Insights
Life After Employee Benefits
In addition to retirement considerations, any employee preparing to leave a job should plan for life after employee benefits.
Read moreAviationPros Podcast: Addressing Trends and Concerns in the FBO Industry
Josh Ollek, managing director of William Blair’s Aerospace, Defense, and Government Services team, recently joined the AviationPros Podcast. Ollek discussed how high demand for private aviation—spurred by persistent delays and cancellations on commercial flights—has created a hangar shortage across the country. He also outlined electrification trends in private travel and among fixed-base operators.
Listen to the podcastOn the Ground and in the Cloud: Observability and AIOps
William Blair tech analyst Jake Roberge joins the show to discuss the observability and AIOps software markets, including the increasingly important role these platforms are playing for businesses of all sizes, why they are gaining momentum over legacy monitoring tools, and some of the key trends he’s seeing in the market.
Listen to the podcastUnderstanding Increasingly Popular Holdco NAV Structures
NAV financing—loans to funds supported by the net asset value of their portfolios—has become increasingly popular with financial sponsors over the past year. This article, written in partnership with global law firm Proskauer Rose, outlines how the Holdco Structure helps navigate key considerations in NAV financings.
Read moreWhat Gold, Copper, and Treasurys Are Telling Us About Growth and Inflation
Gold and U.S. Treasuries have historically had a negative correlation. Recently, however, yields are rising and gold continues to reach new highs. Macro analyst Richard de Chazal provides a deep examination of these dynamics and offers his views on the reasons, along with potential implications for investors.
Read moreThe Unique Challenges of Pre-Liquidity Planning in 2024 (and 2025)
Pre-liquidity planning in 2024 will be anything but dull. Find out what business owners on the cusp of a liquidity event should know—and how they should prepare.
Read moreWilliam Blair Analysts on Artificial Intelligence’s Impact
How is artificial intelligence playing out across sectors? What are the opportunities for growth? William Blair research analysts discuss current trends in the consumer, healthcare, and technology landscapes.
Read moreMetals of the Future: Set to See Continued Growth
Corporate Credit Analyst Alexandra Symeonidi explores how the transition to a low-carbon future has shaped demand for copper, lithium, and nickel.
Read moreMaking the Strategic Move: Q&A With William Blair’s Head of Corporate Advisory
Christina Bresani, managing director and head of corporate advisory for William Blair Investment Banking, shares her perspective on the state of the market, staying strategic when making deals, and the benefits of improving diversity.
Read moreWilliam Blair Baltimore Wealth Management Team Investing in the Success of Students
See how the Baltimore Wealth Management Team is partnering with Global Community Partner Bridges to invest in students’ futures long-term.
Read moreCEO Perspective: Value Creation Through Diverse Perspectives
Brent Gledhill reflects on how diverse perspectives fuel innovative thinking and creative problem-solving. He highlights several of our firm’s female colleagues and the ways they are impacting their industries, clients, and communities.
Read moreDid You Know? Philanthropy, Planning, and Pre-Liquidity Capabilities
From philanthropy strategy and wealth planning to lending and alternative investments, William Blair brings best practices, experiences, and a deep subject matter expertise to the discussion.
Read moreThe Quarterly Rx: Q1 2024 U.S. Biopharma Recap
Biopharma’s rebound came into full effect in Q1 2024. In this report, William Blair's biopharma team shares its perspectives on the biopharma environment in Q1 2024 and what to expect for the remainder of the year.
Read moreMaking Sure America Gets Bang for Its Infrastructure Buck
The country’s electrical, water, telecom, and transit systems are facing years of catch-up repair and maintenance needs—and not even a massive infusion of federal dollars can address all of them.
Read moreThree Issues in Zambia
Dan Wood speaks to us from Zambia, where restructuring, mining, and currency appreciation are top of mind for emerging markets debt investors.
Watch the videoIs Angola Ready to Re-engage with the IMF?
Dan Wood speaks to us from Angola, where he seeks to determine if the country is ready to engage with the IMF and whether oil production and privatization will pick up.
Watch the videoMonthly Macro with Richard de Chazal—March 2024
In this episode, Richard discusses the latest in macroeconomic news for March, including the latest FOMC dot plot, stubborn inflation, stock markets, and the real estate pain being felt by banks.
Listen to the podcastIs This Another Market Bubble?
Are we facing a stock market bubble? In some ways, the acute rise in select stocks could suggest we are. However, as macro analyst Richard de Chazal examines, many of the valuation metrics of companies driving these gains have so far delivered on these expectations, relative the late 1990s, when it was mostly all narrative and no numbers.
Read moreThe Potential Impact of GLP-1s on Restaurants and Fitness Clubs
Will consumer relationships with restaurants and fitness centers change as GLP-1s grow in popularity? Sharon Zackfia, group head of consumer research, breaks down the results of two recent proprietary surveys conducted to gain insight into whether reduced caloric consumption among GLP-1 users could lead to a sales slowdown for restaurants and provide a material tailwind for fitness companies.
Listen to the podcastWilliam Blair Private Capital Advisory: 2024 Secondary Market Report
The secondary market showed resilience in 2023, with overall volume increasing by 5% year-over-year despite macroeconomic challenges, and market insiders are bullish about prospects for 2024.
Read moreAviation Services Industry Update
A strong fourth quarter offered encouraging signs for business jet and general aviation’s continued recovery.
Read moreGLP-1s: The $100 Billion Answer to a Trillion-Dollar Question
Ryan Daniels, CFA, partner and group head of healthcare technology and services, discusses the impact of GLP-1 drugs on healthcare spending and care delivery, along with the need for healthcare services and digital health providers that can help employers and consumers effectively manage the emerging wave of GLP-1 drugs.
Listen to the podcast4 Truths and 4 Myths About Partnering With Private Equity
Misconceptions about private equity are so common that some investors try to avoid using the term itself.
Read moreBehind Taiwan’s Technology Demand Drivers
On a research trip to Taiwan, our global equity team meets with different companies to learn more about key technology demand drivers.
Watch the videoU.S. Onshoring and the Red Sea Shipping Crisis
As globalization begins to slow down, U.S. onshoring looks to be on the rise.
Read moreEducation Financing
Among its many benefits, a college education can have a significant impact on future earning potential. It is an important investment. It is also becoming a more expensive one as increases in college costs continue to outpace inflation.
Read moreMonthly Macro with Richard de Chazal—February 2024
A hard, soft, or no landing? Listen as macro analyst Richard de Chazal discusses the latest in macroeconomic news, including a more hawkish Jerome Powell, a red-hot S&P 500, fourth-quarter earnings, and a hotter-than-anticipated CPI report.
Listen to the podcastThe Economics Behind the GLP-1 Phenomenon
Equity research analyst Ryan Daniels examines the growing impact of GLP-1 drugs on healthcare spending and care delivery, along with the needs for health providers, employers, and consumers to effectively manage the emerging wave of GLP-1 drugs.
Read moreScratching Below the Surface of the Economic Data
While some may be declaring victory in the recession/no-recession debate, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that growth may not be nearly as strong as it seems to be on the surface. Richard de Chazal examines the six data points he believes investors should be cognizant of.
Read moreHow Advertising Executives are Navigating Budget Changes in 2024
As economic conditions improve, so too does confidence among advertising executives about their 2024 budget allocations. In this episode of William Blair Thinking Presents, research analyst Ralph Schackart walks through the results of his latest quarterly digital advertising executive survey, including how digital ad spending has changed in recent months and 2024 budget forecasts.
Listen to the podcastWhat Today’s Inventory Cycle Is Telling Us About Future Growth
Inventory cycles play an important role in understanding economic growth, inflation, and corporate profitability. Macro analyst Richard de Chazal details a variety of factors that are impacting companies’ ability to manage their inventories so far in 2024.
Read moreLender Competition Burns Through Winter Chill
The U.S. institutional leveraged loan market cooled in Q4 to close out a year characterized by lackluster deal flow, a persistent shift from syndicated markets to private capital, and high interest rates that took a toll on borrowers.
Read moreState Residency Changes: Tax Implications and Rules
This paper reviews the residency rules for individuals, identifies steps to establish new residency, and addresses residency audits. It also provides an overview of the residency rules for trusts.
