Your technology matters. Your processes matter. But your team determines whether you scale or stagnate. Your people will make or break your growth story; choose wisely.
Goldman Sachs Group Inc.’s stock traders posted the largest revenue haul in Wall Street history, as volatility sparked by the Trump administration’s trade war spurred a second straight record quarter for the unit.
What was once dismissed as a fringe fantasy by a niche band of crypto believers is now being tentatively examined by the government-sponsored entities at the core of the US housing market.
Chief executive officers in the US and beyond are becoming accustomed to the policy swings of President Donald Trump and are deciding they can pursue growth ambitions regardless.
In roughly seven years, Qube Research & Technologies has grown into a hedge fund powerhouse without setting foot in the US — the industry’s mecca. That’s about to change.
Low volatility exchange traded funds are a compelling solution for those looking to dampen risk while staying invested.
Wholesale inflation cooled to its lowest level in nine months in June. The producer price index for final demand was flat month-over-month after rising 0.3% in May. This was lower than the expected 0.2% growth.
For many years, the pension plan has often been a drag on a corporation’s financial positions. Now that’s generally no longer the case, and it’s time to consider what’s next.
The RAFI™ Fundamental Index has a value tilt, but to characterize it as a value index would be an oversimplification that misses the important advantages that the fundamental index offers above standard “value” index approaches.
As artificial intelligence transforms industries, investors face a critical question: How can they strategically approach investments in AI ETFs? Rene Reyna, head of Thematic and Specialty Product Strategy for ETFs at Invesco, offers valuable insights into navigating this complex landscape.
High yield bonds have historically delivered attractive long-term returns, and since the Great Financial Crisis they have also become higher quality, as weaker borrowers have departed the sector for the private credit and leveraged loan markets.
Markets continued their strong run last week before pulling back slightly as a flurry of tariff rhetoric hit the wires. It’s important to understand markets are rallying because they assume these tariff threats are more political posturing than lasting economic policy.
Drew O’Neil discusses fixed income market conditions and offers insight for bond investors.
A couple of years ago, I wrote about absolute versus relative returns. Given the latest market run, I am getting a lot of questions about chasing returns, and individuals comparing themselves to the S&P 500 index.
Emerging market (EM) countries are often generalized as all the same and driven by commodity prices. The reality can be very different. Here's what you should know about EM stocks now.
With the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) signed into law on July 4, this note briefly discusses some of the implications for energy broadly and the energy infrastructure space.
The Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (CPI-U) release for June puts the year-over-year inflation rate at 2.67%. The latest reading keeps inflation below the 3.73% average since the end of the Second World War for a 25th straight month. Additionally, for a 5th consecutive month, inflation sits below the 10-year moving average which is at 3.01%.
Gas prices were practically unchanged this week, remaining near their lowest level in a month. As of July 14th, the price of regular gas was unchanged while the price of premium gas was down 1 cent from the previous week.
On Wednesday, Vanguard expanded its fixed income ETF selection with the launch of three new funds.
As 2025 progresses, investors and policymakers are navigating a highly complex economic landscape shaped by three powerful and interrelated forces: evolving trade policy, a cautious U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed), and growing concerns over U.S. fiscal discipline.
How can you be sure the information and recommendations your advisor offers you are not biased by their political views?
Inflation affects everything from grocery bills to rent, making the Consumer Price Index (CPI) one of the most closely watched economic indicators. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracks this by categorizing spending into eight categories, each weighted by its relative importance.
Investors who overlook the potential of card reward programs may be missing out on benefits that can contribute to the abundant lifestyle they are looking to build.
BlackRock Inc. pulled in $46 billion to its investment funds, and assets hit a record $12.5 trillion as clients rode out the volatility of President Donald Trump’s tariff policies in the second quarter.
JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s investment bankers eked out a surprise gain in the second quarter, signaling what may be the start of a dealmaking rebound after widespread hesitation tied to US tariff policies.
Apple Inc. has struck a $500 million deal to buy rare-earth minerals from MP Materials Corp., the US producer that just last week secured backing from the Pentagon.
Housing affordability has become a flashpoint in the US economy. How can the country be truly wealthy when the bulk of a rising generation can’t afford a home?
