When it comes to investing, the stakes are high. One bad decision can mean a loss of money, time, or opportunity. While there are many products and strategies an advisor can access and implement, how can they find the best ones to ensure their clients avoid costly mistakes and maximize their returns? 

In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Christopher Hart, Head of Investment Due Diligence at Brinker Capital. In his role, Chris oversees all investment products that advisors can use within their client portfolios. These include interviewing managers and talking to analysts to make sure they're doing what they say they will. He is responsible for ensuring the quality of all investment products curated by Orion and Brinker. 

With over a decade of experience in due diligence in the investment industry, Chris talks with Rusty and Robin about why due diligence is an important step in building an investment portfolio, how to choose a manager or a strategy, and how Orion's due diligence process is different from other firms.

Key Takeaways

Quotes

[09:36] - "There are so many products out there for advisors to access, and they could spend all day looking at them, reading about them, and trying to figure out which is the best to use in portfolios for their clients. Our job is to filter that universe and bring that universe down to a manageable number." ~ Christopher Hart

[10:15] - "Time is everyone's most precious commodity. Anything we can do to save advisors time and help them deliver better client outcomes is the central tenet of what we're trying to accomplish." ~ Christopher Hart

[27:25] - "Many due diligence firms will pass along fact sheets, pitchbooks, and explainers of how a particular manager does what they do. What a lot of firms are lighter on is opinion around whether they think what those firms are doing is good or bad. And we make a conscious effort to weave that opinion in our guiding star reports." ~ Christopher Hart

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0482-OPS-2/15/2023

Exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, have become increasingly popular as investors look for a simple, diversified, and cost-effective approach to investing. While ETFs provide a convenient way for investors to gain exposure to a wide range of assets, in what direction is the ETF market headed in the future?

In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Eric Biegeleisen, Partner and Deputy Chief Investment Officer at 3EDGE Asset Management. In his role, Eric is responsible for the research operations at 3EDGE. His research focuses on discovering and exploring the interconnectedness of global capital markets through quantitative and qualitative analyses. Under Eric's leadership, 3EDGE has significantly enhanced its proprietary global capital markets model.

Having a goal to steward 3EDGE's relationships with ETF managers to help bring new products to market, Eric talks with Rusty and Robyn about the ins and outs of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), the projected growth, and how they stand up against direct indexing. Eric also shares some of the opportunities ETF offers in the investment industry.

Key Takeaways

Quotes

[07:42] - "Behaviorally, investors can act as a herd, whether in a virtuous or vicious way. We need these behavioral factors to identify the real short-term potential changes." ~ Eric Biegeleisen

[10:49] - "The ETF space continues to grow as it siphons off assets from other wrappers and large mutual funds. As new money folds in as it's gotten even larger, institutional dollars roll in." ~ Eric Biegeleisen

[11:39] - "The pros (of ETFs) are a long list: transparent, low cost, tax efficient. There are over 1,700 listed ETFs in the U.S. alone, so there are exposures to nearly everything one would want." ~ Eric Biegeleisen

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0141-OPS-1/19/2023

Direct indexing is becoming one of the fastest-growing strategies in wealth management. This strategy involves creating and maintaining a portfolio that tracks the constituents of a benchmark index, such as the S&P 500. As direct indexing allows investors to customize and tailor their portfolios around specific investment interests and weight holdings according to their preferences, the trend of financial firms acquiring fintech platforms for their direct indexing technology is on the rise.

In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Art Lutschaunig, Co-Founder and CEO at Parti Pris Investment Partners. Art brings almost 40 years of financial industry experience to his position at Parti Pris. In his leadership role, Art calls upon his extensive experience and expertise in designing, building, and implementing large-scale wealth management organizations, services, and products to drive the development of Parti Pris’ services dedicated to portfolio personalization on behalf of financial advisors.

Art talks with Rusty and Robyn about what financial advisors and investors need to know about direct indexing, the future of fintech and managed accounts, and his outlook on the current market.

