Annuity owners value the financial security that guaranteed lifetime income provides.
Normalization seems to be in its final stage, with the Fed expected to continue cutting rates.
The third quarter of 2024 saw a clear reversal in market leadership, with the Low Volatility and High Dividend factors performing the best while the Momentum and Growth factors performed the worst.
With the election looming, investors should prepare for potential changes in tax policies, particularly given the impending sunset of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Talking and exchanging communication with advisors and clients over the last several years has shown that many of them are concerned about the fiscal path of this country and the consequences it is having on our debt.
People who are affiliated with the party that is represented in the White House always think the economy is better than those in the party not represented. Somehow, those opinions tend to change around elections. People’s views of the economy change very quickly if there is a change in control of the White House.
Seasonality has long influenced stock market trends, offering insights into predictable cycles of strength and weakness throughout the year. Yale Hirsch, the creator of the Stock Trader’s Almanac, is one of the most well-known contributors to studying these patterns.
A call for taking a closer look at hard assets given the macro backdrop has been a recurring theme this fall.
The yield curve indicates that US economic growth has slowed, with only limited signs that the economy could be heading into a broad decline.
Real estate stocks and related ETFs recently got a much needed positive jolt when the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates in September.
As advisors wrestle with the impacts of interest rates, inflation, and the election, it is more important than ever to hear from the experts.
We don’t talk about China enough. I suspect this is for several reasons. First, because the country is so incomprehensibly big and populous. Second, it has been an economic miracle. Many Chinese enthusiasts just see a straight line projection of their growth. To the moon, Alice!
With less than two weeks remaining before the U.S. presidential election, there’s a growing sense of uncertainty in the air. Investors are wondering how to position their money, bracing for the possibility of significant volatility and market shifts.
Some of the latest reads show growing momentum in the housing and homebuilding sectors. Investors can capitalize on this with targeted ETFs.
The Internal Revenue Service has announced new tax brackets for 2025, making now an ideal time to revisit the benefits of muni bond ETFs.
The Federal Reserve's dual mandate is to maintain stable inflation and maximize employment. The Fed manages liquidity through its policy tools, but it's crucial to remember that the Fed is just one source of liquidity among several. In this quick insight, Dan Suzuki examines why tight Fed policy doesn't always equate to tight liquidity and looks into the historical data on Fed cuts.
Very recently there have been several earnings reports coming out. Earnings reports can often have a short-term impact on the price of the stock, especially in the short run. One of the sectors that has really been hit hard recently has been the health care sector, specifically Elevance and United Health Care had earnings announcements and they were somewhat negative.
Medicare open enrollment, held from October 15 to December 7, allows individuals to change or sign up for plans, and potentially save money and improve coverage. Our Bill Cass shares the key things you need to know.
Many investors today use EM debt for the wrong reasons, manage it imprudently, or overlook the best parts.
Financial markets moved higher yet again in the third quarter of 2024, and this time everyone joined in!
Two major labor unions, the Dock Workers Union and the Boeing Machinists Union, have attempted to reach an agreement with their employers on a contract. The dock workers agreement proposes an average 8.5% per year wage increase over six years, and the Boeing Machinists Union’s proposal is for an average 7.5% wage increase over four years.
Volatility creates a number of challenges for advisors and investors, but also opportunities for those who know where to look.
The period from 1956-1966 offers lessons we can apply to today's bull market, regarding technological progress, market fundamentals and more.
The tech sector approaches third-quarter earnings season in unusual territory, with investors worried about a slowdown in earnings growth over the last year. Margins loom large.
Volatile interest rates have spurred investment capital into motion. Clients often ask where they should allocate on the yield curve.
The start of a rate-cutting cycle has opened up new questions ― and possibilities ― for stock investors. Tony DeSpirito, Global CIO of BlackRock Fundamental Equities, outlines key areas to watch as the Fed takes action to “recalibrate” interest rates.
In our latest AB Disruptor Series episode, we take a closer look at the implications of a polarized US electorate on the macro and market landscape.
Today’s U.S. markets are highly concentrated, with nearly 70% of the economic profit in the S&P 500 Index generated by the top 10 companies.
If you listen to tech industry leaders, business-sector forecasters, and much of the media, you may believe that recent advances in generative AI will soon bring extraordinary productivity benefits, revolutionizing life as we know it. Yet neither economic theory nor the data support such exuberant forecasts.
The regulatory outlook is a question of direction more than extent.
The U.S. election outcome is anyone’s guess, so let’s try to game out the winners and losers from the candidates’ major policy proposals.
The robotics space has underperformed broader tech recently, leading to investment opportunities as the market underappreciates major tailwinds.
Fixed income experts at Natixis Investment Managers recently weighed in with outlooks on rate cuts and how to approach bonds.
With third quarter GDP being reported next Wednesday – less than a week before election day – the US is still not in recession.
Tighter fiscal policy in Europe and China may hinder the economic response to easing monetary policy, with a resulting shift in investors' focus.
Senior Investment Strategist Tracey Manzi notes that while the predictive power of the inverted yield curve has waned this cycle, investors shouldn't dismiss the warning signs entirely.
Global oil markets are working through many disruptions.
Recent events, particularly the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, provide a clear example of why destruction does not create long-term economic prosperity. Despite the short-term boost in economic activity from rebuilding efforts, the broader economic implications are far more detrimental.
The FOMC lowered the Fed Funds rate by 50 basis points at their September meeting. This was the first cut in over four years and the start of what is expected to be a multi-year easing cycle.
Thanks to a variety of structural advantages, including favorable demographic trends, we believe the U.S. remains the most attractive investment environment in the world.
The latest economic data reveals a resilient economy, led by strong retail sales and a surprising drop in jobless claims. Despite some weakness in manufacturing, industrial production, and housing, overall economic strength is reflected in the projected third-quarter real GDP growth, expected to come in at a robust 3%—largely driven by productivity gains. This productivity led rebound is very positive and this confirms that despite tighter monetary conditions, the real economy remains strong.
Explore how AI fuels nuclear investments, drives energy demand, and attracts tech giants to nuclear power.
Advisors recommend having a clear understanding of how giving will align your values – and also be the most tax efficient.
The cautiously optimistic American consumer braces for financial strain as inflation and debt delinquencies are expected to rise.
Markets fluctuate for numerous reasons, but investors often focus on just a few, like how a presidential election will impact the markets.
On the latest edition of Market Week in Review, Chief Investment Strategist for North America, Paul Eitelman, discussed the details surrounding China’s latest stimulus announcements. He also reviewed early U.S. third-quarter earnings results as well as the latest U.S. macroeconomic data.
From current data, it is clear there are no signs the U.S. economy is currently facing challenges.
Energy policy decisions today will have long-lasting implications.
GMO has posted a new 7-Year Asset Class Forecast.
The S&P 500 is on track to deliver its second consecutive year of 20+% returns – a milestone it has not achieved since 1998. It is also on pace to deliver its strongest performance leading into an election year since 1932.
