Loyalty isn’t something you can demand, nor is it something that happens overnight. It’s something you earn, step by step, through trust, consistency, and a genuine commitment to your client’s well-being.
Debt collectors have been unpopular since ancient times, but they play a necessary role in the lending lifecycle. Their jobs are not easy: I recall one collector noting that there are few ways to communicate with defaulted borrowers.
As investors, we need to step back and examine the history of previous debt downgrades and their outcomes for the stock and bond markets. Let’s start with what Moody’s rating agency stated about its rating change.
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. is looking to open more offices and boost headcount in the Middle East, joining Wall Street peers expanding in the region to tap its deep pools of capital.
The 60/40 approach has not been what it was just a few years ago. Fortunately, there are alternatives.
The signal of announcing trade pacts is an important start.
QTR Family Wealth, a full-service wealth management firm owned and led by brothers Wes and Chad Hunter, proudly announces the official launch of its independent Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm.
Over the past ten years, we’ve discussed this question with about 50 of our friends and clients, resulting in many animated and productive conversations.
Don’t allow your middle-aged clients depending on their 401(k) plan to fool themselves. Markets can’t rescue a failure to save until it hurts. And don’t let them kid themselves that a smoother ride with bonds won’t come at the cost of increased shortfall risk.
Long-dated Treasuries fell on Monday as investor attention turned to the US’ ballooning debt after Moody’s Ratings stripped the nation of its last top credit rating.
The recent rally began when Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent struck a more conciliatory tone with China, saying he expected a de-escalation shortly.
Chief Economist Eugenio J. Alemán discusses current economic conditions.
The House Ways & Means Committee advanced a comprehensive tax bill this week. Our Bill Cass discusses the key provisions and how they may impact taxpayers.
Retirement. It’s a phase of life that brings with it unique challenges, particularly when it comes to healthcare. In the U.S., the average lifespan is 79 years (compared to the global average of 73 years).
529 plans provide tax benefits, estate planning advantages, and flexible education savings. Our Bill Cass explains how 529 plans can be part of an estate planning strategy.
Despite the announcement of new tariffs, long-term inflation expectations—as measured by the 5y5y inflation rate—have remained stable
China has been a focal point of American trade policy for many years, but tensions were escalated early in the second Trump term.
Are you trying to grow a stable team of advisors and retain top talent? Young advisors are looking for RIA firms that offer remote work flexibility, a clear path toward advancement and role transparency.
To help exemplify the importance of UX, I’m breaking down a few of the most common UX myths, along with the top recommendations to avoid the pitfalls associated with them.
The U.S. may not walk back all of the new tariffs.
Tariff talk has been at a fever pitch for the past three months. Its dominance of the news cycle has crowded out discussion of other important economic issues, such as the sustainability of America’s national debt.
Kevin Flanagan, head of fixed income at WisdomTree, joined a VettaFi panel to break down the most attractive fixed income strategies.
When navigating the unknown, an experienced guide can ensure you don’t veer off the path to your chosen destination, can prevent you from stumbling across hazards, and ensure you have the tools you need to finish the journey safely and soundly.
Financial advisors will be working with millennials and Gen Z, either as new clients or as family members of existing ones.
At Wednesday’s press conference, Chair Jay Powell signaled a wait-and-see approach, as the Fed keeps a close eye on inflation pressures and the job market.
For more than a year, Alphabet Inc. shareholders have fretted over long-term risks posed by artificial intelligence to the company’s money-printing search business. This week the threat became much more immediate.
Preparing for retirement involves more than finances and should include a focus on health, wellbeing and goals. Our Mike Dullaghan explains why it’s important to start preparing 10 years ahead of retirement.
The federal government recently resumed student loan collections after a multi-year pause. This affects millions of borrowers who have been in forbearance since March 2020. Our Bill Cass outlines some options for borrowers in default.
Elite golf is a mental game as much as physical—and so is investing. This year’s Masters tournament was one of the most compelling I have ever witnessed, and Rory McIlroy’s long-awaited playoff victory contains a number of life lessons that are relevant for investors.
