EquitiesFirst and Institutional Investor Launch New Regional Reports Providing Equity Markets Outlooks for Asia Pacific, Europe and North America

Key findings include:Trade and geopolitical tensions weigh on Asia Pacific: Investors focused on Asia Pacific (60%) are much more likely to see trade relations and tariffs as having a major impact on equity markets over the next 18 months than those in North America and Europe. They are also much more concerned about cross-strait relations, while those in Europe are preoccupied with war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, in North America, cyber-attacks on governments and companies by rogue actors are a bigger concern than elsewhere.Energy concerns high on European investors' minds: Investors in Europe are far and away the most anxious about energy cost and availability. Just 6% of investors in Asia Pacific and 3% in North America ranked this as a macroeconomic factor likely to have the greatest impact on equity markets, compared to over 70% in Europe. Those concerns are linked to uncertainty about how the war in Ukraine will affect access to natural gas and other hydrocarbons across the continent.Strong preference for smart beta strategies in North America: Investors in North America showed the greatest preference for smart beta strategies based on well-known, transparent quantitative factors, with 74% picking them as one of two groups of strategies likely to be most effective in delivering high returns for equity allocations over the next two years. In Europe and Asia Pacific, 70% and 60% of investors, respectively, said the same."Our work with EquitiesFirst reveals important distinctions in institutional investors' views around the world," said Mr Sam Knox, Managing Director of Institutional Investor's Custom Research Lab. "Investors focused on various regions diverge in their assessment of the geopolitical and other factors that will drive equities in their market of focus. However, regardless of their markets, all investors tend to call for active strategies in inefficient emerging and small-cap markets and smart-beta strategies in efficient, highly liquid developed markets." "One thing that was consistent across Asia and other regions was the near universal belief of global diversification. Armed with the insights in these reports, we hope investors will be better able to assess the diverging opportunities and risks across regions. Once they have decided on a course of action, equities-based financing can provide them with a flexible, cost-effective and stable form of capital to move quickly into new positions and diversify portfolios," said Mr Gordon Crosbie-Walsh, EquitiesFirst's Chief Executive Officer, Asia."Investors in Australia and everywhere remain concerned about the trajectory and timing of tighter monetary policy led by the US and other developed markets. Liquidity is at a premium in light of high interest rates and prevailing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties. At times like these, we continue to help numerous clients manage their capital requirements as the value of their portfolio changes," said Mr Mitchell Hopwood, EquitiesFirst's Chief Executive Officer, Australia."Given widespread expectations of increased volatility not only in Europe but across all other regions globally, equities-based financing can provide investors a powerful tool to monetize their long-term shareholdings and put a floor under valuations. It is a low-cost, flexible funding to help investors pursue new opportunities while maintaining the upside potential from their underlying holdings," said Mr James Mungovan, EquitiesFirst's Chief Executive Officer, Europe. The regional reports for Asia Pacific, Europe and North America are now available on EquitiesFirst's website.About Equities First HoldingsFounded in 2002, EquitiesFirst is a global investor specializing in long-term equities-based financing. EquitiesFirst's approach overcomes traditional limitations and redefines the financing experience through providing efficient access to capital for listed companies, entrepreneurs and investors against publicly traded securities. The total value of loans transacted is more than US$4.5 billion as of January 2023.Headquartered in Indianapolis, USA, EquitiesFirst maintains an international footprint of twelve offices in eight countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, China (Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing), South Korea, Thailand, Singapore and Australia (Sydney, Perth and Melbourne). EquitiesFirst is licensed and/or registered in all jurisdictions where required.EquitiesFirst is the pioneer of Progressive Capital - a partnership approach to investment, rooted in respect, mutual interest and understanding. EquitiesFirst delivers liquidity solutions that are vital, transformative and move partners forward.For more information, please visit www.equitiesfirst.com/.About Institutional InvestorFor more than 50 years, Institutional Investor has consistently distinguished itself as the world's foremost financial publication and event producer for global institutional investors. By leveraging Institutional Investor, exclusive memberships, forums, industry benchmarks, award-winning content, and custom research, Institutional Investor is the essential hub for the world's financial decision-makers. Institutional Investor's Custom Research Lab works with clients in the asset management, professional services, and technology industries to develop insightful primary research on asset markets, portfolio management, and investment decision making.DisclaimerThis Document is intended solely for accredited investors, sophisticated investors, professional investors, or otherwise qualified investors, as may be required by law or otherwise, and it is not intended for, and should not be used by, persons who do not meet the relevant requirements. The content provided herein is for informational purposes only and is general in nature and not targeted to any specific objective or financial need. The views and opinions expressed in this Document have been prepared by third parties and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of EquitiesFirst. 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