An enduring image from 2024 will be the capture of the SpaceX booster rocket by the Mechazilla robot arms on its return to Earth. This achievement served as a powerful metaphor for the year: the improbable not only became possible but redefined expectations.
US Treasuries gained and traders boosted their bets on a Federal Reserve interest-rate reduction next week after a report showed consumer prices last month accelerated in line with expectations.
CEO Ali Dibadj highlights the three macro drivers that investors must navigate in 2025 and beyond, as well as the importance of actively positioning for a brighter investment future.
Hedge fund executive Cliff Asness says artificial intelligence is becoming “annoyingly better” at doing parts of his job.
Historical trends are being permanently broken in real time as mega forces, like the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), transform economies.
Over the past few years, I’ve written numerous articles and given numerous presentations on Direct Indexing.
Will the Fed make one more rate cut to end 2024? One more cut would top off what has been a very positive fall for rate cut hopefuls considering how long the Fed waited.
We launched QuantStreet a little over three years ago, and our first accounts went live as of December 2021.
We compare investor risk-taking behaviors at the start of the bull market with those nearly 16 years later. We also analyze key market areas that can offer essential diversification to help manage overall portfolio risk.
When it comes to personalized investment strategies, multiple perspectives come into play: the client, the provider and the advisor.
To truly benefit from stock investing, it’s necessary to embrace both the emotions and the rewards that come with positive skew. This means learning to live with tail events. It may be uncomfortable when they occur, but they are an integral part of long-term success in the stock market.
Policy changes could reshape return potential for companies across the US market. Here’s how investors can start thinking about the challenges ahead.
Valid until the market close on December 31, 2024
This article provides an update on the monthly moving averages we track for the S&P 500 and the Ivy Portfolio after the close of the last business day of the month.
As students across the country start to prepare for year-end exams, there are valuable lessons we can take from the classroom.
Merrie Zhang shares how direct indexing works, the potential benefits of it, and best practices on selecting a provider.
Generosity knows no season. But as the year-end holidays approach, many of your clients may be thinking about making a charitable donation or increasing their charitable giving.
Rick Raczkowski, PM, Relative Return Team, Loomis, Sayles & Company, discussed how the team views fixed income investing looking ahead.
Sirion Skulpone of Goldman Sachs Asset Management talks through the risks of being concentrated in individual stocks.
Why the equity market rally following the U.S. presidential election could continue into year-end.
The inverse correlation between bonds and stocks has returned, broadening potential for risk-adjusted returns in multi-asset portfolios.
The 2024 Global Survey of Financial Advisors from Natixis revealed the ongoing hesitance of investors to move out of cash and into bonds.
From stock picking to benchmark selection, the construction of an active thematic equity portfolio will play a crucial role in its ability to deliver on a theme’s return potential.
The S&P 500 index has had a spectacular run from its October 2022 trough to its present all-time peak, which has some (me included) wondering when the bull market will end. I approach this question in three steps.
A year-round focus on taxes can unlock value for investors in higher brackets—and it can help advisors prove their own value.
Recent insights from Natixis Investment Managers breaks down a few fixed income risks that investors may not be aware of.
Things are looking up for bonds - learn what makes them a great addition to your portfolio right now.
In this article, we’ll remind you what listed real assets are, explain how they fit into an asset allocation, and help you understand why we believe now is an attractive time to invest in the asset class.
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.
In this article, Russ Koesterich discusses why he believes U.S. exceptionalism is a trend that is likely to continue.
The most common questions we’ve been asked as the election approaches are generally about the Federal debt and deficits. Many investors worry about a looming “day of reckoning” for US debt. They fear the US’s fiscal imprudence will eventually force a sudden and dramatic repricing of US debt. In this insight, we explore the modern history of US debt to GDP across several Presidential administrations and outline why investors should not be worried about a financial apocalyptic abyss.
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.
Many investors today use EM debt for the wrong reasons, manage it imprudently, or overlook the best parts.
