Gaining Perspective

Structured-outcome ETFs have garnered tremendous interest from investors in light of the rampant volatility this year. But those defensive-minded funds have also revealed their often overlooked drawbacks – they limit upside gains up to a certain level in order to provide their downside buffer. As a result, the unexpectedly sharp rebound that began in April has whip-sawed investors holding first generation structured-outcome ETFs, and they are now trailing behind as the next leg of the bull market has taken root.

The Investment Advisers Act of 1940, more commonly known as the 40 Act, is a U.S. federal law that defines the role and responsibilities of an investment advisor. Prompted in part by a 1935 report to Congress on investment trusts and investment companies prepared by the SEC, the act provides the legal groundwork for monitoring those who advise pension funds, individuals and institutions on investing. It specifies what qualifies as investment advice and stipulates who must register with state and federal regulators in order to dispense it.

Active managers persistently lag the returns of benchmarks and index funds that track them, with the excuses for underperformance recycled every year. We are going to discuss a book, The Incredible Shrinking Alpha, which is the antidote for the active managers’ siren song. It will reinforce your commitment to indexing or systematic investing, while increasing your knowledge. Larry Swedroe, my guest today, and Andrew Berkin, are co-authors of The Incredible Shrinking Alpha, the second edition of which has just been released.

The key challenge facing advisors this year has been to keep their clients invested and focused on their long-term goals. That challenge came about when we saw a steep market decline in the first quarter followed by a strong rally. Now, the dissonance between market valuations and an unhealthy economy is leading many to question whether their financial plans and asset allocations will withstand the next round of volatility.

Colorado-based Cambiar Investors is known for its ability to adapt to evolving markets and industries. It has weathered numerous market cycles and knows how to position portfolios with the goal of delivering long-term performance to its investors. It makes decisions that are aligned with positive outcomes for its clients.

(Recorded Friday, August 7 2020) This morning we learned that 1.8 million jobs were added in July and yesterday the Department of Labor’s weekly unemployment claims reported that another 1.2 million individuals filed for unemployment last week.

Discover how Kestra Private Wealth Services is using leadership, rather than mere cheerleading, to shine a light on the best path forward for their associated financial professionals, and why the bond they established before the crisis allows for honest conversations today.

It’s rare that anyone outside of a few investment bankers gets to take a look at transaction data for M&A deals in the RIA industry. But the RIA Deal Room 2020 report from Advisor Growth Strategies goes “under the hood” to show how M&A has continued to shape RIAs in recent years, while also providing a first look at how the pandemic will affect transactions moving forward.

Investing in companies with accelerating dividends – as opposed to those that simply offer a high current dividend yield – may prove invaluable in the current environment. Here to talk to me today are two people who can expand on the strategy of selectively investing in dividend-paying stocks.

Join me as I interview Industry thought leader, business strategist and success coach Stephanie Bogan. She will share 4 success strategies advisors can use to deliver 2x the value to clients in half the time, while having a life you love in the process.