In this month’s issue, Franklin Templeton Emerging Markets Equity explains how markets in many regions are weathering US policy uncertainty and offers an upbeat assessment of Vietnam after a recent research visit.
In this article, you’ll learn how to evaluate crypto ETFs with the same rigor you apply to traditional investment products.
At the recent 2025 Morningstar Investment Conference, CEO Kunal Kapoor highlighted a growing trend that is reshaping the investment landscape.
Our monthly workforce recovery analysis has been updated to include the latest employment report for June. The unemployment rate unexpectedly inch lower to 4.1%. Additionally, the number of new non-farm jobs (a relatively volatile number subject to extensive revisions) came in at 147,000.
Advisors who rely solely on instinct or inertia will get left behind, because having a real business plan is a powerful differentiator. But any plan is only as strong as its execution.
ClearBridge Investments believes positive forces from One Big Beautiful Bill Act passage and future interest rate cuts should soon outweigh negative forces of tariff actions.
If you're thinking about adding subscription services to your financial planning practice, you're not alone. More advisors are moving beyond the traditional AUM model to offer monthly subscription plans, and for good reason.
Elevated interest rates and market uncertainty make for an interesting tandem regarding getting core bond exposure. When considering yield, reinforcing a portfolio to absorb market shocks, or both, consider this active option from Vanguard: the Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS).
In the latest Alternative Allocations, with guest Brian Ullsperger from Andersen, Tony Davidow examines the traditional 60/40 portfolio and how it can be expanded to include alternatives to meet clients’ needs.
So many businesses are stuck in this endless cycle of chasing leads, hoping that persistence will eventually pay off. Here’s the truth: chasing leads is not only ineffective, it’s damaging your business.
For those breaking into the financial industry, it’s an exciting time. The opportunity to achieve success and make an impact on an industry that could help people for years to come .
Private equity has officially conquered the registered investment advisor (RIA) landscape. It is now responsible for a significant portion of RIA-linked M&A activity.
Tariffs have been the dominant theme in economic policy this year. While President Trump has long held protectionist views, his administration’s approach to international commerce has been more belligerent than was seen in his first term.
This quarter might best be described as the “Big Beautiful Bounce”. Or the BBB. History has proven time and time again that markets do come back – but this was a historically quick market turnaround.
Sharp U.S. policy shift and elevated uncertainty reflect an evolution of the new macro regime. What matters: getting a grip on uncertainty by identifying its core features.
Proposed regulatory changes involving the Supplementary Leverage Ratio may have benefits for both large banks and the Treasury market.
We began the year optimistic that an environment of slowing growth, disinflation and easier monetary policy would be favorable for fixed income markets. Now at midyear, we maintain that view, while acknowledging that policy uncertainty and geopolitical risks may likely result in continued volatility.
An economy cannot subsist on services alone.
Financial advice is going to be in more demand than ever in 10 years. Is your firm ready for the challenge?
Investors may be tempted to imagine how much higher the S&P 500 Index would be if three of its most influential stocks weren’t lagging behind.
For sophisticated investors, this technical shift marks a subtle but powerful pivot in monetary mechanics. It could create demand for Treasuries, improve market liquidity, and push yields lower at a time when the economy is slowing.
In a speculative market chasing AI and high beta, this report makes the case for the steady power of compounding dividends reminding investors that, especially late in the cycle, a bird in the hand may truly be worth two in the bush.
Only a subset of subsidies will be rolled back.
The words you use are not just tools for communication; they’re signals. Signals that tell your prospects whether you’re someone they can trust or someone they should avoid.
Margin loan recommendations are often presented by brokers as tax-savvy strategies that allow clients to access “tax-free” cash while keeping their portfolios intact. In many cases, however, the math benefits the advisor more than the investor.
True fiduciary duty isn’t fulfilled by following the crowd. It’s fulfilled by doing the harder thing: making the right call even when it’s the unpopular one. The world doesn’t need more advisors playing not to lose. It needs more who are willing to lead — even if they walk alone.
Growth is expected to decelerate, but not come crashing down.
