Our top 10 favorite blog posts of 2021

An ever-evolving pandemic. An intensifying climate crisis. The strongest inflation surge in decades. The potential for drastic changes to the U.S. tax code.

From start to finish, there was no shortage of concerns for investors in 2021—and the Russell Investments Blog was there to address them all. Amid an ongoing environment of uncertainty, we worked with some of the best and brightest minds in the firm to deliver timely, frequent and actionable insights to clients and readers alike.

With nearly 200 blog posts produced this year, determining which ones performed the best was no easy feat. Ultimately, we decided to list the 10 posts with the the highest levels of engagement from our readers. So, without further ado—and in no particular order—we present our top ten favorite blog posts from 2021.

Power tool: Why private markets are no longer niche

Bad news: The low-return environment doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. Good news: Investing in private markets, done correctly, can help. Vic Leverett, managing director and head of alternative investments, explains why.

The value of an advisor: Why we believe it’s higher than ever

We believe financial advisors have never been more valuable than during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they guided investors through volatile markets. In our annual Value of an Advisor study, Brad Jung, head of North America advisor and intermediary solutions, quantifies the value of an advisor’s multi-faceted role and the resulting benefits. 

Ready or not, the second age of ESG investing is here

With environmental, social and governance issues becoming front-and-center for corporations and governments worldwide, we believe that a second, more challenging era for ESG investors has dawned. Adam Goff, managing director and head of research, explains how an actively managed approach might help ESG investors reach their goals regardless.

Tax increases are likely. What are you doing about it?

With potential tax increases on the horizon, Director of Tax-Managed Solutions, Rob Kuharic, explores the steps advisors can take today to minimize the impact of any changes in tax policy.

What role can private markets play in a total-portfolio strategy?

Chief Investment Officer Kate El-Hillow explains why we believe successfully navigating the complexity of private markets demands risk management at the total-portfolio level.

The first 100 days: What could the Biden administration accomplish?

Like most new U.S. presidents, Joe Biden takes office with an ambitious agenda. Chief Investment Strategist Erik Ristuben unpacks the key issues likely to be addressed during Biden’s first 100 days in office.

Capital gains distributions: The trend is not your friend

Many mutual funds will distribute capital gains every year—no matter what the market does. As 2021 comes to a close, Frank Pape, senior director of portfolio consulting for advisor and intermediary solutions, shares how advisors can begin to prepare their clients for the impact of those distributions and take steps to minimize the tax bite going forward.

Funded status volatility: Why it matters for pension plans

In this post, Justin Owens, director of investment strategy and solutions, and Kevin Turner, managing director and head of investment strategy and solutions, discuss the benefits of minimizing funded status volatility for defined benefit plans. They also share a case study in how this can be accomplished without sacrificing funded status improvement.

A 2x4 costs how much? U.S. inflation comes in hot again

With U.S. inflation accelerating to levels not seen in decades, Chief Investment Strategist for North America, Paul Eitelman, discusses whether or not the rise in prices can be pinned on transitory factors.

The contradictions and complications of ESG investing

In this post, Senior Quantitative Research Analyst, Emily Steinbarth, explores the myriad of factors that make ESG investing complex, and offers an up-close look at some of the potential unintended risks.