Read moreAdvanced Manufacturing in the U.S.: The Future is Now
As companies look to bring manufacturing efficiently closer to the point of consumption, equity analyst Brian Drab details why advanced manufacturing, including 3D printing, will continue to change the entire manufacturing industry here in the U.S.—and worldwide.
Watch the videoBrazil’s Mid-Election Cycle Boom
Amid a mid-election cycle, unique investment opportunities are emerging in Brazil.
Watch the videoEmerging Markets Debt Summit Research Platform
To help us synthesize information about the countries we invest in, as well as global trends, our emerging markets debt team uses an internal technological research platform called Summit.
Watch the videoHow Material Science Companies are Changing the Industrials Landscape
Material science tech companies are positively disrupting traditional products by melding innovation with sustainability. Equity analyst Ryan Merkel, CFA, explores why two markets—construction and packaging—are ripe for change.
Read moreWaiting for the Dam to Burst in Secondaries
Much of what can be said for the overall M&A market heading into 2024 can be said for secondaries—activity still hasn’t fully recovered, there’s a lot of capital on the sidelines, and global turmoil keeps getting in the way. In this quarterly update, we look back at 2023 and forward to 2024, with close looks at GP-led secondaries and the evolution of underserved areas.
Read moreMonthly Macro with Richard de Chazal—January 2024
Jobs, housing, QT, and the Red Sea. Listen as macro analyst Richard de Chazal examines the current economic indicators, provides context around the potential end to QT, and offers his perspective on a possible Fed pivot, in the first Monthly Macro episode of the year.
Listen to the podcastPaving the Way for Non-U.S. Equity Outperformance
Non-U.S. equities are likely beneficiaries of falling interest rates in the U.S. and the dollar weakening rather than strengthening. Ken McAtamney, head of the global equities team, explains why these could potentially pave the way for a good year for global equities. This article is featured on William Blair Investment Management's Active Never Rests blog.
Read the articleThree Tailwinds for Earnings This Reporting Season
With corporate earnings season once again upon us, macro analyst Richard de Chazal highlights three areas that he believes helped to support earnings this past quarter: the dollar, pricing power, and productivity.
Read moreThe 2024 Tax Reference Guide is Now Available
William Blair's tax reference guide for income earned in 2024 and tax returns filed in 2025 is now available.
Read moreWill the Fed End Its QT in 2024?
Richard de Chazal examines another important aspect of the Fed—its balance sheet—and outlines what has motivated the discussion on ending its quantitative tightening (QT) so soon.
Read moreEmerging Markets Debt 2024: From Headwinds to Tailwinds
After a few years of lackluster investment performance in emerging markets debt, we anticipate a strong 2024.
Read moreEmerging Markets Equity 2024: Markets Diverge as a New Cycle Unfolds
Emerging markets can be an efficient way to access some of the world’s most powerful secular themes.
Read moreBiotech Breakthroughs—The Revolutionary Potential of Cell Therapy for Autoimmune Disorders
Clinical case studies have sparked significant interest in the use of CAR-T for autoimmune disorders, potentially expanding CAR-Ts’ utility beyond oncology. In this podcast episode of Biotech Breakthroughs, equity research analyst Sami Corwin offers an overview of the known biological underpinnings of autoimmunity and rationale for using CAR-T as a therapeutic, breaks down the CAR-T cell therapy competitive landscape, and analyzes the potential market opportunity for these therapies.
Listen to the podcastThe Quarterly Rx: 2023 U.S. Biopharma Recap
From the regional banking crisis in March to FTC and IRA legal challenges and global macroeconomic uncertainty, 2023 was another challenging year for biopharma.
Read moreVast Potential for Pakistan?
Johnny Chen explains why the IMF Stand-By Arrangement is helping stabilize Pakistan.
Watch the videoConsumers May Expect More Return to Normalcy
William Blair’s Jon Andersen and Phillip Blee discuss pricing trends and what consumers may expect going into 2024.
Read moreEconomy Hits Cruising Altitude, But Beware of Bumps
Investment Management’s Olga Bitel shares her outlook for 2024 after the global economy defied expectations of a recession and falling interest rates in 2023.
Read moreYWCA Breedlove Accelerator Program Motivating a Socially Conscious Consumer
Entrepreneur and founder-owner Javon Nicholas is expanding her culinary skills and business to make food dreams become a reality.
Read moreThe Goods You Buy Are Being Packaged Differently. Why That Matters to Consumers
Companies are changing how they package consumer products. See how Soteria Flexibles stands out as a leading manufacturer of short-run, customized packaging.
Read moreNew Year’s Financial Resolution: Establish Your Automatic Periodic Investment Plan
Bid farewell to old spending habits and welcome in some savvy ways to save. Usher in the new year by establishing automatic ways to invest in your accounts.
Read moreThe Battle of Silicon vs. Lithium Metal
The battery industry has been in search of a revolution. While new architectures like Lithium-metal anodes and solid-state designs have received the lion’s share of development, funding, and investor attention, Jed Dorsheimer outlines his contrary thesis of why high-content silicon may deliver the evolution that the battery industry actually needs.
Read moreWhat’s Next for Sri Lanka?
Clifford Chi-wai Lau is optimistic about Sri Lanka’s future after its 2022 debt default.
Watch the videoMetals of the Future 2.0: How the Energy Transition Is Transforming the Metals Markets
Learn how supply and demand for copper, lithium, and nickel have been shaped by the transition to a low-carbon future.
Read moreThe Good News About Higher Interest Rates
Why did powerful third-quarter growth come as such a surprise? Olga Bitel and Hugo Scott-Gall of our Investment Management team discuss the broad expansion in the U.S. economy, the moderation of inflation, and what to look for in a stock picker’s market.
Read moreOur Top Blogs of 2023
With 2023 winding down, we highlight some of the most impactful blogs of the year from William Blair's Investment Management professionals.
Read moreEmerging Markets 2024: Unlocking Value in Uneven Terrain
Emerging markets may be regaining their footing as easier monetary conditions could drive growth in 2024 for both equities and debt alike.
Read moreMonthly Macro with Richard de Chazal—2024 Outlook
Macro analyst Richard de Chazal reflects on the resilient year and expands on his 2024 Outlook’s key themes, including the sticky pockets of inflation, the 3 keys the Fed needs to achieve success next year, Treasury Secretary Yellen’s “Operation Twist” reboot, and more.
Listen to the podcastU.S. Onshoring and Its Impact on U.S.-Centric Companies
As onshoring continues to reshape the global trade landscape, it is crucial for investors to understand its impact, as Rob Lanphier, partner, and Jim Jones, CFA, partner, explain. This article is featured on William Blair Investment Management's Active Never Rests blog.
Read more5 Questions to Expect from Outside Advisors at the Beginning of a Liquidity Event
Consider the questions advisors are likely to ask, as well as which questions might produce the best possible outcome for all parties involved.
Read moreCell Therapy and Autoimmune Disorders: Expanding CAR-Ts’ Utility Beyond Oncology
Equity research analysts Sami Corwin and Matt Phipps provide an overview of the known biological underpinnings of autoimmunity and the rationale for using chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-Ts) to potentially treat millions who suffer from autoimmune diseases.
Read moreCosmic Capitalism
The cosmos, the final frontier, the galaxy beyond: Our collective fascination with outer space has always been intense. But with companies and public figures now dedicating huge sums of money to space exploration, it seems a new kind of space race has been born. In this episode of The Active Share, Hugo sits down with Chris Impey, an astronomer, educator, and author, to discuss the potential economic, environmental, and geopolitical ramifications of space exploration.
Listen to the podcastEconomic Outlook 2024: Testing Resiliency
While investors will hope for the best in 2024, macro analyst Richard de Chazal examines the resiliency of the markets against a crowded backdrop of Fed policy uncertainty, inflation, bond market and economic dynamics, and other factors each of which will test the limits of the market’s endurance.
Read moreDid November’s Rally Alter the Market Outlook?
What a difference a month makes. Markets swooned in October, only to see virtually all risk assets, including small-caps, rally in November. What changed? Macro analyst Richard de Chazal breaks down the Fed’s recent statement, the market’s rate expectations, and the current state of the economic slowdown.
Read moreGLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Present Opportunities
Tommy Sternberg and Richard Reznick meet with healthcare companies across Switzerland, and learn why GLP-1 weight loss drugs are such a huge market trend.
