Lazard Asset Management LLC - Insights Conference Call Series

Emerging markets small-cap stocks remain an underinvested area of the market. However, we believe the emerging markets small-cap universe represents fertile ground for attractive investment opportunities today. Please join Alex Ingham, Portfolio Manager/Analyst, as he examines this vast universe, which currently has low dedicated analyst coverage, a greater number of opportunities in consumer sectors, and tends to be less susceptible to government intervention when compared to large caps.

Featured Speaker:
Alex Ingham
Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst
Alex Ingham is a Portfolio Manager/Analyst on the Emerging Markets, International, and Global Small Cap Equity teams. He began working in the investment field in 1996. Prior to joining Lazard in 2011, Alex was Head of Emerging Market Equities at Aviva Investors (formerly Morley Fund Management) where he managed emerging markets small cap equity portfolios. Prior to that, he was a fund manager for North American equities with the same firm. Prior to Aviva, Alex was Head of North American Equities at Aberdeen Asset Management. He also worked at Hill Samuel Asset Management and City Financial Partners Limited. Alex has a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from the University of Bristol. Alex is an associate member of the IIMR (Institute of Investment Management and Research) and has a diploma from the European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies. As well, he has a CII (Chartered Insurance Institute) Financial Planning Certificate (Parts 1 and 2).

European Equities: From Crisis to Rebirth

Thursday, March 21, 2013 4:00 pm ET

Over the last three years, European equity markets have been severely punished, and many observers have made the case for Europe's economic disintegration. However, the fiscal and economic union remains largely intact today, and structural reforms have begun yielding results throughout the region. We believe Europe is now in a firmer position to withstand bouts of fear and volatility than it has been in recent history. In addition, we feel many companies in the continent represent compelling opportunities, as they have strong fundamentals despite investor risk aversion.

Please join Barnaby Wilson, Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard's European Equity team, as he examines the current investment environment and implications for investors

Featured Speaker:
Barnaby Wilson, CFA
Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst
Lazard Asset Management Limited (London)
Barnaby Wilson is a Portfolio Manager/Analyst on the European Equity team. He began working in the investment field in 1998. Prior to joining Lazard in 1999, he worked for Orbitex Investments. He became a member of the European Equity team in January 2006, graduating from the role of research analyst. Barnaby has a BA (Hons) in Mathematics and Philosophy from Balliol College, Oxford University.

Trade-Offs in Liquid Alternatives: The Currents beneath the Surface

Thursday, February 21, 2013 4:00 pm ET

Price and liquidity dislocations occurred in many asset classes both during and after the financial crisis. Hedge funds were not immune and as a result, so-called liquid alternatives, or vehicles attempting to mirror hedge fund returns and volatility but with greater liquidity, have proliferated.

The structure of capital markets has also changed as a result of the crisis both in terms of trading volume and investor flows. Thus, we believe the risks and opportunities of liquid alternatives deserve a closer look amid this new landscape. Please join Chris Heasman, Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard’s Fund of Hedge Funds team, as he discusses key investment considerations for liquid alternatives.

Featured Speaker:
Chris Heasman
Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst
Lazard Asset Management LLC (New York)
Chris Heasman is a Portfolio Manager/Analyst on the Fund of Hedge Funds team and a member of the Fund of Hedge Funds Investment Committee. He began working in the investment field in 1979. His capital markets experience includes leading global principal trading and risk positioning businesses with direct P&L and capital allocation responsibilities across multiple asset classes. Prior to joining Lazard in 2001, Chris led the development and portfolio management of JP Morgan Investment Management's Hedge Fund Group's Structured Hedge Fund products. Previously he worked with CIBC, Banque Indosuez, CitiNational (Citibank) and Capel Court Corporation. He also held a membership of the Sydney Futures Exchange where he operated for many years as an independent option market maker. He was an advisor to the Board of Directors of the Sydney Futures Exchange for 10 years and was responsible for the design of many of the financial futures and options contracts traded on that exchange.

