OpenAI will acquire the AI device startup co-founded by Apple Inc. veteran Jony Ive in a nearly $6.5 billion all-stock deal, joining forces with the legendary designer to make a push into hardware.
With the CHOICE Act poised to strengthen non-competes in Florida, advisors may face a shrinking window of opportunity.
This isn’t about selling — at all. It’s about problem-solving and helping — it’s about offering an opportunity to change someone’s life. Remember, they can always say “no.”
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.
One of the first and most promising uses scientists envision for the rapidly evolving technology of quantum computing is a new approach to drug development.
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.
It can be tempting to react when someone at work criticizes you at work, but take some time to consider the issue before you do.
In this video, Chuck Carnevale, Co-Founder of FAST Graphs, aka Mr. Valuation discusses the volatility of the stock market, the truth about the S&P 500’s valuation, using the S&P 500 (SPY) as a proxy.
Commonwealth Financial Network®, a national RIA dedicated to providing financial advisors with holistic, integrated business solutions, has initiated a new partnership with Messina College, a two-year, all-residential degree program of Boston College that welcomed its first-ever class of students to the school’s Brookline Campus last summer.
For my entire decades-long career in capital markets, I’ve made the case that gold is not just a shiny relic of the past, but a serious, strategic asset for modern investors. After years of pounding the table, it feels pretty good to say that the world’s central banks—and now the U.S. banking system—are finally catching up.
Chief Economist Eugenio J. Alemán discusses current economic conditions.
Tracking marketing metrics isn’t about labeling efforts as a success or failure — it’s about identifying opportunities to tweak and improve what’s already working. By understanding the data, you can make informed decisions that enhance your outreach and client engagement.
In my team, we implement a concept called ARTICA, which I created a number of years ago . ARTICA is a step-by-step process to help you deal with the difficult conversations that might otherwise feel daunting,
Sam Altman’s reputation for spin was out in full force this week in a published “letter to employees” announcing that he was abandoning plans to turn OpenAI into a for-profit company. Instead, it will “continue to be overseen and controlled” by its nonprofit board.
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.
After months of public pressure, OpenAI walked back part of its effort to create a more conventional for-profit company, but its restructuring plans still have not received the blessing of a major stakeholder: Microsoft Corp.
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.
Operating as a one-person shop means you’ll wear many hats, but there are common pitfalls you can avoid — and marketing strategies that can help you make the most of your time and resources.
Right now, you don’t want to burn any bridges anywhere, as you don’t know how things will unfold. Be professional and be kind. But you also have every right to set boundaries and to protect yourself!
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.
Tesla Inc. reported abysmal numbers for the first quarter on Tuesday evening. Naturally, Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk kicked off the call with a discussion on why he must fix America’s finances, facing down an army of alleged moochers.
I’m not someone who believes you should let offensive things go by. Look for your opportunity and be ready!
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.
For financial advisors, moving to independence and an RIA means navigating a sea of decisions, including business model types and vision.
In general, European countries have infused so much socialism and regulation into their economies that their economic growth has lagged behind the U.S. As a result, their GDP per capita is a third lower than in the U.S.
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.
As you position your practice for long-term success, keeping on top of the latest trends and ideas is critical.
It’s always an honor for me to both attend and speak at the Barron’s conference. In thinking about this column, I am recalling many of the amazing presentations, great insights and fabulous speakers I heard.
The announcement that LPL Financial will acquire Commonwealth Financial Network marks another major shift in the wealth management landscape—and presents a pivotal career moment for Commonwealth’s nearly 2,900 financial advisors.
Morgan Stanley’s willingness to stick it out with Elon Musk is giving its first-quarter results a healthy boost.
Many people who are not interested in seeing anything about their own behavior that is causing a problem. They either have over-developed egos, or a lack of confidence so deep it is threatening to find an area of opportunity for change.
President Donald Trump’s trade war has US stocks on track to enter their first bear market since the Covid pandemic.
