Global Uncertainty Triggers Increased Anxiety about Volatility

BOSTON, Aug. 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Managing market volatility continues to be advisors' top concern according to the Eaton Vance Advisor Top-of-Mind Index (ATOMIX), a quarterly survey of 1,000 U.S. financial advisors.

• Volatility scored 129.7 on the ATOMIX, the highest ranking of any concern since inception and the top concern for financial advisors for the fourth consecutive quarter.
• Advisor concerns about generating income for clients ranked second overall at 122.8, a significant jump from 108.1 in Q2.
• Growing wealth through capital appreciation ranked 103.1, a dramatic increase from 83.0 in Q2.
• Reducing tax exposure ranked 72.2, reflecting a slight increase from 67.3 in Q2.

Investor concerns about the markets remain elevated as well with four out of five advisors (82%) reporting their clients are motivated by fear when making investment decisions, the highest percentage to date. 

"The surprise Brexit outcome, ongoing political uncertainty, the possibility of more rate hikes and a sluggish U.S. economy has thrown many advisors and their clients into a state of heightened anxiety," said John Moninger, managing director of retail sales. "While unsettling, this environment creates an opportunity for advisors to calm investors' fears, discuss the opportunities that emerge from market volatility and reaffirm long-term investment plans."

Client communication remains a priority. In the wake of the Brexit vote, 67% of advisors proactively contacted clients to discuss long-term strategies and potential opportunities.

Market Sentiment
Despite increased anxiety about the markets, there is little consensus among advisors about what to expect in the second half of 2016. Close to half of advisors (45%) are bullish on U.S. equities over the next quarter, with 17% reporting a bearish attitude and 38% currently undecided.

When asked about a recession, 54% believe there is a low chance, 38% report a moderate chance and eight percent say there is a high likelihood of a late 2016 recession.

The upcoming U.S. presidential election is top-of-mind for advisors. Ninety-one percent of advisors are watching the upcoming race, but they are split on its potential impact. While 90% agree the election will affect markets, 45% believe the impact will be positive and 55% negative. 

Thirty-nine percent of advisors believe it's too early to consider the impact of the upcoming election on tax strategy. Only 12% of advisors believe it will have major repercussions on their business.

Generating Income in a Low-Yield Environment
With over half (52%) of advisors reporting that generating income increased in importance over the past year, finding consistent sources of yield for clients remains a key priority for advisors.

"The ongoing low-return environment has driven advisors' concerns around generating income, and many are employing a variety of fixed-income strategies to meet their clients' needs," said Moninger, "At the same time, many are watching the Fed for a possible rate hike, which would impact bond prices and serve as a catalyst for advisors to adjust portfolio allocations."

Advisor opinions about future Fed actions are split, with 46% reporting they believe there will be one rate rise before the end of 2016 and 42% stating there will be no hike until 2017. Seventy-one percent of advisors report they are not currently concerned about inflation, potentially signaling predictions of slow growth.

In the event the Fed raises rates, advisors indicated floating-rate loan funds are their most-preferred strategy for generating income for clients, followed by high-yield bond funds and multi-sector bond funds.

Advisors generally agree that the Fed will not explore negative interest rates, with 62% claiming the Fed will not entertain the idea in 2016 and 22% saying it will never do so. 

Socially Responsible Investments & Millennials
A newly important topic of conversation between advisors and clients is socially responsible investing. Sixty-five percent of advisors report at least some clients have expressed interest in socially responsible investments.

• 23% of advisors proactively engage their clients in these discussions
• 45% report their clients initiate these conversations

"Developing customized investment strategies that deliver desired investment results and reflect clients' core beliefs helps advisors deliver added value and differentiate their client service," Moninger said.

Socially responsible investing is one area deemed more important by millennial advisors (born 1985 and later):

• 88% of millennial advisors report socially responsible investing is rising in interest or a "hot topic" right now compared with 57% of advisors of all other generations.
• 26% of millennial advisors use socially responsible investments whenever possible, compared with 13% of advisors of all other generations

Nearly three out of four advisors (74%) describe their millennial clients as more engaged than their non-millennial clients. To address this, half of advisors report they communicate differently with their millennial clients. However, more than half (57%) of advisors described millennials as less likely to have confidence or more nervous about investing than clients of other generations.

"It's critical to align advice practices with client preferences regardless of age," Moninger said. "As the Millennial generation ages, finding the right investment strategies, practices and ways to enhance communication and comprehension will be critical to facilitate a huge generational wealth transfer."

Eaton Vance ATOMIX Methodology
ATOMIX is calculated based on the findings of a survey of 1,000 financial advisors from a diverse group of companies. Eaton Vance contracted with a third party to conduct the online survey from June 24, 2016 – July 20, 2016. ATOMIX uses a similar methodology as the U.S. Consumer Confidence Index* (which has no affiliation with Eaton Vance) in that it calculates a weighted average of current perceptions (40% of the Index) and what advisors think about the trends (60% of the Index). The Index set a baseline average of 100 for April 2014. Each component measured is tracked quarterly to illustrate changes in advisor perceptions and changes in trends over time. Future surveys will sample different financial advisors and may produce different results.

Eaton Vance EV is a leading global asset manager whose history dates to 1924. With offices in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, Eaton Vance and its affiliates managed $325.6 billion in assets as of June 30, 2016, offering individuals and institutions a broad array of investment strategies and wealth management solutions. The Company's long record of providing exemplary service, timely innovation and attractive returns through a variety of market conditions has made Eaton Vance the investment manager of choice for many of today's most discerning investors. For more information, visit eatonvance.com.

* The monthly Consumer Confidence Survey®, based on a probability-design random sample, is conducted for The Conference Board by Nielsen, a leading global provider of information and analytics around what consumers buy and watch. The Consumer Confidence Index was started in 1967 and is benchmarked to 1985=100. The Index is calculated each month based on a household survey of consumers' opinions on current conditions and future expectations of the economy. Opinions on current conditions make up 40% of the index, with expectations of future conditions comprising the remaining 60%.

Before investing, investors should consider carefully the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of a mutual fund. This and other important information is contained in the prospectus and summary prospectus, which can be obtained from a financial advisor. Prospective investors should read the prospectus carefully before investing.

© 2016 Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC
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SOURCE Eaton Vance Corp.