Private markets (private equity, private credit and real estate) have historically delivered an “illiquidity premium”. Institutions and family offices have recognized this illiquidity premium and have historically allocated significant capital to capture it.
Although a lot has changed since our last quarterly, its central theme – dispersion – feels like it’s only become more pronounced. We wrote last time that ‘‘we believe we’re entering a new era of dispersion in the performance of financial assets.’’
The sooner the mass of retail private credit managers realize they are zombies and give up the ghost, the sooner we can burn the whole thing to the ground and conjure a better model from the ashes. But there is no time like a crisis to have conversations about how to make the structure work better for everyone in the future!
Access to private equity, private credit, private infrastructure, and private real estate assets can potentially improve long-term investment outcomes for participants.
Wendy Li spent 20 years working with large endowments and foundations before founding Ivy Invest. In the latest Alternative Allocations, she discusses how institutions approach illiquid investments, the importance of manager selection, and where she sees opportunities in today's private markets.
As portfolios limited to public equities capture a smaller slice of corporate growth, private investments are increasingly finding a place in long-term wealth-building strategies, including 401(k)s.
Every financial crisis has a moment — usually identified only in retrospect — when an obscure product intended to mitigate risk spreads through what author Rick Bookstaber called “tightly coupled” interconnections to cause widespread damage.
Apollo Global Management Inc. is ramping up efforts to give investors more regular insight into the value of its opaque private credit holdings, just as a spate of redemption requests from such funds rattles the wider market.
Concerns about private credit have intensified in recent months. Investors are grappling with questions about weakening credit quality, stale valuations, looser underwriting, redemption risk in certain types of funds, and the impact of AI‑driven disruption.
Interval funds can be a powerful addition to the advisor toolkit. They can broaden access to institutional-style strategies and help build more diversified portfolios for clients who would otherwise be shut out of private markets.
In our latest "Alternative Allocations" podcast episode, we sit down with Paul Jodice, Co-Head of Morgan Stanley's GIMA team, to explore crucial shifts they’ve adopted to meet the needs of advisors and the strategies advisors are seeking today.
It’s a brave new world for educational savers — and none too soon. In 2025, lawmakers outdid themselves by expanding ways families can help their children or grandchildren obtain a degree or certificate.
Many people only respond financially to the end-of-season of income changes like job raises, bonuses, and commissions. Carey tapped into something much smarter: letting a single holiday song transform into an evergreen asset that pays her consistently every Christmas. That can apply to your own personal finances as well.
We enter 2026 after a year of robust global stock gains on AI optimism, falling interest rates and a resilient world economy. Beneath this stability, however, lies a more fragile environment.
To invest or not to invest in alternatives; that is the question for anyone involved in the business of retirement planning. FAs can help clients navigate the brave new world of customized alternatives, but this is easier said than done.
The private market landscape has evolved tremendously, and it is exciting that evergreen options are available to meet the growing demand in this space. However, before making an allocation using an evergreen fund, it is essential to recognize and anticipate issues that could arise.
Private equity secondaries transactions likely will surge to a record in 2025. Learn what’s driving institutional investors to use them.
Earlier this year, GMO’s Asset Allocation Team invested a sizeable 13% of its flagship unconstrained Benchmark-Free Allocation Strategy into the GMO Alternative Allocation Strategy (ALTA). ALTA provides daily liquidity and seeks to deliver equity-like returns with sensible and competitive fees, allowing for realistic return forecasts and prudent risk management.
Content marketing isn’t a short-term play; it’s a system that compounds over time. By building a consistent, strategic content plan, you position your firm to attract, nurture, and convert more of your ideal clients year after year.
Some of the world’s biggest investors in private equity are worried they could lose their special status as thousands of retail investors get invited into an asset class that had been reserved for sophisticated clients.
Blackstone Inc. reported a 25% jump in distributable earnings for the second quarter, buoyed by profits from its retail and evergreen funds.
Some say private credit hasn’t been tested. We disagree…and stress can sharpen the senses.
One of Europe’s largest pure-play banks, which is controlled by members of Qatar’s ruling family, is expanding a partnership with BlackRock Inc. to bolster its investing services.