In a recent newsletter, we explored the explosive growth of ETFs and the implications for portfolio construction. In this follow-up blog post, Lauren and I wanted to take that conversation a step further—diving deeper into how advisors can navigate the ever-expanding ETF universe while staying true to their investment philosophy.
Chief Economist Eugenio J. Alemán discusses current economic conditions.
Stocks are wrapping up a stellar quarter at all-time highs amid signs of progress in US trade talks while hopes the Federal Reserve will resume its rate cuts drove Treasuries toward their biggest first-half stretch in five years. The dollar eyed its longest monthly slide since 2017.
One of the enduring challenges of portfolio management is the inability to follow all news flow relevant to portfolio positions. AI and cloud-based workflows are helping us overcome this problem.One of the enduring challenges of portfolio management is the inability to follow all news flow relevant to portfolio positions. AI and cloud-based workflows are helping us overcome this problem.%MCEPASTEBIN%
As the advisory landscape continues to evolve, one theme is increasingly clear: advisors need more flexibility to meet the diverse and growing expectations of their clients.
Personal income (excluding transfer receipts) was flat in May and was up 3.9% year-over-year. However, when adjusted for inflation using the BEA's PCE Price Index, real personal income (excluding transfer receipts) was down 0.1% month-over-month and up 1.5% year-over-year.
The Fed left rates unchanged and signaled it’s still in wait-and-see mode, even as inflation risks and policy uncertainty persist.
As tax policy discussions continue on Capitol Hill, the Senate Finance Committee recently released its version of the tax bill that would avoid the expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).
Former Federal Reserve Vice Chair Richard Clarida explains where yields may be headed, as well as positioning considerations for the long-run by charting the relationship between r* and term premium.
Target-date fund glide paths can be important tools for retirement planning. Advisors should focus on assumptions, transparency, and outcomes to ensure they align with participants' needs.
OBBBA sets a path for more borrowing ahead.
The US Census Bureau’s May retail sales report came in weaker than expected, with the headline measure — total nominal sales — down 0.9% on the month. It’s the largest drop in nearly two years and reflects broad-based softness across categories like autos, gas stations, and restaurants.
It’s said nothing in life is certain save death and taxes. There is also certainly an increase in investors’ appetites for nontraditional instruments like hedge funds as their wealth grows.
Wealth management firms that embrace AI chatbots and continuously refine their data strategies can stay ahead of the curve and deliver superior value to their clients.
If you are considering merging or acquiring another practice, consider having each party answer some of the following questions to see where you both stand.
Raymond James Ltd enters into agreement with FNZ to accelerate its digital transformation
How do direct indexing ideas fit into a fixed income portfolio? These two powerful strategies make one compelling combination with potential tax and risk management opportunities.
Foreign demand for U.S. Treasuries remains intact.
We have seen a lack of conviction from the Federal Reserve (Fed) in previous opportunities. Last year, during the first quarter, Fed members were spooked, as inflation numbers moved higher, changing their view on the path forward regarding interest rates.
Whether you’re breaking away from a wirehouse and going independent for the first time or looking for a greater degree of balance, there are opportunities for advisors to truly manage their practice the way they choose.
CEFs stand out due to their fixed capital structure, allowing portfolio managers to focus on long-term investment strategies without the need to manage daily inflows and outflows.
The current round of budget discussions in Washington will have a significant impact on America’s fiscal trajectory decades into the future. A key underpinning of this year’s debate has roots that go decades into the past.
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 over hazards, and ensure you have the tools you need to finish the journey safely and soundly.
Here are some brilliantly simple lessons for us all that I learned from Warren Buffett.
While the bond market is in general pretty efficient in its pricing, there may be times when it can be significantly out of line with investor expectations. At such moments, investors should be well-rewarded for making the effort to decode what the bond market is saying.
Wall Street has a new favorite investor. They’re young, they’re affluent and they’re skeptical that traditional markets can deliver wealth over the long haul. Shaped by financial crises and fueled by tech optimism, this well-heeled class of Millennials and Gen Z are moving their money into the buzzy world of alternative assets.
This week the news is about the Israel-Iran conflict. It’s terrifyingly real for those in the crossfire, while we who are safe naturally wonder what it means for us. As investors, we think about the economic and market effects. But are we seeing signal or noise?
