Business owners have unique needs; among them are answering the question of how to preserve wealth and successfully transition their businesses.
Join the experts at Clark Capital Management Group as they explore how advisors can help business owners navigate liquidity events, plan for succession, and plan for the next big change. Drawing on experience from hundreds of business owner clients and the expertise of Clark Capital’s Client Portfolio Management Team, this free educational webcast is a can’t-miss event for advisors seeking to better serve their clients.
From transforming advisor workflows and improving client engagement to opening new avenues for investment, this session will go beyond the hype to examine real-world applications and strategies for leveraging AI within advisory practices.
The election is unlikely to influence monetary policy.
This is not a typical business cycle. We see structural forces holding inflation higher long term, keeping the Fed from cutting as much as markets expect.
Tech adoption by advisors can improve client relationships, but they need to find the right tools.
Franklin Templeton Fixed Income believes investing in companies promoting gender equality and diversity can lead to inclusivity and strong financial returns. Despite the persistent gender gap, there's an increase in women in leadership roles, positively impacting financial performance, corporate governance and crisis resilience.
Next-generation investors are looking for more than just traditional portfolio managements, and advisors should look to meet those expectations.
A visit to the annual Bogleheads conference got Elm Wealth's Victor Haghani thinking about static vs. dynamic asset allocation.
Brandywine Global: With the US election imminent, looking past heightened emotions and uncertainty to the potential economic and market impacts can be difficult. But election rhetoric eventually meets reality.
Consistent communication through market events is vital for advisors concerned about client retention.
RIAs should consider becoming more like VC firms by adopting the principles that govern them.
In his 2022 Berkshire Hathaway shareholder letter, Warren Buffett wrote that in his 80 years of investing, he had “yet to see a time when it made sense to make a long-term bet against America.”
The Northern Trust Economics team shares its outlook for growth, inflation and interest rates in major markets.
Year-end can be an opportune time to review finances, rebalance portfolios, and possibly reduce taxes. Our Bill Cass shares some highlights from a year-end planning checklist.
With Direct Indexing, you can help your clients prepare for life-changing transactions and minimize capital gains taxes by selectively harvesting losses to offset those gains, and implementing tax-efficient trading strategies.
Our analysis explores how potential post-election tax policy changes might impact dividends, capital gains, and municipal bonds and how investors might prepare for different election outcomes.
The high cost of housing is prompting many individuals to consider downsizing, but advisors recommend gradually reining in spending habits.
Personal income (excluding transfer receipts) rose 0.3% in September and is up 5.1% year-over-year. However, when adjusted for inflation using the BEA's PCE Price Index, real personal income (excluding transfer receipts) was up 0.08% month-over-month and up 2.9% year-over-year.
I was emailed several times about a recent Morningstar article about J.P. Morgan’s warning of lower forward returns over the next decade. That was followed up by numerous emails about Goldman Sachs’ recent warnings of 3% annualized returns over the next decade.
Equities continued to climb in Q3, with fixed income remaining steady despite international conflicts, inflationary pressure, and election-related uncertainty in the United States.
Gold rose to a record on Wednesday on haven demand before the US election, and held a narrow gain after jobs and GDP data that showed the ongoing resilience of the US economy.
I’ve identified long-term care as the greatest unsolved challenge in the field of goals-based retirement investing. This doesn’t make me Sherlock Holmes. Anyone who has requested a quote for LTCI knows we’ve got a problem.
While the overall market tends to respond favorably once the uncertainty of the election is behind us, it's important to recognize that there will be different winners and losers depending on the outcome.
The "ideal life" is a harmful myth that can distort perceptions of success and happiness. By recognizing different values and goals, you can foster a more inclusive – and realistic – understanding of what it means to lead a fulfilling life.
State and municipal budgets are adjusting to life after pandemic interventions.
Investment grade bonds have long been synonymous with a “core” fixed income allocation, but we believe a flexible strategy also belongs in most bond portfolios, as managers can adjust their exposure based on market conditions.
Most advisors grow by referral and word of mouth. But what happens when your clients stop talking about you? Here are three ways to start marketing.
Alphabet Inc. shares have gone nowhere for months, trailing Magnificent Seven peers as investors struggle to price risks confronting the company. It’s a stretch to believe Tuesday’s results will blow away those concerns.
