Insights

Those who see the opportunity in emerging markets want to know, how much should we own? We discuss three approaches that look at the ideal emerging market allocation.

Which countries do we think are worth owning in emerging markets? Those that can thrive in the age of the three D’s—deglobalization, depopulation and deleveraging.

Why invest in emerging markets? After falling out of fashion, we think emerging markets are poised to be rediscovered in the next decade.

Where can you find high quality investments in the health care sector? Marcus Watson from our International Equity Team shares his views.

Markets have experienced a series of “recession scares.” Yet Andrew Slimmon maintains that the U.S. stock market will break out during the fourth quarter of 2019, with the S&P 500 ending the year well north of 3,000.

Why have government bonds and other fixed income assets prevailed in the current market environment while other sectors and asset classes have struggled?

The ECB's recent actions have put pressure on the Fed to take some action of their own. Jim Caron from the Global Fixed Income Team shares his views.

In much the same way that long-only investors have considered “passive” investing as a way to adjust their exposures efficiently and to reduce cost, alternatives investors have begun to explore systematic and index-based solutions—such as “alternative risk premia”—as a way to achieve those same objectives. In this paper, we seek to introduce the concept of alternative risk premia, explain how investors can access them, and present the potential benefits and drawbacks associated with them.

Bruno Paulson discusses how regulatory and technological change has made environmental and social concerns even more important than before.

Understanding the connection between ESG and performance can positively impact employee recruitment, retention and engagement, says the International Equity Team’s Nathan Wong and Richard Perrott.

This video provides a short summary of the latest Andrew Harmstone Monthly Commentary article.

How can a company differentiate itself? Get its environmental and social policies right. The International Equity Team’s Nic Sochovsky explains.

Global Sustain is a high-quality, low carbon portfolio using bottom-up fundamental analysis and active engagement with company management.

Managing cash is becoming increasingly complex. Our Global Liquidity Solutions is uniquely positioned to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Vladimir Demine discusses how certain compensation scheme practices – such as earnings adjustments – may be red flags.

Marcus Watson discusses how innovative health care companies can use science and technology to address health needs within communities.

What does material mean? Laura Bottega discusses the factors that may influence the sustainability of returns.

Andrew Slimmon joined the CNBC "Squawk Box" to discuss the possibility of a recession and the markets.

Vladimir Demine explains how a company's attention to plastic consumption may not only benefit the environment, but also create opportunities to differentiate itself.

Tariffs applied during the U.S.-China trade war have paradoxically not raised U.S. inflation. In our latest insight, Tug-of-War: We examine the tug-of-war pitting the direct inflationary effects of tariffs against the indirect deflationary impact of other forces at play.

Should equity investors be worrying about multiple threats? Bruno Paulson talks earnings and multiples.

It is time for the Fed to get proactive. Jim Caron from the Global Fixed Income team shares his views.

Brian Weinstein joins Rick Santelli to discuss monetary and fiscal stimulus around the world.

We were set for a quiet August, but financial markets had other plans. The Global Fixed Income Team believes this change of events should be taken seriously.

Brian Weinstein joined Bloomberg Surveillance to discuss how politics around the world are impacting markets.

Michael Kushma joined Bloomberg "The Open" to discuss fears of a global recession.

The U.S. fixed income market is less than half of the global fixed income market. Chris Roth of the Global Fixed Income Team discusses the importance of considering international fixed income investments.

Why were recent stock markets at all-time highs? Andrew Slimmon details the underpinnings of those markets and his outlook on what's next.

The AIP Hedge Fund Solutions Team provides its view on recent performance of the hedge fund industry and its outlook for hedge fund strategies going forward.

Dennis Lynch and two Counterpoint Global funds were highlighted in The Wall Street Journal’s latest quarterly Winners’ Circle. Dennis discusses the team’s recent strategy of de-emphasizing big tech businesses and identifying opportunities in smaller and midsize companies.

The Fed may have made a mistake in deciding to cut rates by only 25bps. Jim Caron of the Global Fixed Income Team shares his views.

MSCI’s inclusion of China A-shares into global indices will undoubtedly boost investor focus. The Global Emerging Markets Team discusses opportunities in this vast and largely uncharted portion of China’s complex markets.

Jim Caron joins Bloomberg Markets: The Open to examine U.S. economic growth in the second quarter.

The ECB changes course and gets ready to announce a package of easing measures. The Global Fixed Income team shares their views on what’s to come.