2013 Global Overview: Incremental Change and Clarity

Wednesday, January 23, 2013 4:00 pm ET

Despite investors’ fears, the “black swan” events of 2012 failed to materialize. As we look ahead in 2013, the clarity gained by the unfolding of key economic and political events will likely allow for incremental changes in economic factors and government policy to drive markets. We believe investors who refuse to engage in volatility or wait on the sidelines for clear skies and grand bargains to take shape will be left behind, as the risk-on/risk-off cycles of 2012 have opened significant valuation opportunities across asset classes, regions, and sectors. Please join David Cleary, lead Portfolio Manager/Analyst of Lazard's global asset allocation platform, as he discusses these issues and the road ahead.

Featured Speaker:
David Cleary, CFA
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst
David Cleary is a Managing Director of Lazard Asset Management LLC. David provides oversight and management to Lazard’s US-based fixed income and asset allocation platform. Additionally he is directly responsible for the management of the Lazard Capital Allocator Series (“LCAS”). LCAS is a global tactical asset allocation investment strategy. David works on asset allocation modeling and total portfolio risk management and is a member of the LCAS Advisory Board. He is also a member of the Lazard Investment Council. Previously, he spent nine years as a senior fixed income portfolio manager at Lazard with a focus on risk control, sector allocation and total portfolio management. David began working in the investment field in 1987. Prior to joining Lazard in 1994, David worked as a portfolio manager with Union Bank of Switzerland and an assistant treasurer with IBJ Schroeder, both primarily in fixed income asset management. He has a BS from Cornell University.

The Interest Rate Conundrum

Wednesday, December 19, 2012 4:00 PM ET

Interest rates in the United States remain at historical lows. The combination of aggressive US Federal Reserve policy, underwhelming growth, and economic uncertainty is causing dislocations in fixed income markets. Flows into bond markets remain historically high despite limited upside and the increasing potential for negative total returns. Please join Joe Ramos, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard's US Fixed Income Team, for a discussion about key investment considerations and portfolio implications in anticipation of an environment of rising interest rates.

Featured Speaker:
Eulogio (Joe) Ramos
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst
Joe Ramos is a Portfolio Manager/Analyst on the US Fixed Income team. He began working in the investment industry in 1978. Prior to joining Lazard in 2006, Joe was the Chief Investment Officer of Ambac Financial Group, Inc., where he was responsible for the oversight and management of Ambac’s investment strategies, including the Excess Liquidity, Core Capital, Plus, and levered LIBOR+ LDI portfolios. Previously, Joe was a member at E.H. Capital Group, LLC, a Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager at Lazard Asset Management, a First Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager at Lehman Management Co., and a Senior Analyst in the Lehman Brothers Kuhn Loeb Fixed Income Research Department. He has a BS from New York University. Joe Ramos is a member of the CFA Institute, the NYSSA and the Economic Club of New York.

Investing Beyond Sovereigns: Emerging Markets Corporate Debt

Wednesday, November 28, 2012 4:00 PM ET

Over the last two decades, emerging-market (EM) countries have constructed a solid macroeconomic foundation, as witnessed by stronger GDP growth, improved control of inflation, and more accessible capital markets. In addition, EM companies have developed healthy fundamentals, leading to significant advancements in the corporate-debt market.

As a result, EM corporate bonds have evolved, and have garnered attention as a notable component of global portfolios. Emerging markets corporate debt is one of the fastest-growing areas of the EM space. It currently offers higher spreads, and on average produces a higher yield than its developed-market counterparts.

Please join Arif Joshi, Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard’s Emerging Markets Debt team, as he examines this growing investment opportunity set and discusses implications for investors.

Featured Speaker:
Arif T. Joshi, CFA
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst
Arif Joshi is a Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard’s Emerging Markets Debt team. He began working in the investment field in 1998. Prior to joining Lazard in 2010, Arif was with HSBC Asset Management (formerly Halbis) where he served as Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager. At HSBC, Arif was responsible for global emerging markets, focusing on corporate and sovereign credit analysis, risk management and quantitative modeling. He began this role at The Atlantic Advisors LLC (acquired by HSBC in 2005). Prior to HSBC, he was an associate at Strategic Management Group where he advised Fortune 500 companies on finance and corporate strategy. Arif has an MBA in Finance from Columbia Business School and a BS in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

What Would Be a “Good” Landing for China?

Thursday, 25 October 2012 4:00 PM ET

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China has posted impressive GDP growth for several decades and has emerged as one of the world’s leading economic powers. Given its important contribution to global growth, the recent economic slowdown in the face of a major decennial transition of power has focused investors’ attention on the risks and opportunities there.

