The most glaring uncertainties today, which contributed to early August seeing some of the largest market moves in the last several years, are the risks associated with the Federal Reserve’s dual mandate.
Home prices continued to trend upwards in June as the benchmark 20-city index rose for a sixteenth consecutive month to a new all-time high. The S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index revealed seasonally adjusted home prices for the 20-city index saw a 0.4% increase month-over-month (MoM) and a 6.4% increase year-over-year (YoY). After adjusting for inflation, the MoM was reduced to 0.1% and the YoY was reduced to 0.9%.
Ethical Capital's Sloane Ortel marshals the data to counter the arguments against aggressively fighting climate change laid out in Larry Siegel's recent article.
The BlackRock Flexible Income ETF (BINC) launched less than 15 months ago and is already approaching $4 billion in AUM.
Today, one in three of the 65-69 cohort, one in five of the 70-74 cohort, and nearly one in ten of the 75+ cohort are in the labor force.
Recent macroeconomic and geopolitical developments, along with shifting AI sentiment, have raised concerns over whether strong headline returns, low volatility, and persistent mega cap tech leadership can continue as we look ahead.
It's been another strong first half for the U.S. ETF industry, with overall flows set to challenge or surpass historic records.
At Institutional Investor, keeper of Wall Street’s version of the Oscars for financial analysts, the winner in one category this year is — nobody.
Leveraging essential tools will energize teams, streamline operations, and drive growth. Financial advisors should actively promote education, training, networking, and personal development to foster a net wealth-supporting environment.
As part of our annual tradition, we’ve reached out to Russell Investments’ associate base to come up with four recommended books for this year’s summer reading list. Below are our choices, which cover a wide variety of topics, including leadership development, diversity and inclusion and the artificial intelligence revolution.
The dearth of private equity deal-making has been a nightmare for big investment banks used to getting 20% to 30% of their total advisory revenue from the industry.
The Asian high-yield market is evolving faster than investor perceptions.
This summer, countless bankers and financiers will get away to the Hamptons or vacation in Europe. And a handful will be traveling nearly every weekend — to play lacrosse.
In the second half of the year, investors will likely be navigating a potential divergence in monetary policy among the major economy central banks, a more normalized U.S. interest rate regime, and an equity market that may favor quality.
I’m writing you from Cape Town, South Africa, where I’ve been warmly welcomed and reminded how much I enjoy international travel (well, except for jet lag!). Our world has so many wonders most people never get to experience. Of course, “there’s no place like home,” but seeing other places makes me happy, too.
Shadow banking is back. A constellation of less-regulated intermediaries — from insurers to private investment funds — is increasingly taking on the traditional business of banks, making trillions of dollars in risky loans and occupying a central role in the economy.
We share some of the highlights from the past year that led to significant improvements in environmental protection, corporate governance, and transparency.
More than 338,000 Americans relocated for retirement last year – a 44% increase from 2022 – and about a quarter of those retirees moved to a different state.
An AI bubble may be simmering in the background, so for investors still looking for AI ETFs, it may be worth taking a discerning look around.
Panagram’s John Kim goes in depth on the collateralized loan obligation market and CLO ETFs. VettaFi’s Zeno Mercer highlights recent earnings reports from several of the biggest players in artificial intelligence and discusses AI-related ETFs.
What do people really mean when they talk about impact investing? Typically they’re referring to investments made with the intention of generating measurable social or environmental benefits in addition to financial return.
Discover the reasons investors diversify their portfolio with alternative investments.
I offer a collection of observations and beliefs based on my 48 years of experience in the financial services business, which includes stints as either president or CEO of five different TAMPs and a consulting firm.
Investors have been opting for intermediate-term bonds funds as uncertainty over the Federal Reserve's policy looms.
From biodiversity and blended finance to a just transition and the cost of drugs, we preview the key ESG issues we’re targeting through research.
Vanguard is an industry leader in offering muni bond ETFs that are highly tradeable, low cost, and have a strong track record of tight tracking error.
ESG is a massive topic; in fact, so big that it is hard to give it justice in the approximately 1,500 words I have at my disposal in these monthly letters. Consequently, I have decided to split it over two months.
On Jan. 30, Senior Director and Head of ESG and Investment Management Kris Tomasovic Nelson moderated an online discussion exploring the findings of Russell Investments’ 2023 Manager ESG Survey. In its ninth year, the annual survey offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of ESG practices within the investment management industry.