Andrew Slimmon joined the CNBC “The Exchange” team to discuss the current state of the markets. He shares his view that equity markets may suggest a stronger economy in the future.

Should you be considering markets outside of the U.S.? Our professionals review the opportunities and challenges of international diversification.

Presidio Investment Holdings LLC announced today that it has completed its acquisition of all the oil and natural gas producing properties in the western Anadarko Basin of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas from Apache Corporation and its affiliates (NYSE: APA). Presidio Petroleum is a portfolio company majority owned by investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Energy Partners, the energy private equity business of Morgan Stanley Investment Management.

What is in store for emerging markets? Ruchir Sharma shares his views on CNBC's "Closing Bell."

We see a positive second half of the year for fixed income, with mortgages as our favorite area of opportunity. Jim Caron shares his views.

Who is top of the class as consumer staples go back to school? The International Equity Team discusses dominance in the digital age.

This video provides a short summary of the latest Andrew Harmstone Monthly Commentary article.

The high usage and scarcity of water have become consequential issues not only for human health, but for the global economy. A lot of economic activity is reliant on water—a lot of water. We review the interconnectedness of the world’s water issues, illustrates the impact of water stress on important industries and encourage investors to consider water issues when making decisions.

Central Banks seem poised to do all in their power to keep the expansion rolling. The Global Fixed Income team shares their review of the first half of 2019 and their outlook for the second half.

The stock market is hovering around its all-time high, yet investor bullishness is surprisingly low. Andrew Slimmon argues that the stock market is a forward predictor, and that despite a summer correction, the S&P 500 will be well above 3,000 by year end.

Jim Caron joins "Bloomberg Markets: The Open" to examine whether or not the market rally is coming to an end.

Private equity investing has evolved. The next chapter focuses on transforming portfolio companies into category-leading platforms.

The Fed could cut rates by 50 basis points this month rather than the expected 25. Jim Caron of the Global Fixed Income Team shares his views on why this could happen.

With volatility at low levels this rally, investors shouldn't be surprised by a summer sell-off. Even so, the outlook long-term is still positive. Here's why.

Investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to sell their interest in DocuWare GmbH, a leading global provider of content services software, to Ricoh (TYO:7752). Expansion Capital invested in Founder-backed Docuware in June 2012 in a transaction designed to accelerate Docuware’s growth, recapitalize select holders and position the company for future growth.

Brian Weinstein joins "Bloomberg Markets: The Open" to discuss market confusion about the Federal Reserve's rate path.

Jim Caron speaks on "Bloomberg Surveillance" where he discusses the U.S. 10-Year Treasury yield and risk appetite.

U.S.-China trade talks at the G20 went better than expected. What does this mean for your portfolio? Jim Caron of the Global Fixed Income Team shares his investment strategy.

MSIM’s Global Multi-Asset Team discusses their investment perspective in the latest viewpoint: “The Bull Case for the U.S. Health Care Sector ".

Journey into the unknown: the International Equity Team talks politics, profits and pricing power.

Fixed income markets are behaving a lot like last year. Is this déjà vu? We don’t think so. The key difference is that the Fed is in play and can cut rates. The Global Fixed Income Team shares their view.

Michael Kushma joins CNBC to discuss the path of interest rates.

Jim Caron joins CNBC's "The Exchange" to discuss the markets.

With rate cuts mostly priced into the market, Jim Caron of the Global Fixed Income Team shares his investment strategy for the remainder of the year.

What does Morgan Stanley’s International Equity Team mean by high-quality global equities with strong intangible assets?

Investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Capital Partners (MSCP), announced today that they have completed an investment in Project Management Academy, a leading provider of training and exam preparation services for project management professionals. MSCP is partnering with the current CEO, Jason Cassidy, and the rest of the management team, who will remain in place and retain an equity stake in the business.

Are we in a balance sheet recession? Jim Caron from the Global Fixed Income Team shares his views on Bloomberg TV.

Will the Fed cut rates soon? The market seems to think so, but the Fed doesn’t seem so inclined. Jim Caron shares his views and opportunities that may be flying under the radar.

Investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Capital Partners (MSCP), the middle market focused private equity team within Morgan Stanley Investment Management, announced today that they have completed an investment in Ovation Fertility. MSCP partnered with the current management team and physician shareholders, led by Nate Snyder, who will remain CEO and continue to drive organic and acquisitive growth.

Investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Capital Partners (MSCP), the middle market focused private equity team within Morgan Stanley Investment Management, announced today that they have completed an investment in Impact Fitness, a leading Planet Fitness franchisee with 29 clubs across the United States and Canada. MSCP partnered with the current management team, led by CEO Adam Willaeys, as well as founder Chris Klebba, who will remain as Executive Chairman.

Chris Roth explains what every investor needs to know to invest in bonds and mortgages.

Manna Pro Products, a St. Louis-based manufacturer and marketer of pet care and nutrition, has agreed to acquire Dallas-based Hero Pet Brands, a company that provides solutions to pet owner needs including nutrition, grooming, waste pickup and cleanup.

A global, unconstrained and style flexible investment process lets Applied Equity Advisors “stay in the game” and take advantage of a wider set of investment opportunities.

Andrew Slimmon, head of the Applied Equity Advisors team, discusses his market views in the June 2019 Monthly Commentary.

This video provides a short summary of the latest Andrew Harmstone Monthly Commentary article.

The breakdown in U.S.-China trade negotiations is signalling slower growth and lower inflation across the globe. A flattening yield curve is just a logical adjustment to this new information.

After a growth scare in the fourth quarter of 2018, global economies may not be heading towards a recession—but U.S./China trade tensions may delay recovery.

Over the past decade, “pause” years in the market have been followed by years with positive double-digit returns.

Alternative lending is an asset class borne of bank disintermediation and technological innovation. In this paper, Ken Michlitsch shares his insights on the space.

The best golfers have to be flexible and experienced enough to effectively hit any number of difficult shots. We think the same holds true for portfolio managers and their approach to managing money.

Morgan Stanley Investment Management today announced it has raised $785 million for the North Haven Senior Loan Fund L.P. and its related vehicles (collectively “NH SLF”) exceeding its original fundraising target. When combined with target leverage, NH SLF has approximately $1.1 billion of capital available for investment. NH SLF seeks to invest in privately negotiated senior secured loans issued by lower middle market companies in North America.

With shadow banking subdued, the International Equity Team considers the risks involved in the new Chinese corporate debt.

The global economy is cruising at just the right temperature for growth…now only if those pesky trade issues would go away! The Global Fixed Income team shares their views and outlook.

Andrew Slimmon, head of the Applied Equity Advisors team, discusses his market views in the May 2019 Monthly Commentary.

In this article, AIP Alternative Lending Group Portfolio Manager Ken Michlitsch shares his insights on why fintech continues to disrupt consumer lending.

The Global Emerging Markets Team discusses how ESG factors are integrated in their process, with the portfolio managers leading engagements on key issues.

Hedge fund co-investments have an important role to play in client portfolios, explains AIP Hedge Fund Solutions Team Managing Director Jarrod Quigley.

Dennis Lynch, Head of Counterpoint Global, and the Growth Portfolio are highlighted in the Investor’s Business Daily article, “These 2 Hot Sectors Help Morgan Stanley Stay Among Top Mutual Funds”

U.S.-China trade talks seem to be at an impasse. Jim Caron, Global Fixed Income Team, shares why he believes the global market impact of these talks is not a systemic market event…yet

Jim Caron joins CNBC's 'Fast Money Halftime Report' to discuss how the market is responding to news that there might not be a trade deal between the U.S. and China.

The Fed is now left with a conundrum on how to boost inflation, but avoid creating an asset bubble. Jim Caron from the Global Fixed Income Team shares his views.

The Fed is now left with a conundrum on how to boost inflation, but avoid creating an asset bubble. Jim Caron shares his views on Bloomberg.

Michael Kushma joined CNBC's Rick Santelli to discuss the Fed, interest rates and the global economy.

Global central banks look to extend the economic cycle not end it. Jim Caron reviews the first quarter and shares his outlook for the rest of 2019.

MSIM’s Global Multi-Asset Team discusses their investment perspective in the latest viewpoint: “Value in the Eurozone."

AIP Private Markets’ Head of Impact Investing finds that solutions to climate change are nuanced and may generate compelling investment opportunities.

XRI Holdings, LLC (“XRI”), a leading water midstream company with owned infrastructure throughout the Permian Basin, announced today that it has acquired the water treatment and recycling division of Fountain Quail Energy Services, LLC (“Fountain Quail Water Treatment”). Fountain Quail Water Treatment is a leading produced water treatment, recycle, and reuse business with operations throughout the Permian Basin and other key producing basins across the United States.

