By the numbers: Investing and business outlook for 2018

Here's how advisers grade the economy, the industry and other areas in the year ahead.
JAN 06, 2018
Financial advisers are expecting positive results in 2018, on everything from economic 
performance to growth of their own books of business. The following findings are from 
InvestmentNews' 2018 Outlook Survey of 344 advisers in December 2017, unless otherwise noted.
Top issues for advice business in 2018
Percent of respondents extremely or very concerned on impact on their book of business
Expectations for the adviser's book of business
How advisers plan to adjust portfolios in 2018*
*Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding.
Who's hiring
Does your office intend to hire new 
staff this year? If so, what positions?
2018 expectations
2017 expectations**
How the U.S. economy will perform in the new year
2018 expectations
2017 expectations**
**Source: InvestmentNews 2017 Outlook Survey of 339 advisers in December 2016
ETF usage
Advisers have about 30% of client assets invested in ETFs, and will be adding more in these areas
Note: Percent of respondents planning to increase their use of ETFs in 2018
Outsourcing investment management
About a third of advisers outsource investment management activities, including:
How often do you rebalance client portfolios?
Source: InvestmentNews 2018 Outlook Survey of 344 advisers in December 2017.

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