Quarterly Investment Update
Conning ConnText is a quarterly podcast that features our firm’s view of capital markets, trends and investment strategies for the insurance industry, hosted by Rich Sega, Conning’s Global Chief Investment Strategist. Rich also invites a guest to provide additional insight about a particular asset class, investment idea or insurance industry trend.
Conning ConnText is intended to provide just that: context for insurance investing. Conning’s deep understanding of the investment environment and the insurance industry helps us to serve the unique needs of insurers.
April 2025: Equities, Volatility and the Path Ahead with Don Townswick, Director of Equity Strategies
President Trump’s “Liberation Day” introduction of new tariffs has stoked significant fears of trade wars, and markets in general - but especially equity markets - have been reeling. In fact, 2025 has been a volatile ride for investors since Inauguration Day – but there are cases for optimism down the road.
In the Conning ConnText podcast for the second quarter, host Rich Sega, Conning’s Global Chief Investment Strategist, looks for perspectives on current equity market performance as well an outlook from Don Townswick, Conning’s Director of Equity Strategies.
Their discussion highlights some of the many uncertainties facing investors and, as Townswick notes, “equity markets hate uncertainty.” The challenges likely won’t dissipate in the short term, but Townswick thinks that earnings – the key driver of equity markets – will be improving during the next six to 12 months and that could provide more stability. Should the current tariff scenario lead to a further opening of foreign markets, that could also be a boon to companies.


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All investment performance information included in this podcast is historical. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Any tax-related information contained in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax advice. You should consult a tax professional with any questions.
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