumstances. Kent has more than 24 years of experience in investment operations, trading, trust management, portfolio research and design, and advising clients. He currently participates in leading Foster Group as a member of the Executive Team and Board of Directors. He enjoys speaking and writing on various topics. Along with internal publications, his articles and interviews have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Physician’s Money Digest, Iowa Medicine, The Des Moines Register, Investment News, and other forums. Kent graduated from the University of Iowa with High Distinction in Finance in 1984. He has served as a State Representative in the Iowa Legislature (Vice-Chair, Ways & Means Committee on taxation) and on the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute’s Board of Governors.

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The replay will be availible shortly

Practitioner’s Perspectives – Factoring in Inflation

Todd Rosenbluth

Robert Hum, CAIA

Mark Barnes, PhD

Kent Kramer, CFP, AIF