The U.S. economy may be heading into choppy waters, and investors might be wise to buckle up.
In this edition, Harold Evensky explores the challenges facing sustainable and active funds, the implications of the new DOL Fiduciary Rule, and the value of long-term performance projections. With candid observations and critical analysis--read on to gain perspective on navigating the complex world of investing, the importance of risk management, and the role of fiduciary advisors in securing your financial future.
On the latest edition of Market Week in Review, Director and Senior Investment Strategist Alex Cousley and ESG and Active Ownership Analyst Zoe Warganz discussed key takeaways from the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (Fed) annual economic symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Will 2030 DC plans perform better at preparing U.S. workers for retirement?
“What happened in 1971?” It is one of the most important and debated questions in US economic history, and new research suggests that the answer may be lurking a few decades earlier — in 1948, to be precise.
Ethical Capital's Sloane Ortel marshals the data to counter the arguments against aggressively fighting climate change laid out in Larry Siegel's recent article.
The Jensen Quality Growth ETF is a high-conviction U.S. large-cap ETF with a growth tilt. The ETF’s investment approach is rooted in bottom-up fundamental analysis, focusing on quality companies that have demonstrated consistent performance and resilience over time.
The Biden administration is nearly finished divvying up $39 billion in grants under the Chips and Science Act, the landmark bipartisan legislation aimed at revitalizing the domestic semiconductor industry. The bigger test still lies ahead.
On the latest edition of Market Week in Review, Investment Strategist BeiChen Lin and ESG and Active Ownership Analyst Zoe Warganz discussed key takeaways from recent central bank meetings. They also provided an update on how U.S. small cap companies are performing during second-quarter earnings season.
A recent mid-year strategist pulse check from Natixis revealed where strategists believe the top opportunities exist across markets.
Today’s passive index investing requires active choices, as customization and innovations in index funds have resulted in new considerations for investors and the potential for greater control.
It's been another strong first half for the U.S. ETF industry, with overall flows set to challenge or surpass historic records.
The momentum we've seen in U.S. equity markets over the past year continued in the second quarter of 2024. With large technology stocks leading the wave, the S&P 500 index has risen 23% in the 12 months ended June 30.
Canola oil — invented in Canada 50 years ago as a healthier, shelf-stable cooking fat — may soon venture beyond the world’s kitchen cupboards to a spot in the airways.
Issuance of green bonds surged in the first half of 2024. That could put more eyeballs on the VanEck Green Bond ETF (GRNB).
At some of the world’s biggest asset managers, ESG fund launches are quietly stalling.
At Institutional Investor, keeper of Wall Street’s version of the Oscars for financial analysts, the winner in one category this year is — nobody.
As many of you are no doubt aware by now, France’s left-wing New Popular Front alliance thwarted Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party in a stunning upset, leaving the country without a clear majority in parliament.
President Joe Biden, as you’ve no doubt heard, has had a rough few weeks. Yet on Tuesday, he signed a bill into law that could well prove transformative for America’s energy future. Here’s hoping — whatever happens in November’s election — that more progress lies ahead.
AI and automation will revolutionize the financial advisory industry. These technologies enhance efficiency, improve client communication, and enable data-driven decision-making. By 2035, AI will be integral to most advisory firms.
The global population has surpassed 8 billion and according to the United Nations, it is projected to reach 9.7 billion in 2050.¹ However, the rate of population growth is slowing and is expected to continue to decline. Seems counterintuitive, no?
VettaFi discusses the upcoming election and potential implications for the energy sector.
If the companies that derive revenue from products and services that help reduce carbon emissions were taken as a single industry group, they would have had the second-best financial performance of any equity sector over the past decade.
Those wishing to explore the gap between the nation’s apparent macroeconomic success and its microeconomic malaise would do well to consult Ruchir Sharma’s What Went Wrong with Capitalism.
The oil company declared its traditional business was all but over. “The demand for fossil oil products will continue to decline,” it said in late 2020 as the pandemic slashed consumption. Even when Covid-19 is over, consumption wouldn’t “recover to previous levels.”
Long-time readers know I have not been a fan of the Chevron deference. I think it was one of the worst decisions of the last century. I've been aware of it because I'm in a regulated business.