Watch the videoOn the Ground and In the Cloud: A Deep Dive into the Trends Impacting Developer Technologies
Software developers not only represent the early adopters who will determine the success of a particular product or project, but also have become primary influencers in software purchases. In the latest William Blair Thinking Podcast, analysts Jason Ader, Arjun Bhatia, and Jonathan Ho delve into the key trends and potential disruptions, including generative AI, in this exciting new era of coding capabilities.
Listen to the podcastSmart Wealth Planning Tips for Each Stage of Your Career: Early Career Professionals
Managing your budget and credit, saving and investing, and understanding your company benefits are critical to building a sound financial future.
Watch the videoSmart Wealth Planning Tips for Each Stage of Your Career: Mid-Career Professionals
Take full advantage of retirement savings vehicles during this phase of your career while you are juggling expenses and building wealth.
Watch the videoSmart Wealth Planning Tips for Each Stage of Your Career: Late Career Professionals
Often your highest earning years, now is the time to evaluate your current financial plan and plans for retirement.
Watch the videoMonthly Macro with Richard de Chazal—October 2023
Macro analyst Richard de Chazal breaks down what he believes are the three hurdles to higher for longer, walks through what third-quarter earnings may say about the near-term future, and offers his stance on where the Fed is potentially headed as we move toward a new year.
Listen to the podcastDeveloping Pathways to Planned Giving and High-Impact Philanthropy
Using charitable giving strategies to enhance the tax-efficiency of your donations plays a vital role in maximizing the impact of your gifts.
Read moreAviation Services Industry Update
Encouraging business jet activity in recent months and positive Q3 trendlines for U.S. general aviation point to global aviation’s continued recovery.
Read moreThemes and Trends on the Rise in Philanthropy
Philanthropists continue to demonstrate incredible creativity and generosity, even during disruptive times. Head of Philanthropy Strategy Laura Coy outlines four key trends that we’re seeing, and which give us an optimistic outlook on the state of charitable giving.
Watch the videoEnhancing Results With a Buy-Side Debt Advisor
Buy-side financing has become increasingly complex, with direct lending dominating middle-market leveraged buyouts and acquisitions. New lenders and strategies have emerged, while investment committees have become fickle and are frequently deterred by complex credit stories.
Watch the videoFlirting With and Dating Recessions
Timing an economic recession is never easy, as proved this past year. In this report, we take a snapshot of where the main indicators are today, and what some of the more forward-looking data suggest.
Read moreBiotech Breakthroughs—Exploring the Recent Radiopharmaceutical Renaissance
Radiopharmaceuticals are leading the way in how oncology patients are being diagnosed and treated. In this episode of Biotech Breakthroughs, Tim Lugo is joined by equity analysts Andy Hsieh and Alex Ramsey to examine why radioisotope innovation may revolutionize treatment for millions of people in the coming years.
Listen to the podcastEmerging Markets Debt: 3 Ways We Are Differentiated
As fundamental emerging markets debt investors, we believe our distinct approach, our dynamic mindset, and our diverse team helps to enable us to deliver better potential outcomes for our portfolios and clients.
Watch the videoIncreasingly Sophisticated Threats and Evolving Workplaces Prompt Sweeping Upgrades to U.S. Digital Infrastructure
A whole-of-government effort is underway to modernize the federal IT infrastructure and to establish its security and upkeep as indispensable to national security.
Read moreTrick or Treat? Will the 2023 Leveraged Loan Market End on a Sweet Note or Leave Investors Haunted?
The U.S. institutional leveraged loan market showed signs of life in Q3, surging to the strongest quarter in 18 months as lender aggressiveness awoke from the grave.
Read moreThird-Quarter Earnings and the “Highly Uncertain Macro Environment”
Richard de Chazal charts the current earnings season and what it may hold for future revenue growth against an uncertain macroeconomic backdrop.
Read moreThird-Quarter Update on Biotech Funding, Pipeline Growth, and R&D Spending
Equity analysts Max Smock and Matt Larew examine the biotech industry’s funding levels, product pipeline, and pace of spending on research and development.
Read moreApplying for College Financial Aid
What you need to know about applying for financial aid and enhancing your family’s aid eligibility.
Read moreWhere Are We in the Small-Cap Cycle?
Macro analyst Richard de Chazal details several reasons that suggest many of the fears about smaller-cap stocks—which historically track to the U.S. economy—have already been priced in.
Read moreThe Price is Right? What to Know Before Selling Private Shares
At William Blair, our team works diligently to help you understand the price for your equity and to strategize on how best to navigate the often opaque and disjointed secondary markets.
Read moreTiming, Transfer Restrictions, and Taxes: Considerations for Today’s Private Shares Sellers
With year-end nearing and several highly anticipated venture-capital-backed IPOs having hit the market, private share sellers will have several factors to contemplate. We provide our three key considerations—and way to help you manage your transaction in today’s environment.
Read moreStrengthening ESG Standards in Emerging Markets: A Catalyst for Investments and Growth
The encouraging trend of positive initiatives, such as improved corporate governance codes, heightened environmental disclosures, and efforts to promote gender diversity, underscores the growing significance of ESG in EMs.
Read moreWilliam Blair’s Private Shares Trading Team: Our Competitive Edge
Our Private Shares Trading team offers exceptional access and company-specific transactional knowledge for buyers and sellers of private company equity.
Read moreArgentina’s Presidential Election Could Impact Economic Policies
Jared Lou, CFA, explains the potential for economic policy changes ahead of Argentina’s presidential election.
Watch the videoHow to Avoid Deal-Related Leaks—and What to Do When They Happen
For leaders of founder-owned companies, simply making the decision to sell or bring in an outside investor can be anxiety inducing. The transaction process itself is often filled with apprehensive moments. This primer offers strategies for handling potential leaks.
Read moreMonthly Macro with Richard de Chazal—September 2023
Housing, retail sales, and the Sahm Rule. Hear what macro analyst Richard de Chazal outlines in his latest Monthly Macro podcast, and what’s in store for the markets as we near a critical FOMC meeting next month.
Listen to the podcastPlanning Your Assets in Case of a Divorce
These steps can help reduce financial risk and preserve your family’s wealth.
Read moreBiotech Breakthroughs—Advancing Diabetes Treatments: Exploring GLP-1s and Beyond
Tim Lugo speaks with fellow equity research analysts Margaret Kaczor Andrew and Andy Hsieh about the GLP-1 drug class and its impact on the management of obesity, including potential read-throughs to the medtech and the therapeutics sector.
Listen to the podcastChina 2024: 10 Considerations for Debt Investors
Portfolio Manager Johnny Chen outlines 10 insights that emerging markets debt investors may want to consider. This article is featured on William Blair Investment Management's Active Never Rests site.
Read moreThe Quarterly Rx: Q3 2023 U.S. Biopharma Recap
Biopharma indices finished Q3 near recent lows, amidst resurfacing macro concerns, including a more hawkish Federal Reserve, equity outflows, and the (now averted) shutdown of the federal government in the United States.
Read morePlugged In With Jed Dorsheimer—Applying the Science to the Real Economy
Jed and guest Patrick Kent, CFA, CMT, explain the science behind biophysical economics, unravel the intricate relationship between energy and the real economy, and shed light on the profound impact energy has on our financial system.
Listen to the podcastWhat’s Driving Today’s Pressure in the Bond Market?
It’s not the riskiest assets that get you into trouble; it’s often the ones you think are the safest but aren’t. Macro analyst Richard de Chazal offers his near-term insights on today’s bond market volatility.
Read more4 Reasons to Consider Emerging Markets Debt Now
Over the past few years, emerging markets debt has underperformed as interest rates have increased to fight inflation. Marcelo Assalin, CFA, partner and head of our emerging markets debt team, explains why it’s an interesting moment to consider this asset class.
Watch the videoDoes My Family Need a Family Office?
Families with significant resources are increasingly turning to formalized family offices to creatively deploy and manage their capital.
Read morePackaging M&A Activity Slower, but Shows Resilience with Positive Signs for 2024
M&A activity in the packaging industry remained muted throughout 2023’s first half amid a difficult lending market and COVID-19’s continued impact on supply chains. Despite the continuing market dislocation, William Blair’s packaging team remains highly active and is beginning to see positive signs emerging.
Read moreRoth IRA Conversions: What They Mean For Shareholders
A Roth IRA conversion can serve as a valuable tool for transferring wealth when applied under the proper conditions.
