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Will Baker

Will Baker

Vice President, MSCI Research

Will Baker is a member of the MSCI research team that specializes in modeling macroeconomic-market interactions. Will holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Emory University and a doctorate in mathematics from the University of California at Los Angeles.

Research and Insights

Articles by Will Baker

    AI Portfolio Insights and the Future of Risk Management

    Research Report | Jun 10, 2024 | Andrew DeMond, Manuel Rueda, Greg Recine, Samuel López, Vicente Albíter, Will Baker, Zach Tokura

    The role of risk management for institutional investors is evolving. Risk leaders are looking to broaden their teams’ focus beyond traditional risk measurement and increase their influence with investment teams. How could AI help? 

    Macro Scenarios in Focus: Are US Markets Priced for Perfection?

    8 mins read Blog | Apr 2, 2024 | Dora Pribeli, Will Baker, Thomas Verbraken

    Global forecasters have recently suggested that the world economy is headed for a soft landing. Our latest market stress test looks at how this and other, less benign scenarios could affect a multi-asset-class portfolio in the coming months. 

    Macro Scenarios in Focus: Adapting to the New Normal

    6 mins read Blog | Jan 3, 2024 | Will Baker, Dora Pribeli, Thomas Verbraken

    Markets seem to be priced for a soft landing, in which inflation returns closer to target levels and recession is avoided. We also consider two potential downside-risk scenarios: a hard landing and a resurgence of inflation. 

    Macro Scenarios in Focus: Higher Rates for Longer

    6 mins read Blog | Oct 5, 2023 | Thomas Verbraken, Will Baker

    How could higher global rates for longer than expected affect a global portfolio of equities, bonds and real estate? In our new quarterly series, Macro Scenarios in Focus, we consider four potential paths for the global economy and conduct a portfolio stress test.

    Macro Scenarios: Resilient US Economy but Downside Risks Loom

    2 mins read Quick Take | Jul 3, 2023 | Thomas Verbraken, Will Baker

    Investor sentiment has improved since the recent banking turmoil, and a soft landing for the U.S. economy seems possible. But there is geographic fragmentation, with China’s post-lockdown recovery potentially stalling. What could it mean for markets? 

    Macro Scenarios: Soft, Hard or No Landing This Year?

    7 mins read Blog | May 5, 2023 | Thomas Verbraken, Will Baker

    In the wake of the recent banking turmoil, a soft landing for the U.S. economy now seems less likely than at the beginning of the year. We considered four scenarios and performed a stress test on a hypothetical portfolio of global stocks and U.S. bonds.

    Four Scenarios for 2023: Navigating Uncertainty

    6 mins read Blog | Feb 2, 2023 | Thomas Verbraken, Will Baker

    The macroeconomic landscape for 2023 is shrouded in uncertainty following a tumultuous 2022. We consider four scenarios for growth, rates and inflation and gauge their potential impact on a portfolio of global equities and U.S. bonds.

    Will a Rail Strike Stop the US Economy in Its Tracks?

    2 mins read Quick Take | Nov 30, 2022 | Will Baker, Thomas Verbraken

    While a U.S. railroad strike was averted in September, and the U.S. Congress is currently working on legislation to prevent the planned December strike, there is a chance it might not be avoided this time. What’s the potential impact on portfolios?

    Fed Policy and the Threat of Stagflation

    7 mins read Blog | Apr 4, 2022 | Daniel Szabo, Will Baker, Thomas Verbraken

    Investors are increasingly focused on inflation and the Fed’s tightening of monetary policy. With the Russia-Ukraine war and resulting sanctions, they may also worry about slowing economic growth. We model three economic scenarios’ potential impact on markets.