Interest rate volatility and inflationary pressures have continued to challenge income seeking investors. Rates may have topped out and where we’ll go from here remains to be seen. That’s why it’s important to understand where income opportunities may lie in our current markets while planning for the future. In this upcoming webcast you’ll hear from a fellow advisor who’s navigating these challenges for his clients, as well as from a fund manager that’ll outline factors to consider when evaluating income-focused investments.We invite you to join the experts at NEOS Investments and VettaFi as they highlight tax-efficient monthly income strategies across core portfolio exposures that may offer a compelling addition or alternative to current client allocations.
The measure ends weeks of negotiation and unease about a potentially catastrophic government default.
The passage of the debt-ceiling deal removes a significant threat to the economy and markets. The focus now shifts back to where it’s been for the past 18 months: inflation, the Fed, and recession risks.
Tony Davidow, Senior Alternative Investment Strategist with Franklin Templeton Institute, illustrates the potential impact of adding alternative investments to pursue growth and income—as well as seek to dampen volatility—during the accumulation and distribution phases of retirement.
The US debt ceiling negotiations brought considerable volatility to market prices.
At of the start of this year, Rick Pitcairn took on a new position as the chief global strategist at Pitcairn, a 100-year-old multi-family office with $7bn in client assets. In this position, he is focusing on macro-economic trends and is searching for new global initiatives that will add to the firm’s growth.
Rick recently journeyed to India where he met with some of the wealthiest local families to discuss multi-generational wealth transfer. He saw that people all around the world want the same things, including economic security and a safe environment to raise their children. But the investing and business environments differ significantly. Rick knows that U.S. investors have a home bias, but he saw substantial economic growth is happening outside our borders. Rick is here to discuss if an international allocation appropriate or too risky.
Improved value proposition in credit.
I will analyze the pros and cons of three funds to access the reinsurance market.
While tuition is the main qualified expense you think of when you get a 529, there are other tangential education expenses that will also qualify.
A robust implementation strategy and real-world implementation capabilities are both necessary in order to achieve your portfolio’s preferred position.
The industry group Airlines for America predicts that approximately 257 million people will travel on U.S. commercial airlines this summer, representing a 9.5% increase from last year. That would also set a new record, as volumes are projected to surpass the summer 2019 levels by around 2 million passengers.
Structural changes in the world’s energy systems represent significant investment potential across an array of sectors. Analysts on our equity research team offer insights into the impact and opportunities.
Managing substantial wealth often requires specialized capabilities and expertise.
The latest last-minute deal to raise the US debt limit does not solve the underlying political problem. On the contrary, with the country on track for a Biden-Trump rematch next year – a contest that Trump just might win – the truce is likely to be short-lived.
Here are four things advisors get wrong about tax-loss harvesting.
529 plan benefits abound no matter which type of plan you choose. Read on to get a full understanding of what 529 plans can do for you.
Choppiness in the equity market continues as investors look to see a debt limit deal approved.
In the five months prior to U.S. recessions dating to the 1920s, the equity Momentum factor was the top performer, with an annualized cumulative excess market return of +6.7%, on average.
Thoughts on the current US debt challenge and the long-term implications for markets and the economy from Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute.
Because exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer a dynamic product that can serve as a buy-and-hold or buy-and-sell investment, they can offer investors the opportunity to reap long-term or short-term gains. Knowing the difference between the two is crucial, especially when it comes time for taxes.
Nick Goetze discusses fixed-income market conditions and offers insight for bond investors.
The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank heightens the Federal Reserve's policy dilemma over fighting inflation while maintaining financial stability. We analyze what the crisis means for the banking system and the economy.
Inflation is one way the U.K. is paying for leaving Europe.
Provisions of the SECURE Act may require advisors to revisit estate plans for clients who aren't utilizing their RMDs or who have qualified assets intended for the next generation. Some clients may benefit from strategies for using life insurance to maximize the value of qualified assets while minimizing their tax burden.