Volatility creates a number of challenges for advisors and investors, but also opportunities for those who know where to look.
Fixed income experts at Natixis Investment Managers recently weighed in with outlooks on rate cuts and how to approach bonds.
The tendency to blindly follow these rules has led investors towards prematurely de-risking and over-estimating the likelihood of recession.
Markets changed character to broad-based optimism relating to the economy. The economic picture began to come into focus with inflation continuing to moderate as the economy maintains steady growth and employment. The result was a stark turnaround for economically integrated or interest rate sensitive assets, which resulted in a great quarter for diversified multi-asset portfolios. New Frontier sets a major milestone in Q4, marking 20 years of investing at the end of October.
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.
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.
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.
In this article, Russ Koesterich discusses gold may continue to serve as a store of value in the current environment.
Cash strategies may seem safe, but inflation can bite into returns. Instead, investors can try to outperform inflation with equities.
Commodity returns are hard to predict, yet all commodities have something in common—prices that tend to return to their long-run average, a characteristic described as mean reversion. For investors, this behavior could offer an exciting opportunity to improve long-term performance potential.
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 2022 broad market downturn across major asset classes came as a nasty surprise to investors. Historically, such an event is very rare, and no one was expecting to see almost all asset classes down for the year. Yet, even though it might seem as if diversification was of no help in 2022, the story changes if we look beyond the major headline asset classes.
The puck has certainly moved since our last market commentary. This month, we argue that the needle on portfolio construction should move with it. Equities have been the driver of returns for much of the last few years.
Alpha (α) is a fundamental yet poorly understood concept in finance. Simply put, it is the difference between the return of an investment and that of a risk-adjusted benchmark. In a more advanced definition, alpha is the residual in an asset pricing equation (see Appendix A). Alpha is what active managers strive to achieve and passive managers do not pursue.
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.
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.
If climate portfolios are positioned in the same giant US stocks held in broad equity allocations, investors may unwittingly double down on risk.
Investors can use this Natixis ETF to lock in robust income and capital appreciation, while generating security against equity volatility.
The major market event in September was the Fed's 50 basis point rate cut following the September 18th Federal Open Market Committee meeting. There was broad consensus the Fed would cut rates, though the 50 basis points (as opposed to 25) and perhaps the tone of Jay Powell's press conference surprised to the upside...
About eight in 10 investors (81%) believe they must fund their own retirement as opposed to relying on private and public pensions.
When building a portfolio, advisors need to optimize asset allocations and manage risk. But they also need to understand the trends happening in the market and the tools that can be leveraged to meet the moment.
While agency mortgage-backed securities offer compelling valuations, not every mortgage is created equally.
The last two years brought challenges for investors across all walks of life, but particularly for retirees.
Just as the industrial revolution changed the way goods are manufactured and consumed, so the technological revolution will do for services. Once something can be made at scale, the market for it can expand and be segmented. The same goes for financial planning.
Strategies and best practices for equity portfolios.
A new wave of opportunity seems set to flow into private credit markets, which could enhance risk-adjusted returns and diversify portfolios. What's driving this potential?
In theory, growing a pool of wealth over decades – whether for a family, an endowment, or a pensioner – is a straightforward endeavor.
Taxes may be the biggest fee your tax-sensitive clients are paying on their investment portfolios. And neither they nor you, their advisor, may be aware of just how big that fee is.
Today, I’m going to share stories about my best and worst investment decisions. Don’t worry, this isn’t just a brag-and-cringe session about making or losing money. These stories are about the valuable lessons learned, and how these adventures in investing helped shape my current approach.
Now that the Fed has begun the rate-cut cycle, investors can use option income ETFs to provide long-term income and risk protection.
While the beach version of SoCal has had an epic, non-marine layer summer, it seems to have been enjoyed by few locals who instead violate the cardinal rule of adult life without children living at home and nevertheless travel to Europe in summer. We haven’t missed you.
The last five years have bombarded investors with a seemingly never-ending array of challenges. Yet despite all these obstacles the S&P 500 is up almost 90% as of this writing.