As China downshifts to a slower secular rate of growth, the inevitable bumps in that path are often mere interruptions (“soft landings”) and occasionally more severe (“hard landings”). While not strictly defined, these terms imply a polarity of outcomes that may impede investors’ ability to recognize the longer-term opportunity in China.

Please join Tom McManus, Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard's Multi Strategy team, as he examines the key factors surrounding these potential outcomes and the relevant implications for investors.

Featured Speaker:
Thomas M. McManus
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst
Tom McManus is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager/Analyst on the Lazard Multi Strategy investment team, specializing in macroeconomic forecasting and asset allocation. He began working in the investment field in 1980. Prior to joining Lazard in 2010, Tom was Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of Wells Fargo Advisors. Previously, Tom was Managing Director and Chief Investment Strategist at Bank of America Securities LLC. Tom started his career at Morgan Stanley in 1980 in strategic planning and equity derivatives. From 1983 to 1991, he was a member of the Global Equity Derivatives department at Goldman Sachs. Tom has a BS in Operations Research from Columbia School of Engineering and Applied Science, where he is a member of the advisory board for the program in Financial Engineering. He is also a non-voting member of the Lazard Capital Allocator Series (“LCAS”) Advisory Board, as well as a member of the Speaker Retainer program at the CFA Institute.

Back on Solid Ground: The U.S. Housing Recovery Has Begun

Wednesday, 26 September 2012 4:00 PM ET

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The latest readings on U.S. house price indices point to a positive inflection after almost six years of downside. A sustained upturn in the housing market, even if it is moderate as we expect, would have profound implications for consumers and for economic growth. Please join Ron Temple, a leading authority on the ongoing financial crisis and Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard's Global Equity Select and U.S. large cap strategies as he discusses the implications of a housing market recovery on the U.S. economy and the investment implications thereof.

Featured Speaker:
Ronald Temple, CFA
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst
Ronald Temple is a Portfolio Manager/Analyst on our large cap U.S. equity teams, as well as the Global Equity Select team. He is also Co-Director of Research and has primary research coverage of the financials sector. Ron is a leading authority on the ongoing financial crisis. He joined Lazard in 2001 with ten years of global experience including fixed income derivative trading, risk management, corporate finance and corporate strategy in roles at Deutsche Bank AG, Bank of America NT & SA and Fleet Financial Group in London, New York, Singapore, San Francisco and Boston. Ron has an MPP from Harvard University and graduated magna cum laude with a BA in Economics & Public Policy from Duke University. Ron serves as a trustee of the Link Community School in Newark, New Jersey and is a member of the Trinity Board of Visitors at Duke University.

U.S. Natural Gas: Evolution and Revolution

Wednesday, 22 August 2012 4:00 PM ET

Improved drilling technologies and recent discoveries of natural gas in the United States are changing the energy landscape. These new resources have implications not only for global energy reserves but also for the energy supply chain. More specifically, expanding gas resources could signify an industrial renaissance in the United States. Please join Eugene Krishnan, Research Analyst on Lazard's energy sector team, as he examines this new paradigm and its impact on businesses and consumers.

Featured Speaker:
Eugene Krishnan
Senior Vice President, Research Analyst
Eugene Krishnan is a Senior Vice President of Lazard Asset Management LLC and a Research Analyst. He rejoined the firm in 2012. Previously at Lazard, Eugene was a Research Analyst from 2001 to 2009. He began working in the investment field in 1998. Prior to joining Lazard in 2001, Eugene was a strategist at Carpe Diem Innovations Ltd. and a strategy consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Eugene has a BS in Chemical Engineering from Columbia University.

Alternative Paths, Alternative Outcomes: Surviving in a Bimodal World

Thursday, 19 July 2012 4:00 PM ET

As a result of the global financial crisis, markets continue to appear driven to a greater extent by geopolitical events than by economic or company fundamentals, and many investors are responding by alternating between asset classes perceived as either risky or safe. In turn, this is causing significant increases in correlations despite a growing dispersion in fundamentals across investments. We believe fundamental factors will eventually regain their importance as future events provide investors greater certainty about election outcomes, sovereign debt issues, and economic growth over the coming months.