Stay informed and proactive to help clients meet their estate planning goals. Learn how to offset the taxes on qualified assets, structure investments for optimal distribution and navigate changes to inherited IRAs and new RMD requirements under the SECURE Act 2.0."
Is the debt-ceiling agreement struck between the White House and Republican Party leaders likely to be approved by Congress? Our chief investment strategist explains why we believe the answer is yes.
Valid until the market close on June 30, 2023
The S&P 500 closed May with a monthly gain of 0.25%, after a gain of 1.46% in April. At this point, after close on the last day of the month, two of five Ivy portfolio ETFs — Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) and Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund (DBC) — are signaling "cash", unchanged from last month's final double "cash" signal.
We all dread the death clutch of the meeting monster.
The concentration of gains up the cap spectrum isn't itself a precursor to weakness; it's the lack of participation from the "average stock" that warrants some caution.
A debt ceiling deal is within sight.
The stresses in the CRE market do not appear to pose a systemic threat to the global banking system.
Transit has not made a complete recovery from the pandemic.
As the debt ceiling fight in Washington heads down to the wire with the risk of a technical default looming, investors are growing nervous.
For this edition of Bull vs. Bear, Elle Caruso and Karrie Gordon discussed the pros and cons of investing in fossil fuels.
The Northern Trust Economics team shares its outlook for major markets in the months ahead.
As other nations seek to become less dependent on the U.S. dollar, rumors of the greenback’s potential demise continue to swirl. Can the dollar remain king of the world’s reserve currency?
Like planting seeds, sometimes new investment vehicles take time to take root. David Mann, Franklin Templeton’s Head of Global ETF Product and Capital Markets, draws parallels between gardening and developing and growing new ETFs.
If you were doubting whether the age of AI has arrived, NVIDIA’s stock performance this week may have given you second thoughts.
Last week the VettaFi Voices gathered to reflect on a year at VettaFi under the firm’s new name. The team celebrated wins, and time spent together, and shared their favorite insights and highlights from a busy twelve months.
Personal income (excluding transfer receipts) rose 0.5% in April and is up 5.7% year-over-year. However, when adjusted for inflation using the BEA's PCE Price Index, real personal income (excluding transfer receipts) was up 0.2% month-over-month and 1.2% year-over-year.
With the release of this morning's report on April's personal incomes and outlays, we can now take a closer look at "real" disposable personal income per capita. At two decimal places, the nominal 0.37% month-over-month change in disposable income comes to 0.00% when we adjust for inflation. The year-over-year metrics are 7.36% nominal and 2.87% real.
While we don't expect the U.S. government to default, the uncertainty may heighten market volatility in coming days. Here are answers to some of the questions we're hearing most often.
Why not take a break from working in the world of finance by immersing yourself in the eleven best finance films of all time?
Republican and White House negotiators are moving closer to an agreement to raise the debt limit and cap federal spending for two years, according to people familiar with the matter, as time grows short to avert a catastrophic US default.
Hong Kong’s currency and financial stability are not under immediate threat.
Bonds issued by government-sponsored enterprises can offer slightly higher yields than U.S. Treasuries, without requiring investors to take on too much additional risk.
Allen Li, Managing Director and Head of Guggenheim Investments' Municipal Bond Sector Team, explains the structure and characteristics of the $4 trillion municipal market, the importance of technical dynamics, and where he is finding value.
As COVID-era funding boosts come to a close, US state and local governments are facing some challenges. However, they have many tools with which to tackle them, according to Jennifer Johnston, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income’s Director of Research, Municipal Bonds. She provides her latest outlook.
Here are some practical tips for optimizing your social media presence as a financial advisor.
Over the past decade or so, there has been a broad trend in the industry toward closing and freezing defined benefit plans.
Investors should rely on the wisdom of crowds as expressed through bond yields, not credit rating agencies, to judge fixed-income credit risk.
Cities and states may have their work cut out for them as they explore solutions to preserve their commercial tax bases and maintain the vibrancy of their downtowns.
AI’s arrival will have an increasingly large impact on our lives. That includes investing and, especially, other aspects of financial planning.