With attractive valuations, emerging market equities look like a good opportunity. A factor investing strategy, designed well, may enhance performance and help manage some key risks.
In this article, Russ Koesterich discusses why the next bout of market volatility may last a bit longer than previous downturns and how to best position your portfolio against this backdrop.
Due to balance sheet concerns, the higher-for-longer interest rate environment has been a significant headwind for the relative performance of U.S. small-cap equities.
Certificates of deposit (CDs) and Treasuries both can offer steady, predictable investment income—but how to decide between them? Here are five factors to help you choose.
With U.S. equities perhaps calling for diversification, an active international ETF like TOUS could play a helpful role.
On this episode of the “ETF of the Week” podcast, VettaFi’s Head of Research Todd Rosenbluth discussed the Alps Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL) 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.
An analysis of the leadership reversal and market sell-off observed in recent weeks and why an emphasis on equities with consistent fundamentals is justified.
Last week, the BlackRock Target Allocation Team reduced their equity exposure and reduced some growth allocations in favor of value.
As market sensitivity to economic data continues, investors would do well to consider active strategies amidst ongoing volatility.
The world’s biggest asset manager is taking some chips off the table as markets enter a “new phase” of turbulence ahead of a Federal Reserve interest rate cutting cycle and the US presidential election.
Private assets are the fastest-growing market in the financial world, but could be the most challenging field for ETF providers to penetrate.
ERShares Founder Joel Shulman goes in-depth on what’s being called the first ever private-public crossover ETF, the appropriately named Entrepreneur Private-Public Crossover ETF (XOVR). VettaFi’s Todd Rosenbluth discusses Nvidia from an ETF angle, highlighting products with varying exposure to the high-flying stock.
A number of myths exist about value investing as it pertains to timing the economic cycle, interest rates, and elections.
Build a dividend growth portfolio. The stock market as measured by the S&P is currently at an all-time high which makes it very challenging to try to build a quality dividend growth portfolio.
Over nearly three decades, I’ve been dedicated to the sport of running. For the last five years, I chased the elusive goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon, my ultimate aspiration. It wasn’t until I sought the expertise of a professional coach that I finally achieved this dream.
Active management can lead to high portfolio turnover and a higher tax bill. Wealth managers might feel that an active strategy could be too inefficient for clients who are sensitive to taxes. Find out how implementing a core-satellite portfolio with a direct indexing core may improve tax efficiency.
On this episode of the “ETF of the Week” podcast, VettaFi’s Head of Research Todd Rosenbluth discussed the Capital Group Municipal Income ETF (CGMU) 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.
Advisors are offering customized holistic wealth management to their clients and their families to help ensure an orderly transition of wealth
When I was in high school, I really wanted a car. My loving parents took every situation as an opportunity to teach. They told me that if I wanted a car, I would have to earn it.
For bond investors looking to the near- and longer-term, Matt Eagan stepped through considerations and opportunities in the global market.
While strategy provides direction, a strong culture is the foundation that supports and sustains an organization’s success. Culture influences every aspect of an organization and defines the purpose and values that guide the actions of employees.
A recent mid-year strategist pulse check from Natixis revealed where strategists believe the top opportunities exist across markets.
When growth slows and rates fall, what will happen to an asset class with long-dated cash flows that are not very economically sensitive? Well, it is likely to strongly outperform. Ergo the short-term outlook for growth relative to value/small caps appear to be rosy.
The bond-market rally escalated Friday after a report showed that job growth slowed sharply last month, further stoking speculation that the Federal Reserve will start aggressively cutting interest rates to keep the economy from stalling.
In this article, Russ Koesterich discusses factors behind gold’s impressive performance year to date.
Separately Managed Accounts
2025 Annual Global Market Outlook: The Mechazilla Moment
An enduring image from 2024 will be the capture of the SpaceX booster rocket by the Mechazilla robot arms on its return to Earth. This achievement served as a powerful metaphor for the year: the improbable not only became possible but redefined expectations.