Despite recent headwinds from a strong U.S. dollar, EM local currency bonds present a compelling investment opportunity.
When done effectively, your outsourced team of professionals can help improve efficiencies, increase productivity, and scale profitably – all while giving you the freedom to focus on what you’re most passionate about.
There is a demographic that likes to work with you and consistently hires you – you probably just don’t have it defined for you and your team. If you don’t know who you work best with, there is no way that your prospect efforts will be profitable. Rather, they will be coincidental.
Here, we'll explore why serving family offices is a natural fit for many RIAs, discuss the considerations that need to be factored in when launching an MFO practice, and offer a roadmap for successfully building one.
An independent central bank supports better economic and market outcomes.
Digital assets are emerging as a crucial subset of alternative investments, and their integration into wealth management portfolios is inevitable.
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.
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.
The period from 1956-1966 offers lessons we can apply to today's bull market, regarding technological progress, market fundamentals and more.
Volatility creates a number of challenges for advisors and investors, but also opportunities for those who know where to look.
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.
The regulatory outlook is a question of direction more than extent.
Global oil markets are working through many disruptions.
In this new economy, your prospect is assessing you, the opposite of the way things should be and used to be. The advisory industry is now officially in a trust recession.
The cautiously optimistic American consumer braces for financial strain as inflation and debt delinquencies are expected to rise.
I have developed a seven-step framework that has been used countless times to assist advisors looking to build a $1 million, 100-days-off practice, as well as help leaders of seven-figure firms scale their success to new heights.
Markets fluctuate for numerous reasons, but investors often focus on just a few, like how a presidential election will impact the markets.
Energy policy decisions today will have long-lasting implications.
Risk. It’s a tiny word for a critical investment concept, one that necessarily merits ample discussion by advisors with their clients. Unfortunately, evidence suggests this may not be happening evenly across the advisory industry.
It's important to stay informed regarding the latest updates to 529 college savings plans, for both current account holders and prospective savers. In recent years there have been significant changes, including The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) 2.0 Act in December of 2022, which helps enhance the flexibility and benefits of 529 plans.
While greed is necessary to build wealth, excessive greed often has far more terrible consequences when investing.
Surviving a disaster involves securing safety, accessing help from agencies, and documenting damages for insurance claims. Our Bill Cass highlights numerous resources for financial relief, including accessing emergency funds, insurance and tax considerations.
The cost of higher education has skyrocketed over the last few decades, and shows no signs of slowing. That’s why it’s more important than ever that parents start saving as early as possible for their children’s future.
Opening a 529 college savings account can be a smart move if you’d like to save for college on a tax-advantaged basis. One thing to consider when opening a 529 plan is whether it should be a custodial or individual account. While both allow you to save for college costs and enjoy some tax breaks, they differ in terms of who has control of the account and the assets in it.
The Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX), which is half composed of tech stocks, including a slew of AI names, is usually more volatile in October.
Economic data releases have surprised to the upside in recent weeks, but inflation does not remain a threat right now.
The demographic makeup of America is changing. Latinos now make up almost 20 percent of Americans, up from seven percent in 1980. But while the number of Latino Americans continues to grow, only about four percent of financial advisors identify as Latino.
A 529 college savings plan, also known as a qualified tuition plan (QTP), is a popular choice among parents and families looking to meet their children’s future educational expenses. Two of the 529 plan’s helpful features are tax-deferred growth of your contributions and later, tax-free withdrawals for eligible expenses.
The Northern Trust Economics team shares its outlook for U.S. growth, employment, inflation and interest rates.
529 plans are one of the most popular ways Americans save for the college expenses of their children. As of June 2024, there were 16.8 million 529 savings accounts holding $508 billion, according to the College Savings Plan Network.
New business formations have held up, but closures are also rising.
Investor Insights explores current investor sentiment, comments on market participation, and shows the current ranking of market sectors.
This article will explore how to increase your AUM by capturing assets in trusts and DAFs, explain the difference between directed and traditional trustees, and discuss why designating a directed trustee and an advisor-friendly DAF is in the client’s best interest.
The election could alter the thriving relations between the U.S. and Europe.
By adopting best-in-class technologies, wealth management firms can position themselves as leaders in a competitive market, attracting more right-fit clients, and achieving sustainable growth.