The reason I mention silver, oil and gold is because they were the top performing commodities in the first half of 2024. Let’s dive into what’s driving these trends and what they might mean for investors.
Although this missive is tabbed as a 3rd quarter expository, it strikes home more as a 2025 conundrum because contained in the current data is a cause and effect that we believe is clearly being overlooked. Let’s begin with the fact that the stock market averages are trading at record highs.
A richer dialogue between human experts and large language models may improve outcomes.
Schwab Sector Views is our six- to 12-month outlook for stock sectors, which represent broad sectors of the economy. The Schwab Center for Financial Research (SCFR) combines a factor-based approach with a market and economic assessment to determine the ratings.
As an advisor, you know that no two clients are alike. Each has their own financial goals, risk tolerance and opinion on how they want to invest.
Marc Pinto, Head of Americas Equities, and Chris Benway, Director of Research, consider how the U.S. election may influence markets leading up to November, discuss policies worth monitoring as the election draws near, and remind investors to prioritize quality in times of uncertainty.
Bond investors have been looking for an approach that delivers attractive, repeatable, uncorrelated active returns. Is their wait over?
The artificial intelligence hype that made Nvidia Corp. the world’s biggest company has come with a price for the world’s climate. Data centers housing its powerful chips are gorging power and belching carbon dioxide, and sobering figures now reveal the extent of the problem.
I have long admired Jonathan Clements. His columns in The Wall Street Journal introduced me to index-based investing. I was deeply saddened to read his column in HumbleDollar, dated June 15, 2024, that, at age 61, he has been diagnosed with lung cancer that has metastasized to his brain and “a few other spots.”
The growing popularity of alternatives creates increased demand for private assets, with one surprising category above all.
Will the energy transition, from fossil fuel to other sources of energy, happen? It seems almost sacrilegious to suggest that it might not, or that the transition will be halting and incomplete.
Private credit investors in Europe are abandoning leveraged plays to try to get ahead of a potential wave of defaults.
As Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Premier Li Qiang wrapped up separate meetings in Southeast Asia this week, the two partners in the BRICS economic bloc encountered a region keen to join a group seen as a hedge against Western-led institutions.
First-generation low carbon equity benchmark indices were developed almost a decade ago with the goals of mitigating climate risk and preparing for the transition to a low carbon economy.
Morgan Stanley is increasing its investments in Latin America as geopolitical conflicts elsewhere in the world give the region increasing prominence in the global economy.
The longer interest rates stay higher, the stronger the case grows for … a carbon tax.
Mining brings economic benefit and environmental costs.
This third and final part of this series focuses on alternative energy sources, utility companies, and other companies related to the power grid infrastructure.
Inflation is not fun. And—for the past 30 years—it has largely been a non-issue for consumers. That dynamic has changed. The relevant question is whether this is something persistent and meaningful or simply a fleeting feeling.
The rapid expansion of AI has reopened the floodgates for renewables. But it's also propelled nuclear power into the spotlight.
For investors looking to position defensively within equities but avoid equity growth FOMO, look to the VictoryShares free cash flow ETFs.
Take a look at the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX). That fund is higher by 24.55% for the 90 days ending June 3.
You’ve probably heard the term “direct indexing.” It seems like everyone is talking about it. You’ve probably also read that sales of direct indexing products are booming. But what exactly is direct indexing?
Our outlook on the 11 S&P 500 equity sectors.
AI and EVs can potentially increase the nation’s productivity growth, which would go a long way toward boosting economic growth. However, with the potential benefits come significant investments. Some companies have already made massive investments in those industries. Others, like those involving the power grid, are just getting started.
From potentially brand-damaging ethical risks to regulatory uncertainty, AI poses challenges for investors. But there is a path forward.
Renewable energy ETFs are making a comeback after a dismal showing in the first half of the year, fueled by the rising tide of bullishness over artificial intelligence.
The Federal Open Market Committee is always data-dependent. But the dependency is not always the same. There are times when inflation matters more than the labor market, and times when the situation is reversed. Every regime is unique. There is never a perfect corollary to a previous experience. This time is not different.