Most of us spent moments of our childhood, crayon in hand, connecting numbered dots that gradually revealed a picture that we couldn’t deduce simply by looking at the separate dots. With experience, we got better at looking at those isolated dots and mentally connecting them into a coherent “gestalt.”
The terms private credit and private debt are often used interchangeably to describe direct origination credit strategies. But, the business is also known by another name: non-bank lending.
Both domestic and external forces may limit China's growth prospects.
We must understand our clients’ purposes and how they fit together in their lives. We need to take the initiative when rebalancing is in order.
Tax-loss harvesting is one of the direct indexing’s biggest benefits. The automation that direct indexing provides greatly increases the strategy’s potential benefits.
The worst may be over for residential investment.
Banks and financial institutions are big issuers of preferred securities, so the recent banking industry volatility has had an impact. Our guidance on preferreds is unchanged but with some caveats.
Negotiations among lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to raise the debt ceiling might trend in a more favorable direction.
Risk-averse investors seeking defensive systematic strategies to reduce left-tail risk should broaden their search beyond low volatility/low beta.
Macroeconomic uncertainty presents new challenges for investors who are saving for long-term goals like retirement. Inflation can diminish the ability to save today and the value of those savings tomorrow.
HNW Americans need to be prepared for every contingency, including Democrats winning a trifecta of POTUS and majorities in both houses of Congress.
Although attendance was down this year compared to last—mostly because Bitcoin’s price is still off its record high of approximately $69,000, set in November 2021—there was nevertheless an impressive turnout of investors of all ages, industry leaders, policymakers and more.
Factor investing has seen increased popularity in the US. Investors may also want to consider increasing their opportunity set by considering factors abroad.
When markets turn volatile, it’s not time to despair. Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, offers some judicious perspectives on how to turn volatility into opportunity.
After embarking on a rapid tightening cycle in March 2022, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) appears poised to pause its interest rate hikes in the middle of this year.
Credit conditions are tightening in both Europe and the United States. Our analysis follows in our mid-quarter update, Tightening Credit.
Advisors are looking ahead to the policy and tax changes impacting their high-net-worth clients. Those include changes stemming from the passage of Secure 2.0 Act.
The U.S. economy is likely slowing down, and a recession seems likely in the 12-18 month time horizon.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a key pillar of the digital transformation theme, which is driving significant disruption and spurring new growth. Grant Bowers, portfolio manager with Franklin Equity Group, offers a unique perspective of the challenges and benefits of this evolving and disruptive technology.
As financial advisors and wealth managers, we want our ultra-high net worth clients to emulate the Rockefellers, not the Vanderbilts.
Despite economic uncertainty, we see compelling value in high-quality, liquid assets that we view as more resilient in the face of a potential recession.
April's ZHVI came in at $339.048, up 0.34% from March and up 3.30% from April 2022. This is the second consecutive monthly increase in home value. After adjusting for inflation, the real figures are -0.21% month-over-month and -4.45% year-over-year.
Markets are still facing uncertainties regarding the impact of the Federal Reserve’s aggressive rate hikes and quantitative tightening, a potential economic slowdown, and the likelihood of other unforeseen consequences of financial disintermediation.
It’s hard to open up a newspaper these days and not see a scary story about the debt ceiling debate. The Biden Administration is saying that a “default” is approaching if an agreement isn’t reached soon.
The view by many is that sustainable investing is concessionary in that financial results are forgone in order to achieve sustainable outcomes. Our historical analysis shows that this assertion isn’t true and that unique ESG data can be predictors of company results.
The Northern Trust Economics team shares its outlook for U.S. growth, employment, interest rates, and inflation.
Working with a skilled OCIO provider can help you position your portfolio to benefit from investment opportunities and avoid uncompensated risks.
The current economic and investing environment remains one of the most challenging and difficult to navigate in recent times. We have stubborn inflation, economic resilience, geopolitical tensions, tight labour markets, rising interest rates, higher for longer monetary policy, QT, bank failures, overwhelming bearishness and now, issues surrounding the debt ceiling.