Nvidia Corp. and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. plan to resume sales of some AI chips in China after securing Washington’s assurances that such shipments would get approved, a dramatic reversal from the Trump administration’s earlier stance on measures designed to limit Beijing’s AI ambitions.
Inflation heated up for a second straight month in June. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the headline figure for the Consumer Price Index was at 2.7% year-over-year, up from 2.4% in May and higher than the expected 2.6% growth.
We continue to believe we are seeing a rare opportunity in EM local debt, and our conviction has been strengthened by the Trump administration’s trade and economic policies, which suggest continued dollar weakness and relative strength for EM local currencies.
It is easy to invest when markets are rallying, but it can be tough for investors to stay in their seats when markets inevitably decline again.
Every year around this time, we update our Periodic Table of Commodities Returns to reflect the performance of raw materials in the first six months. I’m biased, but few tools do a better job of providing a clear, interactive picture of the commodities landscape than ours.
The right level of regulation requires careful calibration.
Geopolitical flare-ups and a “wait-and-see” Federal Reserve stance have created plenty of noise, but markets continue to defy the headlines with a balanced global allocation and improving sentiment indicators.
Tokenization of real assets might make liquidity problems even more obvious. Making assets digital doesn't mean they'll be easier to sell or trade. It could just highlight how hard they really are to sell, and it won’t change the market demand either.
In this paper, we study the emotional benefits and time-saving value that paid professional financial advice provides to clients.
When I read Barry Ritholtz’s recent book, I agreed with it almost 100 percent. The main themes of Ritholtz’s book are, first, that nobody can predict anything, let alone the stock market, and that therefore, second, you should invest in a low-cost index fund.
US mega caps are attractive as they’re likely to be boosted by the fiscal spending bill as well as a robust earnings outlook, according to Morgan Stanley strategists.
Banks are looking to sell $2.25 billion of term loans and $2 billion equivalent of bonds for Boots, to help finance its acquisition by US private equity firm Sycamore Partners, according to people familiar with the matter.
Bitcoin breached $120,000 for the first time, with investor enthusiasm showing few signs of dimming as the US House of Representatives prepares to consider key industry legislation during its “Crypto Week” starting Monday.
Next week, the Q2-2025 earnings season will begin in earnest as a barrage of S&P 500 companies report, starting with the Wall Street money center banks on Tuesday and Wednesday. Since earnings drive the market by supporting investor expectations, what should investors expect? Let’s dig into the details.
Fixed income benchmarks have two fundamental flaws. First, their exposures prioritize the needs of borrowers rather than investors. Second, they tend to expose investors to the biggest risks at the worst times.
The resilient job market has supported stock gains, but Washington policy has been a primary market driver so far this year.
The second quarter’s rapid recovery from April’s market volatility reminds us how powerful a systematic rules-based approach to tax management can be.
ClearBridge Investments believes tariffs remain the key risk to corporate profits in the second half of the year and is less concerned about geopolitical events or the outlook for fiscal and monetary policy.
Most of us are not prepared for the incredible degree of change Artificial Intelligence (AI), combined with automation, is bringing to society.
At a private markets conference focused on the ultra-rich in London this week, the typically discreet sector was notably candid about its growing interest in private credit.
Banks from Wells Fargo & Co. to smaller Japanese lenders are flocking to top-rated collateralized loan obligation deals, pushing up secondary prices for buyout debt.
A multibillion-dollar capital markets experiment is unfolding on Wall Street, as entrepreneurs use blank-check companies and reverse mergers to take their holdings of digital assets public.
A full three months since President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcements sparked panic in financial markets, macro developments have been benign. The passage of the Big Beautiful Bill has brought clarity on the fiscal outlook, but uncertainty on trade negotiations remains. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai explains what this means for investors going forward.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. bosses grew curious last summer as they clocked an unusual number of absences at the training sessions that kicked off their ultra-competitive junior analyst program.
With the price of digital assets testing the boundaries of plausibility, and Congress promising legislation to boost the industry further, now might be a good time for bank regulators to take notice.