Treasuries Rise as Inflation Data Fuels Wagers on a Fed Rate Cut
US Treasuries gained and traders boosted their bets on a Federal Reserve interest-rate reduction next week after a report showed consumer prices last month accelerated in line with expectations.
Macro Drivers: Actively Navigating Change and Complexity in 2025
CEO Ali Dibadj highlights the three macro drivers that investors must navigate in 2025 and beyond, as well as the importance of actively positioning for a brighter investment future.
Asness’ AI Twin Heralds End of Human Fund Managers
Hedge fund executive Cliff Asness says artificial intelligence is becoming “annoyingly better” at doing parts of his job.
2025 Investment Outlook: Building the Transformation
Historical trends are being permanently broken in real time as mega forces, like the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), transform economies.
Direct Indexing: The Smart Strategy Advisors Can’t Afford to Ignore in 2025
Over the past few years, I’ve written numerous articles and given numerous presentations on Direct Indexing.
Potential December Rate Cut to Kick-Start Active Investing Into 2025
Will the Fed make one more rate cut to end 2024? One more cut would top off what has been a very positive fall for rate cut hopefuls considering how long the Fed waited.
QuantStreet December 2024 Letter: Our Three-Year Anniversary
We launched QuantStreet a little over three years ago, and our first accounts went live as of December 2021.
Emphasize Value as Investors Increasingly Throw Caution to the Wind
We compare investor risk-taking behaviors at the start of the bull market with those nearly 16 years later. We also analyze key market areas that can offer essential diversification to help manage overall portfolio risk.
How to Create a Personalized Portfolio with Direct Indexing
When it comes to personalized investment strategies, multiple perspectives come into play: the client, the provider and the advisor.
Unlocking Stock Market Success: Why You Should Embrace the Skew
To truly benefit from stock investing, it’s necessary to embrace both the emotions and the rewards that come with positive skew. This means learning to live with tail events. It may be uncomfortable when they occur, but they are an integral part of long-term success in the stock market.
Beyond the Trump Trade: US Equity Investing in a New Policy Era
Policy changes could reshape return potential for companies across the US market. Here’s how investors can start thinking about the challenges ahead.
Moving Averages: S&P Finishes November 2024 Up 5.7%
Valid until the market close on December 31, 2024
This article provides an update on the monthly moving averages we track for the S&P 500 and the Ivy Portfolio after the close of the last business day of the month.
Ideas for the “Bookends” of Your Advisory Business
As students across the country start to prepare for year-end exams, there are valuable lessons we can take from the classroom.
Keep More of What You Earn With Direct Indexing
Merrie Zhang shares how direct indexing works, the potential benefits of it, and best practices on selecting a provider.
Strategic Giving: How Direct Indexing Could Enhance Charitable Contributions
Generosity knows no season. But as the year-end holidays approach, many of your clients may be thinking about making a charitable donation or increasing their charitable giving.
2025 Fixed Income Investing: The Credit Cycle & Duration
Rick Raczkowski, PM, Relative Return Team, Loomis, Sayles & Company, discussed how the team views fixed income investing looking ahead.
Tackling Concentrated Stock Risk
Sirion Skulpone of Goldman Sachs Asset Management talks through the risks of being concentrated in individual stocks.
Why the Election Rally Could Continue
Why the equity market rally following the U.S. presidential election could continue into year-end.
Negative Correlations, Positive Allocations
The inverse correlation between bonds and stocks has returned, broadening potential for risk-adjusted returns in multi-asset portfolios.
Investors Still Reluctant to Move From Cash to Bonds
The 2024 Global Survey of Financial Advisors from Natixis revealed the ongoing hesitance of investors to move out of cash and into bonds.
How to Build a Thematic Equity Portfolio
From stock picking to benchmark selection, the construction of an active thematic equity portfolio will play a crucial role in its ability to deliver on a theme’s return potential.
Is It Possible to Forecast Large Market Selloffs?