Rising rates in today's fixed-income markets have led to more attractive bond prices and higher yields, alleviating some of the challenges facing income investors.
The patent that’s given Vanguard Group an edge over competitors for the past 20 years — and helped its clients pull in more than $100 billion worth of additional investment gains — expired today.
Muni investors have more reasons for optimism than concern as California tackles a projected $31.5 billion budget deficit.
Every financial decision has a tax implication, and sufficient planning is not done until the taxes have been considered and reported correctly. Here are seven pitfalls advisors can avoid.
No one is bragging about the index fund they own to their friends.
Profit margins have remained elevated in the U.S. for a decade, and in a new white paper, GMO’s James Montier examines why that has been the case, ultimately finding the culprit in fiscal deficits.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned that the US is already paying a price for its failure to raise the federal debt limit, as talks between the White House and lawmakers from both parties continued into a second week.
Many investment strategists are forecasting that the U.S. economy could experience a recession in the next year or two.
What if I told you that future returns could approach zero? Such seems hard to believe, considering young investors piling back into the markets since the beginning of the year
One of my mentors once told me that "Hope is not a strategy" and since we can't predict the markets, I have decided to focus this blog on using Direct Indexing to attract new high net-worth clients.
Tax Loss Harvesting
Monthly Income Generation in Today’s Volatile Markets
Interest rate volatility and inflationary pressures have continued to challenge income seeking investors. Rates may have topped out and where we’ll go from here remains to be seen. That’s why it’s important to understand where income opportunities may lie in our current markets while planning for the future. In this upcoming webcast you’ll hear from a fellow advisor who’s navigating these challenges for his clients, as well as from a fund manager that’ll outline factors to consider when evaluating income-focused investments.We invite you to join the experts at NEOS Investments and VettaFi as they highlight tax-efficient monthly income strategies across core portfolio exposures that may offer a compelling addition or alternative to current client allocations.
Congress Clears Debt Deal, Averting Default
The measure ends weeks of negotiation and unease about a potentially catastrophic government default.
Debt-Ceiling Showdown 2023 Is in the Rearview Mirror
The passage of the debt-ceiling deal removes a significant threat to the economy and markets. The focus now shifts back to where it’s been for the past 18 months: inflation, the Fed, and recession risks.
Alts Angle: Rethinking Retirement With Alternative Investments
Tony Davidow, Senior Alternative Investment Strategist with Franklin Templeton Institute, illustrates the potential impact of adding alternative investments to pursue growth and income—as well as seek to dampen volatility—during the accumulation and distribution phases of retirement.
Preparing for Volatility: The Debt Ceiling and The End of US Exceptionalism
The US debt ceiling negotiations brought considerable volatility to market prices.
The Case for Non-U.S. Allocations
At of the start of this year, Rick Pitcairn took on a new position as the chief global strategist at Pitcairn, a 100-year-old multi-family office with $7bn in client assets. In this position, he is focusing on macro-economic trends and is searching for new global initiatives that will add to the firm’s growth.
Rick recently journeyed to India where he met with some of the wealthiest local families to discuss multi-generational wealth transfer. He saw that people all around the world want the same things, including economic security and a safe environment to raise their children. But the investing and business environments differ significantly. Rick knows that U.S. investors have a home bias, but he saw substantial economic growth is happening outside our borders. Rick is here to discuss if an international allocation appropriate or too risky.
Fixed Income Is Now a Buyer’s Market
Improved value proposition in credit.
Which Fund to Choose for Exposure to the Reinsurance Risk Premium
I will analyze the pros and cons of three funds to access the reinsurance market.
What are 529 Plan Qualified Expenses?
While tuition is the main qualified expense you think of when you get a 529, there are other tangential education expenses that will also qualify.
Know How To Get There: Three Implementation Capabilities You Should Demand From Your OCIO Provider
A robust implementation strategy and real-world implementation capabilities are both necessary in order to achieve your portfolio’s preferred position.