S&P 500® earnings per share estimates have come down sharply. According to FactSet, calendar year 2025 is now expected to show $266 in operating EPS for the Index.
The current geopolitical climate has injected an extra dose of unpredictability into the economy.
Our monthly workforce recovery analysis has been updated to include the latest employment report for April. The unemployment rate remained at 4.2%. Additionally, the number of new non-farm jobs (a relatively volatile number subject to extensive revisions) came in at 177,000.
After entering the year with a cautious outlook, managers have become more defensively postured as the U.S. tariff policy has increased uncertainty.
Market headlines may change daily, but the role of a financial advisor remains remarkably consistent: to be the calm in the storm, the strategist with a plan and—most importantly—the voice of reason when clients need it most.
In light of the announcement that Warren Buffett is stepping down, we thought it very useful to share some of the keynote talk I did at the University of Nebraska-Omaha Business School last Friday night (thanks to its wonderful director, Robert Miles).
Trend-following strategies can offer attractive, positively skewed returns, with large positive outperformance often coinciding with large equity selloffs, thereby offering tail protection.
Most economists and portfolio managers are cautious when discussing gold. Its handling and transaction costs are high, and it pays no interest or dividends.
Like an iceberg, what looks like a clear and present issue only appears that way from the surface. Navigating solely from what you can see on the surface puts you in danger of missing the deeper emotional issues and impacts that lie below.
With investors experiencing heightened anxiety about their financial futures, your approach can make the difference between client retention and attrition. This comprehensive guide from our senior consultants explores actionable strategies for effective client communication during market volatility.
This article focuses on asset-based fees that cover both advice and investment-related costs, which is a model that I believe is best-suited for most individuals, as advisors can add value across multiple dimensions.
In recent times, central bank independence has been taken as gospel. Political pressure for easy money contributed to extremes of inflation in the 1970s.
Markets clawed back early losses in April, but one thing has become clear – policy uncertainty and risk isn’t fading, it’s spreading.
While tariff negotiations may well bear fruit eventually, investors today are trying to figure out the impact of changing trade pacts on GDP growth, interest rate levels, the value of the dollar, and the ability of the Treasury to refinance $9.2 trillion of our $36 trillion federal debt in 2025.
The GDP report for the first quarter of the year showed a very engaged business sector as it rushed to try to minimize, as much as possible, the future impact of higher tariffs.
For decades, U.S. Treasuries have been universally regarded as a benchmark and a safe haven asset during periods of turmoil.
Lightspeed Venture Partners, one of Silicon Valley’s largest venture capital firms, has changed its regulatory status to broaden its range of investments — following similar moves by Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz and General Catalyst as they shift away from the traditional VC playbook.
Businesses may face challenges but there are also a number of tax-smart strategies that can help mitigate tax liability and enhance efficiency. Our Bill Cass discusses several tax-smart strategies to consider.
SEI® (NASDAQ:SEIC) today announced that Summit Wealth Group, a fast-growing enterprise advisor practice, has selected SEI to support the firm’s vision and evolution for strategic growth.
Stable value funds can offer capital preservation and stable returns. Our Mike Dullaghan explains the key role of stable value in long-term retirement savings.
Many American consumers recently endured their first inflationary cycle, and recent trade headlines have elevated fears of a another bout with higher costs. While not impacted by tariffs, energy markets may play a critical role in driving the price level during the balance of this year.
The current level of tariffs of 145% on Chinese goods and 125% on US goods going into China amounts to a trade embargo between the two countries.
After the U.S. imposed substantial tariffs on China, Beijing responded with tariffs of its own and with restrictions on exports of seven rare earth minerals. The latter action will be a particular hindrance to American manufacturers.
Personal income (excluding transfer receipts) rose 0.6% in March and is up 3.7% year-over-year. However, when adjusted for inflation using the BEA's PCE Price Index, real personal income (excluding transfer receipts) was up 0.7% month-over-month and up 1.4% year-over-year.