At a time when financial professionals are increasingly looking for differentiated alternative investment products for diversification and return benefits, these are the three things you need to know about the growing asset class.
This week, more than 400 members of the Women in ETFs (WE) organization gathered to celebrate the group’s 10th anniversary. The New York City event was just the latest opportunity for community members to exchange ideas and learn together.
Since the 1980s, we have celebrated and honored female trailblazers, who have shaped our history and advocated for change, during Women’s History Month.
What happens if we ever get to a zero gender pay gap? If we do hit that milestone, can we declare victory?
Investing in sports franchises can be a good portfolio diversifier and generate attractive returns.
The real estate sector represents a mere 2.31% of the S&P 500. Just two sectors – materials and utilities – command smaller allocations in the benchmark domestic equity gauge. That low weight garnered by real estate stocks and REITs belies the popularity of those assets among investors.
When it comes to financial markets, nothing is certain. For much of the last few decades, however, it was easy to convince yourself otherwise: Interest rates mostly went in one direction, down, and high inflation was a thing of the past.
Emerging markets debt proved sturdy in 2023. And more of the same could be on the way this year. That’s because fixed income investors are looking outside of the U.S. for elevated levels of income.
Why we believe small companies present key opportunities to tap into the heart of innovation and expansion in emerging markets.
I’m going to ask about a hot topic but also a touchy one: diversity.
The virtue bubble has not only peaked; it is starting to deflate. For the last few years, the ESG movement has affected both how people invest and what they buy.
The 60/40 portfolio has long been the foundation of portfolio construction. But over the past two years, this portfolio strategy has broken down. The 60/40 portfolio faces several challenges. To understand what might lie ahead, investors need to assess both recent inflationary forces and historic trends.
AB’s Chief Responsibility Officer previews areas of research focus for our Responsible Investing teams in 2024.
If ESG funds are trying to take over the country, they aren’t doing it very well.
Every new year provides an opportunity for fresh starts and to reimagine what is possible. As such, we offer a list of four New Year’s resolutions for advisors. Kick your 2024 off right by making these promises to yourself.
Kathlyn Collins, Head of Responsible Investment and Stewardship, says a renewed purpose among regulators and pressure from investors is yielding breakthroughs in the governance and the capital efficiency of Japan’s-listed companies.
The cornerstone of diversification is the allocation of investments to counterbalance losses and dampen volatility. But what happens when traditional assets, like stocks and bonds, move in lockstep as they are now?
Starting portfolio yields may be a better guide to optimal spending than knowledge of future market returns.
As the profession requires more advisors, targeting a wider talent pool and creating a structure to support their success is essential.
The life story of Charlie Munger, who passed away on Tuesday at age 99, serves as a shining example of the enduring American Dream, especially now at a time when many people doubt whether the promise of a better life is still intact.
Our 2023 Manager ESG Survey shows that transparency around DEI data is increasing among investment managers. The results reveal that equity product managers in particular are more inclined to share DEI data compared to managers in other asset classes.
OpenAI’s power brokers seem to have decided that the quickest fix for last week’s dysfunction is to borrow a page from corporate America’s playbook by adding some establishment figures to its board.
“I have never been more excited about the future,” wrote Sam Altman, the reinstated chief executive officer of OpenAI, to his subordinates on Wednesday, in a statement formally announcing his return and the rebuilding of the company’s fractured board.
CIO designate Sean Taylor gives his take on what Asia has to offer global and emerging markets investors, from growth, to diversification, to innovation.
A new psychological contract is transforming the modern workplace, highlighted by an increase in collective actions and changing employee expectations.
It’s true – first impressions are everything, and when it comes to your website, they happen in a flash.
Just six metrics can effectively assess sovereign issuers’ sustainability and provide guidance for both issuers and investors.
We’ve always intended for the unique collaboration between AllianceBernstein (AB) and Columbia University to serve the broader asset-management industry. Asset owners and managers alike are eager to explore the complex issues of climate change and its potential effect on investments and investment decision-making.
Alarm bells sounded Friday when we learned that the US unemployment rate rose to 3.9% for October, well above the 50-year low of 3.4% that it hit earlier in the year. The latest reading is still very low, so what’s with the doomsayers telling us a recession has arrived?
Let’s break down three key principles when designing or selecting illustrations to support your client communications outreach.