Key Takeaways

Quotes

[27:43] - "We're driving technology to simplify the complex for the advisor. And Orion is one of the fintech firms creating lots of technology to provide seamless integration and simplify the advisor's ability to run a practice and a portfolio."  ~ Art Lutschaunig 

[29:08] - "Our technology is getting to the point where we can acquire data, manage data, create security and data, create information out of data, and integrate across multiple constituent parts to offer a better, more simplified way for an advisor to implement their portfolios and practices." ~ Art Lutschaunig

[41:54] - "Every time you look at a problem, flip the pancake. When you run into a problem, turn it upside down and see if the answer is on the other side of the pancake.  ~ Art Lutschaunig

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2472-OPS-12/21/2022

In today's economy, investors face both challenges and opportunities. With global events, changing interest rates, and market volatility impacting the investment landscape, it's more important than ever to stay informed and educated on the industry's most pressing issues.

In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Paula Wieck, Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager at Commerce Trust Company. In her role, Paula comprehensively represents the firm's research and goals-based investment process, from initial assessment and creation of an investment objective to ongoing evaluation and adjustments based on changing market and life circumstances. She serves clients with thought leadership, insight, and consulting services.

With knowledge of the market and experience in investment management, Paula answers some of the toughest issues in the investment industry today. These include questions about why investors should invest in the stock market despite the recession just around the corner, why rising interest rates are good for investors moving forward, and how to communicate effectively with clients.

Key Takeaways

Quotes

[17:51] - "Always stay eager and hungry to learn, and never feel like a project or task is below you. Always look for ways to make things more efficient." ~ Paula Wieck

[26:58] - "It's impossible for people to time the market precisely on both sides very well. So you hurt your returns over the long term by missing those best days that are close to the worst days. Stay invested." ~ Paula Wieck

[33:24] - "Our projections show that the loss we experienced in bonds will recoup around the end of 2025 or early 2026, just from the reinvestment. The older bonds with lower yields will be able to be reinvested in bonds with much higher yields, and that'll be beneficial and be a good time for conservative investors again." ~ Paula Wieck

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0116-OPS-1/17/2023

As we move into 2023, the global economy remains in flux. Despite some signs of recovery, uncertainty continues to dominate the financial markets, and investors are increasingly looking for a safe haven to protect their money. What are some of the investment strategies that can help investors manage risk and maximize returns?

In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Stanley Sattler, Director of Investment Solutions at Belle Haven Investments. In his role, Stanley is responsible for operating as a liaison between the investment team and Belle Haven's strategic partners. His primary duties are business development through supporting advisors and consultants across the country. Stanley is motivated by learning about clients' needs and wants to help ensure that their investments receive the attention they deserve.

As a fixed-income expert, Stanley talks with Rusty and Robyn about what's in store for bonds and the fixed-income market in 2023, his outlook for bonds, Fed policy, and interest rates, and why municipal bonds are a unique investment opportunity.

Key Takeaways

Quotes

[10:12] - "Recession probability is high to significantly high this calendar year, but it's just a scary word that's frowned upon. Recession is a natural part of the business cycle and a natural part of investing over long periods to grow and preserve wealth." ~ Stanley Sattler

[15:19] - "For investors looking for a place to step out a few years on the yield curve and get incremental income and yield, you can do that in the municipal marketplace because the municipal bond space is 80+ percent individual investor driven." ~ Stanley Sattler

[25:21] - "It's exciting to be involved and learn from a culture of entrepreneurship and service and putting the client first rather than what you typically see in the industry where ego or selfishness is involved." ~ Stanley Sattler

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0073-OPS-1/11/2023

Investing in the stock market can be tricky. With so many different strategies available, it can be difficult to know where to start. Considering the current rollercoaster scenario in the market, how can investors make informed decisions about buying and selling assets and maximize their returns?