Morgan Stanley is launching a private equity fund for its widest audience yet — investors wielding a few million dollars — as asset managers help broader masses into the once-exclusive realm.
The fintech revolution has opened doors to optimizing home office operations, but the question remains: How can wealth managers effectively harness their tech stack to reduce fragmentation and simplify processes related to vendor workflow management?
Barry Ritholtz, Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Ritholtz Wealth Management, breaks down the current market environment and discusses key ideas from his latest book, How Not to Invest. VettaFi’s Todd Rosenbluth offers highlights from the 2025 etf.com Awards.
Ultimately, advisors should choose a rebalancing strategy that best serves their client’s needs without putting undue strain on their own operations.
If you want to be a superstar producer, who operates as a category-of-one business, then you must never accept the industry “norms” that are really barriers holding you back from achieving your full potential.
American leaders are now engaged in an effort to reverse the loss of manufacturing. The hope is to restore a path to prosperity for struggling regions and their residents. Tariffs are being employed liberally as a means to this end.
Unexpected wider and larger-scope tariff announcements have sent tremors through bond and equity markets, resulting in a brisk sell-off that signals investors’ caution.
In this article, I will discuss another advantage of using the actuarial approach for retirement planning — helping your clients determine when they can afford to make big-ticket item purchases.
Private equity firms are scouring for investment opportunities in European defense, chasing the once shunned sector in an effort to benefit from a historic switch to military expansion in the region.
Tax planning for high-income earners isn’t about loopholes; it’s about leveraging the strategies available to you.
Many retirees hold substantial assets in traditional IRAs and taxable brokerage accounts. When planning for retirement income and considering your legacy, Roth IRA conversions can be a strategic way to reduce your tax burden and maximize the wealth you pass on to your heirs.
A tax-advantaged account offers certain tax benefits to encourage individuals to save or invest for specific purposes, such as retirement, education or healthcare. These accounts can help you lower your taxable income, defer taxes or avoid taxes altogether if used for qualified expenses.
A historic sell-off enhances value, with high yields, strong fundamentals, and ample reserves mitigating policy risks.
Even with tariff uncertainty, there’s no stopping the engine of ETF creation. More than 288 new ETFs have already launched this year.
As chief investment officer of Yale University for more than three decades, David Swensen redefined institutional investing.
President Trump has been a vocal admirer of China’s Great Wall, built by the country’s emperors to protect their territory from outside aggression. In his first term, he compared his plan to build a border wall with that historic structure.
While gold has offered some protection during stock market downturns by either rising or declining by less than equities, its current high price levels and historical patterns suggest that future returns may be limited.
Tax filing season may be over for many, but tax planning is an important focus year-round. Consider post-tax season strategies including optimizing deductions or adjusting retirement contributions. Our Bill Cass shares some tax planning ideas to consider.
As President Donald Trump’s trade war continues, Canadian equities are poised to outperform their US counterparts, portfolio managers argue.
Kestra Private Wealth Services (Kestra PWS), a registered investment adviser subsidiary of Kestra Financial, Inc., today announced it has welcomed Turas Wealth Partners (Turas), a wealth management firm led by father-son duo John and Shea Marmion, to its platform.
In financial markets, few technical patterns generate as much attention and anxiety as the death cross.
To say that it has been a tumultuous year in Canada would be an understatement. The country’s business model, which relies heavily on commerce with the United States, has been put under severe stress by the American administration.
A reintroduction of SLR relief to balance treasury market stability and systemic risk would likely produce several market effects.
No matter what form of compensation you take, it is impossible to eliminate “conflicts” to the extent assumed by the proponents of a new fiduciary standard.
A global trade war can’t possibly be good news for a city-state whose exports and imports add up to more than 300% of its gross domestic product. Yet there are good reasons to believe that real estate in Singapore may offer a sanctuary to investors fleeing extreme anxiety.