Airlines Are Bracing For Record Summer Travel. A Golden Opportunity For Investors?
The industry group Airlines for America predicts that approximately 257 million people will travel on U.S. commercial airlines this summer, representing a 9.5% increase from last year. That would also set a new record, as volumes are projected to surpass the summer 2019 levels by around 2 million passengers.
Energy Transition Generates Potential Investment Opportunities
Structural changes in the world’s energy systems represent significant investment potential across an array of sectors. Analysts on our equity research team offer insights into the impact and opportunities.
Complex, Significant Wealth Warrants Elevated Support
Managing substantial wealth often requires specialized capabilities and expertise.
The US Debt Ceiling Debacle Is Not Over
The latest last-minute deal to raise the US debt limit does not solve the underlying political problem. On the contrary, with the country on track for a Biden-Trump rematch next year – a contest that Trump just might win – the truce is likely to be short-lived.
What Advisors Get Wrong About Tax-Loss Harvesting
Here are four things advisors get wrong about tax-loss harvesting.
A Primer on 529 Plan Benefits
529 plan benefits abound no matter which type of plan you choose. Read on to get a full understanding of what 529 plans can do for you.
Conflicting Signals Add Uncertainty to Fed’s Rate Path
Choppiness in the equity market continues as investors look to see a debt limit deal approved.
Factor Investing and U.S. Recessions: How Have Key Equity Factors Performed on a Historical Basis?
In the five months prior to U.S. recessions dating to the 1920s, the equity Momentum factor was the top performer, with an annualized cumulative excess market return of +6.7%, on average.
The Tapestry of Debt and What We Need To Do To Unravel It
Thoughts on the current US debt challenge and the long-term implications for markets and the economy from Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute.
Short-Term Versus Long-Term Gains When Selling ETFs
Because exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer a dynamic product that can serve as a buy-and-hold or buy-and-sell investment, they can offer investors the opportunity to reap long-term or short-term gains. Knowing the difference between the two is crucial, especially when it comes time for taxes.
What Are You Waiting For?
Nick Goetze discusses fixed-income market conditions and offers insight for bond investors.
Why Favor Higher Quality as Credit Squeeze Tightens
The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank heightens the Federal Reserve's policy dilemma over fighting inflation while maintaining financial stability. We analyze what the crisis means for the banking system and the economy.
The U.K.’s Inflation Problem
Inflation is one way the U.K. is paying for leaving Europe.
Ensure your Clients' Estate Plans are SECURE
Provisions of the SECURE Act may require advisors to revisit estate plans for clients who aren't utilizing their RMDs or who have qualified assets intended for the next generation. Some clients may benefit from strategies for using life insurance to maximize the value of qualified assets while minimizing their tax burden.
Stay informed and proactive to help clients meet their estate planning goals. Learn how to offset the taxes on qualified assets, structure investments for optimal distribution and navigate changes to inherited IRAs and new RMD requirements under the SECURE Act 2.0."
Debt-Ceiling Deal Reached, Vote To Come
Is the debt-ceiling agreement struck between the White House and Republican Party leaders likely to be approved by Congress? Our chief investment strategist explains why we believe the answer is yes.
Moving Averages: S&P Finishes May Up 0.25%
Valid until the market close on June 30, 2023
The S&P 500 closed May with a monthly gain of 0.25%, after a gain of 1.46% in April. At this point, after close on the last day of the month, two of five Ivy portfolio ETFs — Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) and Invesco DB Commodity Index Tracking Fund (DBC) — are signaling "cash", unchanged from last month's final double "cash" signal.
How to Escape the Terrible Meeting Monster in Two Words or Less
We all dread the death clutch of the meeting monster.
Total Concentration: Mega Caps Reign
The concentration of gains up the cap spectrum isn't itself a precursor to weakness; it's the lack of participation from the "average stock" that warrants some caution.
Debt Ceiling: Getting to Yes
A debt ceiling deal is within sight.
Is the Commercial Real Estate Market a Potential Threat to the Banking System?