I have been a pension nerd since I was 20 years old. So I have been hearing for literally decades that there is a simple, magical solution to all our retirement funding problems: Just take more risk! When the investments pay off, the coffers will be replenished and all will be well.
Nothing says talent war like a $100 million job offer. Mark Zuckerberg has been on a hiring blitz for AI’s most revered scientists, sending them cold emails and offering them roles in his new Superintelligence Labs division whose goal is nothing less than to build artificial-intelligence software that’s smarter than humans.
Three ETF strategies that launched in June stand out, bringing something interesting to the table for investors.
The valuation of small-cap stocks relative to large caps remains historically attractive, and small-cap recoveries in the past have resulted in meaningful periods of outperformance.
Compelling bond yields and diverging equity returns offer building blocks for effective strategies.
One of the more storied headlines this year has been President Trump’s disappointment with the Fed for not cutting rates. We should all know by now that the President cannot fire a Fed Chair simply because he/she is not lowering interest rates to their liking.
As we reach the midpoint of 2025, we reflect on the notably volatile trajectory of bond yields so far this year, considering the potential opportunity for tax-aware fixed income investors to harvest losses.
After mid-level performance in Q1, financials sector earnings are seen slowing in Q2, according to analysts, though favorable signs like the yield curve could help margins.
Franklin Mutual Series shares its mid-year outlook, focusing on corporate fundamentals as a catalyst to unlock value in the midst of ongoing market volatility.
In the week ending July 5th, initial jobless claims were at a seasonally adjusted level of 227,000. This represents a decrease of 5,000 from the previous week's figure. The latest reading was lower than the 236,000 forecast.
Liberation Day seems like a lifetime ago. But the 90-day pause is almost over, and—thus far—there are few deals that have been consummated.
We expect tariff policy to remain a key part of the narrative pushed by the administration.
In this month’s issue, Franklin Templeton Emerging Markets Equity explains how markets in many regions are weathering US policy uncertainty and offers an upbeat assessment of Vietnam after a recent research visit.
In the weeks leading up to last month’s Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran, oil prices climbed – not due to actual supply disruptions, but in response to a geopolitical risk premium.
In this article, you’ll learn how to evaluate crypto ETFs with the same rigor you apply to traditional investment products.
Our strategy work and quantitative insights suggest the conditions behind more than a decade of U.S. equity outperformance are starting to shift.
Looking at the first half of 2025 reveals a nuanced landscape for private equity (PE) and principal investors.
Our monthly workforce recovery analysis has been updated to include the latest employment report for June. The unemployment rate unexpectedly inch lower to 4.1%. Additionally, the number of new non-farm jobs (a relatively volatile number subject to extensive revisions) came in at 147,000.
ClearBridge Investments believes positive forces from One Big Beautiful Bill Act passage and future interest rate cuts should soon outweigh negative forces of tariff actions.
If you're thinking about adding subscription services to your financial planning practice, you're not alone. More advisors are moving beyond the traditional AUM model to offer monthly subscription plans, and for good reason.
Reckoner Capital Management is testing investors’ hunger for a new category of risky bets with an exchange-traded fund that uses leverage to juice returns on collateralized loan obligations.
Futures traders have been unwinding some large bullish bets on Treasury bonds, adding to the recent upward pressure on US yields after a surprisingly strong jobs report last week.
Markets rebounded sharply in 2Q 2025 following April’s tariff-driven selloff. Our mid-year market outlook breaks down the recovery, Fed policy, and where to invest next.
Elevated interest rates and market uncertainty make for an interesting tandem regarding getting core bond exposure. When considering yield, reinforcing a portfolio to absorb market shocks, or both, consider this active option from Vanguard: the Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS).
Tariff volatility rocked markets for much of the second quarter, creating pressure on U.S. bonds and equities. In the challenging environment, rife with uncertainty and investor concern, a handful of funds generated significant performance.
How the Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund’s strategy helped it achieve outperformance during a historic period for global markets.
If you’ve been following the mainstream financial media lately, you might think the airline industry is in crisis. From headlines about tariffs and labor costs to geopolitical tensions and delays at Newark Airport, it sounds like air travel should be tanking.
