COVID-19 Pandemic: A message from Michelle Seitz, Chairman and CEO

March 19, 2020 | by
Michelle Seitz
Find other posts with these tags:
Subscribe

Connect & follow us

Disclosures

These views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and are current as of the date at the top of the page. The information, analysis, and opinions expressed herein are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or entity.

This material is not an offer, solicitation or recommendation to purchase any security.

Forecasting represents predictions of market prices and/or volume patterns utilizing varying analytical data. It is not representative of a projection of the stock market, or of any specific investment.

Nothing contained in this material is intended to constitute legal, tax, securities or investment advice, nor an opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment. The general information contained in this publication should not be acted upon without obtaining specific legal, tax and investment advice from a licensed professional.

Please remember that all investments carry some level of risk, including the potential loss of principal invested. They do not typically grow at an even rate of return and may experience negative growth. As with any type of portfolio structuring, attempting to reduce risk and increase return could, at certain times, unintentionally reduce returns.

Frank Russell Company is the owner of the Russell trademarks contained in this material and all trademark rights related to the Russell trademarks, which the members of the Russell Investments group of companies are permitted to use under license from Frank Russell Company. The members of the Russell Investments group of companies are not affiliated in any manner with Frank Russell Company or any entity operating under the "FTSE RUSSELL" brand.

The Russell logo is a trademark and service mark of Russell Investments.

This material is proprietary and may not be reproduced, transferred, or distributed in any form without prior written permission from Russell Investments. It is delivered on an "as is" basis without warranty.

Investing involves risk and principal loss is possible.

Past performance does not guarantee future performance.

RIFIS 22567

Seitz portrait

We are in the midst of a global health crisis unlike any that most of us have ever witnessed. The human toll of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to grow as the world increasingly unites to help protect lives and prevent the spread of this virus. At Russell Investments, we are taking all appropriate precautions to protect the safety of our associates and clients around the world.

We are well prepared and equipped for associates to work remotely while managing portfolios, making prudent investment decisions and serving your needs. Over the past two months, we have implemented business continuity plans—first in our Asian offices and more recently in Europe and North America—to ensure that our associates are responsibly protected, and our business continues to run smoothly. We are fully committed to providing the communication, service and investment outcomes you expect from us.

Given the extreme market volatility, there are natural comparisons to the Global Financial Crisis. However, the root cause is different and important: the crisis of 2008-09 was a financial crisis stemming from significant structural impairments in a globally complex interconnected system—this is a global health crisis. It is causing financial market upheaval given the uncertainty of its impact on our global economy. Thankfully, our financial system is far healthier today than in 2008. What governments and central banks are doing now, on an increasingly coordinated basis, is necessary to ensure that a negative feedback loop of financial structural impairments do not amplify the economic and human impact. Although the duration of this pandemic is uncertain, we expect a continued global response with fiscal and monetary stimulus programs to help cushion the economic blow.

Virtually no business is immune to the effects of this crisis but, importantly, a real person is behind every one of these COVID-19 statistics. This human impact will be felt by billions—simultaneous to dealing with the economic impact. We are very likely in the early stages of a global recession, but it is worth the reminder that recessions are a natural part of any economic cycle—especially when the cycle has lasted as long as this one. The depth and length of this recession will depend upon whether local and national governments go beyond broad-based financial stimulus and develop simultaneous targeted programs aimed at heavily impacted industries and small businesses. It's critical this health contagion does not evolve into a deep and long-lasting economic contagion. We can do our part by advocating for programs that put money into the hands of small business owners and individuals who have been especially hard hit and are unable to withstand an elimination of their incomes.

We realize you look to us for guidance during times of uncertainty, and we are here to support you with timely market updates and resources on how these events might impact your portfolios. Although we are temporarily forgoing in-person meetings, we are available to you 24/7 by phone, video and email.

Finally, we stand by you as fellow humans and global citizens to do our part to slow the spread of this virus and give our front-line workers, health care providers, and suppliers time to help us all. Thank you for your ongoing trust in our firm. We wish you and your family well.

With care and support,

 

Michelle Seitz
Chairman and CEO, Russell Investments

Disclosures

These views are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and are current as of the date at the top of the page. The information, analysis, and opinions expressed herein are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or entity.

This material is not an offer, solicitation or recommendation to purchase any security.

Forecasting represents predictions of market prices and/or volume patterns utilizing varying analytical data. It is not representative of a projection of the stock market, or of any specific investment.

Nothing contained in this material is intended to constitute legal, tax, securities or investment advice, nor an opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment. The general information contained in this publication should not be acted upon without obtaining specific legal, tax and investment advice from a licensed professional.

Please remember that all investments carry some level of risk, including the potential loss of principal invested. They do not typically grow at an even rate of return and may experience negative growth. As with any type of portfolio structuring, attempting to reduce risk and increase return could, at certain times, unintentionally reduce returns.

Frank Russell Company is the owner of the Russell trademarks contained in this material and all trademark rights related to the Russell trademarks, which the members of the Russell Investments group of companies are permitted to use under license from Frank Russell Company. The members of the Russell Investments group of companies are not affiliated in any manner with Frank Russell Company or any entity operating under the "FTSE RUSSELL" brand.

The Russell logo is a trademark and service mark of Russell Investments.

This material is proprietary and may not be reproduced, transferred, or distributed in any form without prior written permission from Russell Investments. It is delivered on an "as is" basis without warranty.

Investing involves risk and principal loss is possible.

Past performance does not guarantee future performance.

RIFIS 22567