The stresses in the CRE market do not appear to pose a systemic threat to the global banking system.
Mass Transit Is Facing Massive Challenges
Transit has not made a complete recovery from the pandemic.
Looming Debt Ceiling Deal to Leave Dollar Locked in Downtrend
As the debt ceiling fight in Washington heads down to the wire with the risk of a technical default looming, investors are growing nervous.
Bull vs. Bear: Is There a Future for Fossil Fuel Investments?
For this edition of Bull vs. Bear, Elle Caruso and Karrie Gordon discussed the pros and cons of investing in fossil fuels.
Risks to Growth Are Ample but May Prove Surmountable
The Northern Trust Economics team shares its outlook for major markets in the months ahead.
Making Cent$ Of the Dollar: Understanding the Challenges to Its Global Reserve Currency Status
As other nations seek to become less dependent on the U.S. dollar, rumors of the greenback’s potential demise continue to swirl. Can the dollar remain king of the world’s reserve currency?
Beyond the Garden Variety of ETFS
Like planting seeds, sometimes new investment vehicles take time to take root. David Mann, Franklin Templeton’s Head of Global ETF Product and Capital Markets, draws parallels between gardening and developing and growing new ETFs.
The AI Era Unleashed: How NVIDIA’s Stock Boom Reflects The Future Of Tech
If you were doubting whether the age of AI has arrived, NVIDIA’s stock performance this week may have given you second thoughts.
VettaFi Voices On: One Year as VettaFi
Last week the VettaFi Voices gathered to reflect on a year at VettaFi under the firm’s new name. The team celebrated wins, and time spent together, and shared their favorite insights and highlights from a busy twelve months.
The Big Four: Real Personal Income Inches Up
Personal income (excluding transfer receipts) rose 0.5% in April and is up 5.7% year-over-year. However, when adjusted for inflation using the BEA's PCE Price Index, real personal income (excluding transfer receipts) was up 0.2% month-over-month and 1.2% year-over-year.
Real Disposable Income Per Capita Flat in April
With the release of this morning's report on April's personal incomes and outlays, we can now take a closer look at "real" disposable personal income per capita. At two decimal places, the nominal 0.37% month-over-month change in disposable income comes to 0.00% when we adjust for inflation. The year-over-year metrics are 7.36% nominal and 2.87% real.
Debt Ceiling Standoff: What Investors Should Know
While we don't expect the U.S. government to default, the uncertainty may heighten market volatility in coming days. Here are answers to some of the questions we're hearing most often.
The 11 Best Finance Films to Watch This Memorial Day Weekend
Why not take a break from working in the world of finance by immersing yourself in the eleven best finance films of all time?
Emerging US Debt Deal Would Raise Limit, Cap Spending for Two Years
Republican and White House negotiators are moving closer to an agreement to raise the debt limit and cap federal spending for two years, according to people familiar with the matter, as time grows short to avert a catastrophic US default.
Hong Kong Struggles To Balance East And West
Hong Kong’s currency and financial stability are not under immediate threat.
U.S. Agency Bonds: What You Should Know
Bonds issued by government-sponsored enterprises can offer slightly higher yields than U.S. Treasuries, without requiring investors to take on too much additional risk.
Macro Markets Podcast Episode 35: A Deep Dive into Municipal Bonds
Allen Li, Managing Director and Head of Guggenheim Investments' Municipal Bond Sector Team, explains the structure and characteristics of the $4 trillion municipal market, the importance of technical dynamics, and where he is finding value.
An Overview of US State Budgets and Municipal Bonds
As COVID-era funding boosts come to a close, US state and local governments are facing some challenges. However, they have many tools with which to tackle them, according to Jennifer Johnston, Franklin Templeton Fixed Income’s Director of Research, Municipal Bonds. She provides her latest outlook.
Four Tips for Elevating Your Social Media Presence
Here are some practical tips for optimizing your social media presence as a financial advisor.
$20 Billion Club Strategy Series – Benefits Policy
Over the past decade or so, there has been a broad trend in the industry toward closing and freezing defined benefit plans.