Read morePutting the Tech in Biotech: A Deep Dive on AI in the Sector
In this inaugural episode of Biotech Breakthroughs, equity research group head Tim Lugo speaks about the impact of artificial intelligence and machine learning on the biotechnology industry, including the ways in which AI is revolutionizing drug development, impacting valuations, and the potential risks that lie ahead.
Listen to the podcastThe Power of Connected Medical Devices and the Future of Patient Care
The Internet of Things has enabled connected devices to change our lives forever. Investment Management research analyst Travis Cope outlines the virtually unlimited potential that MedTech devices have had, and will have, on the future of healthcare.
Read moreAccelerating the Pace of Clinical and Community Excellence: Rush University System for Health
In a city long renowned for excellence in the arts, architecture, and medical education and clinical care, the Rush University System for Health (RUSH) network of academic medical center and ambulatory care facilities, its affiliated University, and community engagement programs has made it a holistic center of excellence. This client profile highlights this impressive institution from three unique William Blair perspectives.
Read moreGenerational Healthcare and Wealth Preservation Tips
With the rising costs of today’s healthcare needs and the challenges that social programs such as Medicare may face in coming decades, we provide an array of tips and tactics to help clients of all ages better plan for, and protect, their wealth and well-being.
Read moreViking Therapeutics: Intelligent Capital Driving Clinical Research
Within the uber-competitive biotech industry, the race for capital and research supremacy is as tough as ever. Viking Therapeutics founder Dr. Brian Lian explains how they have found success and have been able to stay focused on the big picture.
Read moreThe Healthcare Cost Tsunami: Employer Healthcare Costs Set to Spike After Period of Sub-Trend Cost Inflation
William Blair research analyst Ryan Daniels explains the "coming healthcare cost tsunami" and the factors he believes will drive an upcoming spike in employer healthcare costs.
Read moreUsing a Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT) for Wealth Transfer Purposes
A grantor retained annuity trust (GRAT) is a wealth transfer technique used by taxpayers who want to gift future asset appreciation to heirs.
Read moreTransitions in Value: Technology
When the world changes, opportunities to find value may present themselves. Here are some recent examples of technology sector segments that are being affected by transitions. This article is featured on William Blair Investment Management's Active Never Rests site.
Read moreBalancing Retirement and Wealth-Transfer Goals
With thoughtful planning and strategic management of their portfolios, investors can successfully balance their retirement and wealth-transfer goals.
Read moreQuick Reference Guide to Retirement Plans
Understanding the nuances between retirement plans can be challenging. William Blair’s Quick Reference Guide to Retirement Plans compares and contrasts features such as account establishment, account contributions, and accessibility.
Read moreThinking Differently About Recruiting
While the Blair Connect summer internship program is only two years old, it’s already impacting how we approach recruiting, says Drew Buckley, CFA, partner, and research analyst on the global equity team.
Watch the videoCultivating a Passion for Finance
Yan Krasov, CFA, partner, and research analyst on the U.S. growth and core equity team, explains how the Blair Connect summer internship program allows students to discover unique career opportunities in finance.
Watch the videoRedefining Career Possibilities
A former Blair Connect summer intern, Sergio Gaona explains how the program helped him find his career path at William Blair.
Watch the videoBridging the Gap with Small-Mid Value
Learn why we think SMID-cap value offers the best of small-cap value and mid-cap value—and where we think there are opportunities.
Watch the videoEvaluating the ‘Generational’ Impact of AI in Information Services
Equity Analyst Andrew Nicholas details how AI provides information services companies with a major opportunity for revenue growth and margin expansion, and the 8 factors he believes will ultimately determine future success.
Watch the videoComing Health Care Cost Tsunami: Driving a Need for Engagement and Cost Containment Solution
Healthcare equity research group head Ryan Daniels walks through his team’s report, the Coming Healthcare Cost Tsunami, to discuss how employers are leveraging partners to drive greater health and benefit satisfaction among employees and contain healthcare costs more effectively.
Listen to the podcastInside Austria’s Cutting-Edge Semiconductor Fab
Semiconductor manufacturing is a complex process, and the competitive strength of companies operating in this space looks durable.
Watch the videoLatest Sales Data Show the Consumer Remains Strong
August’s advance retail sales report suggests the consumer is far from “struggling on the ropes.” Will these and other recent data influence the FOMC next week?
Read moreIs This the AI Renaissance?
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to greatly enhance human capabilities and improve lives. But the implications are far-reaching and not fully understood. In this episode of The Active Share, Hugo Scott-Gall sits down with Tyler Cowen, best-selling author, podcast host, and Holbert L. Harris chair of economics at George Mason University, for a conversation about the impact of AI on labor, capital, business models, and global connectivity.
Listen to the podcastRisk: Understanding and Managing an Inevitable Part of Investing
Identifying the various types of risk that investors face can help you think strategically about how to manage risk in a way that aligns with your goals and objectives.
Read moreMonthly Macro with Richard de Chazal—August 2023
Macro analyst Richard de Chazal discusses Fitch’s U.S. government debt downgrade, the resilience of the American consumer, inflation insights, yield curve dynamics, and the global economic puzzle.
Listen to the podcast10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Selling Your Business
The most critical decisions about selling your business are the ones made well before any potential buyers have been contacted.
Read moreM&A Evaluation Framework: Weighing Opportunities and Developing an Actionable Pipeline
There’s more than one way to grow a business, with inorganic growth—i.e., acquiring another company—an avenue that founder-owned businesses could consider, especially given the broad correction in valuation levels.
Read moreBenefits of Personal Wealth Planning Before Selling Your Business
Planning with your William Blair wealth advisor must begin far in advance of the business transaction to realize the greatest wealth benefits.
Read moreWilliam Blair Thinking Presents—Artificial Intelligence in Information Services: Evaluating the Ramifications of a New AI Paradigm
In this podcast episode of William Blair Thinking Presents, global services analyst Andrew Nicholas examines the industrywide impacts, implications, and potential risks that artificial intelligence presents for the information services sector and offers an overview of the framework he employs to evaluate information services companies in light of these industrywide dynamics.
Listen to the podcastNavigating Your Way to the Next Level of Wealth
The sale of a business or a recapitalization can often elevate an entrepreneur to a dramatically higher level of wealth.
Read moreRetirement and Wealth Transfer: What They Mean For Shareholders
For many investors, the two most important financial goals are to fund a long and successful retirement and to transfer their wealth. With thoughtful planning and strategic management of their portfolios, investors can successfully balance their retirement and wealth-transfer goals.
Read moreFrom Jackson Hole: Reading the Fed Tea Leaves on Rates and Inflation
All eyes and ears were on Fed Chairperson Powell last week as he addressed the market on future rate hikes, the inflation target, and the state of inflation.
Read moreNavigating China’s Property Market
While investing in the Chinese property bond market is challenging, our emerging markets debt team sees light at the end of the tunnel.
Read moreStrategic Perspectives on the Fixed Income Environment
The bond market environment continues to evolve as the Fed, inflation, and economic uncertainty impact investors. Watch our latest views on navigating today’s fixed income landscape.
Watch the videoPlugged In With Jed Dorsheimer—Energy Blindness and the Search for a Carbon Pulse
In this episode of Plugged In With Jed Dorsheimer, Jed sits down with Nate Hagens, executive director of The Institute for the Study of Energy & Our Future (ISEOF), for a discussion on “energy blindness” and its repercussions on our understanding of energy’s foundational role in economics and daily life.
Listen to the podcastThe U.S. Government Debt Problem
Is the recent Fitch downgrade of the U.S.’ debt meaningful? The answer is, unfortunately, like just about every question in economics, it depends.
Read more3D Bioprinting: Companies Revolutionizing Healthcare and 3D Printing
The ability to generate human tissue—and eventually organs— through 3D bioprinting has the potential to fundamentally change medicine and human health. Equity analyst Brian Drab explores this innovative topic.
Read moreIs the Secondary Market About to Return to Normal?
In this quarterly update, William Blair’s Private Capital Advisory team outlines the encouraging signs in the secondaries landscape, hopes for Q4, creative solutions, and what to expect from GP-Led secondary transactions.
Read moreDelivering on the Promise of Your Generational Wealth
Executives and their advisors involved in a major business transition need to think through some big questions, about their families, their philanthropic goals, their tax implications—and their appetite for risk.