A divide has recently developed between soft and hard economic data. At a time when conditions are changing rapidly, understanding the difference between the two is terribly important.
Compare corporate and municipal bonds, including risks, returns, and tax benefits. Learn which bond type fits your investment goals.
Wall Street is already looking past what’s expected to be Corporate America’s slowest gain in quarterly earnings in a year, instead focusing on a number that rarely captures the limelight: capital expenditures.
Investing in stocks so far in 2025 has not been for the faint of heart. Some market indices have undergone wild swings, flirting with bear-market territory
The deferral of “reciprocal” tariffs on most U.S. trading partners suggests that the peak of tariff uncertainty may have passed.
LPL Financial LLC announced today that financial advisor Steve Jones of Tenacity Investment Group has joined LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) and custodial platforms.
Charles Schwab Corp.’s daily average trades exceeded expectations as retail investors rushed to respond to market volatility in the first three months of the year.
Measures announced so far this year have pushed the effective U.S. tariff rate above 20%. The astonishing jump has raised import taxes to a level not seen in about a century.
As homeowner insurance rates rise, advisors share ways individuals can create a financial safety net should catastrophe impact their homes.
If the goal is to use technological platforms to customize and maximize the experience for your clients, it seems many of us still have a way to go.
Wealth Management
How To Create Client Loyalty for Life
Loyalty isn’t something you can demand, nor is it something that happens overnight. It’s something you earn, step by step, through trust, consistency, and a genuine commitment to your client’s well-being.
Student Debt Default Deluge
Debt collectors have been unpopular since ancient times, but they play a necessary role in the lending lifecycle. Their jobs are not easy: I recall one collector noting that there are few ways to communicate with defaulted borrowers.
Moody’s Debt Downgrade – Does It Matter?
As investors, we need to step back and examine the history of previous debt downgrades and their outcomes for the stock and bond markets. Let’s start with what Moody’s rating agency stated about its rating change.
Goldman to Boost Middle East Headcount, Eyes Wealth Fund Deals
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. is looking to open more offices and boost headcount in the Middle East, joining Wall Street peers expanding in the region to tap its deep pools of capital.
The Rebirth of the 60/40 Portfolio Has Been Greatly Exaggerated
The 60/40 approach has not been what it was just a few years ago. Fortunately, there are alternatives.
Trade Progress: Small Steps
The signal of announcing trade pacts is an important start.
QTR Family Wealth Launches Independent RIA Firm
QTR Family Wealth, a full-service wealth management firm owned and led by brothers Wes and Chad Hunter, proudly announces the official launch of its independent Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm.
The Most Revealing Question in Personal Investing…and How Warren Buffett Helps Us Answer It
Over the past ten years, we’ve discussed this question with about 50 of our friends and clients, resulting in many animated and productive conversations.
A 401(k) in Every Pot? The Glidepath to Nowhere
Don’t allow your middle-aged clients depending on their 401(k) plan to fool themselves. Markets can’t rescue a failure to save until it hurts. And don’t let them kid themselves that a smoother ride with bonds won’t come at the cost of increased shortfall risk.
Treasuries, Dollar Fall as Moody’s Sharpens Focus on US Debt
Long-dated Treasuries fell on Monday as investor attention turned to the US’ ballooning debt after Moody’s Ratings stripped the nation of its last top credit rating.
Is It a New Bull Market?
The recent rally began when Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent struck a more conciliatory tone with China, saying he expected a de-escalation shortly.
Better Tariff News, but Uncertainty to Limit Potential Benefits Near Term
Chief Economist Eugenio J. Alemán discusses current economic conditions.
Special Tax Alert: House Committee Advances Tax Bill
The House Ways & Means Committee advanced a comprehensive tax bill this week. Our Bill Cass discusses the key provisions and how they may impact taxpayers.
Hidden Healthcare Costs: Understanding Financial Security for Retirees
Retirement. It’s a phase of life that brings with it unique challenges, particularly when it comes to healthcare. In the U.S., the average lifespan is 79 years (compared to the global average of 73 years).