529 plans are a popular choice among families looking to save for college due to their flexibility and tax benefits. However, each family’s educational journey and associated costs can vary significantly. This means you may require a tailored savings strategy to best meet your future student’s needs.
At Parametric, our years of experience have taught us that markets can swing up and down quickly and without warning. Since no one can time these swings, we believe it's imperative to seek both loss harvesting and benchmark tracking simultaneously.
A 529 plan is a popular tool for saving for college expenses. When it comes to who maintains control over the 529 plan’s assets, in most cases, it’s the account owner. This is often a parent or grandparent. The owner also has the ability to make investment choices and manage withdrawals.
US stocks rose on Friday as investors returned from the Juneteenth holiday break to evaluate recent comments from a top Federal Reserve official as well as the latest developments in the conflict between Israel and Iran.
How big data, AI and the human element can combine to better pursue consistent alpha.
New strategies, shifting flows, and innovative technologies are driving a more dynamic and diversified marketplace in fixed income ETFs.
It's important to consider non-hardship 401(k) withdrawals carefully. Our Bill Cass explains why individuals should check plan eligibility and consider asset protection and tax implications.
When planning for future financial needs, take the time to understand the key differences between a 529 plan vs. IUL insurance. Both are valuable tools, but they serve different purposes and offer unique benefits.
The U.S. economy is growing accustomed to elevated uncertainty.
How do you make sure your prospects feel confident and clear about moving forward?
We remain bullish about many of the corporate changes taking place in Japan. Toyota Group recently announced it was taking Toyota Industries private (its auto parts and forklift business) to simplify the group’s structure.
If there is something the Federal Reserve (Fed) does not want to see today, as it approaches next week’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, it is a shock to oil prices.
A 529 plan can influence financial aid eligibility and the amount awarded. While these savings plans arevaluable for covering education expenses, they are considered parental assets on the Free Applicationfor Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The draft of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) runs more than 1,000 pages. Analysis of the legislation has focused primarily on its impact on the U.S. federal deficit: the Congressional Budget Office estimates that passage would add almost $3 trillion to the national debt over the coming decade.
Let’s talk about life expectancy. More specifically – should it play a role in retirement planning?You might be surprised to learn that the answer is: Absolutely not.
The fund shines through as a prime option worthy of consideration among the vast alternatives present in the muni market. With their rare combination of credit quality and yield, munis are offering fixed income investors prime benefits in a still-uncertain bond environment.
President Donald Trump’s announcement on Wednesday of a new trade agreement with China is the kind of headline that gives markets a sense of relief. As I overheard this week at Wealth Management’s EDGE conference, which I attended in Boca Raton, Florida, we may have dodged a recession.
If the market view on the administration's economic policies shifts and a strong dollar policy remains, the dollar could rally, and U.S. assets might see a rebound from their recent underperformance.
The ever-louder brouhaha surrounding BBD is much ado about nothing. It is expensive, dangerous, and likely to benefit only bankers and brokerage firms.
Tariff policy has clouded expectations for the second half of the year, but there are ways to navigate through the fog.
A 529 plan can play a strategic role in estate planning, especially for families looking to reduce taxes while saving for education. Contributions to a 529 plan may be excluded from your taxable estate, potentially lowering future estate tax liability.
The US 2025 tax bill enhances certain deductions and includes provisions for business growth and development. Our Bill Cass shares the highlights of what is being debated on Capitol Hill and the impact on business owners.
With tariff news providing constant equity market fluctuations, the case for bonds becomes more compelling. The added uncertainty also punctuates the need for an active management strategy, which one particular Vanguard ETF offers.
To anyone going through a breakup, just remember this lyric from Bernadette Peters: “If I’m patient the break will mend and one fine morning the hurt will end.”
Transitioning away from your current firm is always a big step, but leaving a non-Broker Protocol firm comes with unique complexities — and potential legal pitfalls — if you're not fully prepared.
The global economy is continually evolving due to inflation, interest rates, and geopolitics. How could these and other factors influence the major asset classes over the coming decade?