The S&P 500 index has had a spectacular run from its October 2022 trough to its present all-time peak, which has some (me included) wondering when the bull market will end. I approach this question in three steps.
How Direct Indexing Can Make the Difference for Taxable Investors
A year-round focus on taxes can unlock value for investors in higher brackets—and it can help advisors prove their own value.
Avoid These 2 Pitfalls In Fixed Income Investing
Recent insights from Natixis Investment Managers breaks down a few fixed income risks that investors may not be aware of.
The Bond Market Update: What You Need to Know
Things are looking up for bonds - learn what makes them a great addition to your portfolio right now.
Real Assets: Today’s Mag 7 Diversifiers?
In this article, we’ll remind you what listed real assets are, explain how they fit into an asset allocation, and help you understand why we believe now is an attractive time to invest in the asset class.
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.
Reasons to Remain Overweight U.S. Stocks
In this article, Russ Koesterich discusses why he believes U.S. exceptionalism is a trend that is likely to continue.
Fade the Election – Part 2: Debt & Deficits
The most common questions we’ve been asked as the election approaches are generally about the Federal debt and deficits. Many investors worry about a looming “day of reckoning” for US debt. They fear the US’s fiscal imprudence will eventually force a sudden and dramatic repricing of US debt. In this insight, we explore the modern history of US debt to GDP across several Presidential administrations and outline why investors should not be worried about a financial apocalyptic abyss.
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.
Emerging Markets: The Biggest, Fastest Growing, and Arguably Least Understood Pool of Credit in the World
Many investors today use EM debt for the wrong reasons, manage it imprudently, or overlook the best parts.
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.
Natixis Weighs In: Rate Cuts and Bonds
Fixed income experts at Natixis Investment Managers recently weighed in with outlooks on rate cuts and how to approach bonds.
Investing in an Era of Flouted Rules
The tendency to blindly follow these rules has led investors towards prematurely de-risking and over-estimating the likelihood of recession.
Q3 2024: Shifting Tides: Broad-Based Optimism Fuels Market Momentum
Markets changed character to broad-based optimism relating to the economy. The economic picture began to come into focus with inflation continuing to moderate as the economy maintains steady growth and employment. The result was a stark turnaround for economically integrated or interest rate sensitive assets, which resulted in a great quarter for diversified multi-asset portfolios. New Frontier sets a major milestone in Q4, marking 20 years of investing at the end of October.
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.
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.
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.
Gold’s Stars Continue to Align
In this article, Russ Koesterich discusses gold may continue to serve as a store of value in the current environment.
Inflation Bites Into Cash Investments. Instead, Opt for Equities
Cash strategies may seem safe, but inflation can bite into returns. Instead, investors can try to outperform inflation with equities.
What Goes Up, Must Come Down: Mean Reversion in Commodities
Commodity returns are hard to predict, yet all commodities have something in common—prices that tend to return to their long-run average, a characteristic described as mean reversion. For investors, this behavior could offer an exciting opportunity to improve long-term performance potential.
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.
The Shifting Sands of Alternative Risk Premia Strategies
The 2022 broad market downturn across major asset classes came as a nasty surprise to investors. Historically, such an event is very rare, and no one was expecting to see almost all asset classes down for the year. Yet, even though it might seem as if diversification was of no help in 2022, the story changes if we look beyond the major headline asset classes.
Moving the Needle
The puck has certainly moved since our last market commentary. This month, we argue that the needle on portfolio construction should move with it. Equities have been the driver of returns for much of the last few years.
The Alpha Equation: Myths and Realities
Alpha (α) is a fundamental yet poorly understood concept in finance. Simply put, it is the difference between the return of an investment and that of a risk-adjusted benchmark. In a more advanced definition, alpha is the residual in an asset pricing equation (see Appendix A). Alpha is what active managers strive to achieve and passive managers do not pursue.
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.
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.
The Hidden Hazard in Climate Portfolios: Equity Concentration Risk
If climate portfolios are positioned in the same giant US stocks held in broad equity allocations, investors may unwittingly double down on risk.