Disruptive theme of the week: A confluence of factors have combined to make defense technology a compelling ETF investment theme.
Two reports on home prices arrived this morning, one for the Case-Shiller index and another from the FHFA (a government agency that regulates Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). Both rose in March, and housing prices are up 6.5% and 6.8%, respectively, in the past year.
I’m fresh off the plane from Las Vegas—and no, I wasn’t hitting the slots, though the city’s Harry Reid International Airport sure hit the jackpot with a record-breaking 57.6 million passengers last year.
Check out this recent insight from T. Rowe Price on the importance of credit quality research in fixed income.
Will Americans return to the office? It may depend on where it is and what it offers.
Markets remain highly responsive to economic data as concerns around Fed policy and high interest rates dominate the second quarter.
Investors in emerging-market equities haven’t typically paid much attention to the Middle East. It’s time to take a closer look.
These are only some of the exciting new applications on everyone’s lips at business gatherings these days, where the conversation often veers to artificial intelligence, which has become the latest “new new thing.”
Electric vehicles have swiftly gone from a rare bright spot in the fight against climate change to a cause for concern.
On the latest edition of Market Week in Review, Director of Investment Strategies, Shailesh Kshatriya, and ESG and Active Ownership Analyst Zoe Warganz discussed the U.S. inflation and retail sales reports from April, as well as the market’s reaction. They also chatted about the improving economic outlook in Europe.
Copper's price movements have decoupled themselves from the market movements inherent in base metals as well as oil.
We share some of the highlights from the past year that led to significant improvements in environmental protection, corporate governance, and transparency.
Learn how using a “switch” trading strategy can create efficiencies to improve overall execution cost and quality.
ESG integration is a trend financial markets are familiar with, but that doesn’t mean all asset classes are at the same levels of progress. ESG means different things to different people, and its integration into equity investment does not represent the same journey experienced in fixed income.
Capitalism has had an even better run recently, with the globalization of prosperity.
Active management can help investors address some of the especially tricky issues in sustainable equity portfolios.
VettaFi looks at the expected growth in US LNG export capacity and how midstream/MLPs benefit.
An AI bubble may be simmering in the background, so for investors still looking for AI ETFs, it may be worth taking a discerning look around.
If you’re not sure what direct indexing means, you’re not alone. Even after the recent growth, direct indexing remains relatively unknown. As our compliance team never fails to remind us, you can’t invest directly in an index. So what exactly is direct indexing?
On this episode of the “ETF of the Week” podcast, VettaFi’s Head of Research Todd Rosenbluth discussed the Xtrackers US Green Infrastructure Select Equity ETF (UPGR) with Chuck Jaffe of “Money Life.” The pair talked about several topics regarding the fund to give investors a deeper understanding of the ETF overall.
What do people really mean when they talk about impact investing? Typically they’re referring to investments made with the intention of generating measurable social or environmental benefits in addition to financial return.
My guest today believes that the underperformance of the Magnificent 7 is creating opportunities in small-cap equities as investors look to loosen their portfolio concentration in large-cap names. In addition, increased small-cap M&A activity, better credit market conditions, and a lower cost of capital, are creating fertile ground for small-cap companies.
Message to bond underwriters: Some big customers are sizing up your ESG credentials.
While climate-related disasters and record temperatures intensify around the world, commitments to decarbonization initiatives from governments and businesses seek to address the most pressing challenges.
The prospect of interest rate cuts may be helping to fuel gold's rally. However, it's not the only factor propelling gold to new highs.
Free cash flow ETFs VFLO and SFLO can be used to introduce factors to a portfolio. The funds offer exposures to quality, value, and growth.
The multi-trillion-dollar ESG fund industry faces a regulatory problem. By the end of 2025, funds with net assets of $1 billion or more must comply with the amendments to SEC Rule 35d-1, better known as the “names rule.” It requires funds with names that include ESG terms have at least 80% of the fund invested in assets that aligned with those terms. The amendments strengthen prospectus disclosure requirements, and mandate that terms used in the fund’s name suggesting an investment focus be consistent with their plain-English meaning or established industry use.