Featured Speaker:
David Cleary, CFA
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst
David Cleary is a Managing Director of Lazard Asset Management LLC. David provides oversight and management to Lazard's U.S.-based fixed income and asset allocation platform. Additionally he is directly responsible for the management of the Lazard Capital Allocator Series ("LCAS"). LCAS is a global tactical asset allocation investment strategy. David works on asset allocation modeling and total portfolio risk management and is a member of the LCAS Advisory Board. He is also a member of the Lazard Investment Council. Previously, he spent nine years as a senior fixed income portfolio manager at Lazard with a focus on risk control, sector allocation and total portfolio management. David began working in the investment field in 1987. Prior to joining Lazard in 1994, David worked as a portfolio manager with Union Bank of Switzerland and an assistant treasurer with IBJ Schroeder, both primarily in fixed income asset management. He has a BS from Cornell University.

The Eurozone: The Beginning of the End or the End of the Beginning?

Wednesday, 20 June 2012 4:00 PM ET

Yet again, the Eurozone appears to be at a critical juncture. Key events in the weeks ahead could further weaken the union, perhaps even destroy it, or, conversely, resolve underlying cracks in the foundation of the Eurozone. As we contemplate the Greek elections, Spanish bank recapitalization and questions around fiscal union, we see a number of potential sources of volatility for financial markets. Please join Ron Temple, a leading authority on the ongoing financial crisis and Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard's Global Equity Select and U.S. large cap strategies as he discusses European politics and the future of the euro, as well as how investors may be impacted.

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Demystifying the Investment Landscape in Latin America

Wednesday, 23 May 2012 4:00 PM ET

We believe Latin American economies possess strong economic, fiscal, and demographic fundamentals and are well-positioned for economic growth. Most Latin American nations also have more transparent and operationally efficient capital markets, when contrasted with others in the developing world. Please join Thomas Boyle, Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard's Latin American Equity team, as he evaluates the current macroeconomic backdrop for the region, shares his insights on the growing investment opportunity set, and discusses potential implications for investors.

Featured Speaker:
Thomas C. Boyle
Senior Vice President, Portfolio Manager/Analyst
Thomas Boyle is a Portfolio Manager/Analyst on the Emerging Markets Core Equity and Latin American Equity teams, focusing primarily on emerging markets investments within Latin America. He started working in the investment field in 1997. Prior to joining Lazard in 2011, Thomas spent 11 years with Deutsche Asset Management providing expertise in the areas of bottom-up research, portfolio construction and client service for their Emerging Markets and Latin America Equity institutional and retail strategies. Thomas has a Masters in Finance from Brandeis University and a BA from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Understanding the Risks of Investing for Income

Thursday, 19 April 2012 4:00 PM ET

In the early 1980s, the Federal Funds target rate was approximately 20% and, for the next 20 years, 10-year U.S. Treasury yields were rarely below 6%. During this time, income-seeking strategies were supported by strong growth, little impairment, and a high level of liquidity. Today, with the Federal Funds target rate between 0% and 0.25%, income-oriented investors are forced to take more risk in order to meet desired income targets. Please join Christopher Komosa, Portfolio Manager on Lazard's asset allocation strategies team, as he discusses the origins, evolution, and trade-offs of investing for income, and the implications that these factors have on portfolio construction.

Featured Speaker:
Christopher Komosa, CFA
Senior Vice President, Portfolio Manager/Analyst
Christopher Komosa is a Senior Vice President of Lazard Asset Management LLC. He is a Portfolio Manager/Analyst on the Lazard Capital Allocator Series ("LCAS") team and is a member of the LCAS Advisory Board. LCAS is a global tactical asset allocation investment strategy. Chris began working in the investment field in 1986. Prior to joining Lazard in 2006, Chris held positions as a portfolio manager at Permal Asset Management and Pinnacle International Management. Previously he was a hedge fund manager/analyst at Caxton Associates and Graham Capital. Chris has an MBA from the Darden School at the University of Virginia and a BA in Economics from Washington and Lee University .