At a recent educational event organized by Franklin Templeton, Franklin Templeton Institute’s Senior Alternative Investment Strategist Tony Davidow hosted a day of panels that focused on alternative investments.
Being left solely responsible for wealth through divorce or widowhood later in life comes with its own set of responsibilities, opportunities, and challenges. As with so many financial life events, it is often the emotional challenges that are the hardest.
The typical American is a lot richer now than they were just before the pandemic — and this improvement is at least partially due to government support for families and businesses in 2020 and 2021.
Contrary to popular belief, “women” and “pre-retirees” are not niches. Here are tips for narrowing a niche that is too broadly defined.
Recently, a newly divorced woman in her 50s asked me if I knew of any good books for middle-aged, single woman of wealth.
The world is becoming an increasingly diverse place, especially the societies that we live in and we invest in. It’s not just about social equity that companies need to focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion; it’s really about business fundamentals.
Earlier this October, VettaFi announced that the Susan G. Komen Foundation would be the cause of the month. October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. VettaFi is pleased to announce that it will be taking its support to the next level.
Since taking a big leap upward in the 1940s and 1950s, the homeownership rate in the US has been remarkably steady since the 1960s, with close to two-thirds of households owning their homes.
I’ve identified nine skills and practices that will help you become a great leader and foster a culture that’s conducive to developing future leaders, not just followers.
ESG isn’t a new concept. In recent years, it’s gained more attention and assets thanks partly to the proliferation of related ETFs.
Russell Investments’ 2023 Manager ESG Survey, now in its ninth year, continues to offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape of ESG practices within the investment management industry.
A multi-asset approach to sustainable investing brings a broad and more balanced palette to paint with.
In 2021, almost two-thirds of respondents said they considered environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors when investing. In 2022, that number was 60%, and this year it’s 53%, according to the annual ESG Attitudes Survey from the Association of Investment Companies.
According to Gary Gensler, chair of the SEC, a market crash caused by artificial intelligence is “nearly unavoidable.” Like many other regulators, he has called for new regulations on AI to prevent such dire scenarios.
There is a growing movement among investors to align their portfolio to their values or belief systems. Advisors can use Direct Indexing products and Separately Managed Accounts to help their clients pursue faith- or values-based investing.
Women are still underrepresented among economics majors and in a range of professions.
How worried should we be about AI and what should we do about it? There is risk on both sides: of not taking warnings about AI seriously enough, and of taking them too seriously.
Older workers can still be a source of relief for tight labor markets.
Making the case for municipal bonds today with Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute.
Economics is still a male-dominated profession. Among full professors, only 1 out of every 8 is a woman. Among assistant professors, women are a little less than 1 in 3, similar to their share of undergraduate economics majors.
By placing personalization at the forefront, advisors make the financial journey more than just a series of transactions – it becomes a curated experience tailored to each client.
India will need to think beyond physical assets to continue its growth.
The degree of success of muni impact bonds often stems from showing issuers how they’ll be graded.
Private infrastructure offers unique investment characteristics and potential diversification benefits for portfolio construction.
One of the longer-term consequences of the looming government shutdown isn’t getting the attention it deserves: The youngest potential recruits are receiving yet another reminder of the challenges of public service, and at a time when they are desperately needed.
Environmental, social, and governance policies and investing have become targets of political derision. That doesn’t dampen the need for corporations and governments to pursue agendas tied to climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
To better understand the growth mindset as it applies to your practice, look at some common misunderstandings, contrasting them with the outlook predicated by the proper mindset.
AI, with its data analysis and predictive power, can revolutionize investing. However, humans remain a crucial part of the process. Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions provides use cases into how different investors can harness AI to achieve their desired outcomes and workflows.
For the savvy private wealth investor, portfolio diversity is key to success. Investing in infrastructure is one option that can help you both optimize your portfolio and make a positive and meaningful impact on your local community.
In this first episode, Franklin Templeton Institute’s Tony Davidow discusses the democratization of alternative investments and related topics with CAIA’s John Bowman.
Let me share some reminders about what needs to be in place for team members to thrive and stay inspired.
Why has there been a reluctance within the advisory profession to actively collect, much less leverage client experience feedback?
Women & Planning
Let’s Get Real (Rates)!
The most glaring uncertainties today, which contributed to early August seeing some of the largest market moves in the last several years, are the risks associated with the Federal Reserve’s dual mandate.