While private equity can deliver attractive entry points — particularly in dislocated markets — success hinges on investing with established, top-tier managers and maintaining deliberate vintage diversification.
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.
Morgan Stanley is launching a private equity fund for its widest audience yet — investors wielding a few million dollars — as asset managers help broader masses into the once-exclusive realm.
Swedish firm EQT AB received more than $10 billion in investor commitments for its latest pan-Asia private equity fund, putting it on track to reach its fundraising goal despite the market volatility.
Jamie Dimon, who turns 69 in March, will one day retire as chief executive officer of JPMorgan Chase & Co. The candidates to succeed him have been well advertised.
With storm clouds forming above equities and fixed income markets, is now the right time for institutions to grab their private credit labeled umbrella?
Institutional investors, which have traditionally made up private debt’s largest pool of money, are no longer a source of growth for the $1.7 trillion industry.
How do you convey your value and convince qualified prospects that hiring you will be a worthwhile investment without breaching your compliance obligations as an advisor?
Amundi SA and First Eagle Investment Management are looking to raise as much as $5 billion for a new private credit strategy that will offer wealthy individuals in Europe, the Middle East and Asia access to private loans made to mid-size US companies.
Cryptocurrencies reeled from a bout of risk aversion in global markets on Monday, at one point sending Bitcoin down more than 16% and saddling second-ranked Ether with the steepest fall since 2021.
Macro worries meet AI wonderwall. Stocks have managed to climb a wall of macro worries, thanks to largely solid earnings that we believe can expand beyond AI beneficiaries and continue to support prices. As Q3 begins, we look for:
On Tuesday, the Biden administration announced significant tariff increases on China, targeting roughly $18 billion in strategic industries, with a sharp focus on electric vehicles (EVs). These tariffs, which quadruple to 100% on Chinese-made EVs, are designed to counter China’s unfair trade practices and overcapacity while boosting U.S. industries.
Can artificial intelligence help you have stronger, more authentic relationships with human clients?
Investing in private markets has obvious upsides, including potential higher returns, access to a broader opportunity set, and greater diversification.
Private markets continue to become an even more prevalent component of investor portfolios, providing access to an expanded opportunity set and strong diversification beyond traditional stocks and bonds.
With technology changing the way we live, we are taking a trip down memory lane to look back at a piece of technology that has entertained generations: classic video games.
Two major events are shaking up the asset-management world. Blackstone Inc. raised $1.3 billion for its first retail private equity fund, targeting those who have at least $5 million to invest.
With only a week remaining to 2023, the stock market is poised to end the year up a respectable 25% or more. That’s despite a number of significant hurdles, from multiyear-high interest rates to ongoing fighting in Ukraine and the Middle East.
VettaFi’s Financial Futurist Dave Nadig sat down with Som Seif, the founder & CEO of Purpose Investments, to give investors and advisors more insight into what is going on in Canada. In addition, the pair discussed a multitude of different topics, including Bitcoin, to help give investors a better understanding of the Canadian market overall.
Let’s break down three key principles when designing or selecting illustrations to support your client communications outreach.
In investing, you can have a safe present or future value, but not both!
Communications should be planned and thoughtful. Rarely – if ever – should a serious message be delivered without warning.
Let’s look at the keys to creating a successful podcast.
What is the secret to digital marketing that drives website traffic and leads?
Hamilton Lane (Nasdaq: HLNE) is one of the largest private market investment firms globally, with nearly $857 billion in assets under management as of June 2023, providing innovative solutions to institutional and private wealth investors around the world.
In this episode, my guest, Steve Brennan, will discuss the private market opportunity for advisors and HNW investors. For financial advisors looking to minimize the impact of public-market volatility on their clients’ portfolios, private equity is a long-term investment vehicle that gives an investor an extended period to invest their money and protect it from the turbulence of the markets. Private-market investing can provide gains for HNW investors who have traditionally focused on real estate and private-credit strategies.
But many advisors still don't invest in private markets. Steve will discuss the opportunity in private investing, how it works, and most importantly, how to use it in the context of a portfolio.