To most people, black gold means oil, the substance that helped build the modern world while causing the climate crisis. But a new treasure on the market is getting prospectors excited, not least for the role it could play in fixing the problem fossil fuels created.
U.S. indexes suffered their worst day since the pandemic, hurt by Trump's massive tariffs that sparked recession fears. Almost every sector fell, with retailers and tech hard hit.
Runway AI Inc. has raised $308 million in a new round of funding that more than doubles the company’s valuation — a sign of investor enthusiasm for startups building artificial intelligence software that can generate videos.
In this column, I’ll share some marketing secrets I’ve seen work well, whether you are trying to do lead gen or whether you are in a “finals” situation competing against other advisors, or whether you are talking with a prospect in your office.
On Monday, OpenAI announced $40 billion in new financing, the largest funding round in history, and one that nearly doubled the artificial intelligence company’s valuation to $300 billion.
The parallels between the AI narrative driving the current market and the dot-com bubble of a quarter century ago raise important concerns for investors.
As policy uncertainty grows, we consider how tariffs and other government actions might impact inflation, interest rates, and market sentiment.
Life’s challenges often force us to become more present, to experience each moment fully. In doing so, I discovered the importance of celebrating small victories – not just the major milestones, but the everyday wins that mark progress.
I suspect many people yawned when the popular online brokerage Robinhood Markets Inc. announced it will offer sports and other prediction market derivatives, starting with betting on the NCAA March Madness basketball games.
We have certainly seen an uptick in this sentiment accompanying the increase in market volatility since the start of the year.
With only eight trading days left in the first quarter, M&A announcements are set to come in at their lowest level since Q2 2020.
The Exchange Conference starts this weekend. The latest Road to Exchange video features keynote Jennifer Morgan, CEO & founder of Connective Communication LLC. VettaFi Senior Industry Analyst Kirsten Chang interviewed Morgan about the upcoming conference.
Elon Musk’s social network X has raised close to $1 billion in new equity from investors, according to people with knowledge of the matter — a deal that gives the company a valuation in line with when Musk took it private in 2022.
I’ve spent much of my career coaching and providing learning opportunities for those professionals who want to improve. This week I had an experience that moved me to write a column about the difficulty in opening one’s self up to being willing to be coached, and of making behavioral change.
Microsoft Corp., the biggest backer of Sam Altman’s OpenAI, and BlackRock Inc., which has an executive on the artificial intelligence startup’s board, are joining forces with one of its chief rivals.
Cathie Wood’s Ark Investment Management LLC is cutting its stake in Meta Platforms Inc. for the first time in around a year, the latest sign of a downturn in fortunes for big US tech stocks.
Google parent Alphabet Inc. agreed to acquire cybersecurity firm Wiz Inc. for $32 billion in cash, reaching a deal less than a year after initial negotiations fell apart because the cloud-computing startup wanted to stay independent.
The wealth industry could be headed into an era of accelerated innovation, as advisory firms shift from zero to full speed ahead with artificial intelligence.
Recent economic data has been all over the map. Consumer confidence sank this month to the lowest level since November 2022, yet the labor market remains strong, with historically low unemployment and rising wages.
It was inevitable. Certain pieces of the market roared to insane valuations last year. Investors poured money into the markets and speculated stocks would keep rising forever. But, sentiment has shifted.
The EV shakeout is underway. When the dust settles, only a few players will remain. Many more will be relegated to the scrapyard of failed ambitions.
When clients are scared, you want to be there for them and respond to their concerns. However, if you don’t pause from time-to-time to make sure you are responding in the most effective ways, you will find yourself continually frustrated and even possibly resentful of the interruption.
There’s a lesson for financial advisors in this story. If you demonstrate a genuine intention to engage and connect with your female clients, it will build relationships that could drive the growth of the business for years to come.