Long-time Kestra ecosystem firm SilverStar Wealth Management combines with existing Bluespring partner LifeBridge Financial Group, strengthening Texas-based presence
The US housing market remains in a state of inertia. Despite the arrival of the spring selling season, both new and existing home sales continue to underwhelm.
Virtually all the marketing activities are exactly what other advisors are doing as well. Never follow the crowd.
When it comes to selecting a person to be a healthcare proxy, here are a few characteristics that advisors can encourage their clients to consider.
Advisors can help clients and their families plan for the rising costs of tuition and other educational expenses by knowing the benefits of 529 plans — and staying up-to-date on evolving rules around these investment vehicles.
A college degree may be a milestone that represents one possible career path. But it’s not your only route toward a future that is both financially sound and deeply fulfilling.
The Fear Trade is what most Western investors are familiar with. It’s the flight to safety during times of uncertainty, driven by concerns over inflation, interest rates, geopolitical risk and more.
I spent the last two weeks of May catching up with partners and clients in Malaysia, Singapore, China, and Hong Kong. Following are some reflections on those conversations.
Markets may be fretting over Federal Reserve policy and economic soft landings, but a handful of momentum ETFs have quietly been stealing the show. Across the array of factor funds, momentum has performed best this year.
Yale University’s $41 billion endowment, led for decades by the late investing giant David Swensen, has been the envy – and the blueprint — for many US universities eager to secure their financial future.
Wealth Management
Emerging Markets Insights: Seeking Clarity on Tariffs
In this month’s issue, Franklin Templeton Emerging Markets Equity explains how markets in many regions are weathering US policy uncertainty and offers an upbeat assessment of Vietnam after a recent research visit.
How to Choose a Crypto ETF: A Practical Guide for Financial Advisors
In this article, you’ll learn how to evaluate crypto ETFs with the same rigor you apply to traditional investment products.
Morningstar’s Kunal Kapoor on the Public/Private Market Convergence
At the recent 2025 Morningstar Investment Conference, CEO Kunal Kapoor highlighted a growing trend that is reshaping the investment landscape.
U.S. Workforce Recovery Analysis: June 2025
Our monthly workforce recovery analysis has been updated to include the latest employment report for June. The unemployment rate unexpectedly inch lower to 4.1%. Additionally, the number of new non-farm jobs (a relatively volatile number subject to extensive revisions) came in at 147,000.
The Building Blocks of a Scalable Business Plan: How Intention Helps to Drive Growth
Advisors who rely solely on instinct or inertia will get left behind, because having a real business plan is a powerful differentiator. But any plan is only as strong as its execution.
The Long View: Push-pull
ClearBridge Investments believes positive forces from One Big Beautiful Bill Act passage and future interest rate cuts should soon outweigh negative forces of tariff actions.
Breaking Down the Regulatory Requirements for Subscription Services
If you're thinking about adding subscription services to your financial planning practice, you're not alone. More advisors are moving beyond the traditional AUM model to offer monthly subscription plans, and for good reason.
Defense, Yield, or Both? An Active Bond ETF for Any Market
Elevated interest rates and market uncertainty make for an interesting tandem regarding getting core bond exposure. When considering yield, reinforcing a portfolio to absorb market shocks, or both, consider this active option from Vanguard: the Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS).
Examining the 60/40 Portfolio With Brian Ullsperger
In the latest Alternative Allocations, with guest Brian Ullsperger from Andersen, Tony Davidow examines the traditional 60/40 portfolio and how it can be expanded to include alternatives to meet clients’ needs.
Make Sure You’re Not Chasing Ghosts
So many businesses are stuck in this endless cycle of chasing leads, hoping that persistence will eventually pay off. Here’s the truth: chasing leads is not only ineffective, it’s damaging your business.
Lessons on Building a Successful Career in Finance
For those breaking into the financial industry, it’s an exciting time. The opportunity to achieve success and make an impact on an industry that could help people for years to come .
The Great RIA Consolidation: Private Equity Reshapes Wealth Management
Private equity has officially conquered the registered investment advisor (RIA) landscape. It is now responsible for a significant portion of RIA-linked M&A activity.