We upgrade equities to neutral from underweight as falling interest rates and improving economic conditions in emerging markets offset uncertainty over US tariff policies.
They have been called “the four most costly words in the annals of investing,” and surely that’s true: This time is different. Still — hear me out! — there are reasons to entertain the possibility that, well, this time really is different.
US equities were steady at the open on Tuesday as President Donald Trump’s latest tariff warnings left room for hope that he was still open to negotiations.
Private equity has officially conquered the registered investment advisor (RIA) landscape. It is now responsible for a significant portion of RIA-linked M&A activity.
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index held steady in June, inching down 0.2 points to 98.6.
It was a positive quarter for emerging markets equities.
This year, so far, the world has been riddled with geopolitical news, resonating in widespread unrest, yet seemingly yielding less impact on financial markets.
Below, we recount highlights from constituents of the ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index (ROBO) and the ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence Index (THNQ).
Investors attempting to manage volatility in their portfolio often employ defensive equity strategies to define their optimal market exposure and risk profile. Such strategies are designed to help limit losses on the downside, while also allowing investors to participate in the market’s gains.
In this video, Chuck Carnevale, co-founder of FAST Graphs, reviews 13 stocks investors asked to see.
June's employment report showed that 82.8% of total employed workers were full-time (35+ hours) and 17.2% of total employed workers were part-time (<35 hours).
Buffer ETFs
Talent Is the Tipping Point: Why the Right Team Makes or Breaks RIA Growth
Your technology matters. Your processes matter. But your team determines whether you scale or stagnate. Your people will make or break your growth story; choose wisely.
Goldman Posts Best Stock-Trading Quarter in Wall Street History
Goldman Sachs Group Inc.’s stock traders posted the largest revenue haul in Wall Street history, as volatility sparked by the Trump administration’s trade war spurred a second straight record quarter for the unit.
Bitcoin Chases American Dream in Norm-Shattering Mortgage Push
What was once dismissed as a fringe fantasy by a niche band of crypto believers is now being tentatively examined by the government-sponsored entities at the core of the US housing market.
JPMorgan and Citi Clients Are Getting Comfortable With Chaos
Chief executive officers in the US and beyond are becoming accustomed to the policy swings of President Donald Trump and are deciding they can pursue growth ambitions regardless.
Qube to Enter US After Building $30 Billion Hedge Fund Giant
In roughly seven years, Qube Research & Technologies has grown into a hedge fund powerhouse without setting foot in the US — the industry’s mecca. That’s about to change.
Weathering the Storm: Case for Low Volatility ETFs
Low volatility exchange traded funds are a compelling solution for those looking to dampen risk while staying invested.
Producer Price Index: Wholesale Inflation Cooler Than Expected in June
Wholesale inflation cooled to its lowest level in nine months in June. The producer price index for final demand was flat month-over-month after rising 0.3% in May. This was lower than the expected 0.2% growth.
Midyear Liability-Driven Investing Outlook: What’s Next for Corporate Pensions?
For many years, the pension plan has often been a drag on a corporation’s financial positions. Now that’s generally no longer the case, and it’s time to consider what’s next.
Must Value Be Anti-Growth?
The RAFI™ Fundamental Index has a value tilt, but to characterize it as a value index would be an oversimplification that misses the important advantages that the fundamental index offers above standard “value” index approaches.
A Practical Guide to AI ETFs
As artificial intelligence transforms industries, investors face a critical question: How can they strategically approach investments in AI ETFs? Rene Reyna, head of Thematic and Specialty Product Strategy for ETFs at Invesco, offers valuable insights into navigating this complex landscape.
Higher Quality High Yield: Addition by Subtraction
High yield bonds have historically delivered attractive long-term returns, and since the Great Financial Crisis they have also become higher quality, as weaker borrowers have departed the sector for the private credit and leveraged loan markets.
Corporate Guidance Key as Tariffs Threats Resurface
Markets continued their strong run last week before pulling back slightly as a flurry of tariff rhetoric hit the wires. It’s important to understand markets are rallying because they assume these tariff threats are more political posturing than lasting economic policy.
Callable Bond Considerations
Drew O’Neil discusses fixed income market conditions and offers insight for bond investors.
