Viewpoints
Financial Reform:
Some Legislation Highlights and Investment Implications
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act touches virtually every corner of finance, from credit card fees to derivative trades. Prompted by the 2008 credit crisis, the legislation establishes new consumer protections, subjects more financial firms to federal oversight, sets new standards for the derivatives market and gives regulators greater power to dismantle firms on the verge of collapse. »»
Andres Perspectives - Double-Dip Recession Semantics
In the absence of an official end to the current recession, it is somewhat problematic to enter into a second or “double-dip” recession. Technically, a double-dip refers to a recession followed by a short-duration, unsustainable recovery followed by a second recession. »»
Research
Untangling Skill and Luck:
How to Think About Outcome - Past, Present and Future
The outcomes for most activities combine skill and luck. Separating skill and luck encourages better thinking about outcomes and allows for sharply improved decision making. There are good methods to sort skill and luck in sports, business, and investing. We define the key features of skill in the investment business. »»
The PMC/Singer Partners Dynamic ETF Portfolios
In practice, the investment markets are not always rational. However, it is very difficult to determine when the market is undervaluing an asset – making it a timely and smart investment – and when that asset is overpriced. To address this investment opportunity, PMC has partnered with Singer Partners, a global asset allocation firm that uses a risk-managed, fundamental approach to value a broad set of global assets. Singer allocates capital to global assets based upon valuations and market behavior analysis. »»
Sustainable Investing
The Bottom Line on Sustainability
As socially responsive investors, the Neuberger Berman Socially Responsive Investing Team has always evaluated the impact of a company’s social, environmental and financial record on its bottom line. Sustainability earned its present status as a key catchphrase among the socially responsible investing community and increasingly among mainstream investors. Also referred to as the “triple bottom line,” the impact of a company’s... »»
AUGUST Feature
The Fiduciary Opportunity™
According to a recent Envestnet study, investors are not waiting patiently for legislation – nor do they believe that new regulation is the only meaningful response to the issue of advisory responsibility. Fundamentally, investors believe that when it comes to encouraging confidence, trust and alignment of interest, what occurs in the interaction between advisor and client is far more important than what a regulation says.
For every advisor, The Fiduciary Opportunity™ can begin right now – with heightened consideration of changing investor concerns and goals in a difficult investment environment, paired with clear-eyed assessment of their practice to potentially identify even better ways to serve every client’s best interests.
Read the article, "The Coming Wave of Fiduciary Opportunity" and watch the video, "Trust, Transparency and Fiduciary Confusion".
Download the Fiduciary Opportunity Toolkit that includes:
- White Paper, "The Fiduciary Opportunity™: Succeeding in a Changing Advisory Landscape"
- White Paper, "The Brave New World of Fiduciary Duty for Broker-Dealer and Investment Advisers"
- Survey Results: Envestnet Fiduciary Standards Study
- Standard of Care Checklist
Market Materials
The Cost of Throwing in the Towel
What if you decided to get out of the market and go to cash? History has demonstrated swift market recoveries could make sitting on cash a costly move. »»
Practice Management
Behavioral Finance and Building Your Fiduciary Brand
Several hundred thousand individuals offer financial advice in the U.S. – as planners, registered reps, accountants, attorneys and insurance representatives. If prospects are overwhelmed by the number of choices, then it is up to you to simplify decision-making for them. Reduce the number of options they perceive. One way to do that is to create a sense of trust from the beginning, supported by your message of fiduciary responsibility and to establish your brand around it. »»
Tax Overlay Management: Capturing Losses to Prepare for the Next Bull Market
John Phoenix, President, CEO of M3
Performance Equal or Enhanced Over the Long-Term with Sustainable Investing
Michael Lent, CIO of Veris Wealth Partners
Growing Awareness of Socially Responsible Investing
Helen Hamada, Principal of Miller/Howard Investments
Changing Landscape - Advisors Go Independent
Bill Crager, President of Envestnet
What Kind of Investor Are You? – Managing Market Volatility
Market volatility affects different investors in different ways. Identifying the type of investor you are and how you may react to market cycles may better help you separate good from bad decisions. In the current economic environment, four distinct investor biases have emerged. See which profile most closely mirrors... »»
Investing (including mutual funds and ETFs) carries risk, including the loss of principal, and there can be no assurance that any investment strategy will provide positive performance over a period of time. The asset classes and /or investment strategies described above may not be suitable for all investors. Investors should first consult with an investment advisor before investing. Investment decisions should be made based on the investor’s specific financial needs and objectives, goals, time horizon, tax liability and risk tolerance. When investing in managed accounts and wrap accounts, there may be additional fees and expenses added onto the fees of the underlying investment products. For a complete description of all fees, costs and expenses, please refer to the sponsor’s ADV Part II or Schedule H as applicable. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Neither Envestnet, PMC nor its representatives render tax, accounting or legal advice.