Watch the videoAsset Allocation: Your Biggest Investment Decision
Building a portfolio involves countless decisions. But none is more important than how you allocate your wealth across asset classes. This white paper describes the process of developing a customized asset-allocation strategy, achieving meaningful diversification across and within asset classes, and monitoring allocations and reviewing portfolios.
Read moreActivate Your Charitable Giving: The Current State and Opportunity for Philanthropy in the U.S.
Technology, always-on media, and a massive “wealth transfer” windfall of trillions of dollars make the current state of philanthropy more prolific than, especially among today’s younger generations.
Read moreBuilding a Strong Investment Banking Network
Christina Bresani joins The Wall Street Lab podcast to explain the role of corporate advisory and its responsibilities in mergers and acquisitions, the changing landscape of friendly and hostile takeovers, and the need for valuable relationships with clients. She also discusses her background, breaking into the industry, and the importance of networking.
Read moreResidential Services: A Key Growth Industry for the Next Decade
In this episode of William Blair Thinking Presents, we interview equity research analyst Tim Mulrooney, who shares insights from his residential services report, in which he outlines the various markets poised for growth, such as pest control, HVAC, lawn care, pool services, and more. Tim also sheds light on several megatrends that are reshaping these markets and should catch the attention of investors.
Listen to the podcastMonthly Macro with Richard de Chazal—July 2023
In this episode of William Blair Thinking Presents, macro analyst Richard de Chazal discusses key economic indicators, the elusive “r-star” interest rate, trends in the housing market, the inflation outlook, and the market’s “fear of missing out” sentiment.
Listen to the podcastPositive Signs Emerge in the Leveraged Finance Market but a Resurgence Remains Elusive
U.S. institutional leveraged loan volume remained flat in the second quarter and positively, loan volume tied to M&A increased quarter-over-quarter for the first time in almost two years.
Read moreDifferentiated Beta-Bucketing Approach
To improve our ability to deliver risk-adjusted returns over time, we developed an innovative approach to viewing and structuring portfolio risk. Marco Ruijer, CFA, a portfolio manager on our emerging markets debt team, explains.
Watch the videoExtensive In-Market Networks
In our target markets, research coverage is often limited. Over many years of travel and one-on-one conversations, we have developed an irreplaceable network of contacts in both the public and private spheres.
Watch the videoProfound Loyalty
Having worked together for so long, we are committed to each other both professionally and personally. Our team members explain.
Watch the videoAvoid the Most Common Mistakes in Estate Planning
Estate planning is all about your legacy. A well-planned estate plan is one that meets your goals and avoids unnecessary costs, delays, and conflicts.
Read moreMarket Momentum Dominates Headlines
Mega-cap tech and AI dominated headlines and stock market momentum. While outperformance in the U.S. was led by a handful of stocks, head of global equities and portfolio manager Ken McAtamney looks at what investors may expect in the third quarter. This article is featured on William Blair Investment Management's Active Never Rests site.
Read moreEstate Planning Checklist
Estate planning is a method for determining how to distribute your property during your life and at your death. William Blair published an organizer to help facilitate the process.
Read moreWhat’s Driving Consumer Spending?
The resiliency of the consumer has been a surprise to most. Will it last? Macro analyst Richard de Chazal breaks down the four key drivers of spending and outlines where the data suggest certain areas of consumer strengths may be starting to wane.
Read moreA Successful Company Sale—with the Help of a Founder-Focused Investor
See how a partnering with founder-focused investor resulted in the company's EBITDA growing more than 10-fold.
Read moreA Perspective on Corporate Earnings: Second Quarter 2023
For many, this earnings season will be more “confession time” as one of the big questions is whether earnings declines will have troughed? To help answer this question, we outline three key factors that we think should draw investor focus: the impact of prevailing higher rates, pricing power and the consumer, and a trend many have been following closely—labor dynamics.
Read moreAI Hype Creates Investment Opportunities
Josh Overholt explains why the hype around artificial intelligence creates investment opportunities in companies concern about the impact to their businesses.
Watch the videoGifting Appreciated Securities to a Donor-Advised Fund Program
This charitable vehicle provides a simplified approach that allows you to maximize your charitable donations and tax benefits—an approach that can transform the way you give.
Read moreAviation Services Industry Update
While business jet activity remains higher than pre-pandemic levels, total operations have stabilized just shy of 2022.
Read moreWilliam Blair Thinking Presents—Social Determinants of Health
In this episode of William Blair Thinking Presents, equity research analyst Ryan Daniels dives deep into the healthcare team’s Quarterly Healthcare Mosaic report, which focuses on “food as medicine,” an emerging area in addressing social determinants of health.
Listen to the podcastSpousal Lifetime Access Trust
The SLAT is a type of irrevocable trust used to transfer wealth outside your estate in which one spouse creates a trust for the benefit of the other spouse and his/her heirs.
Read moreTax Breaks Target Investing in Struggling Communities
The Opportunity Zone program was established under the sweeping Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The initiative created defined opportunity zones which offer significant potential tax breaks to individuals and companies who invest in selected urban and rural areas that meet income or poverty thresholds.
Read moreKey Insights About Non-Control Transactions and Governance Matters
Founder-owned companies often partner with minority-preferred stock investors to raise growth capital.
Read moreBuilding Your Financial Strategy
By identifying your priorities you can create a manageable and strategic plan for keeping your financial plan on course.
Read moreMonthly Macro with Richard de Chazal—June 2023
In this episode of William Blair Thinking Presents, macro analyst Richard de Chazal discusses the latest CPI data, the ongoing impact of the Federal Reserve’s inflation fight, and his economic outlook for the near and long term. In addition, Richard provides listeners with macro highlights from William Blair's 43rd Annual Growth Stock Conference and shares insights into attending management teams' assessment of the macroeconomic landscape.
Listen to the podcastWhat’s Up With the Housing Market?
In this latest report, Richard de Chazal, macro analyst, William Blair Equity Research, examines supply-side dynamics in U.S. housing, the rise in cash purchases, and the magnitude of headwinds such as affordability and high mortgage rates.
Read moreThe Quarterly Rx: Q2 2023 U.S. Biopharma Recap
Biopharma markets closed the first half of 2023 with renewed optimism and an encouraging outlook for the rest of the year.
Read moreThinking Strategically About Charitable Giving
Using charitable giving strategies to enhance the tax-efficiency of your donations plays a vital role in maximizing the impact of your gifts.
Read moreWilliam Blair Thinking Presents—Generative AI: The New Frontier of Automation
In this episode of William Blair Thinking Presents, equity analysts Jason Ader, Arjun Bhatia, and Ralph Schackart explore the disruptive, ubiquitous subject of generative AI and its broad implications across the technology sector, the economy, and society.
Listen to the podcastPhilanthropy in the Age of Constant Disruption
By understanding and embracing new trends that are reshaping the way people give, families can strengthen their philanthropic legacies for generations to come.
Read moreCloud Computing: Dark Days, or Sunny Skies Ahead?
While gen AI continues to dominate the headlines, the once-ubiquitous “cloud” continues to face headwinds amid spending cuts. However, are the best days of cloud computing really behind us? Or, as equity analysts Jason Ader explains, select players within the cloud computing industry are—and remain—the future of IT.
Watch the videoLarge-Cap Growth: Our Edge
William Blair’s Large Cap Growth Strategy is grounded in identifying growing companies in growing industries—what we call structurally advantaged companies. Jim Golan, CFA, partner, and Nancy Aversa, CFA, partner explain why they believe this focus has the potential to create unique alpha opportunities for our clients.
Watch the videoCybersecurity: A Self Defense Guide
As the world becomes more digitally connected, cybersecurity risks will keep rising.
Read moreInspiring Philanthropy Across Generations
For philanthropic families, charitable giving is more than just a way to strengthen their communities and support causes that are dear to their hearts. Philanthropy is a central part of the family’s mission, values, and legacy.
Read moreHow the Increasing Demand for Innovation Impacts Investment Strategies in the National Security Sector
As the nature of global conflict shifts from decentralized action against non-state actors to state-on-state competition, new technology and new use cases for existing technology are emerging.
Read moreInflation Cooling but Still Twice as High as the Fed’s Target
William Blair macroeconomist Richard de Chazal provides a midyear economic outlook for 2023.