On this episode of the “ETF of the Week” podcast, VettaFi’s Head of Research Todd Rosenbluth talks about the KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (KWEB) with Money Life host Chuck Jaffe. The pair covered a range of topics related to the fund, providing investors with a deeper understanding of the ETF.
I recommend you hold what I call an “obstacles session.” This is when you ideally have a third party in to ask your team what success would look like to them, and what obstacles are getting in the way of achieving this success.
Many major stocks connected to artificial intelligence have lost their luster of late, but perhaps none more so than Microsoft Corp.
The Chinese artificial intelligence startup that rocked global markets earlier this year with its low-cost and high-performance AI models has outlined a potential path to major profitability.
On this episode of the “ETF of the Week” podcast, VettaFi’s head of research, Todd Rosenbluth, discussed the CoinShares Valkyrie Bitcoin Miners ETF (WGMI) with Chuck Jaffe of Money Life. The pair discussed several topics related to the fund to give investors a deeper understanding of the ETF overall.
Tencent Holdings Ltd. became the latest tech company to unveil or enhance an AI model intended to eclipse DeepSeek, joining a spate of rollouts since the startup’s emergence energized the US-China technology race.
Investors hoping that Nvidia Corp.’s earnings would rejuvenate the artificial intelligence trade didn’t exactly get the report they wanted.
Nvidia Corp., the chipmaker at the center of an AI spending boom, delivered good-but-not-great quarterly numbers on Wednesday, drawing a muted response from investors accustomed to blowout results.
Nvidia Corp.’s earnings are set to dictate whether artificial intelligence can regain its status as the key driver behind Wall Street gains — or trigger more weakness after the Magnificent Seven group of technology stocks fell into correction territory.
The truth is that most of your prospects have some kind of financial problem or issue. Otherwise, they wouldn’t agree to meet with you. Their lack of commitment to you at the end of your process is not necessarily because they're an unqualified lead.
Unfortunately, I hear stories about people unwilling to seek HR help for many reasons. It is a tragedy when this happens because good HR support can be the key to helping with so many things.
Don’t choose technology for the firm that you were, or even the firm you are now. Choose technology for the firm you want to become in five years.
Donald Trump’s administration is sketching out tougher versions of US semiconductor curbs and pressuring key allies to escalate their restrictions on China’s chip industry, an early indication the new US president plans to expand efforts that began under Joe Biden to limit Beijing’s technological prowess.
At least three of Bytedance Ltd.’s major investors have marked up the TikTok-owner’s valuation to more than $400 billion, a sharp rebound for a Chinese social video leader that has been threatened with a US shutdown.
Evan Harp sat down with Core Planning's Suzanne Highet to discuss how investors can end up with exposures that don't make sense for them.
I have – painfully – learned one thing, in particular. Even if you can see what’s happening and could find the words to share your insights, if you have a leader that only wants to listen to an echo chamber, you aren’t going to get heard, no matter what you do.
Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup xAI debuted its updated Grok-3 model, showcasing a version of the chatbot technology to challenge OpenAI days after the billionaire’s unsolicited cash bid to buy the company was rejected.
DeepSeek may be that catalyst, forcing investors and technologists alike to question long-held assumptions and reevaluate the competitive landscape in real time.
A hedge fund startup that uses artificial intelligence to do work typically handled by analysts has outperformed the global stock market in its first six months while slashing research costs.
2025 is beginning in much the same manner as 2024, with investors focused on whether the Chinese government is going to implement new stimulus measures.
Nvidia Corp. investors have typically rushed to buy the stock on any dips. But the mood since the DeepSeek-driven rout has been different, signaling that fears of a slowdown in AI spending aren’t going away.
The AI flight is taking off, and DeepSeek is the final call for India to show up at the boarding gate. Since its private sector is too risk averse to back research projects with uncertain payoffs, the state will have to step up.
It’s not easy when someone doesn’t want to look at their own culpability in relationships. But you can only control what’s controllable, and we don’t control others, much as we endeavor to do so.