U.S. Healthcare Reform: Drivers, Economics, and the Supreme Court

Wednesday, 21 March 2012 4:00 PM ET

In late March, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments regarding the constitutionality of the recently passed healthcare legislation. In this call, we discuss our views on why healthcare reform was enacted, the economics surrounding the sector, and what impact the Supreme Court ruling may have for investors. Please join Lazard's principal healthcare industry specialists, Ross Seiden, Vice President, Research Analyst and Rhett Brown, Director, Research Analyst, as they look beyond the headlines and provide insight around healthcare reform and its implications for long-term investing.

Featured Speakers:
H. Ross Seiden
Vice President, Research Analyst
Ross Seiden is a Vice President and Research Analyst on the healthcare sector team. He began working in the investment field in 2006. Prior to joining Lazard in 2010, Ross was with Credit Suisse where he started as an Equity Research Analyst and later became an Equity Research Associate covering multinational banks and capital markets firms. Ross has a BBA in Finance and Accounting from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. He holds FINRA Series 7, 63, 86, and 87 licenses.

Rhett E. Brown, CFA
Director, Research Analyst
Rhett Brown is a Director and Research Analyst on the healthcare sector team. He began working in the investment field in 1996. Prior to joining Lazard in 2005, he was an Assistant Vice President in Equity Research at Deutsche Bank Securities and an Equity Research Associate at Volpe Brown Whelan & Company. Previously, Rhett was an Account Representative at Amersham Life Science, a Marketing Specialist in the Applied Biosystems Division of Perkin Elmer and a Research Assistant at Immulogic Pharmaceutical Corporation. Rhett has an MBA (Hons) in Finance from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and a BS (Hons) in Biological Sciences from Stanford University. He is a member of the Security Analysts of San Francisco.

Commercial Real Estate: Will the Resiliency Last?

Wednesday, 15 February 2012 4:00 PM EST

Commercial real estate has historically outperformed many other sectors of the market, supported by its tax structure and the regulatory and interest rate environment. But how long will this outperformance last and where are the opportunities? Please join Jay Leupp, a Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard’s Global Real Estate Securities team, who has more than 20 years of commercial real estate experience, as he provides his outlook for the sector, identifies primary drivers of growth, and offers insight into why commercial real estate appears well-positioned for 2012.

Featured Speaker:
Jay P. Leupp
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst
Jay Leupp is a Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard’s Global Real Estate Securities team. He began working in the investment field in 1994. Prior to joining Lazard in 2011, Jay was the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Grubb & Ellis Alesco Global Advisors and served as a Senior Portfolio Manager. Jay founded Alesco in 2006 and had been its President and CEO since its inception. Prior to founding Alesco, he served as Managing Director of Real Estate Equity Research at RBC Capital Markets. Previously, Jay served as Managing Director of Real Estate Equity Research at Robertson Stephens. Jay holds an MBA from Harvard University and a bachelor's degree from Santa Clara University. Jay is a member of the board of directors of Chaminade College Preparatory, Los Angeles, G.W. Williams Company and United American Bank. He is also a member of the Santa Clara University board of regents and policy board of the Fisher Center for Real Estate at the University of California, Berkeley.

A Broader Context for Understanding Bubbles, Crises, and Panic

Wednesday, 18 January 2012 4:00 PM EST

Since 1997, investors have experienced a series of bubbles, crises, and panic, which have caused market volatility and unintended consequences as capital has shifted rapidly between perceived risk and perceived safety. We believe that opportunities exist for those investors who can draw from history and challenge conventional wisdom amid today's market environment. Please join David Cleary, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager/Analyst, and an experienced global asset allocation professional, as he provides his perspective on the macroeconomic environment for 2012 and where he sees opportunity beyond the bubbles.

Featured Speaker:
David Cleary
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst
David Cleary is a Managing Director of Lazard Asset Management LLC. David provides oversight and management to Lazard's U.S.-based fixed income and asset allocation platform. Additionally he is directly responsible for the management of the Lazard Capital Allocator Series ("LCAS"). LCAS is a global tactical asset allocation investment strategy. David works on asset allocation modeling and total portfolio risk management and is a member of the LCAS Advisory Board. He is also a member of the Lazard Investment Council. Previously, he spent nine years as a senior fixed income portfolio manager at Lazard with a focus on risk control, sector allocation and total portfolio management. David began working in the investment field in 1987. Prior to joining Lazard in 1994, David worked as a portfolio manager with Union Bank of Switzerland and an assistant treasurer with IBJ Schroeder, both primarily in fixed income asset management. He has a BS from Cornell University.