The Bond Market Knows More than the Credit Rating Agencies
Investors should rely on the wisdom of crowds as expressed through bond yields, not credit rating agencies, to judge fixed-income credit risk.
The Urban Challenge: Can Cities Fill the Tax Gap Created by Empty Offices?
Cities and states may have their work cut out for them as they explore solutions to preserve their commercial tax bases and maintain the vibrancy of their downtowns.
Imagine Financial Planning 2030
AI’s arrival will have an increasingly large impact on our lives. That includes investing and, especially, other aspects of financial planning.
Money, Banking, and Markets – Connecting the Dots
Most of us spent moments of our childhood, crayon in hand, connecting numbered dots that gradually revealed a picture that we couldn’t deduce simply by looking at the separate dots. With experience, we got better at looking at those isolated dots and mentally connecting them into a coherent “gestalt.”
Opportunity From Crisis: How Private Credit Stands to Benefit From Recent Tumult in the Banking System
The terms private credit and private debt are often used interchangeably to describe direct origination credit strategies. But, the business is also known by another name: non-bank lending.
The View From China
Both domestic and external forces may limit China's growth prospects.
Rebalancing Your Clients’ “Purpose Portfolio”
We must understand our clients’ purposes and how they fit together in their lives. We need to take the initiative when rebalancing is in order.
How Direct Indexing Automation Aids Tax-Loss Harvesting
Tax-loss harvesting is one of the direct indexing’s biggest benefits. The automation that direct indexing provides greatly increases the strategy’s potential benefits.
A Constructive Outlook
The worst may be over for residential investment.
Banking Stress and Preferred Securities: Now What?
Banks and financial institutions are big issuers of preferred securities, so the recent banking industry volatility has had an impact. Our guidance on preferreds is unchanged but with some caveats.
U.S. Debt-Ceiling Scenarios: 4 Different Ways the Negotiations Could Play Out
Negotiations among lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to raise the debt ceiling might trend in a more favorable direction.
How to Build Defensive Equity Portfolios
Risk-averse investors seeking defensive systematic strategies to reduce left-tail risk should broaden their search beyond low volatility/low beta.
A Systematic Approach to Long-Term Investing
Macroeconomic uncertainty presents new challenges for investors who are saving for long-term goals like retirement. Inflation can diminish the ability to save today and the value of those savings tomorrow.
Pre-Election Strategies for Wealthy Americans
HNW Americans need to be prepared for every contingency, including Democrats winning a trifecta of POTUS and majorities in both houses of Congress.
Bitcoin’s Rise To Prominence On Full Display At This Year’s Miami Conference
Although attendance was down this year compared to last—mostly because Bitcoin’s price is still off its record high of approximately $69,000, set in November 2021—there was nevertheless an impressive turnout of investors of all ages, industry leaders, policymakers and more.
International Style
Factor investing has seen increased popularity in the US. Investors may also want to consider increasing their opportunity set by considering factors abroad.
What To Do When Stuff Happens
When markets turn volatile, it’s not time to despair. Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute, offers some judicious perspectives on how to turn volatility into opportunity.
Market Performance When the Fed Pauses
After embarking on a rapid tightening cycle in March 2022, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) appears poised to pause its interest rate hikes in the middle of this year.
Mid-Quarter Update: Tightening Credit
Credit conditions are tightening in both Europe and the United States. Our analysis follows in our mid-quarter update, Tightening Credit.
Policy and Tax Changes Impacting HNW Clients in 2023
Advisors are looking ahead to the policy and tax changes impacting their high-net-worth clients. Those include changes stemming from the passage of Secure 2.0 Act.
Final Approach: May 2023 Economic Update
The U.S. economy is likely slowing down, and a recession seems likely in the 12-18 month time horizon.
Age of AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a key pillar of the digital transformation theme, which is driving significant disruption and spurring new growth. Grant Bowers, portfolio manager with Franklin Equity Group, offers a unique perspective of the challenges and benefits of this evolving and disruptive technology.