My guest today will explain how ESG has become a meaningless term to investors. The result has been massive flows to ESG funds that have large holdings in oil companies, agricultural chemical manufacturers and similar companies that many investors are not aware of. Fund managers are struggling to explain what is going on, as they must to comply with the names rule.
Demand for copper is on the rise. Can its supply keep pace?
Debt distress is rising fast, but restructuring is becoming more complex.
Last July, the House Financial Services Committee approved two major pieces of legislation aimed at creating a regulatory framework for the cryptocurrency industry, the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act and the Clarity for Payment Stablecoins Act.
While major indexes have seemingly been calm this year, there are notable and stealthy sector leadership shifts that have happened under the surface.
A group of US regional banks is ratcheting up lending to oil, gas and coal clients, grabbing market share as bigger European rivals back away.
Advisor Perspectives, a leading publisher also ranked as the No. 1 eNewsletter for financial advisors by the Erdos & Morgan “FAMOUS” Study (2019-2023), has announced its Venerated Voices™ awards for commentaries published in Q1 2024.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and Bitcoin were top of mind at Paris Blockchain Week, where I had the privilege of presenting to an enthusiastic crowd. The blockchain and digital assets event, held beneath the world-famous Louvre Museum, attracted close to 10,000 people, an impressive 25% increase over last year, as Bitcoin traded near its all-time high and AI dominated headlines.
Back when the electric vehicles revolution appeared unshakable and Tesla Inc. was valued at more than $1 trillion, few of us gave much thought to hybrids. But amid consumer wariness about EVs’ driving range and insufficient public recharging infrastructure, vehicles that combine a combustion engine and electric motor are back in fashion, at least for now.
ESG
The Yield Curve Inversion Just Ended, but Economic Risks Remain
The U.S. economy may be heading into choppy waters, and investors might be wise to buckle up.
Navigating the Investment Landscape: Insights and Warnings
In this edition, Harold Evensky explores the challenges facing sustainable and active funds, the implications of the new DOL Fiduciary Rule, and the value of long-term performance projections. With candid observations and critical analysis--read on to gain perspective on navigating the complex world of investing, the importance of risk management, and the role of fiduciary advisors in securing your financial future.
Key Highlights From Q2 Earnings Season Around the Globe
On the latest edition of Market Week in Review, Director and Senior Investment Strategist Alex Cousley and ESG and Active Ownership Analyst Zoe Warganz discussed key takeaways from the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (Fed) annual economic symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
8 Ways DC Plans Are Likely to Change by 2030
Will 2030 DC plans perform better at preparing U.S. workers for retirement?
When Did the Great Stagnation Actually Begin?
“What happened in 1971?” It is one of the most important and debated questions in US economic history, and new research suggests that the answer may be lurking a few decades earlier — in 1948, to be precise.
A Rebuttal to an Energy Transition “Realist”
Ethical Capital's Sloane Ortel marshals the data to counter the arguments against aggressively fighting climate change laid out in Larry Siegel's recent article.
Jensen Investment Management Launches the Jensen Quality Growth ETF
The Jensen Quality Growth ETF is a high-conviction U.S. large-cap ETF with a growth tilt. The ETF’s investment approach is rooted in bottom-up fundamental analysis, focusing on quality companies that have demonstrated consistent performance and resilience over time.
With US Chips Act Money Mostly Divvied Up, the Real Test Begins
The Biden administration is nearly finished divvying up $39 billion in grants under the Chips and Science Act, the landmark bipartisan legislation aimed at revitalizing the domestic semiconductor industry. The bigger test still lies ahead.
Fed Signals Rate Cuts Could Begin in September
On the latest edition of Market Week in Review, Investment Strategist BeiChen Lin and ESG and Active Ownership Analyst Zoe Warganz discussed key takeaways from recent central bank meetings. They also provided an update on how U.S. small cap companies are performing during second-quarter earnings season.
Where Strategists See Market Opportunities in Second Half
A recent mid-year strategist pulse check from Natixis revealed where strategists believe the top opportunities exist across markets.
Index Investing as an Active Decision: Implications for Equity Investors
Today’s passive index investing requires active choices, as customization and innovations in index funds have resulted in new considerations for investors and the potential for greater control.
