The structure of the global equity market has transformed dramatically over the last three decades – and investor relations teams now operate in a landscape where passive capital is not just influential, but dominant. Passive strategies represented only a sliver of US equity fund assets in the early 1990s. Today, they account for more than half of the investable market, and their share is still expanding.
Click to read The value of IR in an increasingly passive investment landscape >>
There is also a proliferation of ‘hybrid’ strategies, whether actively managed ETFs or smart beta products which target specific factors in their investments, leading to more diversity in the passive segment.
The implications for listed companies are significant: active shareholders and passive ones must be given the same focus in IR programs, making relationship-building key. Keeping on top of fund flows, market developments and wider data is key; knowing how to leverage this intelligence, both internally and externally, is a crucial way that IR teams can demonstrate their strategic value and impact.
This shift has profound implications for how companies engage investors, allocate IR resources and think about long‑term market support. This IR Impact Playbook, written alongside Nasdaq IR intelligence, is designed to help teams navigate this new environment with clarity and confidence.
It contains vital guidance in five key areas:
- Understanding your ownership structure – and where passive exposure may grow
- Tailoring engagement to both passive and active audiences
- Positioning your equity story for a world where passive capital sets the baseline
- Where IR teams can add value to the intelligence gathered
- Why KPIs and benchmarking can help refine your market intelligence.
Follow the link below to read the full playbook – complete with interviews with leading IROs and details of how they are handling market intelligence – today.
Click to read The value of IR in an increasingly passive investment landscape >>