Read moreSettling in for the Long Haul
Ken McAtamney, portfolio manager and head of William Blair Investment Management’s global equity team, shares his economic outlook for the remainder of the year.
Read moreHow Are Rising Interest Rates Affecting the Bond Market?
William Blair’s Tyler Glover, Clancy Burson, and Debra Schalk discuss today’s bond market and how investors are analyzing the risk/reward tradeoffs between short- and long-term securities.
Read moreAnna Robertson: Telling Hidden Stories in Plain Sight
Emmy-award winning broadcast executive and entrepreneur Anna Robertson shares her media experiences from working with legendary journalist Diane Sawyer, covering 9/11, the Iraq War, and Hurricane Katrina to launching a new-wave media company.
Read moreCollaborative Debate
Greg Czarnecki, a portfolio specialist on the U.S. value equity team, discusses how his team values both individual experience and team dynamics.
Watch the videoCollective Wisdom
Three team members—a director of research, a research analyst, and a trader—explain how a rigorous application of collective knowledge contributes to their team’s dynamic (and success).
Watch the videoThe Importance of Alignment
Josh Overholt, a research analyst on our U.S. value equity team, explains why he believes William Blair is a perfect fit for his team.
Watch the videoInflation Went Wild; Here’s How It Might Be Tamed
As inflation begins to moderate, Olga Bitel and Hugo Scott-Gall of William Blair Investment Management examine the structural forces shaping the medium-term outlook in four categories: energy, housing, goods, and services.
Read moreTherapeutic Advancements in Combatting the Fatty Liver Disease NASH
While NASH may be a lesser-known disease, Equity Analyst Andy Hsieh explains why the therapeutics and diagnostics innovations could make a difference for millions of Americans at risk for the most-severe hepatic disease.
Watch the videoFed Pauses in June, Further Increases Likely
In terms of changes to its economic forecasts, the Fed now sees 2023's economic growth coming in much higher than it estimated in March, though relatively the same in the coming two years.
Read moreInsights from the 2023 African Development Bank Meetings
Despite a challenging backdrop, some African countries have the ability to raise external financing, says our Yvette Babb, after attending the annual African Development Bank meetings.
Read moreQualified Charitable Distributions from an IRA
IRA owners who are age 70½ or older and charitably inclined may consider making Qualified Charitable Distributions from their IRAs as a tax efficient way to fund charitable goals.
Read moreOne Year In: The Delayed Impact of Higher Rates and the Re-Emergence of PIK
Despite the Federal Reserve apparently nearing the end of its rate-hiking phase, borrowers likely haven’t yet felt the full impact of rapidly rising interest rates.
Read moreEstate Planning Documents for Your College-Age Children
Estate planning is probably the last thing on your mind as your child settles into college. However, what many parents do not consider is that once a child turns 18, he or she is legally recognized as an adult in most states.
Read moreFinancial Guide to Settling the Affairs of a Loved One
William Blair’s private wealth events provide a forum for families to explore a variety of wealth management topics for all stages of life.
Read morePre- and Post-Transaction Planning Checklist
Proactive pre- and post-transaction wealth planning can affect your strategy as you consider the sale of your business.
Read moreFinancial Planning Following a Liquidity Event
Selling or recapitalizing your business may dramatically increase your level of wealth, which allows you new opportunities.
Read moreRecord of Personal Financial and Family Information
Having access to the right information when you need it most is essential to managing your wealth. Our new booklet helps you organize your family’s critical personal and financial information and serves as a consolidated record of your various assets.
Read moreCharacteristics of Family Office Investors
There’s a piece of advice we give companies navigating the investor landscape: If you’ve seen one family office … you’ve seen one family office.
Read moreGenerative AI: The New Frontier of Automation
Generative AI has been all the rage this year, propelling an entire sector and creating an unprecedented level of excitement among millions of users of this new software. But, as Equity Analyst Arjun Bhatia explains, we’re just getting started with this transformative, yet nascent, technology.
Watch the videoKey Economic Reforms Create Opportunity in Indonesia
Key reforms and policymaking under Joko Widodo’s presidency have helped drive attractive potential foreign investment opportunities in Indonesia.
Read moreThailand: Continued Reopening
Trends like normalizing domestic consumption and rebounding international tourism are driving Thailand’s post-COVID economy.
Read moreQatar’s Vision 2030
Qatar is continuing to evolve into a modern society, but its traditional Islamic heritage remains a part of the country’s vision of its future.
Read moreRegional Bank Update
When any turmoil arises, as it has in the banking sector this year, we begin our analysis with a deep risk assessment. Our conclusion: While we are not actively increasing the overall exposure to banks in our U.S. value equity portfolios, we continue to use the market’s short-term volatility as an opportunity to potentially upgrade the quality of the portfolios’ holdings. This article is featured on William Blair Investment Management's Active Never Rests site.
Read moreWilliam Blair Thinking Presents—Restaurant Automation: An Idea Whose Time Has Finally Come?
In this inaugural episode, William Blair equity research group heads Sharon Zackfia and Larry De Maria discuss how automation and robotics are expected to have a significant impact on the restaurant industry by increasing efficiency, consistency, and profitability.
Listen to the podcastThe Latest Inflation Reading Casts Doubts on a Fed Pause in June
The Fed’s favorite inflation data was clearly disappointing, and while the trend rate is still for disinflation, it raises some doubts about current expectations for a pause in June.
Read morePlugged In With Jed Dorsheimer—Understanding Energy’s Relationship to Our Economy
In this inaugural episode, William Blair energy and sustainability equity research group head Jed Dorsheimer interviews Dr. David Murphy, associate professor of environmental studies at St. Lawrence University, to discuss the energy transition, the relationship between energy and our economy, and how the laws of thermodynamics can inform capital allocation strategies.
Listen to the podcastCatalysts of an Evolving Tech Labor Market
The market for tech talent has experienced a volatile several years. Equity Analyst Maggie Nolan explains that despite the layoffs, a deficit of qualified tech talent persists, and companies that embrace partnerships and different shoring models will have access to a more resilient and dynamic pool of talent.
Watch the videoPartnering With Family Office Investors
Family offices differ from other capital providers, especially when it comes to collaboration and flexibility on financing.
Read moreM&A Opportunities in Special Education: Doing Well and Doing Good
In this report, our education investment banking team explores key themes driving the special education sector today.
Read moreCollege Was Awesome. Now What?
College graduation marks the start of a career with new responsibilities and decisions. It can be an exciting time but filled with uncertainty.
Read moreSomething Old, Something New: The Renaissance of Radiopharmaceuticals
Equity Analyst Andy Hsieh discusses in a two-part series why radiopharma—a science with origins over a century old—is now on the cutting-edge of precision medicine. In this first video, he outlines the remarkable innovations of both diagnostics and therapeutic radioisotope application.
Watch the videoUnited Arab Emirates Leads Gulf Transformation
Dubai has established itself as an international tourist center and a regional financial center, and Abu Dhabi is catching up.
Read moreSaudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision
We believe Saudi Arabia’s economic and societal transformation has broadened and deepened the quality growth investment universe.
Read moreLife Returns to Normal in Taiwan
While most Taiwanese wear masks in public, life and businesses have largely reverted to normal, and locals seem to have a relaxed attitude about rising geopolitical risks.
Read moreDebt Ceiling Debate Ramps Up as X-Date Approaches
Get ready, the debate on raising the U.S. debt ceiling is set to ramp up over the coming weeks.
Read moreThe Trillion Dollar Solution: How Tech Innovation is Transforming Diabetes Care
As one of the most prolific ailments, diabetes warrants attention. But with breakthroughs such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) through AI and machine learning, Equity Analyst Margaret Kaczor explains why millions of diabetes patients have reasons to be optimistic about future treatments via a growing medtech industry.
Watch the videoMixed Results in Q1 – Reason for Optimism or More of the Same for the Leveraged Finance Market?
For a second consecutive quarter, U.S. institutional leveraged loan volume increased driven by refinancing activity.
Read moreJapan: A Hotbed for Global Drug Development
Japan’s pharmaceutical industry is strong in oncology, neurology, and rare diseases, presenting investing opportunities.
Read moreBecoming a Parent: 10 Steps to Financially Prepare for a Growing Family
Tips for making sure your loved ones are protected.
