Investius News

Buying or selling a home is a complicated, expensive undertaking that presents an opportunity for you to deepen your client relationships. Advisor Mike Rodenbaugh of Boardwalk Financial Strategies shares his perspective on helping smooth a real estate transaction, providing important counsel on affordability, cash flow, retirement impact, mortgage financing and estate planning. For example, he says, “down payment sourcing creativity” may be needed for a client buying a new home before selling a current home.

As you hunt for yield with less exposure to market volatility, you may want to consider Interval Funds, an unlisted type of closed-end fund. John Cole Scott, chair of the nonprofit Active Investment Company Alliance, says Interval Funds have been around a long time but are now gaining “traction.” While they do not trade on an exchange, they are readily available from fund families and offer a range of asset classes including alternative-style investments. AICA is hosting a free online Interval Fund “boot camp” on March 31.

Closed-end funds are known for leveraged income generation, but yields can come from a range of sources, strategies and products. John Cole Scott, founder of the Active Investment Company Alliance and chief investment officer of CEF Advisors, offers his perspective on the current CEF landscape and challenges presented by the coronavirus, not to mention the presidential election and recession recovery. Scott also shares his excitement about the AICA online CEF conference on Aug. 13, featuring the “best and brightest” minds in the CEF industry.

Municipal Bond Closed-end Funds, like most investments, have felt the impact of the coronavirus-stricken economy. But Dave Lamb of Nuveen says Muni CEFs have rebounded well, especially those with higher quality credits. Despite potential concern of a recession-driven shortfall of taxes supporting munis, Lamb is optimistic about the future. He says it’s an “opportune time to invest in closed-end funds.” He expects discounts to continue to narrow and notes the low cost of leverage has helped lead many funds to increase distributions.

In recent years Business Development Companies may have caught your eye and your client’s attention as well. The growing BDC market offers broad access to potentially high-yielding private equity, if an alternative PE investment fits your portfolio needs.

As our pandemic-related troubles continue, stock dividends have been shrinking. The negative trend presents a challenge, especially for retirees and others who depend on their portfolio income.

Have your cake and eat it, too? Convertible bonds come with an equity option that may help you manage risk in today’s coronavirus-affected investment portfolios.

As we pursue economic recovery while battling the coronavirus, Warren Buffett seems optimistic. But he’s selling airline stocks, holding onto cash and not making new investments. What market bets are you making? How about CLO CEFs?

Are you a safe distance from portfolio risk? As the stock market struggles, risk reduction becomes more appealing to many.

As the coronavirus infects and injures markets worldwide, financial advisors are on the front lines, fighting the fear and uncertainty felt by their stressed-out clients.

Going from retirement saving to retirement spending, or ‘cracking the nest egg,’ may be a challenging transition. Jeff Holt of Morningstar says there’s a risk of being “too conservative.”

Social Security provides important support for millions of retirees. Steve Wendel of Morningstar and advisor Sheila Padden talk about the uncertainty that clouds the program’s future.

Do we face a retirement crisis? Most Americans may struggle financially in their golden years, says Steve Wendel of Morningstar. Advisor Sheila Padden of Padden Financial Planning says her clients’ biggest concerns are longevity risk and the cost of healthcare.

Use better assumptions to better understand retirement costs for clients, says David Blanchett, the head of retirement research at Morningstar.

In a new survey by Northern Trust’s FlexShares, advisors report a stress level that’s 23% higher than national norms, and yet their overall job satisfaction comes in at an impressive 79%.