Optimism abounds that the markets are on the right path for 2019, and we agree! We believe easy monetary policy and lower real yields will support economies and lengthen the business cycle. The Global Fixed Income Team shares their views.

The latest edition of Engage, the International Equity Team’s semi-annual update on their ESG engagement activity.

The International Equity Team’s discusses its latest offering, Global Sustain, and why understanding ESG factors is essential for successful compounding.

The International Equity Team asks: is it time to deploy a late-cycle buffer?

Ric Ford, Head of Global Credit, shares his views on how reversing negative factors are creating a positive outlook for Europe and European credit.

SolarWinds (NYSE:SWI), a leading provider of powerful and affordable IT management software, today announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Samanage, a highly reviewed and highly rated IT service desk solution company based in Cary, NC. Over the past 7 years, Samanage has built a strong, well-respected product guided by a customer-centricity that aligns well with SolarWinds’ mission and commitment to the technology professional community.

Vishal Gupta explains how ESG is integrated into the Emerging Markets Leaders investment process.

Vladimir Demine explains the International Equity Team’s process for building highest quality ESG integrated portfolios.

Jim Caron explains why he believes the markets will be bolstered in the 2H19 by the U.S. Federal Reserve's current policy path and the stimulus being implemented in China.

MSIM’s Global Multi-Asset Team discusses their investment perspective in the latest viewpoint: “Cyclical Assets Have Room to Outperform as Global Growth Recovers"

Bruno Paulson explains what role ESG plays in the International Equity Team's recipe for compounding.

Vladimir Demine explains why having a dedicated head of ESG research is the right thing to do for clients.

William Lock explains why there is no need for compromise between returns and principles.

Laura Bottega discusses how global factors encourage companies to balance profit and ESG.

Jill Ytuarte breaks down what the International Equity Team believes is their chief responsibility to clients.

The increasingly popular narrative of modern monetary theory is causing people to question the Fed's monetary policy. Jim Caron discusses how applying this theory may have long-term economic risks.

Central banks becoming more dovish, U.S.-China relations and Brexit have left uncertainty hanging over the markets. Where will we go from here? The Global Fixed Income team shares their views.

No rate hikes in 2019 and possibly one in 2020. Jim Caron shares his views following the March FOMC meeting.

This video provides a short summary of the latest Andrew Harmstone Monthly Commentary article.

Major infrastructure programmes might be the key to reducing the risk of global recession and getting the economy “on the road again.”

Andrew Slimmon, head of the Applied Equity Advisors team, discusses his market views in the March 2019 Monthly Commentary.

Jim Caron joined CNBC's The Exchange to discuss risks to the global economy and why investors should be paying attention to central banks. 

Find out why company management getting “strategic” is a red flag for the International Equity Team.

Andrew Slimmon appeared on CNBC “Power Lunch” to break down what’s impacting markets.

The Global Opportunity Team shares its new annual report on ESG engagement activity.

Ken Michlitsch, AIP Alternative Lending Group Portfolio Manager, interviews Upstart CEO David Girouard about the increasingly important role machine learning plays in the consumer lending process.

MSIM’s Global Multi-Asset Team discusses their investment perspective in the latest viewpoint: “Australia Housing Bubble Starting to Deflate "

Andrew Slimmon, head of the Applied Equity Advisors team, discusses his market views in the February 2019 Monthly Commentary

Brian Weinstein appeared on Bloomberg Daybreak: Americas to examine events impacting markets and the Fed.

The Global Fixed Income Team shares their views on why euro fixed income portfolios may be best handled by one overall portfolio manager.

Michael Kushma appeared on Bloomberg Markets: The Open to discuss economic growth and U.S.-China relations.

2018 started with strong January performance, but the rest of the year was lackluster. Will 2019 be the same? The Global Fixed Income Team shares their view on why this year will be different.

What are transformational secondaries and why are they attractive ? MSIM's AIP Private Markets Secondaries team answers.

January brought better news, but beware straying from the high-quality path, warns the International Equity Team’s Bruno Paulson – we’re not out of the woods yet.

This video provides a short summary of the latest Andrew Harmstone Monthly Commentary article.

Climate change is pushing us to reach political, social and economic “tipping points.” The MSIM GBaR team examines the implications for investors.

Andrew Slimmon appeared on CNBC to discuss GDP and the impact of news on the markets

Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners invests directly in infrastructure assets and seeks to create value through active asset management and operational improvements.