Don't let geography hold you back from achieving success in a lucrative niche.
Investors have had a lot to contend with thus far in 2023. Moderating economic growth, persistent inflation, volatile interest rates, falling profits, stress in the banking sector, war in Ukraine, and the debt ceiling debate all combined to weigh on sentiment.
Tencent Holdings Ltd. posted its fastest pace of revenue growth in more than a year but earnings missed estimates, reflecting an uneven internet sector recovery during China’s post-pandemic reopening.
Saving for college can be daunting. Many parents don’t know how prepared they will be for college costs in the future. Parents face the question of how much to save and which funding vehicles to use.
Grand marketing plans are created and resources spent on social media or website traffic-generation efforts, with little thought given to conversion programs.
US workers are clearly feeling the strain of economic uncertainty, according to Franklin Templeton’s third annual “Voice of the American Worker” study.
The fixed income market is on the verge of having its worst year of performance in several decades, and for many of us, the worst of our careers – but there are still fixed income opportunities for investors to consider.
In our discussion, we want to share with you insight on a segment of the fixed income market that we believe presents an opportunity for investors – municipal bonds.
Build a scalable marketing plan that focuses on repurposing your content.
Readers of a certain age will remember Carnac the Magnificent, Johnny Carson’s recurring alter ego.
If you’re an advisor for whom producing a detailed quarterly client letter is painful, step back and think about your own personal strengths – and what you enjoy doing.
The bipartisan Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America Act, or CHIPS Act, was signed into law this week, setting aside $52 billion to boost domestic semiconductor research and production.
IMO 2020 has contributed to higher shipping rates.
In today's digital-first world, a marketing funnel is how financial advisors attract ideal prospects, engage clients and COIs, and stimulate referrals.
A “boatload” of news this week suggests that the shipping industry continues to look very attractive from an investing point of view. Global cargo carriers are estimated to have recorded $150 billion in profits in 2021, the first time they’ve collectively reached that figure in a single year.
Sending quick video messages is an effective way to stay top of mind and regularly remind your connections that you are a resource they can count on and trust.
January market trends historically set the direction for the full year per his title “As January Goes”. Well, so far, not so good!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving full of family, love and laughter! Even if that wasn’t your experience, there’s still much to be grateful for.
Just as leaves fall in autumn, you can count on the financial press to litter websites and other media with year-end “take losses and re-balance your portfolio” stories.
As is the case with Evergreen, our partner firm Gavekal encourages an environment of “opinion exchanges”. In the latter case, much of that stems from the inherent philosophical divergences regarding economics and politics between its three co-founders.
Domestic business travel is well on its way to recovery. Forty percent of poll respondents said that business travel within the country where their firm is based has already resumed, while a third said that their company has either decided on a start date or is working toward a date.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at live and pre-recorded webinar formats, and what to consider when choosing which one is right for you.
Imagine never having to do your least favorite chore!
Even the most promising future can change drastically by a life-threatening event. A healthy individual may require around-the-clock care and supervision after an accident, creating the need to solve complex financial planning problems.
Here are five growth opportunities that will help you advance your firm while the competition sits on the sidelines.
The pandemic has changed investor behavior. It has altered the qualities and services investors look for in a financial advisor.
Denial and lack of cooperation from a mentally ill person can make treatment, caring and financial planning more difficult.
The big myth with webinars is that your audience cares whether it is live.
Economic uncertainty has spiked given the escalating U.S.-China trade war; with increasing risk it weakens the dividing line between the manufacturing and consumer sectors.
For the most part, the second quarter saw a continuation of the first quarter’s positive performance across many asset classes. This furthered a reversal of the dismal 2018 when every primary asset class was negative.
To promote your financial services using content marketing, start by harnessing the power of your own website, social media and email marketing tools.
While traditional marketing can still be effective, they are four factors that make it costly and time-consuming.
Recent comments from Fed Chairman Powell with respect to corporate debt echoes what Bernanke said in 2007 about subprime mortgage debt.
I will talk about the four different types of content you can create and what is unique about each one.
