Market Watchers Focus on Inflation
Some capital markets experts say the ‘transitory message’ on inflation from the U.S. Federal Reserve is beginning to overstay its welcome.
Tag: Markets
Passive Investing Has Performed Well, Even During COVID Crisis
In 15 out of the 18 categories of domestic equity funds considered, S&P Dow Jones Indices finds the majority of actively managed funds underperformed their benchmarks during the year that ended June 30th.
Morningstar to Launch Model Portfolio Star Ratings in Q4
Additionally, the firm has pledged to double the qualitative and forward-looking Morningstar Analyst Rating coverage of model portfolios by the end of 2021.
Inflation Fears Ease (for Some) Amid a Murkier Market Outlook
As some investment analysts argue inflation has peaked, and that it should soon return to an average annual rate in line with recent history, others are focused on the effects of growing wage pressure and the competition for labor.
The Art of Comparing TDF and Balanced Fund Performance
The outputs of a hypothetical model based on historical net asset values for balanced funds and target-date funds show just how complicated it can be to compare the relative merits of the two approaches to asset allocation. As it turns out, balanced funds, though less popular, might deserve another look.
Investing Aggressively Doesn’t Match Saving Consistently
Results of a new analysis published by Dimensional Fund Advisors suggest that embracing higher equity exposures prior to and during retirement is an inadequate tool to manage longevity risk.
Investing
Investing
Average 401(k) Equity Allocation Surpasses 70%
The latest update of the Alight Solutions 401(k) Index shows the average asset allocation to equities rose in June to the highest level in 20 years. The index shows investors were content to watch their balances rise, as there were no days of above-normal trading activity. Average net trading activity was 0.009% of 401(k) balances, down from 0.011% in May.
A Markedly Positive Mid-Year Market Check-In
Millions of jobs have returned as the country has reopened, thanks to the positive impact of the COVID-19 vaccination program, but as the U.S. enters the second half of the year, sources say some ‘problems of success’ have emerged.
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Practice Management
Compliance
Look at the Frame
What is the data really saying?
Talking Taxes, Inflation and Bucket Strategies
Reflecting on the common conversations they are having with their near-retiree clients, advisers say there is broad certainty that taxes will increase in the future, and also a lot of fear about a market correction.
Upcoming Webinar: DCIO Evolution
Join us TODAY at 2 p.m. EST as we discuss the past, present and future of the defined contribution investment only (DCIO) marketplace.
A New Telling of the Story of Persistent Inequality
The interest rate regime embraced to combat strong inflation of the mid-1970s and early 1980s has had unintended consequences—including the development of historic levels of wealth inequality. Yakov Feygin says there’s a lot that can be done to turn things around.
Walsh Could Be Confirmed Monday, Gensler Vote Less Clear
Sources say there is a good chance Boston Mayor Marty Walsh will be confirmed by the full U.S. Senate Monday afternoon, but they are less sure about the timing of SEC Chair nominee Gary Gensler’s confirmation vote.
Investing
$35 Trillion in Retirement Savings Tells a Tale of Two Economies
Retirement plan balances have never been higher, fresh data from the Investment Company Institute shows, yet many millions of Americans are unable to participate in the growth.
Investing
Investing
Why and How the OCIO Model Is Moving Up Market
Sources say it’s partly due to the growing popularity of ESG investing, but there’s a lot more going on to fuel the trend, from increasing market complexity to the emergence of new regulations.
Some Experts Foresee ‘Supercharged’ Recovery Coming
Sources say 2021 was already coming together as a year of very strong economic growth, and with the passage of an additional $1.9 trillion in fiscal stimulus support, a broad-based recovery could come sooner than later.
Compliance
Senators Talk GameStop, Meme Stocks, Payment for Order Flow and More
Who gets to define best execution? Is T+1 or T+2 better for market stability? What even is payment for order flow? The Senate Banking Committee tackled all these questions and more at a dynamic Tuesday morning hearing.
Compliance
Investing
Investing
SEC Chair Gensler’s Confirmation Hearing Displays Parties’ Priorities
Democrats used Gary Gensler’s confirmation hearing to speak to issues of racial and wealth inequality exacerbated by the pandemic—which has killed more than 500,000 Americans and caused a surge in unemployment—while Republicans focused squarely on the potential of government overreach.
For Pre-Retirees, It’s Always Important to Watch for Bubbles
While there is certainly room for optimism about where the equity and bond markets are heading, experts say it is still crucial to focus on sequence of returns risk for those near and in retirement.
Commitment to Low Rates Eases Stock Bubble Fears (for Many)
Assessing the relationship between interest rates and debatably inflated stock prices is a useful exercise, sources say, especially at a time when stocks are about as ‘expensive’ as they have ever been.