U.S. ETF Flows: Investors Are Getting Polarized
It's been another strong first half for the U.S. ETF industry, with overall flows set to challenge or surpass historic records.
Navigating the Markets: Insights From Our Q2 Economic and Market Review
The momentum we've seen in U.S. equity markets over the past year continued in the second quarter of 2024. With large technology stocks leading the wave, the S&P 500 index has risen 23% in the 12 months ended June 30.
American Farmers’ Next Hot Commodity Is Canola for Biofuels
Canola oil — invented in Canada 50 years ago as a healthier, shelf-stable cooking fat — may soon venture beyond the world’s kitchen cupboards to a spot in the airways.
Green Bond Sales Boomed in First Half of 2024
Issuance of green bonds surged in the first half of 2024. That could put more eyeballs on the VanEck Green Bond ETF (GRNB).
Backlash Against ESG Seen in Sharp Decline of Fund Launches
At some of the world’s biggest asset managers, ESG fund launches are quietly stalling.
Wall Street Starts Calling Time on ESG Labels After Backlash
At Institutional Investor, keeper of Wall Street’s version of the Oscars for financial analysts, the winner in one category this year is — nobody.
France’s Uncertain Future And Biden’s Leadership Crisis Shake Investor Confidence
As many of you are no doubt aware by now, France’s left-wing New Popular Front alliance thwarted Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party in a stunning upset, leaving the country without a clear majority in parliament.
Nuclear Energy Gets a Much-Needed Boost
President Joe Biden, as you’ve no doubt heard, has had a rough few weeks. Yet on Tuesday, he signed a bill into law that could well prove transformative for America’s energy future. Here’s hoping — whatever happens in November’s election — that more progress lies ahead.
What Your Advisory Firm Will Look Like in 2035 (If It Still Exists)
AI and automation will revolutionize the financial advisory industry. These technologies enhance efficiency, improve client communication, and enable data-driven decision-making. By 2035, AI will be integral to most advisory firms.
Beyond Demographics
The global population has surpassed 8 billion and according to the United Nations, it is projected to reach 9.7 billion in 2050.¹ However, the rate of population growth is slowing and is expected to continue to decline. Seems counterintuitive, no?
Does the Election Have Potential Energy Implications?
VettaFi discusses the upcoming election and potential implications for the energy sector.
Returns of $7.2 Trillion Green Sector Outpaced Only by Tech Stocks
If the companies that derive revenue from products and services that help reduce carbon emissions were taken as a single industry group, they would have had the second-best financial performance of any equity sector over the past decade.
First World Problems
Those wishing to explore the gap between the nation’s apparent macroeconomic success and its microeconomic malaise would do well to consult Ruchir Sharma’s What Went Wrong with Capitalism.
Another Green Bubble Is Deflating in Biofuels
The oil company declared its traditional business was all but over. “The demand for fossil oil products will continue to decline,” it said in late 2020 as the pandemic slashed consumption. Even when Covid-19 is over, consumption wouldn’t “recover to previous levels.”
Meditations on Independence
Long-time readers know I have not been a fan of the Chevron deference. I think it was one of the worst decisions of the last century. I've been aware of it because I'm in a regulated business.
Commodities Halftime Report: Silver, Oil And Gold Were The Top Performers
The reason I mention silver, oil and gold is because they were the top performing commodities in the first half of 2024. Let’s dive into what’s driving these trends and what they might mean for investors.
Spare the Axe
Although this missive is tabbed as a 3rd quarter expository, it strikes home more as a 2025 conundrum because contained in the current data is a cause and effect that we believe is clearly being overlooked. Let’s begin with the fact that the stock market averages are trading at record highs.
Prompting AI: Can Better Conversations Drive Better Investment Research?
A richer dialogue between human experts and large language models may improve outcomes.
Sector Views: Monthly Stock Sector Outlook
Schwab Sector Views is our six- to 12-month outlook for stock sectors, which represent broad sectors of the economy. The Schwab Center for Financial Research (SCFR) combines a factor-based approach with a market and economic assessment to determine the ratings.
Growing Your Business With Direct Indexing
As an advisor, you know that no two clients are alike. Each has their own financial goals, risk tolerance and opinion on how they want to invest.