Mid-Year Themes
Tariffs have been the dominant theme in economic policy this year. While President Trump has long held protectionist views, his administration’s approach to international commerce has been more belligerent than was seen in his first term.
Growth Equity Portfolio Second Quarter Review June 30, 2025
This quarter might best be described as the “Big Beautiful Bounce”. Or the BBB. History has proven time and time again that markets do come back – but this was a historically quick market turnaround.
Getting a Grip on Uncertainty
Sharp U.S. policy shift and elevated uncertainty reflect an evolution of the new macro regime. What matters: getting a grip on uncertainty by identifying its core features.
Under the Macroscope: Why Cutting the SLR Matters
Proposed regulatory changes involving the Supplementary Leverage Ratio may have benefits for both large banks and the Treasury market.
Midyear Fixed Income Outlook: Starting Yields Matter Amid Uncertainty
We began the year optimistic that an environment of slowing growth, disinflation and easier monetary policy would be favorable for fixed income markets. Now at midyear, we maintain that view, while acknowledging that policy uncertainty and geopolitical risks may likely result in continued volatility.
India's Incomplete Growth
An economy cannot subsist on services alone.
The Advisors Who Will Thrive in 2035 Are Planning in 2025
Financial advice is going to be in more demand than ever in 10 years. Is your firm ready for the challenge?
Apple, Alphabet and Tesla are Holding the S&P 500 Rally Back
Investors may be tempted to imagine how much higher the S&P 500 Index would be if three of its most influential stocks weren’t lagging behind.
SLR: Could It End The Bond Bear Market
For sophisticated investors, this technical shift marks a subtle but powerful pivot in monetary mechanics. It could create demand for Treasuries, improve market liquidity, and push yields lower at a time when the economy is slowing.
A Bird in the Hand...
In a speculative market chasing AI and high beta, this report makes the case for the steady power of compounding dividends reminding investors that, especially late in the cycle, a bird in the hand may truly be worth two in the bush.
Rethinking U.S. Infrastructure Investment
Only a subset of subsidies will be rolled back.
Are You Using Trust-Based Languaging?
The words you use are not just tools for communication; they’re signals. Signals that tell your prospects whether you’re someone they can trust or someone they should avoid.
Beware of Borrowing That Helps Your Advisor, Not You
Margin loan recommendations are often presented by brokers as tax-savvy strategies that allow clients to access “tax-free” cash while keeping their portfolios intact. In many cases, however, the math benefits the advisor more than the investor.
Thinning the Herd: Herd Investing Is a Disservice to Clients
True fiduciary duty isn’t fulfilled by following the crowd. It’s fulfilled by doing the harder thing: making the right call even when it’s the unpopular one. The world doesn’t need more advisors playing not to lose. It needs more who are willing to lead — even if they walk alone.
Simmering Down
Growth is expected to decelerate, but not come crashing down.
ETFs Are Evolving—Is Your Portfolio Strategy Keeping Up?
In a recent newsletter, we explored the explosive growth of ETFs and the implications for portfolio construction. In this follow-up blog post, Lauren and I wanted to take that conversation a step further—diving deeper into how advisors can navigate the ever-expanding ETF universe while staying true to their investment philosophy.
Not a Good Report on Personal Income and Spending in May
Chief Economist Eugenio J. Alemán discusses current economic conditions.
S&P 500 Set for Best Quarter Since December 2023
Stocks are wrapping up a stellar quarter at all-time highs amid signs of progress in US trade talks while hopes the Federal Reserve will resume its rate cuts drove Treasuries toward their biggest first-half stretch in five years. The dollar eyed its longest monthly slide since 2017.
Monitoring Portfolio News Using AI
One of the enduring challenges of portfolio management is the inability to follow all news flow relevant to portfolio positions. AI and cloud-based workflows are helping us overcome this problem.One of the enduring challenges of portfolio management is the inability to follow all news flow relevant to portfolio positions. AI and cloud-based workflows are helping us overcome this problem.%MCEPASTEBIN%
Why More Advisors than Ever are Personalizing Portfolios with Tax-Efficient SMAs
As the advisory landscape continues to evolve, one theme is increasingly clear: advisors need more flexibility to meet the diverse and growing expectations of their clients.