The equity markets were lower after facing a trifecta of headwinds from China, the Fed, and the White House. Stocks are running a bit serpentine right now, with tech under extreme pressure in response to headlines highlighting the low-cost language model developed by Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek.
Faced with escalating labor expenses—from wages to benefits—businesses are rethinking traditional workforce expansion. Instead, they are investing in AI technologies that promise scalability, efficiency and unparalleled productivity.
The past few weeks have been challenging for the Magnificent Seven stocks and the broader AI equity complex.
Startup investors including Alphabet Inc.’s Google and SoftBank Group Corp. are betting that quantum computing, often thought of as a fantastical science experiment, is getting closer to having sweeping real-world applications.
OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman rebuffed Elon Musk’s $97.4 billion offer to take control of the artificial-intelligence startup for the second time in less than a day, accusing the world’s richest man of making the bid just to gain a competitive advantage.
At the start of this week, the question was whether the shock of China’s supercheap AI DeepSeek would compel Silicon Valley’s big artificial-intelligence companies to reduce their spending.
Tech results last week were more anticipated than usual due to the emergence of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek in the prior week.
Since our last update of our ‘Three Tactical Rules’ on November 26, 2024, equity markets are up slightly.
Investors are hungry for a piece of the US data centers powering the artificial intelligence boom, and a handful of initial public offerings expected in 2025 would feed that appetite.
Breakaway Brokers
OpenAI to Buy AI Device Startup From Apple Veteran Jony Ive in $6.5 Billion Deal
OpenAI will acquire the AI device startup co-founded by Apple Inc. veteran Jony Ive in a nearly $6.5 billion all-stock deal, joining forces with the legendary designer to make a push into hardware.
Florida Advisors Have A Choice To Worry About
With the CHOICE Act poised to strengthen non-competes in Florida, advisors may face a shrinking window of opportunity.
It Isn’t Selling. It’s Solving.
This isn’t about selling — at all. It’s about problem-solving and helping — it’s about offering an opportunity to change someone’s life. Remember, they can always say “no.”
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.
Quantum Computing Could Be the Future of Drug Development
One of the first and most promising uses scientists envision for the rapidly evolving technology of quantum computing is a new approach to drug development.
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.
Take a Breath When Unfairly Criticized
It can be tempting to react when someone at work criticizes you at work, but take some time to consider the issue before you do.
Dissecting the Stock Market: The Truth About the S&P 500’s Valuation (Part 1)
In this video, Chuck Carnevale, Co-Founder of FAST Graphs, aka Mr. Valuation discusses the volatility of the stock market, the truth about the S&P 500’s valuation, using the S&P 500 (SPY) as a proxy.
Commonwealth Partners with Messina College, Creating Career Paths for First-Generation College Students
Commonwealth Financial Network®, a national RIA dedicated to providing financial advisors with holistic, integrated business solutions, has initiated a new partnership with Messina College, a two-year, all-residential degree program of Boston College that welcomed its first-ever class of students to the school’s Brookline Campus last summer.
Basel III Makes It Official: Gold Is Money Again
For my entire decades-long career in capital markets, I’ve made the case that gold is not just a shiny relic of the past, but a serious, strategic asset for modern investors. After years of pounding the table, it feels pretty good to say that the world’s central banks—and now the U.S. banking system—are finally catching up.
The Federal Reserve Reserves the Right to Change Its Mind
Chief Economist Eugenio J. Alemán discusses current economic conditions.
Take the Guesswork Out of Marketing: Use Metrics to Drive Real Results
Tracking marketing metrics isn’t about labeling efforts as a success or failure — it’s about identifying opportunities to tweak and improve what’s already working. By understanding the data, you can make informed decisions that enhance your outreach and client engagement.
