HARTFORD, Conn., Jan. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Joe Terranova, chief market strategist at Virtus Investment Partners, urges investors to get off the sidelines and back into the equities market in 2011, which he labels a "catch up" year. In his quarterly commentary, Terranova suggests that the healing that has occurred since the credit crisis began in September 2008 will be the catalyst to higher prices for equities and other asset classes and expects the market to end higher in 2011 than it did in 2010.

A regular panelist on CNBC's Fast Money and frequent blogger, Terranova has identified four tailwinds for the market this year:


    --  The resilient U.S. consumer - The strong retail sales growth of 2010
        will continue. Look for opportunities in consumer discretionary stocks.
    --  Cash-rich corporate balance sheets - Companies need to deploy cash
        through dividends, stock buybacks, and M&A.  Equities in all sectors
        stand to benefit, especially small-caps buoyed by favorable tax
        legislation that encourages hiring and expansion.  Higher-quality,
        high-yield bonds are also potential beneficiaries.
    --  Industrialized emerging markets - Commodities remain attractive, as
        demand from China and other emerging countries continues to grow. 
        Multi-national corporations that serve emerging consumers also may
        benefit from this trend.
    --  Germany's strength - The success of the European Union rests on Germany,
        its largest  economy and the world's second-larger exporter, which
        accounts for about 20% of the EU's GDP.

In terms of market challenges, Terranova reveals that the "lack of political will" is the one headwind with which he is most concerned, as it has the power to disrupt global markets. He cites potential volatility triggers ranging from the U.S. Treasury Department's reform report on the GSEs (government-sponsored enterprises) to untimely monetary policy actions taken by the EU and China.

Visit www.virtus.com for Terranova's calendar of key economic indicators, updated the first of each month, which provides insights into the data and events that he will be watching.

About Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.

Virtus Investment Partners (Nasdaq: VRTS) is a distinctive partnership of boutique investment managers singularly committed to the long-term success of individual and institutional investors. The company provides investment management products and services through its affiliated managers and select subadvisers, each with a distinct investment style, autonomous investment process and individual brand. Virtus Investment Partners offers access to a variety of investment styles across multiple disciplines to meet a wide array of investor needs. Additional information can be found at www.virtus.com.

Virtus Investment Partners provides this communication as a matter of general information. The opinions stated herein are those of the author and not necessarily the opinions of Virtus, its affiliates or its subadvisers. Portfolio managers at Virtus make investment decisions in accordance with specific client guidelines and restrictions. As a result, client accounts may differ in strategy and composition from the information presented herein. Any facts and statistics quoted are from sources believed to be reliable, but they may be incomplete or condensed, and we do not guarantee their accuracy. This communication is not an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any security, and it is not a research report. Individuals should consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

SOURCE Virtus Investment Partners, Inc.