The Big Four Recession Indicators: Real Personal Income Down 0.1% in May
Personal income (excluding transfer receipts) was flat in May and was up 3.9% year-over-year. However, when adjusted for inflation using the BEA's PCE Price Index, real personal income (excluding transfer receipts) was down 0.1% month-over-month and up 1.5% year-over-year.
Continued Risk to Both Sides of the Dual Mandate
The Fed left rates unchanged and signaled it’s still in wait-and-see mode, even as inflation risks and policy uncertainty persist.
Senate Tax Proposal: Some Key Provisions Differ From House Bill
As tax policy discussions continue on Capitol Hill, the Senate Finance Committee recently released its version of the tax bill that would avoid the expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).
Charting the Neutral Rate
Former Federal Reserve Vice Chair Richard Clarida explains where yields may be headed, as well as positioning considerations for the long-run by charting the relationship between r* and term premium.
Why Glide Path Selection Deserves More Attention in Target-Date Fund Evaluation
Target-date fund glide paths can be important tools for retirement planning. Advisors should focus on assumptions, transparency, and outcomes to ensure they align with participants' needs.
Big Bill Promises Big Bills
OBBBA sets a path for more borrowing ahead.
Cooling on the Surface, Steady at the Core: Retail Sales Tell a Mixed Tale
The US Census Bureau’s May retail sales report came in weaker than expected, with the headline measure — total nominal sales — down 0.9% on the month. It’s the largest drop in nearly two years and reflects broad-based softness across categories like autos, gas stations, and restaurants.
PPLI and PPVA: Vehicles for tax-efficient growth
It’s said nothing in life is certain save death and taxes. There is also certainly an increase in investors’ appetites for nontraditional instruments like hedge funds as their wealth grows.
AI Chatbots: Transforming Wealth Management Through Innovation
Wealth management firms that embrace AI chatbots and continuously refine their data strategies can stay ahead of the curve and deliver superior value to their clients.
Determining Cultural Fit: 25 Key Questions
If you are considering merging or acquiring another practice, consider having each party answer some of the following questions to see where you both stand.
Raymond James Ltd. Announces Strategic Investment in Next-Generation Wealth Management Platform
Raymond James Ltd enters into agreement with FNZ to accelerate its digital transformation
Customize to Optimize: Combining Fixed Income and Direct Indexing
How do direct indexing ideas fit into a fixed income portfolio? These two powerful strategies make one compelling combination with potential tax and risk management opportunities.
U.S. Bonds Are Still Popular
Foreign demand for U.S. Treasuries remains intact.
A Concerning Press Conference From the Fed Chairman
We have seen a lack of conviction from the Federal Reserve (Fed) in previous opportunities. Last year, during the first quarter, Fed members were spooked, as inflation numbers moved higher, changing their view on the path forward regarding interest rates.
Getting the Flexibility to Serve Clients as You’d Like To
Whether you’re breaking away from a wirehouse and going independent for the first time or looking for a greater degree of balance, there are opportunities for advisors to truly manage their practice the way they choose.
Unlocking Investment Opportunities in Closed-End Funds
CEFs stand out due to their fixed capital structure, allowing portfolio managers to focus on long-term investment strategies without the need to manage daily inflows and outflows.
Back to the Supply Side
The current round of budget discussions in Washington will have a significant impact on America’s fiscal trajectory decades into the future. A key underpinning of this year’s debate has roots that go decades into the past.
Value of an Advisor 10th Anniversary Edition: The Importance of an Experienced Guide June
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 over hazards, and ensure you have the tools you need to finish the journey safely and soundly.
Lessons on Money & Life I Learned From Warren Buffett
Here are some brilliantly simple lessons for us all that I learned from Warren Buffett.
Decoding the Bond Market
While the bond market is in general pretty efficient in its pricing, there may be times when it can be significantly out of line with investor expectations. At such moments, investors should be well-rewarded for making the effort to decode what the bond market is saying.