Dealing With Bullying Coworkers and Micromanaging Bosses 101
In my team, we implement a concept called ARTICA, which I created a number of years ago . ARTICA is a step-by-step process to help you deal with the difficult conversations that might otherwise feel daunting,
OpenAI Can't Have Its Money Both Ways
Sam Altman’s reputation for spin was out in full force this week in a published “letter to employees” announcing that he was abandoning plans to turn OpenAI into a for-profit company. Instead, it will “continue to be overseen and controlled” by its nonprofit board.
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.
Microsoft Is Key Holdout for OpenAI Restructuring Plan
After months of public pressure, OpenAI walked back part of its effort to create a more conventional for-profit company, but its restructuring plans still have not received the blessing of a major stakeholder: Microsoft Corp.
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.
3 Marketing Tips for Advisors Starting Their Own Firm
Operating as a one-person shop means you’ll wear many hats, but there are common pitfalls you can avoid — and marketing strategies that can help you make the most of your time and resources.
Communicating Through Layoff Woes and Onboarding Surprises
Right now, you don’t want to burn any bridges anywhere, as you don’t know how things will unfold. Be professional and be kind. But you also have every right to set boundaries and to protect yourself!
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.
Tesla’s Cure for Musk’s Missteps Is More Musk
Tesla Inc. reported abysmal numbers for the first quarter on Tuesday evening. Naturally, Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk kicked off the call with a discussion on why he must fix America’s finances, facing down an army of alleged moochers.
Take Well-Timed Action for the Biggest Impact
I’m not someone who believes you should let offensive things go by. Look for your opportunity and be ready!
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.
3 Considerations for Advisors Branching Out to an RIA
For financial advisors, moving to independence and an RIA means navigating a sea of decisions, including business model types and vision.
Europe Can’t Hide Behind America Anymore
In general, European countries have infused so much socialism and regulation into their economies that their economic growth has lagged behind the U.S. As a result, their GDP per capita is a third lower than in the U.S.
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.
The Importance of Staying Up to Date on Practice Management
As you position your practice for long-term success, keeping on top of the latest trends and ideas is critical.
Key Conference Takeaways on Being a Better Manager
It’s always an honor for me to both attend and speak at the Barron’s conference. In thinking about this column, I am recalling many of the amazing presentations, great insights and fabulous speakers I heard.
Commonwealth Advisors On The Power Play In LPL Acquisition
The announcement that LPL Financial will acquire Commonwealth Financial Network marks another major shift in the wealth management landscape—and presents a pivotal career moment for Commonwealth’s nearly 2,900 financial advisors.
Elon Musk Hands Morgan Stanley Earnings Boost With X Debt Sale
Morgan Stanley’s willingness to stick it out with Elon Musk is giving its first-quarter results a healthy boost.
When the News You Must Deliver Is Unwelcome
Many people who are not interested in seeing anything about their own behavior that is causing a problem. They either have over-developed egos, or a lack of confidence so deep it is threatening to find an area of opportunity for change.
S&P 500 Is Heading for a Bear Market as Tariffs Hit Everything
President Donald Trump’s trade war has US stocks on track to enter their first bear market since the Covid pandemic.
The New 'Black Gold' Needs More Bulls
To most people, black gold means oil, the substance that helped build the modern world while causing the climate crisis. But a new treasure on the market is getting prospectors excited, not least for the role it could play in fixing the problem fossil fuels created.
Tariffs Trigger Worst Session Since 2020
U.S. indexes suffered their worst day since the pandemic, hurt by Trump's massive tariffs that sparked recession fears. Almost every sector fell, with retailers and tech hard hit.
AI Video Startup Runway Valued at $3 Billion in Funding Round
Runway AI Inc. has raised $308 million in a new round of funding that more than doubles the company’s valuation — a sign of investor enthusiasm for startups building artificial intelligence software that can generate videos.
Make Yourself Stand Out to Close the Sale
In this column, I’ll share some marketing secrets I’ve seen work well, whether you are trying to do lead gen or whether you are in a “finals” situation competing against other advisors, or whether you are talking with a prospect in your office.