The inversion of the 10y-3m yield curve unleashed a sharp pullback in stocks; but the Fed’s “preferred” curve first inverted in early January.
I want to tackle a more evergreen topic, which is the implications on the economy of a high and ever-rising burden of debt. But I want to first differentiate between the deficit and debt.
Recession chatter is abundant lately. It’s increasingly the focus of Q&A sessions at investor events at which I’ve been speaking. I also received a series of questions last week about recessions from a Schwab colleague who has many younger Schwabbies on his team, most of whom have not lived as working adults through a recession.
Whether you follow a systematic approach to growth or are looking for an “easy button,” growth hacks are a path that any practice, team or individual advisor can leverage.
Content marketing creates and shares content to attract, engage and inspire a chosen audience.
We look at options “insurance” the same way we look at any asset: It can make sense at one price but make no sense at another. As you will see, at today’s price they make a lot of sense.
A look at Private Debt and Direct Lending in regard to funding small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs). An overview of current practices in the marketplace and how these debt funds either supplant bank lending and/or take debt financing to a “next level” providing flexibilities that didn’t exist pre-crisis.
Rising equity prices and bond yields pose a puzzle for investors. Given equity valuations, some investors question whether the rally is peaking. This month, we examine the fundamental underpinnings of a steady economy, growth of company earnings and revenue, and pent-up consumer spending.
Why do so many pundits and politicians, including the future director of the Office of Management and Budget, beat the debt drum so loudly and so often? It’s one of the most effective, and most abused, wedge issues in American politics.
Evergreen
The Cost of Being Too Liquid
Private markets (private equity, private credit and real estate) have historically delivered an “illiquidity premium”. Institutions and family offices have recognized this illiquidity premium and have historically allocated significant capital to capture it.
Dispersion Revisited
Although a lot has changed since our last quarterly, its central theme – dispersion – feels like it’s only become more pronounced. We wrote last time that ‘‘we believe we’re entering a new era of dispersion in the performance of financial assets.’’
A Proposal to Save Private Credit (Sort Of)
The sooner the mass of retail private credit managers realize they are zombies and give up the ghost, the sooner we can burn the whole thing to the ground and conjure a better model from the ashes. But there is no time like a crisis to have conversations about how to make the structure work better for everyone in the future!
Private Assets in Target-Date Funds: A Balanced Assessment
Access to private equity, private credit, private infrastructure, and private real estate assets can potentially improve long-term investment outcomes for participants.
The Illiquidity Premium—Lessons Learned From Institutions, Wendy LI, Founder & President, Ivy Invest
Wendy Li spent 20 years working with large endowments and foundations before founding Ivy Invest. In the latest Alternative Allocations, she discusses how institutions approach illiquid investments, the importance of manager selection, and where she sees opportunities in today's private markets.
Is Your Portfolio Missing This Key Ingredient?
As portfolios limited to public equities capture a smaller slice of corporate growth, private investments are increasingly finding a place in long-term wealth-building strategies, including 401(k)s.
Private Credit Is Entering Its Musical Chairs Phase
Every financial crisis has a moment — usually identified only in retrospect — when an obscure product intended to mitigate risk spreads through what author Rick Bookstaber called “tightly coupled” interconnections to cause widespread damage.
Apollo Plans to Mark Private Credit Daily, Answering Critics
Apollo Global Management Inc. is ramping up efforts to give investors more regular insight into the value of its opaque private credit holdings, just as a spate of redemption requests from such funds rattles the wider market.
Private Credit’s Other Lanes Still Offer Value
Concerns about private credit have intensified in recent months. Investors are grappling with questions about weakening credit quality, stale valuations, looser underwriting, redemption risk in certain types of funds, and the impact of AI‑driven disruption.
Interval Funds: What Financial Advisors Need to Know
Interval funds can be a powerful addition to the advisor toolkit. They can broaden access to institutional-style strategies and help build more diversified portfolios for clients who would otherwise be shut out of private markets.