Read moreGetting Married: 5 Financial Considerations
How to successfully merge financial lives with your partner.
Read moreBeginning Your Career and Understanding Your Finances
Tips for managing your money as you start your career.
Read moreHow Targeted Therapy Breakthroughs are Improving Alzheimer's Treatment
Recent breakthroughs with Alzheimer’s-modifying treatments bring new hope for the over 6 million patients, their family members, and caregivers in the U.S. Hear why Myles Minter believes there’s more to come with such targeted therapy innovations.
Watch the videoManaging Affairs After Losing a Loved One
Experiencing the death of someone close to you—whether a spouse, longtime partner, or family member—can be difficult.
Read moreManaging Risk Through Life’s Milestones
Five steps to ensuring your life insurance continues to serve your needs.
Read moreSocial Security and Medicare What Seniors Need to Know About Two Big Decisions
As you enter your 60s and reach retirement age, you have some big decisions to make that can significantly affect your finances and quality of life.
Read moreHelping Aging Parents Get the Support They Need
As your parents or other relatives get older, they may need help with everything from managing their daily care to performing tasks such as grocery shopping, paying bills, and getting to appointments. In addition to these everyday activities, they will often need help making significant decisions about their finances and living arrangements.
Read moreFinancing a College Education: Options to Consider
Tips for developing the best strategy while keeping your financial goals intact.
Read moreStrategic vs. Financial: A Side-by-Side Comparison
From factors driving valuation potential to management's role post-transaction, financial sponsors and strategic buyers operate and think differently when it comes to liquidity events.
Read moreYour Child Receives Birthday Money
How to turn gifts into financial lessons that pay a lifetime of dividends.
Read moreFinancial Tips for Making a Major Purchase
Address these financial considerations when purchasing a new vehicle or home.
Read moreCash-Flow Planning for Retirement
A five-step guide to generating retirement income efficiently and effectively.
Read moreA Perspective on Corporate Earnings: First Quarter 2023
As earnings season gets underway, investor focus will be on the impact of the recent banking crisis, as well as what results may tell us about the cyclical outlook and indications of a potential recession.
Read moreAviation Services Industry Update
After pent-up demand caused a travel surge in 2020 and 2021, private aviation operations reverted slightly in 2022 while topping pre-pandemic activity levels.
Read moreCity of Phoenix Partners With Denali to Achieve the Greenest Super Bowl in History
With the help of Denali, a waste and environmental services company, the city of Phoenix diverted nearly all the Super Bowl LVII waste from landfills.
Read moreThe “Forever Chemicals” PFAS Market Evolving and Growing Rapidly
Tim Mulrooney, who leads a William Blair sustainability services research team, explains how advanced technologies are emerging to address this environmental problem and the companies leading the charge.
Read moreBrightly CEO Discusses Smart Buildings and the Great Migration Coming to Digital Systems
Buildings and cities are getting smarter, turning away from analog to digital systems to improve energy and maintenance efficiencies.
Read moreU.S. Investment in Infrastructure and Energy to Drive the Industrial Sector for the Next Decade
William Blair Equity Research analysts share insights on what the U.S. government stimulus passed over the past two years means to the industrial sector.
Read moreMulti-Platinum Songwriter Theron Thomas Shares Journey to Winning a Grammy
Theron Thomas had an experience of a lifetime winning his first Grammy as a songwriter for pop star Lizzo on her hit “About Damn Time.”
Read moreClient Portal Desktop Launches; 2023 Tax Guide, Custody and Safekeeping Q&A
William Blair released its enhanced client desktop and mobile app, making it easier for clients to access and review their investment accounts anytime.
Read moreEgypt’s Plans for Privatization
Egypt’s government has plans for privatization and has already identified many companies to which it can sell state-owned enterprises. Could these plans impact Egypt’s ability to meet external financing needs?
Read moreHow Founder-Owners and Investors Think Differently
Many liquidity events involving founder-owned companies face the same underlying challenge: The business owner and outside investors often have diverging perspectives on everything from debt to reliance on third-party advisors to how they think about the future.
Read moreThe Quarterly Rx: Q1 2023 U.S. Biopharma Recap
The year kicked off with renewed optimism for the biopharma sector, but “macro” concerns resurfaced to end the quarter.
Read moreWill Erdogan Prevail in Turkey?
Erdogan is currently behind in Turkey’s most important election in decades, but he could still pull ahead, says Dan Wood.
Read moreMay Election Shapes Turkey’s Future
Turkey’s upcoming election is important both geopolitically and economically. Dan Wood explains why.
Read moreAre Cracks Beginning to Form in Commercial Real Estate?
With heightened scrutiny following the recent SVB turmoil, investors are starting to look for other potential areas where credit stress may emerge. One such area is the CRE market. Although, currently there are several mitigating circumstances which suggest we may not be re-entering a 2008 environment just yet.
Read moreWilliam Blair Hosts STEM Learning Event for Girls in Celebration of Women’s History Month
Thirty girls learned about 3D printing during an event led by nonprofit MakerGirl and sponsored by William Blair’s Women’s Alliance and Women in Technology groups.
Read moreFamily Office Direct Investing Report
Family offices face an uncertain investment outlook following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read moreSupply and Demand Dynamics of the Global Semiconductor Industry
Semiconductor supply and demand dynamics are changing, says our Jay Kannan, CFA, on a research trip to Taiwan.
Read moreNew Federal Funding, Electric Vehicle Growth Put the Highway Safety Services Industry in Strong Position
America’s roads and highways—in disrepair for years—are set for major improvements after an infusion of federal money and upgrades necessitated by the growing popularity of electric vehicles.
Read moreWhat Companies Should Know About Divestitures
A divestiture—the sale of a business segment or operational asset—is more than a way to generate liquidity. It’s also an opportunity to refocus a company’s strategic direction.
Read moreChina: A Deeper Look—Society and Foreign Policy
Gain insights on the complex values, challenges, and perspectives that shape China’s society and foreign policy.
Read moreChina: A Deeper Look—Economic System
China’s economic system is unique. Learn about the pivotal market reforms that continue to impact China’s economy today.
Read moreChina: A Deeper Look—Political and Governance System
To better understand this complex structure, it is critical to look beyond the headlines.
Read moreEmerging Markets—Beyond China
Beyond China, we believe emerging markets may offer an attractive and differentiated opportunity set.
Read moreEngineering a Solution for the “Forever Chemicals” Conundrum
While PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” have provided decades of convenience and safety, they have come at a significant environmental and health cost for millions. But, as Equity Analyst Tim Mulrooney explains, there’s two catalysts which may benefit this nascent but critically important remediation and solutions industry.
Watch the videoIndia’s Point-of-Sale Network Offers Competitive Advantage
Point-of-sale networks are a huge competitive advantage for many different companies in India’s economy.
Read moreIndia’s Emerging Direct-to-Consumer Market
The emergence of digital-first, direct-to-consumer brands is an exciting investing trend in India.
Read moreDigitalization Creates Opportunity in India
The adoption of digital tools and infrastructure among consumers and businesses is creating unique investment-related opportunities in India.
Read moreWhat’s Driving Consumption Trends in India?
A growing population combined with increasing household income are driving current consumption trends in India.
Read moreA New Year in China
With the end of China’s COVID-zero policy, the country’s economy could gradually return to its full growth potential.
Read moreCosta Rica and Dominican Republic on a Positive Trajectory?
Both countries have seen an increase in tourism post-pandemic. At the same time, an IMF program supports Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic is committed to fiscal discipline.
Read moreEvaluating Financial and Strategic Alternatives to Maximize Value
When it comes to major value-creation events, business owners and their advisors likely know the options fall under two categories—strategic and financial. But to find the best path forward, it’s crucial to dig deeper.
Read moreWilliam Blair Private Capital Advisory: Inaugural Secondary Market Survey Report
The private equity secondary market continues to create attractive alternatives to generate liquidity—and investor interest is growing—even after aggregate volume fell last year following the highs of 2021.
Read moreMade in India
India is in the early phase of its pursuit for the “Made in India” strategic agenda.
Read more4 Reasons to Look at Asia
Supply-chain disruptions are easing as foreign direct investment flows increase.
Read morePrivate Credit Emerges as Primary Financing Solution as the Leveraged Finance Market Remains Subdued in Q4
Despite a surge of refinancing activity, the overall leveraged loan market remained depressed in Q4 as macroeconomic challenges and rising interest rates persisted.
