Russ Koesterich, Chief Investment Strategist at BlackRock, says September was a surprisingly strong month for markets as investors were relieved by the Fed...

Russ Koesterich, Chief Investment Strategist at BlackRock, says September was a surprisingly strong month for markets as investors were relieved by the Fed decision not to taper and easing tensions in Syria. Some third-quarter calls by Koesterich which were on-the-money include: overweight stocks, underweight the utilities and consumer staples sectors, increasing international exposure and overweight credit. Looking forward, Koesterich is adhering to a few broad themes. He still expects stocks to finish 2013 higher and advocates investors to take on a higher cyclical exposure. Washington remains a political risk at this point with markets to remain volatile as politicians come up with a temporary patch up (as opposed to a broad or long-lasting deal) before the debt ceiling deadline of October 17. (VIEW LINK)