Alternative Manager Research—Building a Robust Platform With Guest Paul Jodice, Morgan Stanley
In our latest "Alternative Allocations" podcast episode, we sit down with Paul Jodice, Co-Head of Morgan Stanley's GIMA team, to explore crucial shifts they’ve adopted to meet the needs of advisors and the strategies advisors are seeking today.
What Financial Advisors Need to Know About 529 Plans
It’s a brave new world for educational savers — and none too soon. In 2025, lawmakers outdid themselves by expanding ways families can help their children or grandchildren obtain a degree or certificate.
Mariah Carey: The Queen of Christmas and Evergreen Income
Many people only respond financially to the end-of-season of income changes like job raises, bonuses, and commissions. Carey tapped into something much smarter: letting a single holiday song transform into an evergreen asset that pays her consistently every Christmas. That can apply to your own personal finances as well.
2026 Global Investment Outlook: Resiliency with Complexity
We enter 2026 after a year of robust global stock gains on AI optimism, falling interest rates and a resilient world economy. Beneath this stability, however, lies a more fragile environment.
Alternatives & ERISA Retirement Plans: What Advisors Need to Know
To invest or not to invest in alternatives; that is the question for anyone involved in the business of retirement planning. FAs can help clients navigate the brave new world of customized alternatives, but this is easier said than done.
Is the Growth of Evergreen Funds Good or Bad for Private Markets?
The private market landscape has evolved tremendously, and it is exciting that evergreen options are available to meet the growing demand in this space. However, before making an allocation using an evergreen fund, it is essential to recognize and anticipate issues that could arise.
The Strategic Role of Private Equity Secondaries
Private equity secondaries transactions likely will surge to a record in 2025. Learn what’s driving institutional investors to use them.
Time to Take Another Look at Alternatives
Earlier this year, GMO’s Asset Allocation Team invested a sizeable 13% of its flagship unconstrained Benchmark-Free Allocation Strategy into the GMO Alternative Allocation Strategy (ALTA). ALTA provides daily liquidity and seeks to deliver equity-like returns with sensible and competitive fees, allowing for realistic return forecasts and prudent risk management.
The Long-Term Power of Content Marketing for Financial Advisors
Content marketing isn’t a short-term play; it’s a system that compounds over time. By building a consistent, strategic content plan, you position your firm to attract, nurture, and convert more of your ideal clients year after year.
Private Equity’s Courtship of Retail Investors Irks Pensions, Endowments
Some of the world’s biggest investors in private equity are worried they could lose their special status as thousands of retail investors get invited into an asset class that had been reserved for sophisticated clients.
Blackstone Profit Jumps 25% on Retail, Evergreen Fees
Blackstone Inc. reported a 25% jump in distributable earnings for the second quarter, buoyed by profits from its retail and evergreen funds.
Private Credit Outlook: Five Lessons Learned
Some say private credit hasn’t been tested. We disagree…and stress can sharpen the senses.
Qatar-Linked Private Bank to Expand BlackRock Wealth Offerings
One of Europe’s largest pure-play banks, which is controlled by members of Qatar’s ruling family, is expanding a partnership with BlackRock Inc. to bolster its investing services.
Private Equity in Volatile Markets: Vintage Diversification & Manager Quality Matter
While private equity can deliver attractive entry points — particularly in dislocated markets — success hinges on investing with established, top-tier managers and maintaining deliberate vintage diversification.
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.
Morgan Stanley Offers PE Fund for Wider Swath of Millionaires
Morgan Stanley is launching a private equity fund for its widest audience yet — investors wielding a few million dollars — as asset managers help broader masses into the once-exclusive realm.
EQT’s Asia Buyout Fund Gets $10 Billion, On Track for Target
Swedish firm EQT AB received more than $10 billion in investor commitments for its latest pan-Asia private equity fund, putting it on track to reach its fundraising goal despite the market volatility.
Jamie Dimon’s Succession Race Just Lost a Top Candidate
Jamie Dimon, who turns 69 in March, will one day retire as chief executive officer of JPMorgan Chase & Co. The candidates to succeed him have been well advertised.
Where Can Private Credit Fit in an Institutional Portfolio?
With storm clouds forming above equities and fixed income markets, is now the right time for institutions to grab their private credit labeled umbrella?
