Economy & Markets
The important economic and stock market news that advisors need to know.
As Spreads Widen, Opportunities Beckon
By Ben WarwickThe term "a rising tide lifts all boats" is especially true in the investment management industry. After years of smooth, steady returns in nearly every asset class, the markets are finally beginning to exhibit some volatility. Although this may be bad for an investor with a decades-long investment horizon, for...
August 01, 2007
Small by DesignAs we confirm our lunch appointment, Ted Charles comments on the famous selection of wine at 21 Club. We commiserate with one another that we...
August 01, 2007
The Art of the ReferralRecently, after listening to me speak about the referral process, several advisors privately admitted that although they work by referral only, they could not recall...
July 31, 2007
Make the most of QCCsTaxpayers who are looking for an income tax deduction, yet don't want to give up title to real property to a charity, should consider making a qualified conservation contribution. A QCC is a contribution of a qualified real property interest to a
July 30, 2007
Study Mulls Changing Face Of The U.S. WorkforceAmerica's employers may have as many as 4 distinct generations in the workforce for the first time in history, a new report points out.Because each ...
July 20, 2007
Earnings: Allstate, Torchmark, OthersLife and annuity operations did well at Allstate Corp. in the second quarter despite a sharp drop in sales of fixed deferred annuities.Allstate, Northbrook, Ill, ...
July 02, 2007
Junk Bonds Under PressureFor the last few years, the supply of equities traded in the U.S. has fallen, and the number of bond issues has risen. These aren't two unrelated trends, but a natural byproduct of the buyout boom.
July 01, 2007
The "why" behind the GLWB explosionOne year ago, the first index annuities offering guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefits were introduced. By the spring of this year a majority of top indexed carriers were offering GLWBs on at least some of their annuities, and almost all of the