Prudential Newsroom: Featured Stories

Prudential market experts guardedly optimistic for growth in financial markets in 2012

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Prudential Financial experts on Jan. 4 expressed a tone of guarded optimism for growth amid continued volatility in the financial markets in 2012.

Turbulent Teens IV

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Quantitative Management Associates 

In this year-end edition of “Turbulent Teens,” we update two issues we addressed in earlier versions: equity and bond valuation, and the ongoing crisis in Europe. We also examine two issues many investors are increasingly concerned about: the long-term outlook for the U.S. and the rest of the developed world, and the potential for a real estate-induced bubble busting in the largest emerging market, China. This report consists of four themes: Valuation, U.S.-West Decline, Europe and Emerging Markets.

Senior management more involved than ever in employee benefit decisions

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Over the past five years, a growing number of Corporate America's senior management have become more involved in the employee benefit decision-making process, according to "A Changing Benefits Landscape," the third in a series of research briefs stemming from Prudential's Sixth Annual Study of Employee Benefits: Today & Beyond (2011).

The More Things Change, The More They Remain The Same

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Despite the dampening effect of the European crisis, Prudential Fixed Income expects the U.S. recovery to continue. While fiscal consolidation may temper growth slightly in 2012, it is not expected to start in earnest until 2013. As a result, credit fundamentals should remain robust., and despite the 2011 bull market in U.S. Treasuries, Prudential Fixed Income says there is still value to be found in fixed income. While markets may remain volatile, spread sectors, such as corporate bonds, structured product, and emerging markets, are likely to outperform in 2012.

How are those New Year’s resolutions going?

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

For anyone who made a New Year’s resolution to improve his or her life, the end of January is a good time for some help and encouragement. According to Dr. Andrew Crighton, chief medical officer at Prudential, companies can play an important role in assisting employees who made a commitment to be healthier.

On the Market: What Went Up, Came Down

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST

Prudential Fixed Income

The last few years of low interest rates have been like an exclamation point at the end of a three-decade bull market. So what should we expect to happen next? Many market analysts and pundits anticipate that rates will eventually move back to a higher range, especially given continued fiscal laxity. However, based on historical factors and events, Prudential Fixed Income concludes that the wait for much higher interest rates might prove futile.

Prudential to sponsor the National Retirement Risk Index

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Prudential will be the exclusive sponsor of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College’s National Retirement Risk Index. The index measures the percentage of working-age Americans at risk of failing to maintain their standard of living in retirement a figure that has risen from 30 percent in 1989 to 51 percent in 2009.

Cap Rates and Interest Rates: A Conundrum, Or Not

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST

Prudential Real Estate Investors

Commercial real estate, both public and private, presents a compelling opportunity for investors today. Not only does the sector provide many long-term investment benefits, including healthy income returns and a hedge against inflation, but in coming years fundamental factors such as the supply/demand cycle are set to turn positive while demographic forces look to be favorable. The growth associated with rising economic activity - including job creation and increased consumer spending - should translate into higher demand for commercial properties.

Thought Leader of the Week: Mike Lillard

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Mike Lillard, chief investment officer for Prudential Fixed Income, believes that despite the 2011 bull market in U.S. Treasuries, investors can still find value in the fixed income markets, particularly through corporate bonds, emerging markets debt and select structured product. He expects the credit sectors to dramatically outperform government debt in 2012.