Private Debt Looks for Growth as Traditional Capital Flatlines
Institutional investors, which have traditionally made up private debt’s largest pool of money, are no longer a source of growth for the $1.7 trillion industry.
Handcuffed by Compliance? A New Marketing Approach for Growth
How do you convey your value and convince qualified prospects that hiring you will be a worthwhile investment without breaching your compliance obligations as an advisor?
Amundi Tie-Up Offers US Private Credit to Wealthy Individuals
Amundi SA and First Eagle Investment Management are looking to raise as much as $5 billion for a new private credit strategy that will offer wealthy individuals in Europe, the Middle East and Asia access to private loans made to mid-size US companies.
Bitcoin Plunges, Ether Has Worst Drop Since 2021 as Crypto Sinks
Cryptocurrencies reeled from a bout of risk aversion in global markets on Monday, at one point sending Bitcoin down more than 16% and saddling second-ranked Ether with the steepest fall since 2021.
Taking Stock: Q3 2024 Equity Market Outlook
Macro worries meet AI wonderwall. Stocks have managed to climb a wall of macro worries, thanks to largely solid earnings that we believe can expand beyond AI beneficiaries and continue to support prices. As Q3 begins, we look for:
New 100% Tariffs On Chinese EVs: Biden’s Strategy To Boost American Manufacturing
On Tuesday, the Biden administration announced significant tariff increases on China, targeting roughly $18 billion in strategic industries, with a sharp focus on electric vehicles (EVs). These tariffs, which quadruple to 100% on Chinese-made EVs, are designed to counter China’s unfair trade practices and overcapacity while boosting U.S. industries.
Want to More Effectively Engage Your Clients? Learn to Chat with ChatGPT
Can artificial intelligence help you have stronger, more authentic relationships with human clients?
On the Private Markets Racetrack, a Fund-of-Funds May Help You Win
Investing in private markets has obvious upsides, including potential higher returns, access to a broader opportunity set, and greater diversification.
Russell Investments 2024 Private Markets Survey: Where Do Managers See Opportunities Today?
Private markets continue to become an even more prevalent component of investor portfolios, providing access to an expanded opportunity set and strong diversification beyond traditional stocks and bonds.
The Next Level of Play in the Financial Markets
With technology changing the way we live, we are taking a trip down memory lane to look back at a piece of technology that has entertained generations: classic video games.
Blackstone and BlackRock Master the Art of Moneymaking
Two major events are shaking up the asset-management world. Blackstone Inc. raised $1.3 billion for its first retail private equity fund, targeting those who have at least $5 million to invest.
The Top 5 Most-Read Investing Stories Of 2023
With only a week remaining to 2023, the stock market is poised to end the year up a respectable 25% or more. That’s despite a number of significant hurdles, from multiyear-high interest rates to ongoing fighting in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Spot Bitcoin, Alts, and Active: An Innovator’s Perspective
VettaFi’s Financial Futurist Dave Nadig sat down with Som Seif, the founder & CEO of Purpose Investments, to give investors and advisors more insight into what is going on in Canada. In addition, the pair discussed a multitude of different topics, including Bitcoin, to help give investors a better understanding of the Canadian market overall.
Use Visuals to Boost Client Communications
Let’s break down three key principles when designing or selecting illustrations to support your client communications outreach.
Long-Horizon Investing, Part 3: The Riskiness of "Low-Risk" Assets
In investing, you can have a safe present or future value, but not both!
A Lesson in Poor Communication
Communications should be planned and thoughtful. Rarely – if ever – should a serious message be delivered without warning.
A Sound Idea: Use a Podcast to Build Your Business
Let’s look at the keys to creating a successful podcast.
Digital Marketing Tactics that Deliver More Prospects
What is the secret to digital marketing that drives website traffic and leads?
The Case for Private Market Investing
Hamilton Lane (Nasdaq: HLNE) is one of the largest private market investment firms globally, with nearly $857 billion in assets under management as of June 2023, providing innovative solutions to institutional and private wealth investors around the world.