S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index: Hits New Record High in June
Home prices continued to trend upwards in June as the benchmark 20-city index rose for a sixteenth consecutive month to a new all-time high. The S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Index revealed seasonally adjusted home prices for the 20-city index saw a 0.4% increase month-over-month (MoM) and a 6.4% increase year-over-year (YoY). After adjusting for inflation, the MoM was reduced to 0.1% and the YoY was reduced to 0.9%.
A Rebuttal to an Energy Transition “Realist”
Ethical Capital's Sloane Ortel marshals the data to counter the arguments against aggressively fighting climate change laid out in Larry Siegel's recent article.
Golden Age for Fixed Income at BlackRock
The BlackRock Flexible Income ETF (BINC) launched less than 15 months ago and is already approaching $4 billion in AUM.
Employment Trends for the 50+ Workforce
Today, one in three of the 65-69 cohort, one in five of the 70-74 cohort, and nearly one in ten of the 75+ cohort are in the labor force.
Systematic Equity Outlook: Decoding Upside and Downside Risks
Recent macroeconomic and geopolitical developments, along with shifting AI sentiment, have raised concerns over whether strong headline returns, low volatility, and persistent mega cap tech leadership can continue as we look ahead.
U.S. ETF Flows: Investors Are Getting Polarized
It's been another strong first half for the U.S. ETF industry, with overall flows set to challenge or surpass historic records.
Wall Street Starts Calling Time on ESG Labels After Backlash
At Institutional Investor, keeper of Wall Street’s version of the Oscars for financial analysts, the winner in one category this year is — nobody.
The Power of Employee Investment and Net Wealth Mindset
Leveraging essential tools will energize teams, streamline operations, and drive growth. Financial advisors should actively promote education, training, networking, and personal development to foster a net wealth-supporting environment.
Unwind and Broaden Your Mind With Our 2024 Summer Reading List
As part of our annual tradition, we’ve reached out to Russell Investments’ associate base to come up with four recommended books for this year’s summer reading list. Below are our choices, which cover a wide variety of topics, including leadership development, diversity and inclusion and the artificial intelligence revolution.
Private Funds’ Hundreds of Billions of Opaque Debts Need Light
The dearth of private equity deal-making has been a nightmare for big investment banks used to getting 20% to 30% of their total advisory revenue from the industry.
Asia’s New Balance: High-Yield Market Offers More Diversity, Lower Risk
The Asian high-yield market is evolving faster than investor perceptions.
Wall Street Bankers Skip Hamptons Summer for Pro Lacrosse League
This summer, countless bankers and financiers will get away to the Hamptons or vacation in Europe. And a handful will be traveling nearly every weekend — to play lacrosse.
Midyear Outlook 2024
In the second half of the year, investors will likely be navigating a potential divergence in monetary policy among the major economy central banks, a more normalized U.S. interest rate regime, and an equity market that may favor quality.
Geopolitical Breakdown
I’m writing you from Cape Town, South Africa, where I’ve been warmly welcomed and reminded how much I enjoy international travel (well, except for jet lag!). Our world has so many wonders most people never get to experience. Of course, “there’s no place like home,” but seeing other places makes me happy, too.
Where Do Shadow Banks Get Their Money? Your Deposits
Shadow banking is back. A constellation of less-regulated intermediaries — from insurers to private investment funds — is increasingly taking on the traditional business of banks, making trillions of dollars in risky loans and occupying a central role in the economy.
Active Engagement and Regulatory Change in Asia Is Releasing Value for Investors
We share some of the highlights from the past year that led to significant improvements in environmental protection, corporate governance, and transparency.
More Retirees Crossing State Lines – Here’s Where They’re Going
More than 338,000 Americans relocated for retirement last year – a 44% increase from 2022 – and about a quarter of those retirees moved to a different state.
An AI Bubble? Know Which AI ETFs Stand Out
An AI bubble may be simmering in the background, so for investors still looking for AI ETFs, it may be worth taking a discerning look around.
Panagram’s John Kim on CLO Market & Fast-Growing CLO ETFs
Panagram’s John Kim goes in depth on the collateralized loan obligation market and CLO ETFs. VettaFi’s Zeno Mercer highlights recent earnings reports from several of the biggest players in artificial intelligence and discusses AI-related ETFs.
What Is Impact Investing?
What do people really mean when they talk about impact investing? Typically they’re referring to investments made with the intention of generating measurable social or environmental benefits in addition to financial return.