Be a Rockefeller, Not a Vanderbilt
As financial advisors and wealth managers, we want our ultra-high net worth clients to emulate the Rockefellers, not the Vanderbilts.
Income Fund Update: Building Resilience and Harnessing Yield in High Quality Assets
Despite economic uncertainty, we see compelling value in high-quality, liquid assets that we view as more resilient in the face of a potential recession.
Zillow Home Value Index: Increases for Second Straight Month
April's ZHVI came in at $339.048, up 0.34% from March and up 3.30% from April 2022. This is the second consecutive monthly increase in home value. After adjusting for inflation, the real figures are -0.21% month-over-month and -4.45% year-over-year.
Second Quarter 2023 Fixed-Income Sector Views
Markets are still facing uncertainties regarding the impact of the Federal Reserve’s aggressive rate hikes and quantitative tightening, a potential economic slowdown, and the likelihood of other unforeseen consequences of financial disintermediation.
Battle of the Budget
It’s hard to open up a newspaper these days and not see a scary story about the debt ceiling debate. The Biden Administration is saying that a “default” is approaching if an agreement isn’t reached soon.
ESG X Big Data: Solving for the Double Bottom Line
The view by many is that sustainable investing is concessionary in that financial results are forgone in order to achieve sustainable outcomes. Our historical analysis shows that this assertion isn’t true and that unique ESG data can be predictors of company results.
U.S. Economic Outlook, May 2023
The Northern Trust Economics team shares its outlook for U.S. growth, employment, interest rates, and inflation.
Know Where You Want to Be: How a Skilled OCIO Provider Can Help Investors Navigate Opportunities and Threats
Working with a skilled OCIO provider can help you position your portfolio to benefit from investment opportunities and avoid uncompensated risks.
Your Complete Guide Through The Current Macro Landscape
The current economic and investing environment remains one of the most challenging and difficult to navigate in recent times. We have stubborn inflation, economic resilience, geopolitical tensions, tight labour markets, rising interest rates, higher for longer monetary policy, QT, bank failures, overwhelming bearishness and now, issues surrounding the debt ceiling.
Getting Income From a Portfolio Is Easier These Days but Risks Remain. Model Portfolios May Be the Answer.
Rising rates in today's fixed-income markets have led to more attractive bond prices and higher yields, alleviating some of the challenges facing income investors.
The Patent That Helped Vanguard Clients Pocket Big Gains Expires
The patent that’s given Vanguard Group an edge over competitors for the past 20 years — and helped its clients pull in more than $100 billion worth of additional investment gains — expired today.
Will California's Budget Woes Have a Hollywood Ending?
Muni investors have more reasons for optimism than concern as California tackles a projected $31.5 billion budget deficit.
Seven Tax Pitfalls Advisors Should Avoid
Every financial decision has a tax implication, and sufficient planning is not done until the taxes have been considered and reported correctly. Here are seven pitfalls advisors can avoid.
Why Clients are Attracted to Complex Investments
No one is bragging about the index fund they own to their friends.
The Curious Incident of the Elevated Profit Margins
Profit margins have remained elevated in the U.S. for a decade, and in a new white paper, GMO’s James Montier examines why that has been the case, ultimately finding the culprit in fiscal deficits.
Yellen Warns US Paying Price as Negotiators Battle on Debt Limit
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned that the US is already paying a price for its failure to raise the federal debt limit, as talks between the White House and lawmakers from both parties continued into a second week.
How Has the Stock Market Historically Fared During U.S. Recessions?
Many investment strategists are forecasting that the U.S. economy could experience a recession in the next year or two.
Why Future Returns Could Approach Zero
What if I told you that future returns could approach zero? Such seems hard to believe, considering young investors piling back into the markets since the beginning of the year
How to Attract High Net-Worth Investors With Direct Indexing
One of my mentors once told me that "Hope is not a strategy" and since we can't predict the markets, I have decided to focus this blog on using Direct Indexing to attract new high net-worth clients.