A 529 Plan Can be an Effective Component of an Estate Plan
529 plans provide tax benefits, estate planning advantages, and flexible education savings. Our Bill Cass explains how 529 plans can be part of an estate planning strategy.
Inflation Expectations Hold Firm Amid Tariff Noise
Despite the announcement of new tariffs, long-term inflation expectations—as measured by the 5y5y inflation rate—have remained stable
Goods Trade: Delayed Aggravation
China has been a focal point of American trade policy for many years, but tensions were escalated early in the second Trump term.
Want to Build a Strong Advisor Team? 3 Ways to Retain Top Talent
Are you trying to grow a stable team of advisors and retain top talent? Young advisors are looking for RIA firms that offer remote work flexibility, a clear path toward advancement and role transparency.
4 Common Myths of Website User Experience
To help exemplify the importance of UX, I’m breaking down a few of the most common UX myths, along with the top recommendations to avoid the pitfalls associated with them.
U.S./Japan Trade Negotiations
The U.S. may not walk back all of the new tariffs.
The Link Between Tariffs and The U.S. Federal Budget
Tariff talk has been at a fever pitch for the past three months. Its dominance of the news cycle has crowded out discussion of other important economic issues, such as the sustainability of America’s national debt.
WisdomTree’s Kevin Flanagan on How to Navigate Fixed Income
Kevin Flanagan, head of fixed income at WisdomTree, joined a VettaFi panel to break down the most attractive fixed income strategies.
The Federal Reserve Reserves the Right to Change Its Mind
Chief Economist Eugenio J. Alemán discusses current economic conditions.
Value of an Advisor: The Importance of an Experienced Guide
When navigating the unknown, an experienced guide can ensure you don’t veer off the path to your chosen destination, can prevent you from stumbling across hazards, and ensure you have the tools you need to finish the journey safely and soundly.
The Advisor’s Guide to Communicating With Gen Z & Millennial Clients
Financial advisors will be working with millennials and Gen Z, either as new clients or as family members of existing ones.
Increased Risks to Both Sides of the Dual Mandate
At Wednesday’s press conference, Chair Jay Powell signaled a wait-and-see approach, as the Fed keeps a close eye on inflation pressures and the job market.
Alphabet Shares Take $115 Billion Blow as Search Warnings Blare
For more than a year, Alphabet Inc. shareholders have fretted over long-term risks posed by artificial intelligence to the company’s money-printing search business. This week the threat became much more immediate.
The Home Stretch: Seven Essential Steps For Pre-retirees
Preparing for retirement involves more than finances and should include a focus on health, wellbeing and goals. Our Mike Dullaghan explains why it’s important to start preparing 10 years ahead of retirement.
For Students With College Debt in Default, it’s Time to Pay the Bill
The federal government recently resumed student loan collections after a multi-year pause. This affects millions of borrowers who have been in forbearance since March 2020. Our Bill Cass outlines some options for borrowers in default.
Risk, Reward, and Rory at the Masters
Elite golf is a mental game as much as physical—and so is investing. This year’s Masters tournament was one of the most compelling I have ever witnessed, and Rory McIlroy’s long-awaited playoff victory contains a number of life lessons that are relevant for investors.
Dividend Hikes Offer Optimism Amid Tariff Turmoil
S&P 500® earnings per share estimates have come down sharply. According to FactSet, calendar year 2025 is now expected to show $266 in operating EPS for the Index.
The 2-Faced Economy: Strong Data Amid Shaky Sentiment
The current geopolitical climate has injected an extra dose of unpredictability into the economy.
U.S. Workforce Recovery Analysis: April 2025
Our monthly workforce recovery analysis has been updated to include the latest employment report for April. The unemployment rate remained at 4.2%. Additionally, the number of new non-farm jobs (a relatively volatile number subject to extensive revisions) came in at 177,000.
Tariff Risks Reshape Manager Positioning
After entering the year with a cautious outlook, managers have become more defensively postured as the U.S. tariff policy has increased uncertainty.
