Deals & People July 6, 2011

SunTrust Names Ernest Dawal CIO

SunTrust Banks, Inc. has appointed Ernest N. Dawal as Chief Investment Officer for its Private Wealth Management and Institutional Investment Solutions. 
Reported by

In this newly created role, Dawal will oversee investment strategy for those lines of business. He will report to Willem Hattink, Head of Private Wealth Management and Institutional Investment Solutions.

Dawal comes to SunTrust with more than 20 years experience in investment management, most recently at Wells Fargo Wealth Management as Executive Vice President and Senior Director of Investments.  From 2005 until the merge with Wells Fargo, he served as Chief Investment Officer for Wachovia’s Wealth Management business.

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“Ernie brings a vast amount of market expertise and experience to SunTrust,” said Hattink.  “His keen understanding of market conditions, influences and movements will serve to further the investment strategies, advice and vehicles that we deliver to our clients to help them reach their goals.  We are glad to have him join our team.”

Products July 6, 2011

Meeder Launches Total Return Bond Fund

Meeder Financial has launched the Flex-funds Total Return Bond Fund (FLBDX).
Reported by

The fund seeks total return (consisting of income and capital growth) consistent with preservation of capital by investing in 80% bonds which include fixed income securities and bond mutual funds. Typically, the fund will hold other fixed income mutual funds and ETFs. The fund may also hold individual securities.  

“This fund, as a multi-sector bond fund, has the ability to invest in other fixed income spaces, including high-yield bonds and emerging market bonds, when we deem it to be appropriate,” said Dale Smith, Meeder Chief Investment Officer.

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The fund is managed by an experienced investment team utilizing a multi-factor tactical asset allocation discipline which employs both quantitative and qualitative models.

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