Relative Returns Or Absolute. What’s More Important?
A couple of years ago, I wrote about absolute versus relative returns. Given the latest market run, I am getting a lot of questions about chasing returns, and individuals comparing themselves to the S&P 500 index.
Benefits of Emerging Markets Diversification
Emerging market (EM) countries are often generalized as all the same and driven by commodity prices. The reality can be very different. Here's what you should know about EM stocks now.
One Big Beautiful Bill and MLP/Midstream Implications
With the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) signed into law on July 4, this note briefly discusses some of the implications for energy broadly and the energy infrastructure space.
Inflation Since 1872: A Long-Term Look at the CPI
The Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (CPI-U) release for June puts the year-over-year inflation rate at 2.67%. The latest reading keeps inflation below the 3.73% average since the end of the Second World War for a 25th straight month. Additionally, for a 5th consecutive month, inflation sits below the 10-year moving average which is at 3.01%.
Gas Prices Practically Unchanged This Week
Gas prices were practically unchanged this week, remaining near their lowest level in a month. As of July 14th, the price of regular gas was unchanged while the price of premium gas was down 1 cent from the previous week.
Vanguard Unveils 3 New Fixed Income ETFs
On Wednesday, Vanguard expanded its fixed income ETF selection with the launch of three new funds.
Economic Crosscurrents in 2025: Inflation, Interest Rates, and Investment Strategy
As 2025 progresses, investors and policymakers are navigating a highly complex economic landscape shaped by three powerful and interrelated forces: evolving trade policy, a cautious U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed), and growing concerns over U.S. fiscal discipline.
Do Political Biases Shape Your Planner’s Financial Advice?
How can you be sure the information and recommendations your advisor offers you are not biased by their political views?
Inside the Consumer Price Index: June 2025
Inflation affects everything from grocery bills to rent, making the Consumer Price Index (CPI) one of the most closely watched economic indicators. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracks this by categorizing spending into eight categories, each weighted by its relative importance.
How to Get and Maximize 12 Amex Business Gold Cards
Investors who overlook the potential of card reward programs may be missing out on benefits that can contribute to the abundant lifestyle they are looking to build.
BlackRock Hits Record $12.5 Trillion in Assets Amid Turmoil
BlackRock Inc. pulled in $46 billion to its investment funds, and assets hit a record $12.5 trillion as clients rode out the volatility of President Donald Trump’s tariff policies in the second quarter.
JPMorgan’s Surprise Dealmaking Gain Shows Tariff Fear Easing
JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s investment bankers eked out a surprise gain in the second quarter, signaling what may be the start of a dealmaking rebound after widespread hesitation tied to US tariff policies.
Apple to Buy Rare Earths From Pentagon-Backed US Producer MP
Apple Inc. has struck a $500 million deal to buy rare-earth minerals from MP Materials Corp., the US producer that just last week secured backing from the Pentagon.
Can Wall Street Help Solve the US Housing Crisis?
Housing affordability has become a flashpoint in the US economy. How can the country be truly wealthy when the bulk of a rising generation can’t afford a home?
Nvidia, AMD to Resume AI Chip Sales to China in US Reversal
Nvidia Corp. and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. plan to resume sales of some AI chips in China after securing Washington’s assurances that such shipments would get approved, a dramatic reversal from the Trump administration’s earlier stance on measures designed to limit Beijing’s AI ambitions.
Consumer Price Index: Inflation Rises to 2.7% in June, Higher Than Expected
Inflation heated up for a second straight month in June. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the headline figure for the Consumer Price Index was at 2.7% year-over-year, up from 2.4% in May and higher than the expected 2.6% growth.
Still A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity
We continue to believe we are seeing a rare opportunity in EM local debt, and our conviction has been strengthened by the Trump administration’s trade and economic policies, which suggest continued dollar weakness and relative strength for EM local currencies.
2025 Mid-Year Outlook: Stay Invested
It is easy to invest when markets are rallying, but it can be tough for investors to stay in their seats when markets inevitably decline again.