OpenAI Shows Too Much Money Can Be a Real Thing
On Monday, OpenAI announced $40 billion in new financing, the largest funding round in history, and one that nearly doubled the artificial intelligence company’s valuation to $300 billion.
The AI Boom vs. the Dot-Com Bubble: Have We Seen This Movie Before?
The parallels between the AI narrative driving the current market and the dot-com bubble of a quarter century ago raise important concerns for investors.
Tariff Tantrum
As policy uncertainty grows, we consider how tariffs and other government actions might impact inflation, interest rates, and market sentiment.
Lessons on Rebuilding After Catastrophe
Life’s challenges often force us to become more present, to experience each moment fully. In doing so, I discovered the importance of celebrating small victories – not just the major milestones, but the everyday wins that mark progress.
Gambling Is No Longer Investing’s Evil Twin
I suspect many people yawned when the popular online brokerage Robinhood Markets Inc. announced it will offer sports and other prediction market derivatives, starting with betting on the NCAA March Madness basketball games.
Thinking About Market Timing?
We have certainly seen an uptick in this sentiment accompanying the increase in market volatility since the start of the year.
Economic Headwinds Chill M&A Deals
With only eight trading days left in the first quarter, M&A announcements are set to come in at their lowest level since Q2 2020.
The Road to Exchange: Featuring Jennifer Morgan, CEO and Founder Connective Communication, LLC
The Exchange Conference starts this weekend. The latest Road to Exchange video features keynote Jennifer Morgan, CEO & founder of Connective Communication LLC. VettaFi Senior Industry Analyst Kirsten Chang interviewed Morgan about the upcoming conference.
Elon Musk’s X Raises Almost $1 Billion in New Equity Funding
Elon Musk’s social network X has raised close to $1 billion in new equity from investors, according to people with knowledge of the matter — a deal that gives the company a valuation in line with when Musk took it private in 2022.
The Painful Experience of Being Coached
I’ve spent much of my career coaching and providing learning opportunities for those professionals who want to improve. This week I had an experience that moved me to write a column about the difficulty in opening one’s self up to being willing to be coached, and of making behavioral change.
Musk’s xAI Startup Joins Microsoft-BlackRock $30 Billion AI Fund
Microsoft Corp., the biggest backer of Sam Altman’s OpenAI, and BlackRock Inc., which has an executive on the artificial intelligence startup’s board, are joining forces with one of its chief rivals.
Cathie Wood Sells Meta Shares for First Time in Nearly a Year
Cathie Wood’s Ark Investment Management LLC is cutting its stake in Meta Platforms Inc. for the first time in around a year, the latest sign of a downturn in fortunes for big US tech stocks.
Google Agrees to Buy Cloud Security Firm Wiz for $32 Billion
Google parent Alphabet Inc. agreed to acquire cybersecurity firm Wiz Inc. for $32 billion in cash, reaching a deal less than a year after initial negotiations fell apart because the cloud-computing startup wanted to stay independent.
The AI Race in Wealth Management is About to Speed Up
The wealth industry could be headed into an era of accelerated innovation, as advisory firms shift from zero to full speed ahead with artificial intelligence.
Gold Smashes Through $3,000 as Recession Fears Mount
Recent economic data has been all over the map. Consumer confidence sank this month to the lowest level since November 2022, yet the labor market remains strong, with historically low unemployment and rising wages.
Are You Ready for the Rotation?
It was inevitable. Certain pieces of the market roared to insane valuations last year. Investors poured money into the markets and speculated stocks would keep rising forever. But, sentiment has shifted.
The EV Shakeout
The EV shakeout is underway. When the dust settles, only a few players will remain. Many more will be relegated to the scrapyard of failed ambitions.
Taking Care of Yourself – and Your Clients – When Markets Are Volatile
When clients are scared, you want to be there for them and respond to their concerns. However, if you don’t pause from time-to-time to make sure you are responding in the most effective ways, you will find yourself continually frustrated and even possibly resentful of the interruption.
