Investment Strategies
Get the latest market outlook, as well as news and analysis on mutual funds, ETFs and alternative investments, all designed to help you construct a well-balanced portfolio for your clients
WaMu Failure Further Sign of Financial Turmoil
By Melanie WaddellSigns of the faltering economic environment continue to unfold as the federal government seized Washington Mutual (WaMu) on September 25 in what is being called...
September 16, 2008
Number of ETFs Exceeds 700; Six New PowerShares Global ETFsState Street reported that as of August 31, there were 710 exchange traded funds available in the U.S. offered by 24 ETF managers; two new individual ETFs were launched in August, State Street reported, and one new manager joined the fray. ETF industry assets grew $4.7 billion in August to...
September 16, 2008
An Alternative to Target Date Funds and VAsStructured Investment Management (SIM) Inc., has launched a new mutual fund, the S&P 500 Capital Appreciation Fund, that it says overcomes the poor performance of...
September 16, 2008
ICI Gives Thumbs Up to DOL ProposalThe Investment Company Institute told the Department of Labor in a September 8 comment letter that the mutual fund industry supports DOL's proposed rules for 401(k) plan disclosure, since they would provide investors with important information on how to invest for retirement. The comment period expired September 8 and the...
September 15, 2008
How the Wall St. Earthquake Will Affect ClientsHow are advisors reacting to the latest news of the changing landscape on Wall Street, with the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers and the acquisition of Merrill Lynch by Bank of America? For one thing, they're putting it into the context of the broader credit and housing crisis that has affected...
September 15, 2008
Who's on Deck?Following the demise this year of Bear Stearns, the federal takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the bankruptcy filing of Lehman Brothers, and the...
September 11, 2008
FPA Supports Federal Oversight of Indexed AnnuitiesAs the comment period on the SEC's proposal to regulate indexed annuities as securities under the Securities Act of 1933 came to a close on September 10, the Financial Planning Association (FPA) told the SEC it supports federal regulation of indexed annuities.
September 10, 2008
Who Are the Champions?Last month, the 2008 Beijing Olympics not only witnessed new athletic speed records, it also set television records by attracting 214 million American viewers over...