Worried About Market Volatility? Try This Equity ETF
Investors can use this Natixis ETF to lock in robust income and capital appreciation, while generating security against equity volatility.
QuantStreet October 2024 Investor Letter: The Fed Finally Starts Easing
The major market event in September was the Fed's 50 basis point rate cut following the September 18th Federal Open Market Committee meeting. There was broad consensus the Fed would cut rates, though the 50 basis points (as opposed to 25) and perhaps the tone of Jay Powell's press conference surprised to the upside...
The Reality of Diminishing Retirement Security
About eight in 10 investors (81%) believe they must fund their own retirement as opposed to relying on private and public pensions.
ETFs and Portfolio Construction: trends, managing risk and optimizing asset allocation
When building a portfolio, advisors need to optimize asset allocations and manage risk. But they also need to understand the trends happening in the market and the tools that can be leveraged to meet the moment.
The Appeal of Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities in a Shifting Economic Landscape
While agency mortgage-backed securities offer compelling valuations, not every mortgage is created equally.
For Retirees, Interest Rates & Inflation Remain Risks
The last two years brought challenges for investors across all walks of life, but particularly for retirees.
Your Next Financial Adviser Will Be on an App
Just as the industrial revolution changed the way goods are manufactured and consumed, so the technological revolution will do for services. Once something can be made at scale, the market for it can expand and be segmented. The same goes for financial planning.
Thematic Investing: More Than Just a Good Story
Strategies and best practices for equity portfolios.
Demystifying Private Credit
A new wave of opportunity seems set to flow into private credit markets, which could enhance risk-adjusted returns and diversify portfolios. What's driving this potential?
A Second Opinion Is Just What the Doctor Ordered
In theory, growing a pool of wealth over decades – whether for a family, an endowment, or a pensioner – is a straightforward endeavor.
Value of an Advisor: T Is for Tax-Smart Planning and Investing
Taxes may be the biggest fee your tax-sensitive clients are paying on their investment portfolios. And neither they nor you, their advisor, may be aware of just how big that fee is.
The Best and Worst Investment Decisions I’ve Made
Today, I’m going to share stories about my best and worst investment decisions. Don’t worry, this isn’t just a brag-and-cringe session about making or losing money. These stories are about the valuable lessons learned, and how these adventures in investing helped shape my current approach.
With Rate Cuts Underway, Give Option Income ETFs a Shot
Now that the Fed has begun the rate-cut cycle, investors can use option income ETFs to provide long-term income and risk protection.
Summer Cocktails, White Sneakers, Nvidia: It’s Back to Schooling
While the beach version of SoCal has had an epic, non-marine layer summer, it seems to have been enjoyed by few locals who instead violate the cardinal rule of adult life without children living at home and nevertheless travel to Europe in summer. We haven’t missed you.
Hedged Equity: For the Best of Times, For the Worst of Times
The last five years have bombarded investors with a seemingly never-ending array of challenges. Yet despite all these obstacles the S&P 500 is up almost 90% as of this writing.
Seizing the Opportunity in Emerging Markets
With attractive valuations, emerging market equities look like a good opportunity. A factor investing strategy, designed well, may enhance performance and help manage some key risks.
Why the Next Spike in Market Volatility May Last
In this article, Russ Koesterich discusses why the next bout of market volatility may last a bit longer than previous downturns and how to best position your portfolio against this backdrop.
Positioning for a Small-Cap Market Rotation in Our Model Portfolios
Due to balance sheet concerns, the higher-for-longer interest rate environment has been a significant headwind for the relative performance of U.S. small-cap equities.
CD or Treasury? Five Factors to Consider
Certificates of deposit (CDs) and Treasuries both can offer steady, predictable investment income—but how to decide between them? Here are five factors to help you choose.
The Active International ETF Showing Continued Strength
With U.S. equities perhaps calling for diversification, an active international ETF like TOUS could play a helpful role.