Women Are Wired to Invest—Are You Making the Most of This Referral Goldmine?
There’s a lesson for financial advisors in this story. If you demonstrate a genuine intention to engage and connect with your female clients, it will build relationships that could drive the growth of the business for years to come.
ETF of the Week: KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (KWEB)
On this episode of the “ETF of the Week” podcast, VettaFi’s Head of Research Todd Rosenbluth talks about the KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (KWEB) with Money Life host Chuck Jaffe. The pair covered a range of topics related to the fund, providing investors with a deeper understanding of the ETF.
How to Course Correct When Your Staff Is at a Loss
I recommend you hold what I call an “obstacles session.” This is when you ideally have a third party in to ask your team what success would look like to them, and what obstacles are getting in the way of achieving this success.
Microsoft’s Fading AI Mojo Keeps Shares in Lengthy Purgatory
Many major stocks connected to artificial intelligence have lost their luster of late, but perhaps none more so than Microsoft Corp.
DeepSeek’s ‘Theoretical’ Profit Margins Are Just That
The Chinese artificial intelligence startup that rocked global markets earlier this year with its low-cost and high-performance AI models has outlined a potential path to major profitability.
ETF of the Week: CoinShares Valkyrie Bitcoin Miners ETF (WGMI)
On this episode of the “ETF of the Week” podcast, VettaFi’s head of research, Todd Rosenbluth, discussed the CoinShares Valkyrie Bitcoin Miners ETF (WGMI) with Chuck Jaffe of Money Life. The pair discussed several topics related to the fund to give investors a deeper understanding of the ETF overall.
Tencent Fires Up AI Race With Model It Says Outdoes DeepSeek
Tencent Holdings Ltd. became the latest tech company to unveil or enhance an AI model intended to eclipse DeepSeek, joining a spate of rollouts since the startup’s emergence energized the US-China technology race.
Nvidia and Salesforce Leave Bulls Wanting as AI Trade Stalls
Investors hoping that Nvidia Corp.’s earnings would rejuvenate the artificial intelligence trade didn’t exactly get the report they wanted.
Nvidia Sees Mixed Outlook After Two Years of Blowout Results
Nvidia Corp., the chipmaker at the center of an AI spending boom, delivered good-but-not-great quarterly numbers on Wednesday, drawing a muted response from investors accustomed to blowout results.
Nvidia’s Shaken Aura of Invincibility Is Set for Earnings Test
Nvidia Corp.’s earnings are set to dictate whether artificial intelligence can regain its status as the key driver behind Wall Street gains — or trigger more weakness after the Magnificent Seven group of technology stocks fell into correction territory.
You Don’t Need More Leads to Get More Clients
The truth is that most of your prospects have some kind of financial problem or issue. Otherwise, they wouldn’t agree to meet with you. Their lack of commitment to you at the end of your process is not necessarily because they're an unqualified lead.
Dealing With Workplace Anxiety
Unfortunately, I hear stories about people unwilling to seek HR help for many reasons. It is a tragedy when this happens because good HR support can be the key to helping with so many things.
How to Reduce the Pain When Replacing a Core Technology
Don’t choose technology for the firm that you were, or even the firm you are now. Choose technology for the firm you want to become in five years.
Trump Team Seeks to Toughen Biden’s Chip Controls Over China
Donald Trump’s administration is sketching out tougher versions of US semiconductor curbs and pressuring key allies to escalate their restrictions on China’s chip industry, an early indication the new US president plans to expand efforts that began under Joe Biden to limit Beijing’s technological prowess.
TikTok Owner ByteDance Is Tech Darling Again With $400 Billion-Plus Valuation
At least three of Bytedance Ltd.’s major investors have marked up the TikTok-owner’s valuation to more than $400 billion, a sharp rebound for a Chinese social video leader that has been threatened with a US shutdown.