Precious Metals Crushed Their Commodities Peers in the First Half of 2025
Every year around this time, we update our Periodic Table of Commodities Returns to reflect the performance of raw materials in the first six months. I’m biased, but few tools do a better job of providing a clear, interactive picture of the commodities landscape than ours.
Rethinking Bank Regulation
The right level of regulation requires careful calibration.
Ceasefires, Chairmen & Consumer Confidence: Navigating a Summer of Surprises
Geopolitical flare-ups and a “wait-and-see” Federal Reserve stance have created plenty of noise, but markets continue to defy the headlines with a balanced global allocation and improving sentiment indicators.
Tokenization Won’t Fix the Liquidity Problem, It Will Expose It
Tokenization of real assets might make liquidity problems even more obvious. Making assets digital doesn't mean they'll be easier to sell or trade. It could just highlight how hard they really are to sell, and it won’t change the market demand either.
The Emotional and Time Value of Advice
In this paper, we study the emotional benefits and time-saving value that paid professional financial advice provides to clients.
The Trial of Barry Ritholtz
When I read Barry Ritholtz’s recent book, I agreed with it almost 100 percent. The main themes of Ritholtz’s book are, first, that nobody can predict anything, let alone the stock market, and that therefore, second, you should invest in a low-cost index fund.
Morgan Stanley Says Tax Cuts and Earnings to Boost US Mega Caps
US mega caps are attractive as they’re likely to be boosted by the fiscal spending bill as well as a robust earnings outlook, according to Morgan Stanley strategists.
Banks Are Bringing Boots $4.25 Billion Buyout Debt to Market
Banks are looking to sell $2.25 billion of term loans and $2 billion equivalent of bonds for Boots, to help finance its acquisition by US private equity firm Sycamore Partners, according to people familiar with the matter.
Bitcoin Soars Past $120,000 as US Congress Starts ‘Crypto Week’
Bitcoin breached $120,000 for the first time, with investor enthusiasm showing few signs of dimming as the US House of Representatives prepares to consider key industry legislation during its “Crypto Week” starting Monday.
Q2-2025 Earnings Season Preview
Next week, the Q2-2025 earnings season will begin in earnest as a barrage of S&P 500 companies report, starting with the Wall Street money center banks on Tuesday and Wednesday. Since earnings drive the market by supporting investor expectations, what should investors expect? Let’s dig into the details.
Are You Buying What They Selling? We’re Not—Here’s Why.
Fixed income benchmarks have two fundamental flaws. First, their exposures prioritize the needs of borrowers rather than investors. Second, they tend to expose investors to the biggest risks at the worst times.
On Firmer Ground?
The resilient job market has supported stock gains, but Washington policy has been a primary market driver so far this year.
Tax Loss Harvesting Through the Volatile First Half of 2025
The second quarter’s rapid recovery from April’s market volatility reminds us how powerful a systematic rules-based approach to tax management can be.
US Equity Midyear Outlook: Looking Toward 2026 for Upside
ClearBridge Investments believes tariffs remain the key risk to corporate profits in the second half of the year and is less concerned about geopolitical events or the outlook for fiscal and monetary policy.
AI and Automation – Are You Ready?
Most of us are not prepared for the incredible degree of change Artificial Intelligence (AI), combined with automation, is bringing to society.
Private Credit Lures the Ultra-Rich Sitting on $3.1 Trillion
At a private markets conference focused on the ultra-rich in London this week, the typically discreet sector was notably candid about its growing interest in private credit.
CLOs Attract Domestic, Foreign Banks, Pushing Up Loan Prices
Banks from Wells Fargo & Co. to smaller Japanese lenders are flocking to top-rated collateralized loan obligation deals, pushing up secondary prices for buyout debt.
Crypto Treasury Firms Swarm Wall Street in SPAC, Merger Boom
A multibillion-dollar capital markets experiment is unfolding on Wall Street, as entrepreneurs use blank-check companies and reverse mergers to take their holdings of digital assets public.
Stop Me if You Think You’ve Heard This One Before
A full three months since President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcements sparked panic in financial markets, macro developments have been benign. The passage of the Big Beautiful Bill has brought clarity on the fiscal outlook, but uncertainty on trade negotiations remains. Franklin Templeton Fixed Income CIO Sonal Desai explains what this means for investors going forward.