Alternative Investments: Thinking Beyond the Traditional Asset Classes
Discover the reasons investors diversify their portfolio with alternative investments.
Solving the Advisory Firm Turnover Problem
I offer a collection of observations and beliefs based on my 48 years of experience in the financial services business, which includes stints as either president or CEO of five different TAMPs and a consulting firm.
Intermediate Bonds Funds Drawing Investor Interest
Investors have been opting for intermediate-term bonds funds as uncertainty over the Federal Reserve's policy looms.
Responsible Investing: Four Themes to Follow in 2024
From biodiversity and blended finance to a just transition and the cost of drugs, we preview the key ESG issues we’re targeting through research.
LiveCast: Increase Tax Efficiency and Diversity Through Munis
Vanguard is an industry leader in offering muni bond ETFs that are highly tradeable, low cost, and have a strong track record of tight tracking error.
Is ESG Good or Bad?
ESG is a massive topic; in fact, so big that it is hard to give it justice in the approximately 1,500 words I have at my disposal in these monthly letters. Consequently, I have decided to split it over two months.
Understanding the New ESG Landscape
On Jan. 30, Senior Director and Head of ESG and Investment Management Kris Tomasovic Nelson moderated an online discussion exploring the findings of Russell Investments’ 2023 Manager ESG Survey. In its ninth year, the annual survey offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of ESG practices within the investment management industry.
Three Things to Know About Private Real Estate Credit
At a time when financial professionals are increasingly looking for differentiated alternative investment products for diversification and return benefits, these are the three things you need to know about the growing asset class.
Dynamic Decade for Women in ETFs Group
This week, more than 400 members of the Women in ETFs (WE) organization gathered to celebrate the group’s 10th anniversary. The New York City event was just the latest opportunity for community members to exchange ideas and learn together.
International Women’s Day: Investing in Women
Since the 1980s, we have celebrated and honored female trailblazers, who have shaped our history and advocated for change, during Women’s History Month.
A Zero Pay Gap Is the Goal. But What Happens Next?
What happens if we ever get to a zero gender pay gap? If we do hit that milestone, can we declare victory?
The Business of Sports is Booming
Investing in sports franchises can be a good portfolio diversifier and generate attractive returns.
Popularity of REITs Could Be Positive for This ETF
The real estate sector represents a mere 2.31% of the S&P 500. Just two sectors – materials and utilities – command smaller allocations in the benchmark domestic equity gauge. That low weight garnered by real estate stocks and REITs belies the popularity of those assets among investors.
Markets Don’t Know What to Expect Anymore, and That’s Good
When it comes to financial markets, nothing is certain. For much of the last few decades, however, it was easy to convince yourself otherwise: Interest rates mostly went in one direction, down, and high inflation was a thing of the past.
Emerging Markets Bonds Could Be 2024 Bond Stars
Emerging markets debt proved sturdy in 2023. And more of the same could be on the way this year. That’s because fixed income investors are looking outside of the U.S. for elevated levels of income.
Discover Growth
Why we believe small companies present key opportunities to tap into the heart of innovation and expansion in emerging markets.
A Hot but Touchy Topic: Diversity
I’m going to ask about a hot topic but also a touchy one: diversity.
The Virtue Economy Is Over
The virtue bubble has not only peaked; it is starting to deflate. For the last few years, the ESG movement has affected both how people invest and what they buy.
Investing 2024: Turning the Page on the 60/40 Portfolio
The 60/40 portfolio has long been the foundation of portfolio construction. But over the past two years, this portfolio strategy has broken down. The 60/40 portfolio faces several challenges. To understand what might lie ahead, investors need to assess both recent inflationary forces and historic trends.
ESG Opportunities: Emerging Markets and Biodiversity
AB’s Chief Responsibility Officer previews areas of research focus for our Responsible Investing teams in 2024.
Why the Fuss About ESG?
If ESG funds are trying to take over the country, they aren’t doing it very well.
4 New Year’s Resolutions Every Advisor Should Make
Every new year provides an opportunity for fresh starts and to reimagine what is possible. As such, we offer a list of four New Year’s resolutions for advisors. Kick your 2024 off right by making these promises to yourself.
Emerging Japan
Kathlyn Collins, Head of Responsible Investment and Stewardship, says a renewed purpose among regulators and pressure from investors is yielding breakthroughs in the governance and the capital efficiency of Japan’s-listed companies.