Meet an Advisor: Suzanne Highet
Evan Harp sat down with Core Planning's Suzanne Highet to discuss how investors can end up with exposures that don't make sense for them.
When to Be Proactive and When to Stand Down
I have – painfully – learned one thing, in particular. Even if you can see what’s happening and could find the words to share your insights, if you have a leader that only wants to listen to an echo chamber, you aren’t going to get heard, no matter what you do.
Musk Debuts Grok-3 AI Chatbot to Rival OpenAI, DeepSeek
Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup xAI debuted its updated Grok-3 model, showcasing a version of the chatbot technology to challenge OpenAI days after the billionaire’s unsolicited cash bid to buy the company was rejected.
DeepSeek Breaks the AI Paradigm
DeepSeek may be that catalyst, forcing investors and technologists alike to question long-held assumptions and reevaluate the competitive landscape in real time.
Hedge Fund Startup That Replaced Analysts With AI Beats the Market
A hedge fund startup that uses artificial intelligence to do work typically handled by analysts has outperformed the global stock market in its first six months while slashing research costs.
AI Innovations and Trade Tariffs: The Outlook for China in 2025
2025 is beginning in much the same manner as 2024, with investors focused on whether the Chinese government is going to implement new stimulus measures.
Nvidia Shares No Longer Bulletproof as DeepSeek Fears Linger
Nvidia Corp. investors have typically rushed to buy the stock on any dips. But the mood since the DeepSeek-driven rout has been different, signaling that fears of a slowdown in AI spending aren’t going away.
DeepSeek Is India’s Final Call to Board the AI Flight
The AI flight is taking off, and DeepSeek is the final call for India to show up at the boarding gate. Since its private sector is too risk averse to back research projects with uncertain payoffs, the state will have to step up.
Solving a Problem When Management Won’t
It’s not easy when someone doesn’t want to look at their own culpability in relationships. But you can only control what’s controllable, and we don’t control others, much as we endeavor to do so.
2025: The Year of the Snake According to the Chinese Zodiac Calendar
The equity markets were lower after facing a trifecta of headwinds from China, the Fed, and the White House. Stocks are running a bit serpentine right now, with tech under extreme pressure in response to headlines highlighting the low-cost language model developed by Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek.
Smart Savings: How AI Is Helping Companies Do More With Less
Faced with escalating labor expenses—from wages to benefits—businesses are rethinking traditional workforce expansion. Instead, they are investing in AI technologies that promise scalability, efficiency and unparalleled productivity.
AI Market Hits Rough Patch, Long-Term Outlook Still Attractive
The past few weeks have been challenging for the Magnificent Seven stocks and the broader AI equity complex.
Google, SoftBank Back Quantum Startup QuEra in $230 Million Deal
Startup investors including Alphabet Inc.’s Google and SoftBank Group Corp. are betting that quantum computing, often thought of as a fantastical science experiment, is getting closer to having sweeping real-world applications.
OpenAI’s Altman Says Musk ‘Probably Just Trying to Slow Us Down’
OpenAI Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman rebuffed Elon Musk’s $97.4 billion offer to take control of the artificial-intelligence startup for the second time in less than a day, accusing the world’s richest man of making the bid just to gain a competitive advantage.
DeepSeek Fails to Deter $325 Billion Gamble of the Century
At the start of this week, the question was whether the shock of China’s supercheap AI DeepSeek would compel Silicon Valley’s big artificial-intelligence companies to reduce their spending.
Q4 Earnings Growth Continues to Climb Despite Mixed Tech Results
Tech results last week were more anticipated than usual due to the emergence of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek in the prior week.
Tactical Rules Turn Bullish
Since our last update of our ‘Three Tactical Rules’ on November 26, 2024, equity markets are up slightly.
Investors Eye Data Center IPOs to Ride AI Infrastructure Boom
Investors are hungry for a piece of the US data centers powering the artificial intelligence boom, and a handful of initial public offerings expected in 2025 would feed that appetite.