With over 20 years of experience in web design and development, I’ve seen firsthand how the right website can transform a financial advisor’s business.
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have grown in popularity as one of the most flexible and accessible investment vehicles available today. Offering a blend of stock-like liquidity and mutual fund-like diversification, ETFs can serve as a core component in the portfolios of both novice and experienced investors
The need for old age support is on the rise, as is its cost.
Agency REITs are not for buy-and-hold investors. They tend to perform well in specific economic and interest rate environments and poorly in others. I believe the current bullish steepening shift in the yield curve could offer investors opportunities with the agency REIT sector.
The looming wealth transfer from Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation to younger generations is set to reshape the financial landscape in unprecedented ways. Estimated at $84 trillion, this transition is a huge financial event.
Bond investors are going on defense as the outlook for the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate cutting path turns more uncertain.
The latest Employment Situation Report released on October 4, 2024, showed nonfarm payrolls increasing by 254,000 in September, with the unemployment rate holding steady at 4.1%.
For decades, a key component of many investors’ portfolios was a fixed income ladder. It was intended to provide ballast to the more volatile equity allocation and help reduce interest-rate risk.
The latest S&P 500 rebalance introduced Dell and Palantir to the index, and Apple’s weight grew with annual float changes, signaling technology’s ongoing influence.
Taxes are top of mind for many. See what the US presidential candidates stand on tax policy as we enter the final weeks before the election. Our Bill Cass compares their plans.
Long-term US Treasury yields rose last week as investors digested mixed economic data that reinforced the idea of a "Goldilocks" economy.
Private capital – encompassing private equity and private credit – is in the midst of a bit of a renaissance at the moment. IPO activity hit a peak in 2021, the year after the pandemic and then promptly plunged to levels not seen in years.
Tougher stances on trade are a point of bipartisan agreement.
Unbundling services and offering them à la carte could appeal to clients who want more control over their financial management. This approach allows clients to tailor the services they receive to their unique needs and preferences.
Sports fans know that a lot can change in the fourth quarter of a game. So too for the U.S. economy, as a substantial labor action commenced the minute that calendars turned to the fourth quarter of 2024.
Last week marked the beginning of the end of one of the most rapid interest rate hiking cycles in U.S. history.
Whether you’re transitioning from another firm or starting from scratch, setting up your own independent registered investment advisor (RIA) firm is a tremendous opportunity that can provide higher earning potential, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to build a legacy.
Policymakers have recognized China's slower economy.
Discussion about more political oversight or political control of the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) occasionally heats up. We are seeing more of this type of discourse today as the election approaches. In our view, limited Fed independence could prove disastrous.
In the 1989 blockbuster Back to the Future II, time travel enables Michael J. Fox’s nemesis, Biff, to become a gazillionaire by bringing an almanac with sports match outcomes back from the future. We thought it might be instructive, and certainly entertaining, to make a less fanciful version of this dream a reality – for a few lucky people.
The Wasatch team shares lessons they’ve learned on business models, portfolio management, management teams and markets.
For registered investment advisors and others who provide financial advice, autumn is the start of a season loaded with opportunity.
The expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2025 could mean a tax increase for many taxpayers. But the impact varies widely based on income, location, and personal circumstances. Our Bill Cass shares the details.
CLOs have delivered the most attractive risk-adjusted returns in fixed income over the past decade, but are often deemed 'too complex.'
Earned media acts as a third-party stamp of approval for your firm, generating more referrals while boosting existing referrals.
Explore the significant opportunities for wealth advisors in managing 401(k) plans. Our Mike Dullaghan explains how these plans can help both advisors and clients with financial growth and retirement planning.
Our experts explore the implications of wider S&P 500 earnings growth, potential Fed rate cuts, and the outlook for global equities and bonds amidst ongoing economic shifts.
Wealth Management
A Guide to Helping Clients with Succession Planning and Liquidity Events
Business owners have unique needs; among them are answering the question of how to preserve wealth and successfully transition their businesses.
Join the experts at Clark Capital Management Group as they explore how advisors can help business owners navigate liquidity events, plan for succession, and plan for the next big change. Drawing on experience from hundreds of business owner clients and the expertise of Clark Capital’s Client Portfolio Management Team, this free educational webcast is a can’t-miss event for advisors seeking to better serve their clients.