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL)
On this episode of the “ETF of the Week” podcast, VettaFi’s Head of Research Todd Rosenbluth discussed the Alps Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL) 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.
Emphasize Consistency to Navigate Volatility
An analysis of the leadership reversal and market sell-off observed in recent weeks and why an emphasis on equities with consistent fundamentals is justified.
Why BlackRock Now Likes International Value
Last week, the BlackRock Target Allocation Team reduced their equity exposure and reduced some growth allocations in favor of value.
August’s PMI Underscores Need for Active Management
As market sensitivity to economic data continues, investors would do well to consider active strategies amidst ongoing volatility.
BlackRock Dials Back Risk Across $131 Billion Model Portfolios
The world’s biggest asset manager is taking some chips off the table as markets enter a “new phase” of turbulence ahead of a Federal Reserve interest rate cutting cycle and the US presidential election.
Can ETFs Capture Private Equity Markets?
Private assets are the fastest-growing market in the financial world, but could be the most challenging field for ETF providers to penetrate.
Private Equity in an ETF? ERShares Founder Joel Shulman Explains
ERShares Founder Joel Shulman goes in-depth on what’s being called the first ever private-public crossover ETF, the appropriately named Entrepreneur Private-Public Crossover ETF (XOVR). VettaFi’s Todd Rosenbluth discusses Nvidia from an ETF angle, highlighting products with varying exposure to the high-flying stock.
Don’t Fall for These 3 Value Investing Myths
A number of myths exist about value investing as it pertains to timing the economic cycle, interest rates, and elections.
How to Build a Dividend Growth Portfolio in an Overpriced Market
Build a dividend growth portfolio. The stock market as measured by the S&P is currently at an all-time high which makes it very challenging to try to build a quality dividend growth portfolio.
Why Use Model Portfolios? So Advisors Can Focus on What Matters Most
Over nearly three decades, I’ve been dedicated to the sport of running. For the last five years, I chased the elusive goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon, my ultimate aspiration. It wasn’t until I sought the expertise of a professional coach that I finally achieved this dream.
Strengthen Your Client’s Core with Direct Indexing
Active management can lead to high portfolio turnover and a higher tax bill. Wealth managers might feel that an active strategy could be too inefficient for clients who are sensitive to taxes. Find out how implementing a core-satellite portfolio with a direct indexing core may improve tax efficiency.
Capital Group Municipal Income ETF (CGMU)
On this episode of the “ETF of the Week” podcast, VettaFi’s Head of Research Todd Rosenbluth discussed the Capital Group Municipal Income ETF (CGMU) 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.
Value of an Advisor: C is for Customized Experience and Family Wealth Planning
Advisors are offering customized holistic wealth management to their clients and their families to help ensure an orderly transition of wealth
From Sports Car to Minivan: Direct Indexing Can Help You Give Your Clients the Ride They Want
When I was in high school, I really wanted a car. My loving parents took every situation as an opportunity to teach. They told me that if I wanted a car, I would have to earn it.
A Second-Half Global Bond Market Outlook
For bond investors looking to the near- and longer-term, Matt Eagan stepped through considerations and opportunities in the global market.
Assessing Culture in the Evaluation of Investment Strategies
While strategy provides direction, a strong culture is the foundation that supports and sustains an organization’s success. Culture influences every aspect of an organization and defines the purpose and values that guide the actions of employees.
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.
Quant Street July 2024 Investor Letter: Momentum Crash
When growth slows and rates fall, what will happen to an asset class with long-dated cash flows that are not very economically sensitive? Well, it is likely to strongly outperform. Ergo the short-term outlook for growth relative to value/small caps appear to be rosy.
Bonds Surge After Soft Jobs Data Raises Pressure on Fed to Cut
The bond-market rally escalated Friday after a report showed that job growth slowed sharply last month, further stoking speculation that the Federal Reserve will start aggressively cutting interest rates to keep the economy from stalling.
Gold Shines, Defying Historical Relationships
In this article, Russ Koesterich discusses factors behind gold’s impressive performance year to date.