Managing Alpha with Active Low Vol Strategies – MFS Investment Management – 6.28.17

Summary:

Now On Demand.

Interest in low-volatility strategies has grown exponentially since the global financial crisis, when investors were reminded, once again, of the crippling effects of the drawdown risk inherent in equity investing. Both the risk and return characteristics of these strategies have attracted investor interest. However, many investors continue to view these strategies as tactical allocations in the context of a broader portfolio. Join us for this in-depth discussion that will cover:

• Global Market Outlook
• Optimizing the Risk/Return Ratio in Client Portfolios
• Generating Alpha with Active Strategies
• Reducing Overall Portfolio Volatility

Speakers:

Nicholas J. Paul, CFA, is a director – investment product specialist in the MFS Investment Management® (MFS®) Global Product Group. In this role, he provides insight on portfolio positioning and strategy and serves as a liaison with portfolio management for MFS’ Blended Research® US, global/international, emerging market and low-volatility equity strategies.

Prior to joining MFS, Nicholas was with Putnam Investments for nine years, most recently as a vice president and investment product manager. In this role, he was responsible for communicating portfolio positioning and strategy to both institutional and retail clients and prospects, developing and launching new products and gathering market intelligence on trends in the global marketplace. He began his career in financial services in 1999.

Nicholas earned an MBA from Boston College’s Carroll School of Management, where he graduated with honors, and a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University. He is a CFA charter holder and a member of the Boston Security Analysts Society. He holds Series 7 and 63 licenses from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

Christopher Hedges, CIMC, is a managing director of the Wealth Management Group within MFS Fund Distributors, Inc., a subsidiary of MFS Investment Management® (MFS®). His business unit is responsible for MFS investment product distribution through registered investment advisors, bank trust firms and private banks.

Chris joined MFS in 1989 as an investor services representative. He was named a sales representative for MFS insurance products in 1993. Three years later, he became a regional manager, and he was promoted to regional vice president in 1997.

In 1998 Chris joined Allmerica Financial as a regional marketing director responsible for the sale of variable annuities and variable life insurance through all distribution channels in Connecticut and New York.

Chris returned to MFS in 2001, joining the Investment Services Group as eastern divisional director. In that role, he was responsible for the distribution of the variable insurance trust and subadvised product lines. His region consisted of Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. He was promoted to managing director of the Investment Services Group in 2008.

Chris received his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the College of Wooster. He holds Series 6, 26 and 63 licenses from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Certified Investment Management Consultant (CIMC) designation from the Investment Management Consultants Association.