In this episode, my guest, Steve Brennan, will discuss the private market opportunity for advisors and HNW investors. For financial advisors looking to minimize the impact of public-market volatility on their clients’ portfolios, private equity is a long-term investment vehicle that gives an investor an extended period to invest their money and protect it from the turbulence of the markets. Private-market investing can provide gains for HNW investors who have traditionally focused on real estate and private-credit strategies.
But many advisors still don't invest in private markets. Steve will discuss the opportunity in private investing, how it works, and most importantly, how to use it in the context of a portfolio.
Gain HNW Clients from Afar
Don't let geography hold you back from achieving success in a lucrative niche.
Mid-Year Market Outlook
Investors have had a lot to contend with thus far in 2023. Moderating economic growth, persistent inflation, volatile interest rates, falling profits, stress in the banking sector, war in Ukraine, and the debt ceiling debate all combined to weigh on sentiment.
Tencent’s Sales Rebound Though Concerns Persist on China Outlook
Tencent Holdings Ltd. posted its fastest pace of revenue growth in more than a year but earnings missed estimates, reflecting an uneven internet sector recovery during China’s post-pandemic reopening.
College Funding Strategies
Saving for college can be daunting. Many parents don’t know how prepared they will be for college costs in the future. Parents face the question of how much to save and which funding vehicles to use.
Where’s the Beef in Your Prospect Marketing?
Grand marketing plans are created and resources spent on social media or website traffic-generation efforts, with little thought given to conversion programs.
Financial Independence Remains a Top Priority Despite Employee Feelings of Financial Anxiety
US workers are clearly feeling the strain of economic uncertainty, according to Franklin Templeton’s third annual “Voice of the American Worker” study.
Compelling Opportunities in the Muni Bond Market
The fixed income market is on the verge of having its worst year of performance in several decades, and for many of us, the worst of our careers – but there are still fixed income opportunities for investors to consider.
In our discussion, we want to share with you insight on a segment of the fixed income market that we believe presents an opportunity for investors – municipal bonds.
Create Scalable Content with Hub-and-Spoke Marketing
Build a scalable marketing plan that focuses on repurposing your content.
PayPal, Kanye And CBDCs
Readers of a certain age will remember Carnac the Magnificent, Johnny Carson’s recurring alter ego.
Play to Your Strengths in Client Communications
If you’re an advisor for whom producing a detailed quarterly client letter is painful, step back and think about your own personal strengths – and what you enjoy doing.
What Is The Semiconductor CHIPS Act, And Why Does The U.S. Need It?
The bipartisan Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America Act, or CHIPS Act, was signed into law this week, setting aside $52 billion to boost domestic semiconductor research and production.
The Price You Pay for Climate Policies: Understanding IMO 2020
IMO 2020 has contributed to higher shipping rates.
The Five Essential Advisor Marketing Funnels
In today's digital-first world, a marketing funnel is how financial advisors attract ideal prospects, engage clients and COIs, and stimulate referrals.
The Shipping Industry Has Never Been So Profitable as It Is Now
A “boatload” of news this week suggests that the shipping industry continues to look very attractive from an investing point of view. Global cargo carriers are estimated to have recorded $150 billion in profits in 2021, the first time they’ve collectively reached that figure in a single year.
Use Quick Video Messages to Connect with Contacts
Sending quick video messages is an effective way to stay top of mind and regularly remind your connections that you are a resource they can count on and trust.
As January Goes
January market trends historically set the direction for the full year per his title “As January Goes”. Well, so far, not so good!
Three Charts I’m Thankful for This Week
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving full of family, love and laughter! Even if that wasn’t your experience, there’s still much to be grateful for.
Ignore the Year-End “It’s time to rebalance!” Advice
Just as leaves fall in autumn, you can count on the financial press to litter websites and other media with year-end “take losses and re-balance your portfolio” stories.
What, Me Worry?
As is the case with Evergreen, our partner firm Gavekal encourages an environment of “opinion exchanges”. In the latter case, much of that stems from the inherent philosophical divergences regarding economics and politics between its three co-founders.