Big Banks Are Tired of Losing Recruits to Private Equity
JPMorgan Chase & Co. bosses grew curious last summer as they clocked an unusual number of absences at the training sessions that kicked off their ultra-competitive junior analyst program.
Crypto Renaissance Means It’s Time to Protect Banks
With the price of digital assets testing the boundaries of plausibility, and Congress promising legislation to boost the industry further, now might be a good time for bank regulators to take notice.
Social Security Needs More Than Risky Wagers
I have been a pension nerd since I was 20 years old. So I have been hearing for literally decades that there is a simple, magical solution to all our retirement funding problems: Just take more risk! When the investments pay off, the coffers will be replenished and all will be well.
Zuckerberg’s $100 Million AI Job Offers Are Paying Off
Nothing says talent war like a $100 million job offer. Mark Zuckerberg has been on a hiring blitz for AI’s most revered scientists, sending them cold emails and offering them roles in his new Superintelligence Labs division whose goal is nothing less than to build artificial-intelligence software that’s smarter than humans.
June 2025’s Most Innovative ETF Launches
Three ETF strategies that launched in June stand out, bringing something interesting to the table for investors.
Are Small Caps Next in Line to Shine?
The valuation of small-cap stocks relative to large caps remains historically attractive, and small-cap recoveries in the past have resulted in meaningful periods of outperformance.
Multi-Asset Income Midyear Outlook: Income and Resilience Among the Bumps
Compelling bond yields and diverging equity returns offer building blocks for effective strategies.
No Rate Cut for You…At Least Not Yet
One of the more storied headlines this year has been President Trump’s disappointment with the Fed for not cutting rates. We should all know by now that the President cannot fire a Fed Chair simply because he/she is not lowering interest rates to their liking.
Active Tax Loss Harvesting in Fixed Income: Checking In at Midyear
As we reach the midpoint of 2025, we reflect on the notably volatile trajectory of bond yields so far this year, considering the potential opportunity for tax-aware fixed income investors to harvest losses.
Q2 Bank Earnings Preview: A Dimmer Light?
After mid-level performance in Q1, financials sector earnings are seen slowing in Q2, according to analysts, though favorable signs like the yield curve could help margins.
Fundamentals Are a Lighthouse in the Storm
Franklin Mutual Series shares its mid-year outlook, focusing on corporate fundamentals as a catalyst to unlock value in the midst of ongoing market volatility.
Unemployment Claims Down 5K, Lower Than Expected
In the week ending July 5th, initial jobless claims were at a seasonally adjusted level of 227,000. This represents a decrease of 5,000 from the previous week's figure. The latest reading was lower than the 236,000 forecast.
At the Midway Point: Returning to the Fundamentals
Liberation Day seems like a lifetime ago. But the 90-day pause is almost over, and—thus far—there are few deals that have been consummated.
Midyear Commodity Outlook: Better for Commodities than Consumers
We expect tariff policy to remain a key part of the narrative pushed by the administration.
Emerging Markets Insights: Seeking Clarity on Tariffs
In this month’s issue, Franklin Templeton Emerging Markets Equity explains how markets in many regions are weathering US policy uncertainty and offers an upbeat assessment of Vietnam after a recent research visit.
Charting Commodity Markets
In the weeks leading up to last month’s Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran, oil prices climbed – not due to actual supply disruptions, but in response to a geopolitical risk premium.
How to Choose a Crypto ETF: A Practical Guide for Financial Advisors
In this article, you’ll learn how to evaluate crypto ETFs with the same rigor you apply to traditional investment products.
Non-U.S. Investing In a Fragmenting World
Our strategy work and quantitative insights suggest the conditions behind more than a decade of U.S. equity outperformance are starting to shift.
Private Equity Halftime Report: Key Trends for Advisors
Looking at the first half of 2025 reveals a nuanced landscape for private equity (PE) and principal investors.
U.S. Workforce Recovery Analysis: June 2025
Our monthly workforce recovery analysis has been updated to include the latest employment report for June. The unemployment rate unexpectedly inch lower to 4.1%. Additionally, the number of new non-farm jobs (a relatively volatile number subject to extensive revisions) came in at 147,000.