Opportunity, Austerity, Growth and Inflation:The Road Ahead

Thursday, 15 December 2011 4:00 PM EST

2011 was a year largely marked by macro uncertainty. As we look ahead to 2012, we believe that much of this uncertainty will continue, as developed markets remain largely focused on balancing austerity measures with the need for growth. However, emerging markets appear to be at a turning point with regard to inflation. Against this backdrop, we believe fundamental research and security selection will be pivotal for investors in the new year. Please join Ron Temple, Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst on several of Lazard's U.S. and global equity strategies as he provides context for debt sustainability, and reviews the issues facing Europe, the United States, and the emerging markets. He will also discuss the potential implications for investors going forward.

Featured Speaker:
Ronald Temple
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst
Ronald Temple is a Portfolio Manager/Analyst on our large cap U.S. equity teams, as well as the Global Equity Select team. He is also Co-Director of Research and has primary research coverage of the financials sector. Ron is a leading authority on the ongoing financial crisis. He joined Lazard in 2001 with ten years of global experience including fixed income derivative trading, risk management, corporate finance and corporate strategy in roles at Deutsche Bank AG, Bank of America NT & SA and Fleet Financial Group in London, New York, Singapore, San Francisco and Boston. Ron has an MPP from Harvard University and graduated magna cum laude with a BA in Economics & Public Policy from Duke University. Ron serves as a trustee of the Link Community School in Newark, New Jersey and is a member of the Trinity Board of Visitors at Duke University.

Finding Growth in a Slow Growth Environment

Monday, 14 November 2011 4:00 PM EST

Given the current low growth expectations for global capital markets, companies are being challenged to find ways to sustainably grow their business and enterprise value. There are many levers available for companies to do so, but we believe that some are more sustainable and better indicators of future success. Join Chris Blake, Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard’s U.S. Equity Platform, as he explores the interplay among the P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow statements, explains how earnings can be driven by these and other factors, and discusses which elements we believe investors may want to focus on to identify the eventual winners.

Featured Speaker:
Christopher Blake
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst
Christopher Blake is a Portfolio Manager/Analyst on the U.S. Strategic Equity (including the North American Equity Fund, the brand name of the U.S. Strategic Equity offshore fund), U.S. Equity Concentrated and U.S. Mid Cap Equity portfolio teams. He began working in the investment field in 1995 as a Lazard Research Analyst. He has a BSBA in Finance from the University of Denver.

Emerging Markets: Risk or Opportunity?

Monday, 17 October 2011 4:00 PM EDT

Many emerging market currencies have experienced a dramatic sell-off in recent weeks driven by developed market sovereign debt crises as well as fears of a global economic slowdown. Given this global macro backdrop and market fear and uncertainty, is it time to reassess the fundamental outlook for emerging markets?

Please join Ardra Belitz, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard's Emerging Income team, as she discusses the role policymakers, market sentiment, and fundamentals play in emerging market currency markets and how this may present an opportunity for investors.

Featured Speaker:
Ardra Belitz
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst
Ardra Belitz is a Managing Director of Lazard Asset Management LLC and a Portfolio Manager/Analyst specializing in emerging markets currency and debt. She has been a member of the Emerging Income management team since 1998. Ardra began working in the investment industry in 1994. Prior to joining Lazard in 1996, she worked at Bankers Trust Company. Ardra has her BA in Economics from Brandeis University, from which she graduated Phi Beta Kappa.

Gripped by Fear

Tuesday, 27 September 2011 4:00 PM EDT

Amid all of the recent market volatility, many key data points that have historically been reliable indicators of economic direction are currently pointing to very different outcomes, ranging from inflation, a slow recovery, a soft patch, or a deep recession. This extremely conflicting data has left many investors wondering which indicators are correct and which way markets are heading.

Please join Joe Ramos, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager/Analyst on the U.S. Fixed Income platform, for his thoughts on how investors should interpret these contradictory signals and a discussion on investing within and amid such uncertainty.

