The markets are set to open with frayed nerves

<i>Breakfast with Benjamin:</i> Investors' nerves are fraying and that's not a good thing. Plus: Spiking demand for U.S. Treasuries, dodging corporate taxes, the ABCs of liquid alts, risk-adjusted sector performance, and boning up on your Cinco De Mayo history.
MAY 04, 2014
  • Buckle in for a bumpy Monday as global equity markets shake off the weekend with a grumpy reaction to the latest Chinese manufacturing data and whatever else can justify a move toward the exits. U.S. markets poised to open lower
  • Increased demand for long-term U.S. Treasuries has little to do with yield and little to do with a flight to safety. You can blame it on new rules to address pension fund shortfalls. Downward pressure on yields
  • As U.S. companies continue to reincorporate abroad we might want to start taking a closer look at the real driving force: a punishing corporate tax code. Why tax reform is so important
  • You can try and ignore it, but liquid alternatives are not going away any time soon. With that in mind, here's a basic primer on how to guide your clients through the space. Where to focus
  • Taking a gander at this year's sector performance on a risk-adjusted basis. Spoiler alert, utilities rule the day. What has and has not worked so far this year
  • A novice's guide to Cinco De Mayo. It's not just an excuse to line up tequila shots

Latest News

Private credit becoming 'big piece' of annuities, T. Rowe exec says
Private credit becoming 'big piece' of annuities, T. Rowe exec says

Goldman Sachs retirement survey finds 83% want guaranteed income, while the annuities providing that income increasingly hold private credit.

Zocks debuts Claude plugin with seven skills for financial advisors
Zocks debuts Claude plugin with seven skills for financial advisors

The AI meeting assistant's Advisor Intelligence plugin turns client conversation data into annual reviews, tax scans and attrition alerts.

Stifel settles massive $30 million complaint involving star broker’s sale of structured products
Stifel settles massive $30 million complaint involving star broker’s sale of structured products

Chuck Roberts and Stifel have been facing scrutiny due to sales of structured products and structured notes.

SEC floats CFP route to accredited investor status, fund rules refresh amid private market push
SEC floats CFP route to accredited investor status, fund rules refresh amid private market push

Among other updates, the proposals would let advisors to regulated funds earn performance fees and allow interval funds to offer monthly repurchases.

The Year Is 2046 and I’m a Financial Advisor 
The Year Is 2046 and I’m a Financial Advisor 

What will financial advice look like 20 years from now? Evan Vladem explores how AI may transform wealth management while reinforcing the enduring value of human guidance, trust, and empathy. 

SPONSORED In the Age of AI, Trust Becomes the Advisor's Greatest Asset

As AI makes financial information more accessible than ever, Lana Hock explains why human judgment, trust, and empathy remain the qualities clients value most in a financial advisor

SPONSORED Direct indexing webinar targets tax-loss harvesting amid market swings

Northern Trust’s Ken Lassner shows advisors how to convert volatility into after-tax portfolio gains