AI in Wealth Management: Tools, Trends, and Investment Opportunities
From transforming advisor workflows and improving client engagement to opening new avenues for investment, this session will go beyond the hype to examine real-world applications and strategies for leveraging AI within advisory practices.
Inflation and Japanese Politics
The election is unlikely to influence monetary policy.
Structural Forces Playing Out Now
This is not a typical business cycle. We see structural forces holding inflation higher long term, keeping the Fed from cutting as much as markets expect.
What Advisors Need From Tech in 2025
Tech adoption by advisors can improve client relationships, but they need to find the right tools.
Empowering Change: The Role of Social Bonds in Promoting Gender Equality
Franklin Templeton Fixed Income believes investing in companies promoting gender equality and diversity can lead to inclusivity and strong financial returns. Despite the persistent gender gap, there's an increase in women in leadership roles, positively impacting financial performance, corporate governance and crisis resilience.
Advisors Should Adapt to Evolving Client Expectations
Next-generation investors are looking for more than just traditional portfolio managements, and advisors should look to meet those expectations.
Victor Meets the Boglehead
A visit to the annual Bogleheads conference got Elm Wealth's Victor Haghani thinking about static vs. dynamic asset allocation.
Election Promises Meet Reality
Brandywine Global: With the US election imminent, looking past heightened emotions and uncertainty to the potential economic and market impacts can be difficult. But election rhetoric eventually meets reality.
Thinking Long Term, Communicating Short Term
Consistent communication through market events is vital for advisors concerned about client retention.
Think Fast: How RIAs Can Make Decisions at the Speed of Venture Capital
RIAs should consider becoming more like VC firms by adopting the principles that govern them.
Betting Against America Has Never Been a Winning Strategy
In his 2022 Berkshire Hathaway shareholder letter, Warren Buffett wrote that in his 80 years of investing, he had “yet to see a time when it made sense to make a long-term bet against America.”
Closing The Year Well
The Northern Trust Economics team shares its outlook for growth, inflation and interest rates in major markets.
Get a Jumpstart on Year-End Planning With This Useful Checklist
Year-end can be an opportune time to review finances, rebalance portfolios, and possibly reduce taxes. Our Bill Cass shares some highlights from a year-end planning checklist.
How Direct Indexing Can Help Offset Taxes on a Future Financial Windfall
With Direct Indexing, you can help your clients prepare for life-changing transactions and minimize capital gains taxes by selectively harvesting losses to offset those gains, and implementing tax-efficient trading strategies.
U.S. Election: Prepare Now for Potential Tax Shifts
Our analysis explores how potential post-election tax policy changes might impact dividends, capital gains, and municipal bonds and how investors might prepare for different election outcomes.
A Guide to Downsizing With Less Pain, More Gains
The high cost of housing is prompting many individuals to consider downsizing, but advisors recommend gradually reining in spending habits.
The Big Four Recession Indicators: Real Personal Income Up 0.1% in September
Personal income (excluding transfer receipts) rose 0.3% in September and is up 5.1% year-over-year. However, when adjusted for inflation using the BEA's PCE Price Index, real personal income (excluding transfer receipts) was up 0.08% month-over-month and up 2.9% year-over-year.
Lower Forward Returns Are A High Probability Event
I was emailed several times about a recent Morningstar article about J.P. Morgan’s warning of lower forward returns over the next decade. That was followed up by numerous emails about Goldman Sachs’ recent warnings of 3% annualized returns over the next decade.
Climbing the Wall of Worries
Equities continued to climb in Q3, with fixed income remaining steady despite international conflicts, inflationary pressure, and election-related uncertainty in the United States.
Gold Rises to Record High as Looming US Election Fans Demand
Gold rose to a record on Wednesday on haven demand before the US election, and held a narrow gain after jobs and GDP data that showed the ongoing resilience of the US economy.
My Dream Long-Term Care Insurance
I’ve identified long-term care as the greatest unsolved challenge in the field of goals-based retirement investing. This doesn’t make me Sherlock Holmes. Anyone who has requested a quote for LTCI knows we’ve got a problem.
What Could Investors Expect After the Election?