U.S. Election Year: Prioritize Trends Over Politics
Marc Pinto, Head of Americas Equities, and Chris Benway, Director of Research, consider how the U.S. election may influence markets leading up to November, discuss policies worth monitoring as the election draws near, and remind investors to prioritize quality in times of uncertainty.
The New Frontier in Fixed Income: Systematic Investing
Bond investors have been looking for an approach that delivers attractive, repeatable, uncorrelated active returns. Is their wait over?
AI's Hunger for Power Can Be Tamed
The artificial intelligence hype that made Nvidia Corp. the world’s biggest company has come with a price for the world’s climate. Data centers housing its powerful chips are gorging power and belching carbon dioxide, and sobering figures now reveal the extent of the problem.
If I Only Had 12 Months to Live
I have long admired Jonathan Clements. His columns in The Wall Street Journal introduced me to index-based investing. I was deeply saddened to read his column in HumbleDollar, dated June 15, 2024, that, at age 61, he has been diagnosed with lung cancer that has metastasized to his brain and “a few other spots.”
The Surprising Top Investment Opportunity In Private Assets
The growing popularity of alternatives creates increased demand for private assets, with one surprising category above all.
A Realist Assesses the Energy Transition
Will the energy transition, from fossil fuel to other sources of energy, happen? It seems almost sacrilegious to suggest that it might not, or that the transition will be halting and incomplete.
Private Credit Investors in Europe Ditch Extra Leverage on Default Fears
Private credit investors in Europe are abandoning leveraged plays to try to get ahead of a potential wave of defaults.
Xi, Putin Score Wins as More Asia Leaders Aim to Join BRICS
As Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Premier Li Qiang wrapped up separate meetings in Southeast Asia this week, the two partners in the BRICS economic bloc encountered a region keen to join a group seen as a hedge against Western-led institutions.
Are You a Climate Investor or Growth Investor?
First-generation low carbon equity benchmark indices were developed almost a decade ago with the goals of mitigating climate risk and preparing for the transition to a low carbon economy.
Morgan Stanley Looks to Latin America as Global Tensions Rise
Morgan Stanley is increasing its investments in Latin America as geopolitical conflicts elsewhere in the world give the region increasing prominence in the global economy.
How the Fed Is Helping Make the Case for a Carbon Tax
The longer interest rates stay higher, the stronger the case grows for … a carbon tax.
Unearthing the Future
Mining brings economic benefit and environmental costs.
Investment Ideas For The Coming Power Grid Expansion- Part Three
This third and final part of this series focuses on alternative energy sources, utility companies, and other companies related to the power grid infrastructure.
The Prices Don’t Feel Right: Unraveling the Inflation Perception
Inflation is not fun. And—for the past 30 years—it has largely been a non-issue for consumers. That dynamic has changed. The relevant question is whether this is something persistent and meaningful or simply a fleeting feeling.
AI Reviving the Nuclear Renaissance
The rapid expansion of AI has reopened the floodgates for renewables. But it's also propelled nuclear power into the spotlight.
Positioning Defensively Within Equities
For investors looking to position defensively within equities but avoid equity growth FOMO, look to the VictoryShares free cash flow ETFs.
Gold Miners Could Be Positioned for Long-Term Gains
Take a look at the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX). That fund is higher by 24.55% for the 90 days ending June 3.
Understanding Direct Indexing: A Personalized Investment Approach
You’ve probably heard the term “direct indexing.” It seems like everyone is talking about it. You’ve probably also read that sales of direct indexing products are booming. But what exactly is direct indexing?
Sector Views: Monthly Stock Sector Outlook
Our outlook on the 11 S&P 500 equity sectors.
AI Data Centers and EVs Create Incredible Opportunities, Part 1
AI and EVs can potentially increase the nation’s productivity growth, which would go a long way toward boosting economic growth. However, with the potential benefits come significant investments. Some companies have already made massive investments in those industries. Others, like those involving the power grid, are just getting started.
AI Ethics and Regulation: How Investors Can Navigate the Maze
From potentially brand-damaging ethical risks to regulatory uncertainty, AI poses challenges for investors. But there is a path forward.