The New Rules of Diversification: Correlation Matters
The cornerstone of diversification is the allocation of investments to counterbalance losses and dampen volatility. But what happens when traditional assets, like stocks and bonds, move in lockstep as they are now?
Rethinking Retirement Spending Rules: A Market‑Based Approach
Starting portfolio yields may be a better guide to optimal spending than knowledge of future market returns.
Diversity is Good for Business
As the profession requires more advisors, targeting a wider talent pool and creating a structure to support their success is essential.
A Tribute to Charlie Munger and the Promise of the American Dream
The life story of Charlie Munger, who passed away on Tuesday at age 99, serves as a shining example of the enduring American Dream, especially now at a time when many people doubt whether the promise of a better life is still intact.
Diversity in Investment Management: What Are the Latest Trends and Insights?
Our 2023 Manager ESG Survey shows that transparency around DEI data is increasing among investment managers. The results reveal that equity product managers in particular are more inclined to share DEI data compared to managers in other asset classes.
OpenAI Exposes the Clash of Governing Money and Mission
OpenAI’s power brokers seem to have decided that the quickest fix for last week’s dysfunction is to borrow a page from corporate America’s playbook by adding some establishment figures to its board.
Bandaged Up OpenAI Faces a Tougher Task Now
“I have never been more excited about the future,” wrote Sam Altman, the reinstated chief executive officer of OpenAI, to his subordinates on Wednesday, in a statement formally announcing his return and the rebuilding of the company’s fractured board.
Why Asia Matters
CIO designate Sean Taylor gives his take on what Asia has to offer global and emerging markets investors, from growth, to diversification, to innovation.
A Changing World: The New Psychological Workplace Contract
A new psychological contract is transforming the modern workplace, highlighted by an increase in collective actions and changing employee expectations.
Is Your Website Attracting or Repelling Ideal Clients?
It’s true – first impressions are everything, and when it comes to your website, they happen in a flash.
Six Metrics Light the Path to Sustainability for Emerging-Market Sovereigns
Just six metrics can effectively assess sovereign issuers’ sustainability and provide guidance for both issuers and investors.
Investing Lessons from Climate School, Class of 2023
We’ve always intended for the unique collaboration between AllianceBernstein (AB) and Columbia University to serve the broader asset-management industry. Asset owners and managers alike are eager to explore the complex issues of climate change and its potential effect on investments and investment decision-making.
Why My Recession Rule Could Go Wrong This Time
Alarm bells sounded Friday when we learned that the US unemployment rate rose to 3.9% for October, well above the 50-year low of 3.4% that it hit earlier in the year. The latest reading is still very low, so what’s with the doomsayers telling us a recession has arrived?
Use Visuals to Boost Client Communications
Let’s break down three key principles when designing or selecting illustrations to support your client communications outreach.
Alternative Allocations: Lessons Learned From Institutions
At a recent educational event organized by Franklin Templeton, Franklin Templeton Institute’s Senior Alternative Investment Strategist Tony Davidow hosted a day of panels that focused on alternative investments.
Suddenly Single, With Wealth – Is There a Problem? Part Two
Being left solely responsible for wealth through divorce or widowhood later in life comes with its own set of responsibilities, opportunities, and challenges. As with so many financial life events, it is often the emotional challenges that are the hardest.
A Strong Safety Net Helps the Whole US Economy
The typical American is a lot richer now than they were just before the pandemic — and this improvement is at least partially due to government support for families and businesses in 2020 and 2021.
How to Narrow Your Niche
Contrary to popular belief, “women” and “pre-retirees” are not niches. Here are tips for narrowing a niche that is too broadly defined.
Suddenly Single, With Wealth – Is There a Problem Here? Part One
Recently, a newly divorced woman in her 50s asked me if I knew of any good books for middle-aged, single woman of wealth.
Diversity of Thought A New Approach to Equity Alpha
The world is becoming an increasingly diverse place, especially the societies that we live in and we invest in. It’s not just about social equity that companies need to focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion; it’s really about business fundamentals.
Sign Up for Exchange and Support the Fight Against Breast Cancer
Earlier this October, VettaFi announced that the Susan G. Komen Foundation would be the cause of the month. October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. VettaFi is pleased to announce that it will be taking its support to the next level.
With Housing, Millennials Have Much to Complain About
Since taking a big leap upward in the 1940s and 1950s, the homeownership rate in the US has been remarkably steady since the 1960s, with close to two-thirds of households owning their homes.