While the overall market tends to respond favorably once the uncertainty of the election is behind us, it's important to recognize that there will be different winners and losers depending on the outcome.
The "Ideal" Life is a Harmful Myth
The "ideal life" is a harmful myth that can distort perceptions of success and happiness. By recognizing different values and goals, you can foster a more inclusive – and realistic – understanding of what it means to lead a fulfilling life.
Local Finances, Challenging Choices
State and municipal budgets are adjusting to life after pandemic interventions.
The Benefits of a Flexible Core
Investment grade bonds have long been synonymous with a “core” fixed income allocation, but we believe a flexible strategy also belongs in most bond portfolios, as managers can adjust their exposure based on market conditions.
How to Start Marketing (if You Never Have Before)
Most advisors grow by referral and word of mouth. But what happens when your clients stop talking about you? Here are three ways to start marketing.
Alphabet Needs More Than Strong Results to Tame Wall of Worries
Alphabet Inc. shares have gone nowhere for months, trailing Magnificent Seven peers as investors struggle to price risks confronting the company. It’s a stretch to believe Tuesday’s results will blow away those concerns.
Tide Shifting to Support EM Local Currency Bonds
Despite recent headwinds from a strong U.S. dollar, EM local currency bonds present a compelling investment opportunity.
Who Belongs on Your Advisory Firm’s Dream Team?
When done effectively, your outsourced team of professionals can help improve efficiencies, increase productivity, and scale profitably – all while giving you the freedom to focus on what you’re most passionate about.
Niche Slapped: If Everyone Is Your Client, No One Is Your Client
There is a demographic that likes to work with you and consistently hires you – you probably just don’t have it defined for you and your team. If you don’t know who you work best with, there is no way that your prospect efforts will be profitable. Rather, they will be coincidental.
How Can RIAs Start a Multi-Family Office Practice?
Here, we'll explore why serving family offices is a natural fit for many RIAs, discuss the considerations that need to be factored in when launching an MFO practice, and offer a roadmap for successfully building one.
The Election And The Fed
An independent central bank supports better economic and market outcomes.
Digital Assets' Growing Role in Wealth Management
Digital assets are emerging as a crucial subset of alternative investments, and their integration into wealth management portfolios is inevitable.
U.S. Election 2024: An Analysis of the Tax Scenarios for Investors
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.
Medicare Open Enrollment Presents Opportunity to Change Existing Plans
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.
Lessons From a ‘Mid-Century Modern’ Market (Updated from June 2022)
The period from 1956-1966 offers lessons we can apply to today's bull market, regarding technological progress, market fundamentals and more.
An Advisor’s Guide to Harnessing Volatility
Volatility creates a number of challenges for advisors and investors, but also opportunities for those who know where to look.
The Magnificent Seven: Market Concentrations and Complications
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.
The Role of Regulation
The regulatory outlook is a question of direction more than extent.
The Middle East, and Oil
Global oil markets are working through many disruptions.
Are You in a Trust Recession?
In this new economy, your prospect is assessing you, the opposite of the way things should be and used to be. The advisory industry is now officially in a trust recession.
Notes From the Desk: The State of the US Consumer
The cautiously optimistic American consumer braces for financial strain as inflation and debt delinquencies are expected to rise.
Building a $1 Million, 100-Days-Off Practice With a Proven 7-Step Framework
I have developed a seven-step framework that has been used countless times to assist advisors looking to build a $1 million, 100-days-off practice, as well as help leaders of seven-figure firms scale their success to new heights.
The Impact of Presidential Elections on Markets
Markets fluctuate for numerous reasons, but investors often focus on just a few, like how a presidential election will impact the markets.
Tough Choices for Energy Policy
Energy policy decisions today will have long-lasting implications.
Risk: The Elephant in the Advisor/Client Relationship
Risk. It’s a tiny word for a critical investment concept, one that necessarily merits ample discussion by advisors with their clients. Unfortunately, evidence suggests this may not be happening evenly across the advisory industry.
Is College 529 Financial Planning Really That Simple?
It's important to stay informed regarding the latest updates to 529 college savings plans, for both current account holders and prospective savers. In recent years there have been significant changes, including The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) 2.0 Act in December of 2022, which helps enhance the flexibility and benefits of 529 plans.