Featured Speaker:
Joe Ramos
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst
Joe Ramos is a Portfolio Manager/Analyst on the U.S. Fixed Income team. He began working in the investment industry in 1978. Prior to joining Lazard in 2006, Joe was the Chief Investment Officer of Ambac Financial Group, Inc., where he was responsible for the oversight and management of Ambac's investment strategies. Previously, Joe was a member at E.H. Capital Group, LLC, a Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager at Lazard Asset Management, a First Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager at Lehman Management Co., and a Senior Analyst in the Lehman Brothers Kuhn Loeb Fixed Income Research Department. He has a BS from New York University.

Low Volatility Equity Investing: Evolutionary not Revolutionary

Monday, 22 August 2011 4:00 PM EDT

Traditional asset allocation models are being re-evaluated as investors look for a more dynamic approach against the uncertain economic and geopolitical backdrop and ongoing volatility in equity markets. The world is grappling with an era of deleveraging, the spectacular growth of the developing world, and challenges to political and financial institutions at a global, regional, and domestic level. Please join Craig Scholl, CFA, Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard's Quantitative Equity team as he discusses how low volatility equities could form one part of a credible solution.

Featured Speaker:
Craig Scholl, CFA
Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst
Craig Scholl is a Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard's Quantitative Equity team. He began working in the investment field in 1984. Prior to joining Lazard in 2007, Craig was a Principal and a Senior Portfolio Manager in the Global Active Equity group at State Street Global Advisors (SSgA). Previously he was Managing Director of Public Equities for the Virginia Retirement System, where he was responsible for internally and externally managed portfolios. Prior to that, Craig was a pension investment manager for two large corporations. He also worked as a consultant with InterSec Research and a vice president in data analytics at Lynch, Jones & Ryan. Craig has a BS in Finance and Public Communications from Syracuse University. He is a member of the Boston Security Analysts Society.

Half Time Report: Understanding the Oscillating Waves of Fear and Greed

Tuesday, 19 July 2011 4:00 PM EDT

Global capital markets continue to be volatile in reaction to economic events that are causing markets to radically shift between risk-on and risk-off assets. With much uncertainty around sovereign debt crises, global growth expectations, emerging market inflation, and other important issues, we believe that much of the opportunity for investors can be found within the wide dispersion that is occurring around major market indices. Please join David Cleary, CFA, Portfolio Manager/Analyst, as he addresses these major themes and how tactical investing in this rapidly changing market environment can be advantageous if investors can identify the true beneficiaries of the next wave in the market.

Featured Speaker:
David Cleary, CFA
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst
David Cleary is a Managing Director of Lazard Asset Management LLC. David provides oversight and management to Lazard’s U.S.-based fixed income and asset allocation platform. Additionally he is directly responsible for the management of the Lazard Capital Allocator Series (“LCAS”). LCAS is a global tactical asset allocation investment strategy. David works on asset allocation modeling and total portfolio risk management and is a member of the LCAS Advisory Board. He is also a member of the Lazard Investment Council. Previously, he spent nine years as a senior fixed income portfolio manager at Lazard with a focus on risk control, sector allocation and total portfolio management. David began working in the investment field in 1987. Prior to joining Lazard in 1994, David worked as a portfolio manager with Union Bank of Switzerland and an assistant treasurer with IBJ Schroeder, both primarily in fixed income asset management. He has a BS from Cornell University.

The Invisible Han of the Market: Ten Perspectives on China

Thursday, 16 June 2011 4:00 PM EDT

China's economic transformation has been an engine of growth for the global economy. Many investors want to participate, but others consider China's socio-economic model unsustainable. Please join Kevin Matthews, CFA, Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst on Lazard's International Equity Select team as he discusses his observations from his recent trip to China.

Featured Speaker:
Kevin J. Matthews, CFA
Director, Portfolio Manager/Analyst
Kevin Matthews is a Portfolio Manager/Analyst on the International Equity Select team. Prior to joining the International Equity Select team, he was a Research Analyst with a background in financials, automotive, aerospace, and capital goods sectors. He began working in the investment field in 2001 when he joined Lazard. Kevin has a BA in Politics and Philosophy from St. Chad’s College, Durham University.

Breaking Down Global Barriers: Benefits and Challenges of Investing in the Broadest Opportunity Set

Tuesday, 24 May 2011 4:00 PM EDT