AllianceBernstein's Valerie Grant on Investing

Valerie Grant discusses market optimism influenced by factors like Trump's COVID-19 recovery, strong earnings expectations, and better-than-expected job numbers. She explains responsible investing, focusing on carbon footprint, board effectiveness, and diversity. The pandemic has shifted focus to social issues, particularly labor practices. Procter & Gamble is highlighted for its sustainability efforts. The pandemic accelerated e-commerce growth and retail decline, affecting investment strategies.

What is one of the reasons for the current market optimism?

• A decrease in oil prices

• A new trade agreement

• President Trump's recovery from COVID-19

• A rise in interest rates

What is a key performance indicator for responsible investing?

• Carbon footprint

• Product variety

• Market share

• Advertising budget

What does the board effectiveness index measure?

• Employee satisfaction

• Board diversity and independence

• Company profits

• Market trends

Which social issue is emphasized in investment decisions during the pandemic?

• Employee safety

• Product pricing

• Supply chain management

• Marketing strategies

Which company is highlighted as a core holding due to its sustainable practices?

• Tesla

• Amazon

• Procter and Gamble

• Apple

How has the pandemic affected the trend towards e-commerce?

• It has reversed

• It has remained unchanged

• It has accelerated

• It has slowed down

What impact has the pandemic had on the retail sector in the United States?

• Accelerated decline

• Increased growth

• Stabilization

• No impact