When Will Business Travel Recover? Sooner Than You Might Think
Domestic business travel is well on its way to recovery. Forty percent of poll respondents said that business travel within the country where their firm is based has already resumed, while a third said that their company has either decided on a start date or is working toward a date.
Webinar Marketing: Which Format is Right for You?
Let’s take a more in-depth look at live and pre-recorded webinar formats, and what to consider when choosing which one is right for you.
The Six Things I Wish Someone Told Me About Marketing Automation
Imagine never having to do your least favorite chore!
He May Never Walk Again
Even the most promising future can change drastically by a life-threatening event. A healthy individual may require around-the-clock care and supervision after an accident, creating the need to solve complex financial planning problems.
Five Marketing Opportunities in the Pandemic
Here are five growth opportunities that will help you advance your firm while the competition sits on the sidelines.
How the Pandemic Changed Investors’ Needs
The pandemic has changed investor behavior. It has altered the qualities and services investors look for in a financial advisor.
Please God, Help Him Remain Stable
Denial and lack of cooperation from a mentally ill person can make treatment, caring and financial planning more difficult.
Five Reasons to Add Auto-Webinars to Your Marketing Mix
The big myth with webinars is that your audience cares whether it is live.
War (What is it Good For?)
Economic uncertainty has spiked given the escalating U.S.-China trade war; with increasing risk it weakens the dividing line between the manufacturing and consumer sectors.
Quarterly Letter
For the most part, the second quarter saw a continuation of the first quarter’s positive performance across many asset classes. This furthered a reversal of the dismal 2018 when every primary asset class was negative.
How to Share Content with Your Readers
To promote your financial services using content marketing, start by harnessing the power of your own website, social media and email marketing tools.
Four Reasons You Should Abandon Traditional Marketing
While traditional marketing can still be effective, they are four factors that make it costly and time-consuming.
Powell Channels Bernanke: “Subprime Debt Is Contained”
Recent comments from Fed Chairman Powell with respect to corporate debt echoes what Bernanke said in 2007 about subprime mortgage debt.
The Four Types of Financial Content Marketing
I will talk about the four different types of content you can create and what is unique about each one.
Blue, Red and Grey: Yield Curve Inversions
The inversion of the 10y-3m yield curve unleashed a sharp pullback in stocks; but the Fed’s “preferred” curve first inverted in early January.
A Closer Look at Debt and the Economy
I want to tackle a more evergreen topic, which is the implications on the economy of a high and ever-rising burden of debt. But I want to first differentiate between the deficit and debt.
The Beginning is the End is the Beginning: A Look at Recessions
Recession chatter is abundant lately. It’s increasingly the focus of Q&A sessions at investor events at which I’ve been speaking. I also received a series of questions last week about recessions from a Schwab colleague who has many younger Schwabbies on his team, most of whom have not lived as working adults through a recession.
The Five Most Powerful Growth Hacks
Whether you follow a systematic approach to growth or are looking for an “easy button,” growth hacks are a path that any practice, team or individual advisor can leverage.
The Power of Advisor Content Marketing: Five Smart Steps to Harvest Quality Prospects
Content marketing creates and shares content to attract, engage and inspire a chosen audience.
Options, Hurricanes and Hedging
We look at options “insurance” the same way we look at any asset: It can make sense at one price but make no sense at another. As you will see, at today’s price they make a lot of sense.
Direct Lending Funds – Are the Needs of Mid-Market Companies Being Met?
A look at Private Debt and Direct Lending in regard to funding small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs). An overview of current practices in the marketplace and how these debt funds either supplant bank lending and/or take debt financing to a “next level” providing flexibilities that didn’t exist pre-crisis.
Separating Markets from Politics, Is It Really A "Trump Rally"?
Rising equity prices and bond yields pose a puzzle for investors. Given equity valuations, some investors question whether the rally is peaking. This month, we examine the fundamental underpinnings of a steady economy, growth of company earnings and revenue, and pent-up consumer spending.
Federal Debt Is Not Our Biggest Problem
Why do so many pundits and politicians, including the future director of the Office of Management and Budget, beat the debt drum so loudly and so often? It’s one of the most effective, and most abused, wedge issues in American politics.