Renewable Energy ETFs Ride Wave of AI Optimism
Renewable energy ETFs are making a comeback after a dismal showing in the first half of the year, fueled by the rising tide of bullishness over artificial intelligence.
Navigating Inflation: The FOMC’s Single Mandate
The Federal Open Market Committee is always data-dependent. But the dependency is not always the same. There are times when inflation matters more than the labor market, and times when the situation is reversed. Every regime is unique. There is never a perfect corollary to a previous experience. This time is not different.
Disruptive Theme of the Week: Defense Technology
Disruptive theme of the week: A confluence of factors have combined to make defense technology a compelling ETF investment theme.
Housing Update
Two reports on home prices arrived this morning, one for the Case-Shiller index and another from the FHFA (a government agency that regulates Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). Both rose in March, and housing prices are up 6.5% and 6.8%, respectively, in the past year.
AI Takes Center Stage In Vegas As Nvidia Soars To New Heights
I’m fresh off the plane from Las Vegas—and no, I wasn’t hitting the slots, though the city’s Harry Reid International Airport sure hit the jackpot with a record-breaking 57.6 million passengers last year.
With Rising Headwinds, Uncover the Power of Quality Credit Research
Check out this recent insight from T. Rowe Price on the importance of credit quality research in fixed income.
Office Space: Looking Past the Doom and Gloom
Will Americans return to the office? It may depend on where it is and what it offers.
Why Free Cash Flow Could Be the Antidote to High Rates
Markets remain highly responsive to economic data as concerns around Fed policy and high interest rates dominate the second quarter.
A New Frontier for Equity Investors: The Middle East Transformation
Investors in emerging-market equities haven’t typically paid much attention to the Middle East. It’s time to take a closer look.
Learn from Last Tech Bubble to Embrace GenAI Mania
These are only some of the exciting new applications on everyone’s lips at business gatherings these days, where the conversation often veers to artificial intelligence, which has become the latest “new new thing.”
Slowing EV Sales Are Upending Banker Climate Strategies
Electric vehicles have swiftly gone from a rare bright spot in the fight against climate change to a cause for concern.
A Step in the Right Direction: U.S. Inflation Eases in April After Hot Start to the Year
On the latest edition of Market Week in Review, Director of Investment Strategies, Shailesh Kshatriya, and ESG and Active Ownership Analyst Zoe Warganz discussed the U.S. inflation and retail sales reports from April, as well as the market’s reaction. They also chatted about the improving economic outlook in Europe.
Copper Decouples From Base Metals & Oil Market Movements
Copper's price movements have decoupled themselves from the market movements inherent in base metals as well as oil.
Active Engagement and Regulatory Change in Asia Is Releasing Value for Investors
We share some of the highlights from the past year that led to significant improvements in environmental protection, corporate governance, and transparency.
Switch It Up and Pair Your ETF Trades
Learn how using a “switch” trading strategy can create efficiencies to improve overall execution cost and quality.
Where Is Fixed Income in Its ESG Journey?
ESG integration is a trend financial markets are familiar with, but that doesn’t mean all asset classes are at the same levels of progress. ESG means different things to different people, and its integration into equity investment does not represent the same journey experienced in fixed income.
Johan Norberg’s Plan to Save the World Through Capitalism
Capitalism has had an even better run recently, with the globalization of prosperity.
Active or Passive? Seeking Solutions to ESG Confusion
Active management can help investors address some of the especially tricky issues in sustainable equity portfolios.
U.S. LNG Export Capacity to Rise 80% by 2028
VettaFi looks at the expected growth in US LNG export capacity and how midstream/MLPs benefit.
An AI Bubble? Know Which AI ETFs Stand Out
An AI bubble may be simmering in the background, so for investors still looking for AI ETFs, it may be worth taking a discerning look around.
What Is Direct Indexing?
If you’re not sure what direct indexing means, you’re not alone. Even after the recent growth, direct indexing remains relatively unknown. As our compliance team never fails to remind us, you can’t invest directly in an index. So what exactly is direct indexing?
