Commentary

Looking Back at the Markets in November and Ahead to December 2023

Markets improved last month across the board as interest rates pulled back on signs of slowing growth. U.S. markets were up by high-single to low-double digits, while international markets were also up by high-single digits.

White Paper

The Advisor’s Guide to Philanthropic Giving for High-Net-Worth Clients

Ninety-one percent of HNW investors incorporate charitable giving as part of their overall wealth strategy. Understanding your clients’ charitable giving preferences can help you better anticipate their needs and help them achieve their goals.

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How to Create a Robust Succession Plan for Your Firm

You've worked hard to build your business, so transitioning it the right way is important. Whether you’ve already started planning or are just exploring your options, we’ll walk you through four must-have strategies and key questions to ask yourself during this process.

Commentary

Q3 2023 Earnings Preview: Do You Believe in Bad Omens?

Breaking a mirror, walking under a ladder, and a black cat crossing your path have all been seen as bad omens.

Commentary

What Mattered This Week? Interest Rates and the Jobs Report

There were two stories that mattered this week: interest rates and the jobs report for September. For the week as a whole, rate increases seem to have taken away from markets, as they tanked on an increase in the U.S. 10-year yield from about 4.6 percent to 4.8 percent.

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How to Deliver an Indispensable Client Experience Through Independence

Successful businesses know excellent service. Giving yourself time to truly get to know your clients’ needs and then setting your business up to optimize how you serve them is key to establishing long-term relationships. If you’re working at a wirehouse, this isn’t always possible. It’s time to find the right business structure—one that gives you the freedom to work with your clients your way.

Commentary

What Mattered This Week? The Real Economy

Commentary

Looking Back at the Markets in August and Ahead to September 2023

August saw modest market pullbacks across the board, as investors were nervous about risk.

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Create Successful Connections Using Client Personas

Connecting with your clients through personalized marketing can lead to stronger professional relationships. Not only will you attract the type of clients you want to serve, but you’ll also build trust with them as an advisor who truly understands their needs.

Commentary

Looking Back at the Markets in July and Ahead to August 2023

July was another good month for stocks across the board. The U.S. indices were up in the low single digits, while international markets also did well. Riskier investments like the Nasdaq and emerging markets did best.

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7 Key Risks to Avoid in Your Financial Advisory Practice

Running a successful business means staying on top of day-to-day operations and of the evolving environment in which your business needs to operate as you grow. In our latest guide, we share seven risk factors every advisor should consider, with actionable tips to help you evaluate your firm’s potential liability.

Commentary

2023 Midyear Outlook: Asset Allocation Risks and Opportunities

What a year it has been for financial markets. There have been several negative factors in play, including a high-single-digit inflation print, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and several regional bank failures. Nonetheless, the S&P 500 finished the second quarter up 17 percent for the year. Go figure!

Commentary

2023 Midyear Outlook: Fixed Income May Offer Compelling Options

Throughout 2022, high levels of volatility across all major asset classes created a difficult environment.

White Paper

Why Hiring a Next-Gen Advisor Can Be Good for Your Business

Want to develop your firm’s offerings today while also securing its future? Download our whitepaper for insights and actionable steps to help you successfully onboard a next-gen advisor, including guidelines for defining the position you want to fill, recommendations for where to find the perfect candidate, and tips for training and retaining top talent for the long term.

Commentary

2023 Midyear Outlook: Do Equity Markets Warrant Caution Ahead?

1969 is often remembered as one of the biggest years in pop culture history.