Young Investor Demand for Alternative Assets Is Reshaping Wall Street's Playbook
Wall Street has a new favorite investor. They’re young, they’re affluent and they’re skeptical that traditional markets can deliver wealth over the long haul. Shaped by financial crises and fueled by tech optimism, this well-heeled class of Millennials and Gen Z are moving their money into the buzzy world of alternative assets.
Strategic Investment Conclusions
This week the news is about the Israel-Iran conflict. It’s terrifyingly real for those in the crossfire, while we who are safe naturally wonder what it means for us. As investors, we think about the economic and market effects. But are we seeing signal or noise?
529 Investment Strategy by Age
529 plans are a popular choice among families looking to save for college due to their flexibility and tax benefits. However, each family’s educational journey and associated costs can vary significantly. This means you may require a tailored savings strategy to best meet your future student’s needs.
Lessons Learned: Potential Pitfalls of Loss Harvesting During High Volatility
At Parametric, our years of experience have taught us that markets can swing up and down quickly and without warning. Since no one can time these swings, we believe it's imperative to seek both loss harvesting and benchmark tracking simultaneously.
Who Maintains Control Over a 529 Plan’s Assets?
A 529 plan is a popular tool for saving for college expenses. When it comes to who maintains control over the 529 plan’s assets, in most cases, it’s the account owner. This is often a parent or grandparent. The owner also has the ability to make investment choices and manage withdrawals.
US Stocks Gain as Fed’s Waller Offers Hope on July Rate Cut
US stocks rose on Friday as investors returned from the Juneteenth holiday break to evaluate recent comments from a top Federal Reserve official as well as the latest developments in the conflict between Israel and Iran.
Alpha Reimagined
How big data, AI and the human element can combine to better pursue consistent alpha.
5 Themes Defining Bond ETF Investing Today
New strategies, shifting flows, and innovative technologies are driving a more dynamic and diversified marketplace in fixed income ETFs.
Key Considerations for Evaluating Non-Hardship 401(k) Withdrawals
It's important to consider non-hardship 401(k) withdrawals carefully. Our Bill Cass explains why individuals should check plan eligibility and consider asset protection and tax implications.
529 Plans vs. Indexed Universal Life (IUL) Insurance
When planning for future financial needs, take the time to understand the key differences between a 529 plan vs. IUL insurance. Both are valuable tools, but they serve different purposes and offer unique benefits.
Dog Days Ahead
The U.S. economy is growing accustomed to elevated uncertainty.
Why Your Prospects Aren’t Calling You Back
How do you make sure your prospects feel confident and clear about moving forward?
As Japanese Companies Change, Investment Opportunities Bloom
We remain bullish about many of the corporate changes taking place in Japan. Toyota Group recently announced it was taking Toyota Industries private (its auto parts and forklift business) to simplify the group’s structure.
Higher Oil Prices Complicate Monetary Policy
If there is something the Federal Reserve (Fed) does not want to see today, as it approaches next week’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, it is a shock to oil prices.
Will a 529 Plan Affect Financial Aid Eligibility or Amount Awarded?
A 529 plan can influence financial aid eligibility and the amount awarded. While these savings plans are
valuable for covering education expenses, they are considered parental assets on the Free Application
for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Treasury Tax Tension
The draft of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) runs more than 1,000 pages. Analysis of the legislation has focused primarily on its impact on the U.S. federal deficit: the Congressional Budget Office estimates that passage would add almost $3 trillion to the national debt over the coming decade.
Life Expectancy: The (F)Law of Averages
Let’s talk about life expectancy. More specifically – should it play a role in retirement planning?You might be surprised to learn that the answer is: Absolutely not.
As Munis See Increased Issuance, Here’s an Active Choice
The fund shines through as a prime option worthy of consideration among the vast alternatives present in the muni market. With their rare combination of credit quality and yield, munis are offering fixed income investors prime benefits in a still-uncertain bond environment.
Trump’s Trade Deal with China Is a Tailwind for Global Shipping
President Donald Trump’s announcement on Wednesday of a new trade agreement with China is the kind of headline that gives markets a sense of relief. As I overheard this week at Wealth Management’s EDGE conference, which I attended in Boca Raton, Florida, we may have dodged a recession.