Nine Skills of a Leader Who Creates More Leaders
I’ve identified nine skills and practices that will help you become a great leader and foster a culture that’s conducive to developing future leaders, not just followers.
Work to Be Done to Improve ESG Adoption
ESG isn’t a new concept. In recent years, it’s gained more attention and assets thanks partly to the proliferation of related ETFs.
2023 Manager ESG Survey: Climate Risk Dominates
Russell Investments’ 2023 Manager ESG Survey, now in its ninth year, continues to offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape of ESG practices within the investment management industry.
Seeking Balance in Sustainable Multi-Asset Investing
A multi-asset approach to sustainable investing brings a broad and more balanced palette to paint with.
The Tyranny of ESG Has Run Its Course
In 2021, almost two-thirds of respondents said they considered environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors when investing. In 2022, that number was 60%, and this year it’s 53%, according to the annual ESG Attitudes Survey from the Association of Investment Companies.
Stop Worrying That AI Will Cause the Market to Crash
According to Gary Gensler, chair of the SEC, a market crash caused by artificial intelligence is “nearly unavoidable.” Like many other regulators, he has called for new regulations on AI to prevent such dire scenarios.
How To Talk to Your Clients About Values and Faith-Based Investing
There is a growing movement among investors to align their portfolio to their values or belief systems. Advisors can use Direct Indexing products and Separately Managed Accounts to help their clients pursue faith- or values-based investing.
Gender Studies Earn The Nobel Prize
Women are still underrepresented among economics majors and in a range of professions.
Was the Unabomber Right About the Dangers of AI?
How worried should we be about AI and what should we do about it? There is risk on both sides: of not taking warnings about AI seriously enough, and of taking them too seriously.
Uneasy Un-Retirements
Older workers can still be a source of relief for tight labor markets.
Investment Ideas—Is the Muni Comeback Still in the Making?
Making the case for municipal bonds today with Stephen Dover, Head of Franklin Templeton Institute.
Goldin Took Women’s Careers From Economic Sideshow to Mainstream
Economics is still a male-dominated profession. Among full professors, only 1 out of every 8 is a woman. Among assistant professors, women are a little less than 1 in 3, similar to their share of undergraduate economics majors.
Capturing Investor Mindsets to Create a More Meaningful Investing Experience: “The Change Maker”
By placing personalization at the forefront, advisors make the financial journey more than just a series of transactions – it becomes a curated experience tailored to each client.
What’s Holding Back India’s Economy?
India will need to think beyond physical assets to continue its growth.
How Muni Impact Investors Can Help Issuers Ace Their ESG Tests
The degree of success of muni impact bonds often stems from showing issuers how they’ll be graded.
Unlisted Infrastructure – Highway to Diversification
Private infrastructure offers unique investment characteristics and potential diversification benefits for portfolio construction.
US Government Needs a Youth Movement. A Shutdown Won’t Help.
One of the longer-term consequences of the looming government shutdown isn’t getting the attention it deserves: The youngest potential recruits are receiving yet another reminder of the challenges of public service, and at a time when they are desperately needed.
Why ESG Investing Still Matters
Environmental, social, and governance policies and investing have become targets of political derision. That doesn’t dampen the need for corporations and governments to pursue agendas tied to climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Developing a Growth Mindset: Why It Matters
To better understand the growth mindset as it applies to your practice, look at some common misunderstandings, contrasting them with the outlook predicated by the proper mindset.
Copilot, Not Autopilot: How Generative AI Augments, but Doesn’t Replace Active Management
AI, with its data analysis and predictive power, can revolutionize investing. However, humans remain a crucial part of the process. Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions provides use cases into how different investors can harness AI to achieve their desired outcomes and workflows.
Impact of Local Infrastructure Investments on a Portfolio
For the savvy private wealth investor, portfolio diversity is key to success. Investing in infrastructure is one option that can help you both optimize your portfolio and make a positive and meaningful impact on your local community.
Alternative Allocations: The State of the Alternative Investments Industry
In this first episode, Franklin Templeton Institute’s Tony Davidow discusses the democratization of alternative investments and related topics with CAIA’s John Bowman.
How to Ensure Team Members Strive and Thrive
Let me share some reminders about what needs to be in place for team members to thrive and stay inspired.
The Magnetic Power of Client Feedback
Why has there been a reluctance within the advisory profession to actively collect, much less leverage client experience feedback?