When Markets Shake, Advisors Steady the Ship
Market headlines may change daily, but the role of a financial advisor remains remarkably consistent: to be the calm in the storm, the strategist with a plan and—most importantly—the voice of reason when clients need it most.
Thank You Warren Buffett
In light of the announcement that Warren Buffett is stepping down, we thought it very useful to share some of the keynote talk I did at the University of Nebraska-Omaha Business School last Friday night (thanks to its wonderful director, Robert Miles).
Walking the Tightrope: Trend Following’s Tricky Tradeoffs
Trend-following strategies can offer attractive, positively skewed returns, with large positive outperformance often coinciding with large equity selloffs, thereby offering tail protection.
Gold Has Many Buyers
Most economists and portfolio managers are cautious when discussing gold. Its handling and transaction costs are high, and it pays no interest or dividends.
Be Skeptical — Don’t Trust Your Prospect
Like an iceberg, what looks like a clear and present issue only appears that way from the surface. Navigating solely from what you can see on the surface puts you in danger of missing the deeper emotional issues and impacts that lie below.
Client Communication Strategies During Market Volatility
With investors experiencing heightened anxiety about their financial futures, your approach can make the difference between client retention and attrition. This comprehensive guide from our senior consultants explores actionable strategies for effective client communication during market volatility.
The Hidden Cost in Investing: Negative Compounding & the Opportunity Cost of Fees
This article focuses on asset-based fees that cover both advice and investment-related costs, which is a model that I believe is best-suited for most individuals, as advisors can add value across multiple dimensions.
Criticism of The Fed: Rule, Not Exception
In recent times, central bank independence has been taken as gospel. Political pressure for easy money contributed to extremes of inflation in the 1970s.
Ongoing Policy Uncertainty Keeps Markets Uneasy
Markets clawed back early losses in April, but one thing has become clear – policy uncertainty and risk isn’t fading, it’s spreading.
Fixed Income and Tariff Policy: Advising Clients in an Era of Uncertainty
While tariff negotiations may well bear fruit eventually, investors today are trying to figure out the impact of changing trade pacts on GDP growth, interest rate levels, the value of the dollar, and the ability of the Treasury to refinance $9.2 trillion of our $36 trillion federal debt in 2025.
Firms Front-Load Increase in Tariffs During Q1 2025
The GDP report for the first quarter of the year showed a very engaged business sector as it rushed to try to minimize, as much as possible, the future impact of higher tariffs.
U.S. Treasuries Falling Out of Favor?
For decades, U.S. Treasuries have been universally regarded as a benchmark and a safe haven asset during periods of turmoil.
Lightspeed is Latest Firm to Shift Away From Classic VC Model
Lightspeed Venture Partners, one of Silicon Valley’s largest venture capital firms, has changed its regulatory status to broaden its range of investments — following similar moves by Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz and General Catalyst as they shift away from the traditional VC playbook.
Key Tax Planning Strategies for Business Owners
Businesses may face challenges but there are also a number of tax-smart strategies that can help mitigate tax liability and enhance efficiency. Our Bill Cass discusses several tax-smart strategies to consider.
Summit Wealth Group Launches RIA, SEI Powers Evolved Business Model
SEI® (NASDAQ:SEIC) today announced that Summit Wealth Group, a fast-growing enterprise advisor practice, has selected SEI to support the firm’s vision and evolution for strategic growth.
Why Stable Value is Critical in Retirement Plan Menus
Stable value funds can offer capital preservation and stable returns. Our Mike Dullaghan explains the key role of stable value in long-term retirement savings.
Energy Prices Are Not Well Grounded
Many American consumers recently endured their first inflationary cycle, and recent trade headlines have elevated fears of a another bout with higher costs. While not impacted by tariffs, energy markets may play a critical role in driving the price level during the balance of this year.
The Ripple Effects of the US/China Trade Embargo
The current level of tariffs of 145% on Chinese goods and 125% on US goods going into China amounts to a trade embargo between the two countries.