MSIM’s Global Multi-Asset Team discusses their investment perspective in the latest viewpoint: “Secular Outlook for Bond Yields: Structurally Higher".

Investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Capital Partners (“MSCP”), the Private Equity team within Morgan Stanley Investment Management, announced today that they have completed an investment in Clarity Software Solutions. MSCP is partnering with the current management team led by founder Sean Rotermund, who will remain CEO and continue to drive organic growth and product development during the investment.

Andrew Slimmon appeared on CNBC to discuss market trends and a possible pullback.

Jim Caron reviews the fourth quarter of 2018 and shares his outlook on how cash may be dethroned as king in 2019.

While alternative risk premia have existed for some time—and have long been used by hedge funds—they have only recently begun to be evaluated by a broad swath of investors. Given the growth of investor interest in this space, we thought it timely to share our insights on what constitutes effective due diligence.

With a turbulent end to 2018, what will the New Year bring? The Morgan Stanley Global Fixed Income Team shares their outlook for investment opportunities in 2019.

Could falling earnings and a liquidity squeeze prove toxic to asset prices? Where to hide? Asks Morgan Stanley’s International Equity Team.

The IM Sustainable Investing Council drives IM’s global effort by promoting an overall framework for integrating ESG and ESG standards into IM’s investment processes, product development, measurement, education, client engagement and reporting.

In a recent interview with Barron's, Kristian Heugh talks about the Morgan Stanley Investment Management International Opportunity Portfolio and how Warren Buffett has influenced his investment philosophy.

Can you incorporate ESG investing into a fixed income portfolio without giving up yield? The Global Fixed Income Team shares why they believe the answer is a resounding yes.

Jim Caron joined CNBC's Santelli Exchange to discuss asset valuations, fundamentals and the underlying causes of the rising volatility across markets.

Andrew Slimmon, head of the Applied Equity Advisors team, discusses his market views in the January 2019 Monthly Commentary

India's economy is showing green shoots of recovery following the ambitious reforms of 2016-2017. We discuss why we believe this could be an opportune time to position in India.

MSIM’s Global Multi-Asset Team discusses their investment perspective in the latest viewpoint: “Key Investment Themes Into 2019"

Trying to figure out which asset class could become a break-out performer in 2019? The Convertible Bond Team discusses how convertible bonds can be a valuable portfolio diversification tool, amid higher rates and volatility next year.

Is the market waiting for a recession in 2019 that won’t materialize? The Global Fixed Income Team shares how this view is helping them find attractive credit investment opportunities.

Vbrick, a Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital portfolio company and the leader in enterprise video platform solutions, today announced that Christian Rockwell, an accomplished marketing executive for high-growth technology businesses, has been appointed as Chief Marketing Officer. In this role Rockwell will be responsible for marketing strategy and will lead the global marketing organization for the rapidly-growing company.

As we look ahead to the new year, the key question for liquidity investors is what is the Federal Reserve’s neutral rate. This inferred rate will likely determine the path of interest rates in 2019 and beyond, as the Fed shifts their policy towards managing around neutral.

Robots are disrupting several markets as improvements in sensors, software and grippers open a new era in robotics. MSIM’s Counterpoint Global team looks at this trend.

A fast-paced hare may seem the more enticing investment, but if your goals are long-term, then the tortoise is a better fit. Bruno Paulson talks compounders.

2018 was a challenging year for emerging markets, but the market may be setting up the asset class for a rebound in 2019. The Emerging Markets Debt Team discusses.

Strong consumer credit conditions are painting a positive outlook for securitized assets in the year ahead. The Securitized Asset Team discusses

ESG Scores: Comparing apples to oranges

Morgan Stanley’s European Equity Team discusses whether there are reasons for optimism for investing in Europe in 2019.

The higher the quality of a company, the more important its governance, says William Lock of Morgan Stanley.

As the weather has cooled, so have the markets. The Global Fixed Income Team shares their outlook for investment opportunities in 2019.

Medsphere Systems Corporation, the leading provider of affordable and interoperable healthcare information technology (IT) solutions and services, today announced the closing of $32 million in financing from Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital and East West Bank. The company will use the funds to address accelerating demand for Medsphere’s comprehensive suite of healthcare IT solutions and services, and for strategic acquisitions.

Not all portfolio managers speak directly with senior managements of the firms they hold. William Lock explains why direct engagement is vital.

What is in store for emerging markets after the mania for tech passes? The Global Emerging Markets Team shares their perspective.