Greed And How To Lose 100% Of Your Money
While greed is necessary to build wealth, excessive greed often has far more terrible consequences when investing.
Surviving Disaster: Key Considerations for Moving Ahead
Surviving a disaster involves securing safety, accessing help from agencies, and documenting damages for insurance claims. Our Bill Cass highlights numerous resources for financial relief, including accessing emergency funds, insurance and tax considerations.
How an UTMA Compares to a 529 Plan
The cost of higher education has skyrocketed over the last few decades, and shows no signs of slowing. That’s why it’s more important than ever that parents start saving as early as possible for their children’s future.
529 Plans: Custodial Versus Individual Accounts
Opening a 529 college savings account can be a smart move if you’d like to save for college on a tax-advantaged basis. One thing to consider when opening a 529 plan is whether it should be a custodial or individual account. While both allow you to save for college costs and enjoy some tax breaks, they differ in terms of who has control of the account and the assets in it.
Volatility Could Bring AI Opportunity
The Nasdaq-100 Index (NDX), which is half composed of tech stocks, including a slew of AI names, is usually more volatile in October.
Notes From the Desk: Inflation Expectations Rising But Shouldn't Derail Fed Cuts
Economic data releases have surprised to the upside in recent weeks, but inflation does not remain a threat right now.
Harnessing the Impact of Changing Demographics to Grow Your Practice
The demographic makeup of America is changing. Latinos now make up almost 20 percent of Americans, up from seven percent in 1980. But while the number of Latino Americans continues to grow, only about four percent of financial advisors identify as Latino.
529 Plan Withdrawal Rules
A 529 college savings plan, also known as a qualified tuition plan (QTP), is a popular choice among parents and families looking to meet their children’s future educational expenses. Two of the 529 plan’s helpful features are tax-deferred growth of your contributions and later, tax-free withdrawals for eligible expenses.
Soft Landing Takes Shape
The Northern Trust Economics team shares its outlook for U.S. growth, employment, inflation and interest rates.
This 529 Plan Mistake Could Cost You Big at Tax Time
529 plans are one of the most popular ways Americans save for the college expenses of their children. As of June 2024, there were 16.8 million 529 savings accounts holding $508 billion, according to the College Savings Plan Network.
Big Flow of Small Businesses
New business formations have held up, but closures are also rising.
Markets Are Demonstrating Cautious Optimism
Investor Insights explores current investor sentiment, comments on market participation, and shows the current ranking of market sectors.
An Untapped Gold Mine of Assets You Can Manage
This article will explore how to increase your AUM by capturing assets in trusts and DAFs, explain the difference between directed and traditional trustees, and discuss why designating a directed trustee and an advisor-friendly DAF is in the client’s best interest.
Europe Is Following the U.S. Election Closely
The election could alter the thriving relations between the U.S. and Europe.
Transforming Growth, Trust, and Relationships Through Technology
By adopting best-in-class technologies, wealth management firms can position themselves as leaders in a competitive market, attracting more right-fit clients, and achieving sustainable growth.
Aligning Your Website to Your Target Audience
With over 20 years of experience in web design and development, I’ve seen firsthand how the right website can transform a financial advisor’s business.
Some Best Practices for Trading ETFs: Seeking to Maximize Your Investment Efficiency
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have grown in popularity as one of the most flexible and accessible investment vehicles available today. Offering a blend of stock-like liquidity and mutual fund-like diversification, ETFs can serve as a core component in the portfolios of both novice and experienced investors
Can America Age Gracefully?
The need for old age support is on the rise, as is its cost.
Analyzing Agency REITs
Agency REITs are not for buy-and-hold investors. They tend to perform well in specific economic and interest rate environments and poorly in others. I believe the current bullish steepening shift in the yield curve could offer investors opportunities with the agency REIT sector.
Navigating the $84 Trillion Wealth Transfer: Shaping the Future of Financial Planning
The looming wealth transfer from Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation to younger generations is set to reshape the financial landscape in unprecedented ways. Estimated at $84 trillion, this transition is a huge financial event.
Volatile Bond Market Puts Traders on Defense Amid Fed-Cut Doubts
Bond investors are going on defense as the outlook for the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate cutting path turns more uncertain.