Rare Earth Restrictions
After the U.S. imposed substantial tariffs on China, Beijing responded with tariffs of its own and with restrictions on exports of seven rare earth minerals. The latter action will be a particular hindrance to American manufacturers.
The Big Four Recession Indicators: Real Personal Income Up 0.7% in March
Personal income (excluding transfer receipts) rose 0.6% in March and is up 3.7% year-over-year. However, when adjusted for inflation using the BEA's PCE Price Index, real personal income (excluding transfer receipts) was up 0.7% month-over-month and up 1.4% year-over-year.
Morgan Stanley Offers PE Fund for Wider Swath of Millionaires
Morgan Stanley is launching a private equity fund for its widest audience yet — investors wielding a few million dollars — as asset managers help broader masses into the once-exclusive realm.
Corralling Your Tech Stack: Streamlining Wealth Management Operations
The fintech revolution has opened doors to optimizing home office operations, but the question remains: How can wealth managers effectively harness their tech stack to reduce fragmentation and simplify processes related to vendor workflow management?
Barry Ritholtz: How Not to Invest
Barry Ritholtz, Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Ritholtz Wealth Management, breaks down the current market environment and discusses key ideas from his latest book, How Not to Invest. VettaFi’s Todd Rosenbluth offers highlights from the 2025 etf.com Awards.
What Is the Optimal Portfolio Rebalancing Strategy?
Ultimately, advisors should choose a rebalancing strategy that best serves their client’s needs without putting undue strain on their own operations.
Are You An Average Or Top Producer? What’s The Difference?
If you want to be a superstar producer, who operates as a category-of-one business, then you must never accept the industry “norms” that are really barriers holding you back from achieving your full potential.
The Trials and Tribulations of Trade
American leaders are now engaged in an effort to reverse the loss of manufacturing. The hope is to restore a path to prosperity for struggling regions and their residents. Tariffs are being employed liberally as a means to this end.
Bracing for Impact
Unexpected wider and larger-scope tariff announcements have sent tremors through bond and equity markets, resulting in a brisk sell-off that signals investors’ caution.
Advising a Retired Client Who Wants to Buy a Second Home (or Other Big-Ticket Item)
In this article, I will discuss another advantage of using the actuarial approach for retirement planning — helping your clients determine when they can afford to make big-ticket item purchases.
Private Equity Firms Target Defense Assets Once Seen as Toxic
Private equity firms are scouring for investment opportunities in European defense, chasing the once shunned sector in an effort to benefit from a historic switch to military expansion in the region.
The Fate of the US Dollar and Us Exceptionalism
Chief Economist Eugenio J. Alemán discusses current economic conditions.
7 Smart Tax Planning Strategies for High-Earning W-2 Employees
Tax planning for high-income earners isn’t about loopholes; it’s about leveraging the strategies available to you.
Roth IRA Conversions in Retirement: How to Successfully Minimize Taxes & Maximize Wealth
Many retirees hold substantial assets in traditional IRAs and taxable brokerage accounts. When planning for retirement income and considering your legacy, Roth IRA conversions can be a strategic way to reduce your tax burden and maximize the wealth you pass on to your heirs.
Tax-Advantaged Accounts: A Powerful Addition to Your Financial Plan
A tax-advantaged account offers certain tax benefits to encourage individuals to save or invest for specific purposes, such as retirement, education or healthcare. These accounts can help you lower your taxable income, defer taxes or avoid taxes altogether if used for qualified expenses.
Outlook on Municipal Bonds: Seeking Opportunity Amid Volatility
A historic sell-off enhances value, with high yields, strong fundamentals, and ample reserves mitigating policy risks.
ETF Market Booms: Record Launches & Sophisticated Strategies
Even with tariff uncertainty, there’s no stopping the engine of ETF creation. More than 288 new ETFs have already launched this year.
