Market Volatility
Matt O'Connor
Matt O’Connor, chief executive officer of American Funds Distributors, outlines Capital Group’s response to the global spread of COVID-19 and how we are continuing to serve advisors and clients.
Matt O'Connor: We appreciate you spending a few minutes with us today. Here at Capital Group our first concern is the safety and wellbeing of you and your loved ones. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Let me share how Capital Group is responding to the global spread of COVID-19, both in terms of our investment process and business operations.
We are well prepared for market environments like we are facing. In addition, for the past several years we have had – and practiced – a variety of business continuity exercises across all areas of our business. We have invested in the technologies and the processes to deliver the support and service you have come to expect from us, regardless of the environment.
There are 3 important messages I share with you:
1. Our investment process is time-tested and designed to weather conditions like these.
2. Our business is fully operational and stable.
3. And lastly, our commitment to support you and your clients is unwavering.
First, our investment process. Our investment experience spans 9 decades and is designed to weather all kinds of market cycles. Our deep fundamental research, global perspective and long-term view have helped our investment portfolios hold up well in times like these. It is these characteristics that have helped us to pursue long term superior results for you and your clients.
Second our business is fully operational and stable. Across various parts of Capital, we have instituted work from home protocols that allow us to serve you and help keep our associates and their families healthy. This has allowed our key business processes to remain uninterrupted. We have equipped our client facing associates with robust video and phone technologies to remain visible, fully accessible and dedicated to serving your needs through this period.
My third point is our unwavering commitment to you. We have taken multiple steps to give you visibility to our investment thought leadership and arm you with the tools to best serve the needs of your investors. Our volatility team is delivering daily insights and weekly webinars designed to gives you exposure to the thinking across the vast breadth and depth of Capital’s investment professionals. You can access these services at CapitalGroup.com
Before I finish, let me simply say thank you.
Thank you for what you do on behalf of your clients. They need you now more than ever. We have deep admiration and respect for what you do. The advice and guidance you provide your clients is critical.
Thank you as well for your patience and flexibility as we navigate these times together.
And lastly, thank you in advance for your feedback and guidance — to us — on how best we can support and serve your needs in the months ahead.
In closing, I wish you, your family and your colleagues safety and good health. We thank you for your partnership.
Disclosure: American Funds Distributors, Inc., member FINRA.
Frequently asked questions: Here is some information you may find helpful.
What hours are your service teams available?
Our phone teams are available as usual – from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST at (800) 421-0180. Given current market volatility, wait times may be longer than normal. We appreciate your patience and understanding. As always, you can access our services via our website.
What steps are you taking to ensure your business continues to operate effectively during this period?
Our business is fully operational and stable. Across various parts of Capital, we have instituted work-from-home protocols that allow us to serve you and help keep our associates and their families healthy. This has allowed our key business processes to remain uninterrupted. We have equipped our client-facing associates with robust video and phone technologies to remain visible, fully accessible and dedicated to serving your needs through this period.
How should I (or my clients) feel about your investment strategies in this environment?
At Capital Group, our investment process features a multiple manager system that seeks to provide a smoother ride for investors with less volatility than the overall markets. Our investment experience spans nine decades and is designed to weather all kinds of market cycles. Our deep fundamental research, global perspective and long-term view have helped our investment portfolios hold up well in times like these. These characteristics have helped us to pursue long-term superior results.
I’m worried about my investments. What should I do?
Today, many people are scared and concerned because it’s unclear how current events will unfold. That’s understandable. One thing we know from experience is that fear and uncertainty are the enemies of successful investing, causing many investors to do the wrong thing at the wrong time. While it can be difficult, the key is to look through the current situation and stay the course by sticking to your long-term plan. When you look back through previous periods of market swings, the long-term view has been rewarded.
How can I learn more about the insights and outlook your investment professionals have on the current markets and economy?
Our volatility team is delivering daily insights and weekly webinars designed to give you exposure to the thinking across the vast breadth and depth of Capital’s investment professionals. You can access these services at capitalgroup.com.
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American Funds Distributors, Inc.
This content, developed by Capital Group, home of American Funds, should not be used as a primary basis for investment decisions and is not intended to serve as impartial investment or fiduciary advice.
Statements attributed to an individual represent the opinions of that individual as of the date published and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Capital Group or its affiliates. This information is intended to highlight issues and should not be considered advice, an endorsement or a recommendation.