Another alternative research provider emerged this week. Headed by seasoned Wall Street technology analyst, Harry Blount, DISCERN is run by ex-fundamental analysts that sit at the top of the information food chain. While the team does cover names, they tend to keep the information flow to the analysts un-siloed, thereby allowing for collaboration and information sharing among the analysts. This is designed to provide cross fertilization of ideas among the multi-disciplinary team. There are two types of analysts; those with sector specialization and those which they term applied strategists.
The DISCERN research team has access to subject matter experts, the Foresight Team, data and resources of partner firms and proprietary data and tools. Because of this integration, the researchers can utilize all of the information, tools, data and forecasts of both internal resources and the partner firms. DISCERN’s coverage is currently in the metals & mining space and financials and are building teams to cover retail, natural resources, health and technology.
DISCERN’s partners Include: AlphaTheory – a portfolio analytic company, that seeks to improve the balance between research and position size with in an investment firm’s portfolio; Altos Research – a real time real estate database; Monvia – a business consulting firm and; Summit View Partners – an investment and business consulting firm focused on China, especially green tech and sustainable energy.
The Foresight team is headed by Paul Saffo, who has significant experience in forecasting long-term, large-scale changes and their impact on specific sectors of the economy. Together with the other resources available to analysts, the foresight forecast and data can set a longer-term course for portfolio selection and allow investment professionals take longer term, more profitable positions.