Read moreMaximizing Value Creation Through Pre-Liquidity Planning
There’s no resource more valuable than time for business owners considering financially transformative liquidity events.
Read moreEnergy Transition: A Chinese Growth Story?
Our Vivian Lin Thurston is bullish on long-term opportunities stemming from the transition to a lower-carbon economy.
Read moreU.S.-China Relations Create Risk for Investors
Clamping down on China has become a bipartisan effort in the United States. What does it mean for investors?
Read moreChina-Taiwan Conflict: A Low-Probability Event?
An outright conflict between China-Taiwan is a low-probability but high-impact event, believes our Vivian Lin Thurston.
Read moreFed’s Message to the Market: Mission (Not) Accomplished (Just Yet)…
On Wednesday the Fed announces its first policy decision of 2023 after a strong rally by stocks in January. But, did the Fed get the market’s memo, or will they pour water on the soft-landing party?
Read moreIndustrial Innovation in India
The industrial space in India is benefiting from innovative strategies and a strong push for infrastructure buildout, which is helping to drive growth for many building-material-related businesses.
Read moreEmerging Markets Debt: Clearer Skies Ahead?
2023 looks promising for emerging markets (EM) debt, which appears attractively valued.
Read moreEmerging Markets Equities: Positioned for a Rebound?
The bear market in emerging markets equities seems long in the tooth in terms of time, price, and multiples.
Read moreThe 2023 Tax Reference Guide
William Blair's tax reference guide for income earned in 2023 and tax returns filed in 2024 is here for reference.
Read morePerspectives on Alternatives and Private Assets
Given the heightened volatility of traditional assets, hear why alternatives may provide a timely complement for seeking return, income, and diversification potential.
Watch the videoIs a Fed Pivot in the Cards?
With the next Fed meeting still a few weeks away, we look at the recent messaging from Fed Chair Powell to decipher how they are trying to pull rate expectations higher and dissuade the market from prematurely pricing in a pivot.
Read morePolitical Perceptions Drive Ecuadorian Bond Challenges
Ecuadorian bonds have suffered so far this year, driven not so much by changes in fundamentals but the perceptions of politics.
Read moreIdentifying Quality Growth Companies With Disruptive Potential
John Kreger, director of equity research for William Blair, discusses the firm’s approach to identifying high-quality companies with attractive growth prospects.
Read moreNew Year’s Financial Resolution: Review Your Long-Term Plan
Looking ahead to 2023 and reflecting on a dynamic 2022, now is a good time to evaluate your long-term financial plans.
Read moreBuyers’ Market and Structured Options Highlight 2023 Private Capital Outlook
Brian Friedman and Crystal Flick with William Blair’s Private Capital Markets team share their outlook.
Read moreRock ‘n’ Roll Inspires Philanthropy
William Blair client Dr. Jeff Heddles shares his journey as a focal donor to help find a cure for a rare childhood disease.
Read moreSpreading Warmth Around the World
Colleagues teamed up with nonprofits around the world during the holiday season to help those in need.
Read moreWhat Will Drive the Economy in 2023 as Inflation Stays High?
William Blair economists Richard de Chazal and Olga Bitel share their economic outlook for the year ahead.
Read moreThe Quarterly Rx: 2022 Year in Review U.S. Biopharma Recap
After an undoubtedly challenging year for the biopharma sector in which macroeconomic risk weighed on investor sentiment, we began to see signs of stability to close out 2022 – prompting increased optimism for a recovery in 2023.
Read moreEmerging Markets: A Bright Spot for Investors?
Our portfolio managers share their thoughts about what to expect from emerging markets in 2023.
Read moreDeciphering the Consumer: What Holiday Spending Has in Store for 2022
Have market headwinds dampened consumer spending this holiday season? Find out as Sharon Zackfia, partner and Equity Research group head of the consumer sector, examines which retail segments appear poised for the “nice list” this holiday season.
Read moreStructured Equity Solutions: Capital for Growth, Tuck-In Acquisitions, and Shareholder Liquidity
The IPO window has narrowed and debt markets have tightened, but options exist for growing companies looking to raise capital.
Read moreResilience and Competitiveness in China
As China continues to ease COVID-19 restrictions, we believe there is opportunity for Chinese companies to see increased expansion, innovation, and competitiveness.
Read moreFacility and Asset Management Software: Sustainable Infrastructure Technology for the Built-World
Renewed focus on facility and asset management software as market participants turn to software to address the mission-critical operational, planning, and energy consumption needs of the built-world.
Read moreWill 2023 Be the Year of the Great Reveal?
While financial markets continue to make adjustments to future growth expectations, what will next year’s “great reveal” of earnings results unveil? See what three factors we will be keeping an eye on in 2023.
Read moreDigitization in Japan
With digitization still present in Japan, small-cap companies embracing technology may present compelling, long-term investment opportunities.
Read moreNavigating Today’s Rising Rate Environment
Today’s debt markets are evolving quickly in reaction to the current macroeconomic backdrop, hawkish fed, and inflationary environment. The leveraged finance markets remain largely receptive despite rising levels of uncertainty.
Read moreGloom and Doom from the IMF
One of the big takeaways from October International Monetary Fund (IMF) meetings was that avoiding a global recession within the first half of 2023 will be challenging.
Read moreUnderstanding the Nuances of Full/Partial Company Sales
Executives considering selling their business have a lot to think about, from the possible purchase price to how employees and the broader community might be affected.
Read moreLeverage Finance Activity Slows in Q3 Amidst Rising Interest Rates and Sustained Macroeconomic Volatility
Institutional loan volume came to a screeching halt in the third quarter, reaching its lowest quarterly total in over 10 years, as broadly syndicated debt and M&A markets were stymied by rising interest rates and macroeconomic challenges.
Read moreExploring the Expansive Opportunities with Embedded FinTech
William Blair’s Jamie Hamilton, Managing Director, Financial Technology Investment Banking, explains how and why embedded Fintech is penetrating the vertical software market at an astonishing rate. Listen as Jamie explains how businesses are now more trusting of getting financial services, ranging from payment acceptance to payment disbursement to loans, directly inside of the software companies that service them.
Watch the videoKey Themes for Public Company Board Agendas to Close Out 2022
William Blair’s Corporate Advisory team examines how shifts in the equity markets, macroeconomic environment, and M&A landscape are affecting public company board agendas for the remainder of the year.
Read moreThriving Entrepreneurialism in Japan
Japan has a thriving entrepreneurial start-up culture that is taking on some of the most structural, longer-term problems facing its society.
Read moreAutomation, Scale, and Acquisition Leading the Digital Transformation
The tech sector is experiencing the convergence of technology and industry-specific applications at a massive scale, a trend seen continuing across every industry.
Read moreJapan: Innovation, Growth, and Private Capital Markets
The trajectory of risk-taking in Japanese private capital markets bodes well for innovation and growth.
Read moreDifferentiating Between Small- and Large-Cap in Japan
Even though Japan is modernizing, there's still significant differentiation between large-cap and small-cap equities.
Read moreClient Focus Highlights Investment Themes in Energy and Ag to Drive Sustainable Growth
The Q3 edition of Client Focus spotlights several investment themes William Blair is following in the energy and agricultural sectors—trends our analysts expect to drive sustainable growth in the years ahead.
Read morePropTech Sector Sees Growing M&A Interest as Macro Trends Reshape Real Estate Market
Technological innovation is disrupting the residential real estate sector as investors and innovative companies seek to address all parts of the homebuying value chain and improve the experience of both real estate agents and consumers.
Read moreThe Quarterly Rx: Q3 2022 U.S. Biopharma Recap
While biopharma markets stabilized in Q3 2022—providing issuers with the most constructive financing environment we have seen year-to-date—macroeconomic issues remain the key headline risk for the near term.
Read moreRussia-Ukraine War Prompts a Bigger Push Toward Sustainable Energy
Alaina Anderson, a William Blair Investment Management portfolio manager, discusses how the Russia-Ukraine war is increasing nations’ attempts to find more green energy sources and what it means to the renewable energy sector.
Read moreDecarbonizing the Farm Empowered by Smart-Tech Equipment and Carbon Markets
William Blair Equity Research analyst Larry De Maria discusses how the farm sector can be a big part of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the companies leading the way.
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