Xtrackers US Green Infrastructure Select Equity ETF
On this episode of the “ETF of the Week” podcast, VettaFi’s Head of Research Todd Rosenbluth discussed the Xtrackers US Green Infrastructure Select Equity ETF (UPGR) with Chuck Jaffe of “Money Life.” The pair talked about several topics regarding the fund to give investors a deeper understanding of the ETF overall.
What Is Impact Investing?
What do people really mean when they talk about impact investing? Typically they’re referring to investments made with the intention of generating measurable social or environmental benefits in addition to financial return.
Why Invest in Small Caps Now
My guest today believes that the underperformance of the Magnificent 7 is creating opportunities in small-cap equities as investors look to loosen their portfolio concentration in large-cap names. In addition, increased small-cap M&A activity, better credit market conditions, and a lower cost of capital, are creating fertile ground for small-cap companies.
Bankers Doing Bond Deals Jolted by New Era of Issuer Clauses
Message to bond underwriters: Some big customers are sizing up your ESG credentials.
Investing in Net-Zero Transition: What to Know about This Growing Sector
While climate-related disasters and record temperatures intensify around the world, commitments to decarbonization initiatives from governments and businesses seek to address the most pressing challenges.
Gold's Rally Driven by More Than Just Rate Cuts
The prospect of interest rate cuts may be helping to fuel gold's rally. However, it's not the only factor propelling gold to new highs.
How Free Cash Flow ETFs Introduce Factors to Portfolios
Free cash flow ETFs VFLO and SFLO can be used to introduce factors to a portfolio. The funds offer exposures to quality, value, and growth.
ESG Has Become a Meaningless Term
The multi-trillion-dollar ESG fund industry faces a regulatory problem. By the end of 2025, funds with net assets of $1 billion or more must comply with the amendments to SEC Rule 35d-1, better known as the “names rule.” It requires funds with names that include ESG terms have at least 80% of the fund invested in assets that aligned with those terms. The amendments strengthen prospectus disclosure requirements, and mandate that terms used in the fund’s name suggesting an investment focus be consistent with their plain-English meaning or established industry use.
My guest today will explain how ESG has become a meaningless term to investors. The result has been massive flows to ESG funds that have large holdings in oil companies, agricultural chemical manufacturers and similar companies that many investors are not aware of. Fund managers are struggling to explain what is going on, as they must to comply with the names rule.
Is Copper the New Gold?
Demand for copper is on the rise. Can its supply keep pace?
The Sovereign Debt Problem
Debt distress is rising fast, but restructuring is becoming more complex.
Sector Views: Monthly Stock Sector Outlook
Our outlook on the 11 S&P 500 equity sectors.
Crypto Can Turn Pro With a Little Help From Congress
Last July, the House Financial Services Committee approved two major pieces of legislation aimed at creating a regulatory framework for the cryptocurrency industry, the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act and the Clarity for Payment Stablecoins Act.
Family Affair: A Look at Sector Trends
While major indexes have seemingly been calm this year, there are notable and stealthy sector leadership shifts that have happened under the surface.
US Regional Banks Dramatically Step Up Loans to Oil and Gas
A group of US regional banks is ratcheting up lending to oil, gas and coal clients, grabbing market share as bigger European rivals back away.
Venerated Voices™ Q1 2024 Rankings
Advisor Perspectives, a leading publisher also ranked as the No. 1 eNewsletter for financial advisors by the Erdos & Morgan “FAMOUS” Study (2019-2023), has announced its Venerated Voices™ awards for commentaries published in Q1 2024.
The Revolution Will Be Digitized: How AI And Bitcoin Are Transforming Our World
Artificial intelligence (AI) and Bitcoin were top of mind at Paris Blockchain Week, where I had the privilege of presenting to an enthusiastic crowd. The blockchain and digital assets event, held beneath the world-famous Louvre Museum, attracted close to 10,000 people, an impressive 25% increase over last year, as Bitcoin traded near its all-time high and AI dominated headlines.
Your Plug-In Hybrid SUV Won’t Save the Planet
Back when the electric vehicles revolution appeared unshakable and Tesla Inc. was valued at more than $1 trillion, few of us gave much thought to hybrids. But amid consumer wariness about EVs’ driving range and insufficient public recharging infrastructure, vehicles that combine a combustion engine and electric motor are back in fashion, at least for now.