Jobs Report Supports Inflationary Pressures Despite Fed’s Dovish Moves
The latest Employment Situation Report released on October 4, 2024, showed nonfarm payrolls increasing by 254,000 in September, with the unemployment rate holding steady at 4.1%.
Back in Fashion: Bond ladders
For decades, a key component of many investors’ portfolios was a fixed income ladder. It was intended to provide ballast to the more volatile equity allocation and help reduce interest-rate risk.
S&P 500 Index Rebalance: Steady Preference for Technology
The latest S&P 500 rebalance introduced Dell and Palantir to the index, and Apple’s weight grew with annual float changes, signaling technology’s ongoing influence.
US Elections: How the Presidential Candidates Stand on Taxes
Taxes are top of mind for many. See what the US presidential candidates stand on tax policy as we enter the final weeks before the election. Our Bill Cass compares their plans.
Notes from the Desk: Yields Rise as Strong Labor Markets, "Goldilocks" Economy in Focus
Long-term US Treasury yields rose last week as investors digested mixed economic data that reinforced the idea of a "Goldilocks" economy.
White Wolf Brings Private Capital Expertise to the Public Via LBO
Private capital – encompassing private equity and private credit – is in the midst of a bit of a renaissance at the moment. IPO activity hit a peak in 2021, the year after the pandemic and then promptly plunged to levels not seen in years.
Trade Policy: More Sticks Than Carrots
Tougher stances on trade are a point of bipartisan agreement.
What If Your Prospect Doesn’t Want Comprehensive Wealth Management?
Unbundling services and offering them à la carte could appeal to clients who want more control over their financial management. This approach allows clients to tailor the services they receive to their unique needs and preferences.
Short Port Strike
Sports fans know that a lot can change in the fourth quarter of a game. So too for the U.S. economy, as a substantial labor action commenced the minute that calendars turned to the fourth quarter of 2024.
With the Fed Cutting Rates, What Is the Outlook for Future Mortgage Rates?
Last week marked the beginning of the end of one of the most rapid interest rate hiking cycles in U.S. history.
Six Important Legal Steps to Take When Starting an RIA
Whether you’re transitioning from another firm or starting from scratch, setting up your own independent registered investment advisor (RIA) firm is a tremendous opportunity that can provide higher earning potential, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to build a legacy.
China Tries More Stimulus
Policymakers have recognized China's slower economy.
Hands Off the Fed
Discussion about more political oversight or political control of the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) occasionally heats up. We are seeing more of this type of discourse today as the election approaches. In our view, limited Fed independence could prove disastrous.
When a Crystal Ball Isn’t Enough to Make You Rich
In the 1989 blockbuster Back to the Future II, time travel enables Michael J. Fox’s nemesis, Biff, to become a gazillionaire by bringing an almanac with sports match outcomes back from the future. We thought it might be instructive, and certainly entertaining, to make a less fanciful version of this dream a reality – for a few lucky people.
Market Scout – Lessons Learned Through Nearly 50 Years of Investing
The Wasatch team shares lessons they’ve learned on business models, portfolio management, management teams and markets.
Registered Investment Advisors - Turning Autumn Into Assets: Strategies for October’s Bounty
For registered investment advisors and others who provide financial advice, autumn is the start of a season loaded with opportunity.
How the Expiring TCJA Could Impact Your Tax Bill
The expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2025 could mean a tax increase for many taxpayers. But the impact varies widely based on income, location, and personal circumstances. Our Bill Cass shares the details.
CLO Cheat Sheet: How to Answer Questions About CLOs
CLOs have delivered the most attractive risk-adjusted returns in fixed income over the past decade, but are often deemed 'too complex.'
How to Leverage Earned Media for More Referrals
Earned media acts as a third-party stamp of approval for your firm, generating more referrals while boosting existing referrals.
Unlocking the Treasure Chest: The Growing Opportunity of 401(k) Plans for Wealth Advisors
Explore the significant opportunities for wealth advisors in managing 401(k) plans. Our Mike Dullaghan explains how these plans can help both advisors and clients with financial growth and retirement planning.
S&P 500 Earnings Breadth Broadens
Our experts explore the implications of wider S&P 500 earnings growth, potential Fed rate cuts, and the outlook for global equities and bonds amidst ongoing economic shifts.