Cohen & Steers - Insights

The U.S. Housing Recovery

2013-05-08T18:49:13+00:00

Over the past year, the U.S. housing market has been one of the few bright spots in a world still filled with uncertainty. We believe the recovery is set to continue, with important implications for the economy and for investors.

Opportunities in Global Real Estate: Favorable Conditions for 2013

2013-04-23T19:55:41+00:00

Following an exceptional year for global real estate securities, we continue to see compelling investment opportunities in 2013.

When Interest Rates Rise: Opportunities and Risk Management Strategies in Today’s Preferreds Market

2013-04-15T15:09:39+00:00

In this Q&A, portfolio manager William Scapell offers his perspective, as he addresses some frequently asked questions from investors.

What History Tells Us About REITs, Inflation and Rising Rates

2013-04-11T17:48:58+00:00

So far, massive quantitative easing has not led to higher inflation. But signs of higher prices to come are evident in a number of key indicators. This Viewpoint explores what history tells us about the performance of REITs in periods of rising interest rates and higher inflation.

A Case for Global Listed Infrastructure

2013-04-08T14:53:19+00:00

This paper frames the fundamental characteristics and opportunities offered by global listed infrastructure. From an allocation perspective, these securities can provide real assets diversification, serve as a carve-out of global equities, or complement existing direct infrastructure investments.

The Case for Real Estate Securities

2013-03-18T19:18:24+00:00

We believe real estate securities have the potential to meaningfully enhance investor returns when included in a diversified portfolio. This paper examines seven key investment characteristics of the asset class, and how they can help investors.

Introduction to Real Estate Securities

2013-03-18T17:00:17+00:00

Learn about this unique asset class, including what makes REITs different from other companies, how the global real estate market has evolved and why different types of commercial properties perform the way they do in various economic conditions.

REITs: Building on Success

2013-03-08T20:23:58+00:00

Real estate securities produced strong returns in 2012, benefi ting from favorable supply conditions, improving demand and accommodative monetary policies. We believe these three factors will continue to drive cash flows higher, even in an environment of modest economic growth.

The Elements of Investing in Real Assets

2013-03-08T20:12:07+00:00

This paper will show how an allocation to real assets can provide complementary diversification potential to a long-term investment strategy focused on stocks and bonds.

A DC-Plan Approach to Real Assets Diversification

2013-03-05T20:15:33+00:00

We recognize the importance of protecting the long-term purchasing power of DC-plan assets. This paper offers a broadly diversified and risk-sensitive approach to real assets diversification, one that is consistent with long-term participant objectives.

Preferred Securities: Market Overview and Opportunities for Investors

2013-02-28T20:27:05+00:00

Preferred securities historically offer the highest income in the investment grade fixed income market. We examine the characteristics and composition of the preferred securities market, the impact of regulatory reform and ways investors can benefit from the asset class.

Allocating to Real Assets: The Benefits of the Blend

2013-02-08T20:22:59+00:00

Our research shows that the risk/reward characteristics of a real assets portfolio can be enhanced by combining multiple asset classes with portfolio diversifiers that can enhance stability, like gold and fixed income.

Allocating to Natural Resources: Commodities, Equities…or Both?

2013-02-05T20:21:44+00:00

We believe both have a role, based on the lead/lag performance characteristics of these categories.

The Versatile Performance Profile of REITs

2013-02-05T20:20:30+00:00

Over the long term, REITs have outperformed stocks and bonds in periods of rising inflation, easing inflation and overall.

Why Pricing Power Matters

2013-02-05T20:17:46+00:00

Since pricing power measures the ability to raise prices as a way to offset rising operating costs, it can be especially important in periods of rising inflation.

The Reality of Rising Prices

2013-02-05T20:16:33+00:00

Inflation seems well contained if you just look at the Consumer Price Index. But that's not true for some of its major components.

Do Real Assets Deserve a Piece of the Pie?

2013-02-05T20:15:14+00:00

Adding a portfolio allocation to real assets has the potential to enhance returns, without adding meaningfully to risk.

Gold: It’s Not Just a Commodity

2013-02-04T20:20:00+00:00

Like other commodities, gold has performed well in periods of rising inflation. But this precious metal has a broader role as a component of a real assets strategy.

TIPS May Not Do What They’re Supposed to Do

2013-02-04T20:19:02+00:00

While TIPShave performed relatively well since the inception of this market, there is something they haven’t done: outperform real asset classes in periods of rising inflation.

Real Assets in a “No-to-Slow” Growth Economy

2013-02-03T20:19:25+00:00

To some, strong economic growth is a prerequisite for real asset performance. We disagree.

Emerging Markets Real Estate Securities: Unique Access to Local Economic Growth

2013-01-23T18:31:30+00:00

Emerging markets real estate securities produced strong returns in 2012, amid solid economic growth and the continuing rise of the middle-class consumer. We believe these trends will continue for the foreseeable future, driving the need for more and better real estate.

A Case for Pipeline Companies

2013-01-09T16:24:28+00:00

This study focuses on midstream companies in the “sweet spot” of global shifts in energy supply and demand, driven by newly developed areas of North American production and rising consumption trends in emerging markets.

High-Yielding Stocks May Not Pay Off in the Long Run

2012-09-21T20:10:26+00:00

When compared to stocks with the highest dividends, those growing their dividends may be better long-term investments.

When Growth is Slow, Look to Dividends that Grow

2012-09-21T19:31:38+00:00

In a no-growth to slow-growth economy, companies with growing dividends may be especially attractive, from a total return perspective.

Looking for Dividend Yield? But at What Cost?

2012-09-21T18:54:06+00:00

Over the long-term, the valuations of stocks with the strongest dividend-yield growth may be more attractive than those with the highest dividend yields.

Global Real Estate Securities

2012-08-20T20:50:19+00:00

Global real estate securities produced strong gains in April, marking their best month in more than a year and their eleventh consecutive month of positive returns.

Global Listed Infrastructure

2012-08-20T20:46:14+00:00

April was positive for financial markets broadly, as low and declining interest rates pointed investors toward assets with visible, attractive income streams. Global infrastructure stocks performed well in this environment, outpacing equities as a group by a wide margin.

Large Cap Value

2012-08-20T20:41:45+00:00

Equity markets continued to advance in April amid decent economic data and first-quarter earnings reports that exceeded subdued forecasts.

Preferred Securities

2012-08-20T20:40:12+00:00

April was positive for financial markets broadly, as low and declining interest rates pointed investors toward higher-risk assets that could support income goals. Fixed income categories rose across the board, including preferred securities.

U.S. Real Estate Securities

2012-08-20T20:30:30+00:00

Amid mixed economic data, the April rally in REITs was led by less-cyclical property sectors with higher dividends, a trend not typical of sharp market upturns.