What's Happening With the Dollar?
If the market view on the administration's economic policies shifts and a strong dollar policy remains, the dollar could rally, and U.S. assets might see a rebound from their recent underperformance.
Buy, Borrow, Die: Why This Popular Tax Strategy for the Rich Doesn’t Work
The ever-louder brouhaha surrounding BBD is much ado about nothing. It is expensive, dangerous, and likely to benefit only bankers and brokerage firms.
Schwab Market Perspective: 2025 Mid-Year Outlook
Tariff policy has clouded expectations for the second half of the year, but there are ways to navigate through the fog.
How 529 Plans Are Treated for Estate Planning and Taxes
A 529 plan can play a strategic role in estate planning, especially for families looking to reduce taxes while saving for education. Contributions to a 529 plan may be excluded from your taxable estate, potentially lowering future estate tax liability.
What Business Owners Need to Know About the New Tax Bill
The US 2025 tax bill enhances certain deductions and includes provisions for business growth and development. Our Bill Cass shares the highlights of what is being debated on Capitol Hill and the impact on business owners.
An Active Option to Ponder as Bonds Look More Compelling
With tariff news providing constant equity market fluctuations, the case for bonds becomes more compelling. The added uncertainty also punctuates the need for an active management strategy, which one particular Vanguard ETF offers.
Trading Away From The U.S.?
To anyone going through a breakup, just remember this lyric from Bernadette Peters: “If I’m patient the break will mend and one fine morning the hurt will end.”
Navigating a Non-Protocol Transition: What Every Advisor Needs to Know Before Making a Move From a Captive Firm or Broker-Dealer
Transitioning away from your current firm is always a big step, but leaving a non-Broker Protocol firm comes with unique complexities — and potential legal pitfalls — if you're not fully prepared.
What's the 10-Year Outlook for Major Asset Classes?
The global economy is continually evolving due to inflation, interest rates, and geopolitics. How could these and other factors influence the major asset classes over the coming decade?
Bluespring Wealth Partners Acquires New Firm and Executes Merger to Create $1.4B AUM Firm
Long-time Kestra ecosystem firm SilverStar Wealth Management combines with existing Bluespring partner LifeBridge Financial Group, strengthening Texas-based presence
Notes from the Desk: MBS Opportunities Amid Quiet Housing Market
The US housing market remains in a state of inertia. Despite the arrival of the spring selling season, both new and existing home sales continue to underwhelm.
Stop Being One of Many
Virtually all the marketing activities are exactly what other advisors are doing as well. Never follow the crowd.
4 Expert-Backed Tips for Choosing the Best Healthcare Proxy
When it comes to selecting a person to be a healthcare proxy, here are a few characteristics that advisors can encourage their clients to consider.
It Can Be Tricky to Navigate 529 Plan Rules, But Advisors Can Help
Advisors can help clients and their families plan for the rising costs of tuition and other educational expenses by knowing the benefits of 529 plans — and staying up-to-date on evolving rules around these investment vehicles.
To Graduates: Skilled Trades Can Be a Practical Path to Success
A college degree may be a milestone that represents one possible career path. But it’s not your only route toward a future that is both financially sound and deeply fulfilling.
Meet the “Hermès of Gold” the Chinese Can’t Get Enough Of
The Fear Trade is what most Western investors are familiar with. It’s the flight to safety during times of uncertainty, driven by concerns over inflation, interest rates, geopolitical risk and more.
The View From The Far East
I spent the last two weeks of May catching up with partners and clients in Malaysia, Singapore, China, and Hong Kong. Following are some reflections on those conversations.
Momentum ETFs Regaining Mojo
Markets may be fretting over Federal Reserve policy and economic soft landings, but a handful of momentum ETFs have quietly been stealing the show. Across the array of factor funds, momentum has performed best this year.
Yale’s $2.5 Billion Private Equity Sale Tests its Vaunted Endowment Model
Yale University’s $41 billion endowment, led for decades by the late investing giant David Swensen, has been the envy – and the blueprint — for many US universities eager to secure their financial future.