FactSet Insight

Stress Testing Investment Strategies: Combining Historical Data and Projected Assumptions

When a dynamic operating environment poses uncertainty across financial markets, scenario analysis and portfolio stress testing can help financial professionals model potential impacts on their investment strategies. In this episode, FactSet Principal Product Manager of Risk Kristina Bratanova-Cvetanova, CFA, discusses how to determine the appropriate shock factors, the use of historical scenarios and data, and incorporation of your own assumptions to assess portfolio risk and potential outcomes.Recorded March 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. ET.The FactSet Insight podcast is for informational purposes only. The information contained within is not legal, tax, or investment advice. FactSet does not endorse or recommend any investments and assumes no liability for any consequence relating directly or indirectly to any action or inaction taken based on the information contained in this podcast episode. The views shared by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FactSet.© FactSet Research Systems Inc. All rights reserved.

S&P 500 Q4 Earnings Update

After rising from 7.2% to 8.3% during the quarter, positive EPS surprises have driven the Q4 earnings growth rate for the S&P 500 higher to 12.1% today. FactSet VP Senior Earnings Analyst John Butters discusses this fifth straight quarter of double-digit growth for the index along with sector performance, domestic vs. international exposure, net profit margins, the increase in AI discussions on Q4 earnings calls, and analyst expectations for earnings growth in 2026. Recorded February 4, 2026, at 12:00 pm ET.The FactSet Insight podcast is for informational purposes only. The information contained within is not legal, tax, or investment advice. FactSet does not endorse or recommend any investments and assumes no liability for any consequence relating directly or indirectly to any action or inaction taken based on the information contained in this podcast episode. The views shared by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FactSet.© FactSet Research Systems Inc. All rights reserved.

ETF Investors’ Identity Crisis

The numbers are in, and U.S. ETF flows in 2025 tell a nuanced story: active and income-oriented ETFs attracted headlines, but broad, low-cost vanilla strategies still dominated net inflows. Join Lois Gregson, Senior ETF Analyst at FactSet, and her guest Elisabeth Kashner, VP Director of Global Fund Analytics at FactSet, in this illuminating conversation. Elisabeth discusses the core theme of her popular annual market analysis along with the notable (and evolving) dynamics for AUM, flows, asset classes, fees, risk, and investment strategies. Lois also highlights Canadian ETF trends.This episode was recorded on January 26, 2026.The FactSet Insight podcast is for informational purposes only. The information contained within is not legal, tax, or investment advice. FactSet does not endorse or recommend any investments and assumes no liability for any consequence relating directly or indirectly to any action or inaction taken based on the information contained in this podcast episode. The views shared by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FactSet.© FactSet Research Systems Inc. All rights reserved.

Does the Steepener Trade Still Have Room to Run?

A number of macro trends are shaping credit and fixed income markets, including the growth of private credit, tight valuations, potential changes in Fed leadership and monetary policy, the end of quantitative tightening, persistent inflation, and new yield-seeking investment vehicles. What could these trends mean for the steepener trade? Listen in to our episode host Matt Barnes, Mid Office Specialist, and Pat Reilly, SVP, Senior Director of Mid Office Americas, as they discuss the current market landscape and implications for yield-curve positioning.This episode was recorded on November 6, 2025.The FactSet Insight podcast is for informational purposes only. The information contained within is not legal, tax, or investment advice. FactSet does not endorse or recommend any investments and assumes no liability for any consequence relating directly or indirectly to any action or inaction taken based on the information contained in this podcast episode. The views shared by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FactSet.© FactSet Research Systems Inc. All rights reserved.

Private Markets Go Public: A New Era for Alternative Assets

Since President Trump issued his executive order titled “Democratizing Access to Alternative Assets for 401(k) Investors” on August 7, 2025, a top question is what happens next. In this episode we discuss how regulatory change, data transparency, and deal innovation are converging to reshape private market access for both institutions and individual investors. Listen in and stay updated on this important sector with host Jamil Sheppard, Head of the FactSet Content Intelligence Lab; Michele Lieber, FactSet Global Head of Government Affairs & Regulatory Strategy; Kendra Brown, FactSet Senior Director of Banking & Sell-Side Research; and Brooks McFeely, Founder & Chief Executive of MT Newswires, a FactSet partner firm. This episode was recorded on November 18, 2025.The FactSet Insight podcast is for informational purposes only. The information contained within is not legal, tax, or investment advice. FactSet does not endorse or recommend any investments and assumes no liability for any consequence relating directly or indirectly to any action or inaction taken based on the information contained in this podcast episode. The views shared by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FactSet.© FactSet Research Systems Inc. All rights reserved.