In this article, the authors explore six quantitative environmental (E), social (S), and governance (G) strategies to provide insights into best practices for ESG portfolio construction. These strategies offer different approaches to the trade-off between desired ESG attributes and investment performance. They conclude that fully understanding the dynamics of these trade-offs will allow investors to select the strategy that best matches their ethical and financial views.
Home Depot and the 23-Year Resolution
by Austin WilsonFor 23 years, shareholders held votes on whether Home Depot should disclose the EEO-1 forms it files annually with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and describe the most basic data on its workforce diversity. As other large companies scramble to disclose data on DEI, Home Depot has finally agreed to...
Addressing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Outside of Public Equity Portfolios
by Kirsten MederOver the last year, Aperio has noted an increased interest in clients wanting to align their investments with their values around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and racial justice issues. Much of the data tied to DEI and racial justice issues is based on ...
Some investors may feel frustrated by the performance of international stocks and are wondering why they are still invested internationally. In this Applied Insights Webcast, Michael Branch provides a common sense perspective on the benefits and risks of international diversification.
This material is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. The opinions expressed are as of the date of publication and may change as subsequent conditions vary. The information and opinions contained in this post are derived from proprietary and non-proprietary sources deemed by BlackRock [Aperio] to be reliable, are not necessarily all-inclusive and are not guaranteed as to accuracy. As such, no warranty of accuracy or reliability is given and no responsibility arising in any other way for errors and omissions (including responsibility to any person by reason of negligence) is accepted by BlackRock, its officers, employees or agents. This post may contain “forward-looking” information that is not purely historical in nature. Such information may include, among other things, projections and forecasts. There is no guarantee that any forecasts made will come to pass. Reliance upon information in this post is at the sole discretion of the reader.
Aperio is providing this link to a third-party website that displays a research report, article, webcast, video, or other content that we believe may be informational or educational for you. This linked content is presented by a source that we believe to be reliable, but we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness, including any associated disclosures. Aperio has no control over the nature of the content on, or the availability of, this third-party website.
The inclusion of this link on our website also does not imply a recommendation or endorsement of any views expressed in such linked content and should not be considered: investment, tax, or legal advice; a solicitation; a recommendation of Aperio or any third-party’s services; or an offer to buy or sell any securities or related financial instruments in any jurisdiction.
Your subscription to the Aperio Blog has been confirmed. You will receive an email notification when a new blog is posted.
Your password is now updated.
Thank you for setting the security questions for your account.
User Must Be Logged In
You must be logged in to perform this action.
Invalid token. Please reload the page and try this action again.
You Currently Do Not Have Portal Access
You do not have access to the Aperio Client Portal.
Please note that if you just registered, it may take up to 24 hours after your registration form has been approved before you are able to log in.
That answer does not match our records. Note that responses to security questions are case sensitive. Please try again or contact Aperio at operations@aperiogroup.com or 415.339.4590.
Your portal user profile does not have provide access to this page. Please contact your administrator if you believe you have receieved this message in error.
Please select a request type.
Your account is temporarily locked because you repeatedly entered wrong answers to security question. Please try again in an hour.
There was an error sending the email to your new user. Please try again.
There was an error sending your email. Please try again.
There was an error sending the email to reset your password. Please try again.
There was an error sending the verification email for your portal account. Please press “Send Verification Email” to retry.
There was an error sending your Contact Us form to Aperio. Please try again.
Would you like to set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for your account? If yes, click here. If not, you are able to enable MFA for your account at anytime in your Profile by clicking Edit Profile.
With Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), an extra layer of security is added to your account to prevent unauthorized users from logging in, even if they have your password. This extra security measure requires you to verify your identity using a randomized code we will send you each time you attempt to log in. MFA reduces the risk of unauthorized requests from your Aperio Client Portal account and provides extra security for your data.
You can choose to receive your security code through one of three ways: by text message/SMS, voice call, or the Okta Verify app. Through Aperio’s partnership with Okta, you can access their free Verify app to receive your MFA token on your Apple or Android device.