Yale Signals That Private Equity May Have Peaked
As chief investment officer of Yale University for more than three decades, David Swensen redefined institutional investing.
The Great Wall
President Trump has been a vocal admirer of China’s Great Wall, built by the country’s emperors to protect their territory from outside aggression. In his first term, he compared his plan to build a border wall with that historic structure.
Gold $5,000?
While gold has offered some protection during stock market downturns by either rising or declining by less than equities, its current high price levels and historical patterns suggest that future returns may be limited.
Tax Planning Should be a Focus for All seasons
Tax filing season may be over for many, but tax planning is an important focus year-round. Consider post-tax season strategies including optimizing deductions or adjusting retirement contributions. Our Bill Cass shares some tax planning ideas to consider.
Portfolio Managers See Canada Stock Market as Long-Term Winner
As President Donald Trump’s trade war continues, Canadian equities are poised to outperform their US counterparts, portfolio managers argue.
Turas Wealth Partners Joins Kestra Private Wealth Services To Further Focus on Client Experience
Kestra Private Wealth Services (Kestra PWS), a registered investment adviser subsidiary of Kestra Financial, Inc., today announced it has welcomed Turas Wealth Partners (Turas), a wealth management firm led by father-son duo John and Shea Marmion, to its platform.
The Death Cross and Market Bottoms
In financial markets, few technical patterns generate as much attention and anxiety as the death cross.
Oh, Canada
To say that it has been a tumultuous year in Canada would be an understatement. The country’s business model, which relies heavily on commerce with the United States, has been put under severe stress by the American administration.
Balancing Treasury Market Stability and Systemic Risk
A reintroduction of SLR relief to balance treasury market stability and systemic risk would likely produce several market effects.
Separating ‘Fiduciary’ From ‘Compensation’
No matter what form of compensation you take, it is impossible to eliminate “conflicts” to the extent assumed by the proponents of a new fiduciary standard.
Singapore Property May Be a Good Place to Hide
A global trade war can’t possibly be good news for a city-state whose exports and imports add up to more than 300% of its gross domestic product. Yet there are good reasons to believe that real estate in Singapore may offer a sanctuary to investors fleeing extreme anxiety.
The “Soft” Data Gets Softer
A divide has recently developed between soft and hard economic data. At a time when conditions are changing rapidly, understanding the difference between the two is terribly important.
Corporate vs. Municipal Bonds: Key Differences Every Investor Should Know
Compare corporate and municipal bonds, including risks, returns, and tax benefits. Learn which bond type fits your investment goals.
Investors Want to Know What Firms Are Spending More Than Earning
Wall Street is already looking past what’s expected to be Corporate America’s slowest gain in quarterly earnings in a year, instead focusing on a number that rarely captures the limelight: capital expenditures.
Consider Direct Indexing to Offset Pain From Market Volatility
Investing in stocks so far in 2025 has not been for the faint of heart. Some market indices have undergone wild swings, flirting with bear-market territory
Trade War Will Take a Toll
The deferral of “reciprocal” tariffs on most U.S. trading partners suggests that the peak of tariff uncertainty may have passed.
LPL Financial Welcomes Tenacity Investment Group
LPL Financial LLC announced today that financial advisor Steve Jones of Tenacity Investment Group has joined LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) and custodial platforms.
Schwab Trading Tops Estimates as Customers Cope With Volatility
Charles Schwab Corp.’s daily average trades exceeded expectations as retail investors rushed to respond to market volatility in the first three months of the year.
Looking Back on the Smoot-Hawley Tariffs
Measures announced so far this year have pushed the effective U.S. tariff rate above 20%. The astonishing jump has raised import taxes to a level not seen in about a century.
Advisors Share Solutions for Rising Homeowner Insurance Costs
As homeowner insurance rates rise, advisors share ways individuals can create a financial safety net should catastrophe impact their homes.
Making It Personal: Improve Your Online Presence With Smart Data Usage
If the goal is to use technological platforms to customize and maximize the experience for your clients, it seems many of us still have a way to go.