Threat of Unexpected Inflation Could Negatively Affect Stocks and Bonds, according to Report from Mellon Capital

NEW YORK and LONDON, Nov. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Unexpected inflation resulting from mounting debt burdens and easy monetary policy in developed nations could reduce the values of stocks and bonds, according to a report from  Mellon Capital Management Corporation, the San Francisco-based multi-asset manager for BNY Mellon.

"Since the onset of the financial crisis in 2008, both fiscal and monetary policies across the globe have been unprecedented," said Karsten Jeske, co-author of the report and senior research analyst at Mellon Capital.  "The U.S. especially has been troubled by persistently high deficits, with one trillion dollars added to its deficit each year since 2008."

In addressing this potential threat, Mellon Capital has unveiled a comprehensive program to help investors optimize the tradeoffs among expected returns, portfolio volatility and unexpected inflation.

The program is detailed in its report, Unexpected Inflation Hedging: A 3D SUPER Approach. The report distinguishes between expected inflation and unexpected inflation, which it defines as the difference between realized inflation and expected inflation for the same period.

"Past experience indicates that unexpected inflation is detrimental to both equity and nominal bond returns, while some other asset classes such as commodities and commodity-sensitive equities can help alleviate this risk," said Anjun Zhou, the other co-author of the report, and head of multi-asset research, of Mellon Capital.  "However, trying to anticipate unexpected inflation by moving into passive commodity indices would come at a cost, because these assets tend to have lower expected returns."

In its report, Mellon Capital extends the Modern Portfolio Theory by establishing a three-dimensional efficient frontier surface, which it uses to help determine the optimal trade-off among expected returns, portfolio volatility and unexpected inflation. The Mellon Capital programs are designed to move the efficient frontier upwards with the goal of providing improved unexpected inflation protection that would not have to reduce expected return, the report said.

Notes to Editors:

Founded in 1983 by innovators in the investment management field, Mellon Capital Management Corporation applies a disciplined and analytical approach to global investment management strategies. As of September 30, 2012, the firm had $258.9 billion in assets under management, including assets managed by dual officers of Mellon Capital Management Corporation, The Bank of New York Mellon and The Dreyfus Corporation, and $7 billion in overlay strategies. Additional information about Mellon Capital is available at www.mcm.com.  It is part of BNY Mellon Investment Management, one of the world's largest asset managers.

BNY Mellon Investment Management is one of the world's leading investment management organizations and one of the top U.S. wealth managers, with $1.4 trillion in assets under management. It encompasses BNY Mellon's affiliated investment management firms, wealth management services and global distribution companies. More information can be found at www.bnymellon.com.

BNY Mellon is a global financial services company focused on helping clients manage and service their financial assets, operating in 36 countries and serving more than 100 markets. BNY Mellon is a leading provider of financial services for institutions, corporations and high-net-worth individuals, offering superior investment management and investment services through a worldwide client-focused team. It has $27.9 trillion in assets under custody and administration and $1.4 trillion in assets under management, services $11.6 trillion in outstanding debt and processes global payments averaging $1.4 trillion per day. BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE: BK). Additional information is available on www.bnymellon.com or follow us on Twitter@BNYMellon.

All information source BNY Mellon and Mellon Capital at September 30, 2012.  This press release is qualified for issuance in the UK and US and is for information purposes only. It does not constitute an offer or solicitation of securities or investment services or an endorsement thereof in any jurisdiction or in any circumstance in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful or not authorized. This press release is issued by BNY Mellon Investment Management (US) and BNY Mellon Asset Management International Limited (ex-US) to members of the financial press and media and the information contained herein should not be construed as investment advice. Past performance is not a guide to future performance.  The value of investments and the income from them is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise due to stock market and currency movements.  When you sell your investment you may get back less than you originally invested. Registered office of BNY Mellon Asset Management International Limited: BNY Mellon Centre, 160 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4V 4LA. Registered in England no. 1118580. Authorized and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. A BNY Mellon Company

SOURCE BNY Mellon