Are you sure you want to remove this factor from your account?
The factor has been successfully removed from your account.
You are enrolled in SMS MFA.
You are not enrolled in Text/SMS MFA. To learn how to enroll, click here.
To enroll in SMS MFA, please enter your mobile phone number.
Enter the code received on your mobile phone below.
You have successfully enrolled in SMS MFA.
This phone number was previously set up for SMS MFA for this account. The number and your portal account are now re-enrolled in SMS MFA. If this is incorrect, please contact Aperio at 415.339.4590.
You are enrolled in Voice Call MFA.
You are not enrolled in Voice MFA. To learn how to enroll, click here.
To enroll in Voice MFA, please enter your number and extension if applicable.
Enter the code from the automated voice call you just received.
You have successfully enrolled in Voice MFA.
You are enrolled in Okta Verify MFA.
You are not enrolled in Okta Verify MFA. To learn more on Okta Verify MFA, visit the Okta Verify enrollment guide here.
Please ensure you have downloaded the Okta Verify App prior to clicking Enroll.
After opening the Okta Verify App on your mobile device, press Add Account and scan the QR code shown on the screen. Enter the code shown in the app in the box below.
You have successfully enrolled in Okta Verify MFA.
Confirm Subscription
Michael Branch, CFA
Manager of Portfolio Research
What are your key responsibilities? I lead a team of researchers responsible for supporting the policies, procedures, and tools used to standardize decision-making and enhance our investment strategies.
Describe your key previous work experience. Prior to Aperio, I was a Fund Operations Specialist at California Investment Trust (now Shelton Capital Management), where I managed the daily liquidity for 12 mutual funds. At CIT, I learned the fundamentals of equity index portfolio management, performance assessment, reporting, and compliance.
Describe some noteworthy projects you have worked on that directly impact Aperio’s clients. I’ve been working with a team to develop investment decision-making algorithms that translate client preferences for risk, taxes, and factors/ESG into optimal portfolios. The project has enhanced our ability to provide customized solutions to clients, while also improving the efficiency and standardization of our internal operations.
What do you like most about working at Aperio? I’m surrounded by very intelligent and curious-minded colleagues who care deeply about improving our investment strategies and furthering our understanding of portfolio optimization, risk modeling, and performance. The atmosphere is engaging and challenging, which I find highly motivating.
What previous role(s) did you serve at Aperio? I started at Aperio in 2007 as a Performance Analyst. In addition to handling monthly performance reporting and assessment, I worked with the systems development team to build a new performance tool and bring Aperio’s performance into compliance with Global Investment Performance Standards. In 2011, I transitioned to portfolio management, where I provided analytical support in the research, portfolio management, and trading of client portfolios. That role has evolved over time, shifting to more project-based work that supports the standardization of investment decision-making.
List any committees or organizations you are a member of outside Aperio. I’m a member of the CFA Institute, the CFA Society San Francisco, and the Long Now Foundation.
What are some non-work-related things we should know about you? I love hiking, biking, stair climbing, weight lifting, and other grueling activities.
What postsecondary degrees and/or professional certifications do you possess? BS magna cum laude in Finance from the University of Arizona; Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder.
Some investors may feel frustrated by the performance of international stocks and are wondering why they are still invested internationally. Michael Branch provides a common sense perspective on...
Home Depot and the 23-Year Resolution
by Austin Wilson
For 23 years, shareholders held votes on whether Home Depot should disclose the EEO-1 forms it files annually with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and describe the most basic data on its workforce diversity. As other large companies scramble to disclose data on DEI, Home Depot has finally agreed to...
Addressing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Outside of Public Equity Portfolios
by Kirsten Meder
Over the last year, Aperio has noted an increased interest in clients wanting to align their investments with their values around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and racial justice issues. Much of the data tied to DEI and racial justice issues is based on ...