The Long View: Push-pull
ClearBridge Investments believes positive forces from One Big Beautiful Bill Act passage and future interest rate cuts should soon outweigh negative forces of tariff actions.
Breaking Down the Regulatory Requirements for Subscription Services
If you're thinking about adding subscription services to your financial planning practice, you're not alone. More advisors are moving beyond the traditional AUM model to offer monthly subscription plans, and for good reason.
First Leveraged CLO ETF Tests Retail Crowd’s Appetite for Risk
Reckoner Capital Management is testing investors’ hunger for a new category of risky bets with an exchange-traded fund that uses leverage to juice returns on collateralized loan obligations.
Treasury Bulls Unwind Big Bets as Strong Data Pushes Yields Up
Futures traders have been unwinding some large bullish bets on Treasury bonds, adding to the recent upward pressure on US yields after a surprisingly strong jobs report last week.
2025 Market Review & Mid-Year Market Outlook: Resilience in the Face of Uncertainty
Markets rebounded sharply in 2Q 2025 following April’s tariff-driven selloff. Our mid-year market outlook breaks down the recovery, Fed policy, and where to invest next.
Defense, Yield, or Both? An Active Bond ETF for Any Market
Elevated interest rates and market uncertainty make for an interesting tandem regarding getting core bond exposure. When considering yield, reinforcing a portfolio to absorb market shocks, or both, consider this active option from Vanguard: the Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS).
WGMI a Second Quarter Top Performer
Tariff volatility rocked markets for much of the second quarter, creating pressure on U.S. bonds and equities. In the challenging environment, rife with uncertainty and investor concern, a handful of funds generated significant performance.
Outperformance in Extraordinary Times
How the Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund’s strategy helped it achieve outperformance during a historic period for global markets.
Wall Street Is Wrong on Airlines: Americans Are Flying Like Never Before
If you’ve been following the mainstream financial media lately, you might think the airline industry is in crisis. From headlines about tariffs and labor costs to geopolitical tensions and delays at Newark Airport, it sounds like air travel should be tanking.
Equities Enter Slightly Calmer Waters
We upgrade equities to neutral from underweight as falling interest rates and improving economic conditions in emerging markets offset uncertainty over US tariff policies.
What If This Time Really Is Different for Investors?
They have been called “the four most costly words in the annals of investing,” and surely that’s true: This time is different. Still — hear me out! — there are reasons to entertain the possibility that, well, this time really is different.
Stocks Hold Steady on Hope Trade Talks Have Room for Negotiation
US equities were steady at the open on Tuesday as President Donald Trump’s latest tariff warnings left room for hope that he was still open to negotiations.
The Great RIA Consolidation: Private Equity Reshapes Wealth Management
Private equity has officially conquered the registered investment advisor (RIA) landscape. It is now responsible for a significant portion of RIA-linked M&A activity.
NFIB Small Business Survey: Optimism Remains Steady While Uncertainty Falls
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index held steady in June, inching down 0.2 points to 98.6.
A Solid Quarter Signals Promising Potential
It was a positive quarter for emerging markets equities.
Fixed Income In Focus: 2025 Mid-Year Recap
This year, so far, the world has been riddled with geopolitical news, resonating in widespread unrest, yet seemingly yielding less impact on financial markets.
The AI Arms Race Heats Up: June’s Robotics & Automation Playbook
Below, we recount highlights from constituents of the ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index (ROBO) and the ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence Index (THNQ).
A Dynamic Approach to Defensive Equity
Investors attempting to manage volatility in their portfolio often employ defensive equity strategies to define their optimal market exposure and risk profile. Such strategies are designed to help limit losses on the downside, while also allowing investors to participate in the market’s gains.
13 More Stocks Investors Asked To See
In this video, Chuck Carnevale, co-founder of FAST Graphs, reviews 13 stocks investors asked to see.
A Closer Look at Full-time and Part-time Employment: June 2025
June's employment report showed that 82.8% of total employed workers were full-time (35+ hours) and 17.2% of total employed workers were part-time (<35 hours).