In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with David Lundgren, Founder and Chief Market Strategist at MOTR Capital Management and Research. David is a 30-year investment industry veteran focusing on technical analysis strategies, particularly momentum and trend following. He is the former Director of Technical Research at Wellington Management and held senior analyst positions at Fidelity & Thomson Financial.

With a demonstrated history of working in the investment management industry, David talks about technical analysis, momentum and trend following, and his outlook for stocks, bonds, cryptocurrencies, and commodities for 2023.

Key Takeaways

Quotes

[08:18] - "Most money managers are schooled in the principles of fundamental analysis, capital asset pricing theory, dividend discount models, and other traditional fundamental analysis techniques. Unfortunately, almost 90% of active managers underperform their benchmark using the tools they learn in business school." ~ David Lundgren

[09:30] - "The market is the best fundamental analyst on the planet. Listen to what the market's trying to tell. And the best way to do that is to identify trend change and stay with the trend as long as the trend changes and goes in the other direction." ~ David Lundgren

[26:58] - "There's a big hole in the body of knowledge of most investors, which contributes to their difficulty in keeping pace with the benchmark. That hole can be filled with a better understanding of technical analysis." ~ David Lundgren

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0032-OPS-1/6/2023

Sustainable investing has gained significant traction as more investors integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into their investment decision-making process. Although there are many different sustainable investing strategies that investors can choose from, they are all intended to generate long-term financial returns while creating a positive impact on society and the environment.

In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Venk Reddy, Chief Investment Officer of Sustainable Credit at Osterweis Capital Management. Venk joined Osterweis Capital Management in 2022 as part of the Zeo Capital Advisors team transition, where he brings knowledge and experience in credit investing and absolute return investing. 

Also a portfolio manager for sustainable credit strategies, Venk talks with Rusty and Robyn about what sustainable investing means, how sustainable credit differs from green bonds, and what catalysts could make sustainable investments a hit.

Key Takeaways

Quotes

[06:41] - "Our goal is to align performance and progress. But to align performance and progress, you need a situation in which the investments you're making are truly impacted by the management team's decision to make more progress and improve their standing along the categories of risk that they have." ~ Venk Reddy

[12:17] - "The more investors focus on ESG as a risk, the larger that market becomes. Not because the market's getting bigger but because people realize that this approach is as appropriate for traditional portfolios as it is for mission-driven ones." ~ Venk Reddy

[18:02] - "Security selection matters when people think it matters, and risk is a long-term concept. Once we get to a place where that's the discussion around ESG, risks, and sustainability, the market will grow substantially." ~ Venk Reddy

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0034-OPS-1/6/2023

It’s that time of year again! Investors and market analysts are looking ahead to the coming year, and 2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the economy. Looking ahead, what factors will likely shape the market, and how can advisors utilize them to their advantage?

In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Kim Arthur, President and CEO of Main Management, LLC. Kim is a regular speaker at national conferences and was a featured speaker at the Inside ETFs conference in Hollywood, Florida. He has been profiled in Index Universe articles and referenced in Barron’s, Wall Street Journal, Business Week, and Fortune Magazine. 

Kim talks with Rusty and Robyn about his outlook on inflation, the U.S. economy and corporate earnings, and the U.S. and international markets. As a portfolio manager, Kim also speaks about how investors should allocate their funds to international stocks and what advice he gives to investors in times of geopolitical crisis.

Key Takeaways

Quotes

[15:52] - "The U.S. dollar is the number one predictor of the international stock market outperforming the U.S. stock market. So if you're in a strong U.S. dollar environment, no matter how much you stomp your feet and want the U.S. market to underperform, it will not." ~ Kim Arthur

[21:26] - "Investors need to realize that when geopolitical crises happen, you want to be putting money into the market because almost 12 or 24 months later, you're up significantly from those periods when they went down. It shows the tenacity and the growth mindset of the globe that when these things happen, everybody gets together and works to find a solution to that problem." ~ Kim Arthur

[22:10] - "In the equity market, fear is temporary, and greed is permanent." ~ Kim Arthur

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2450-OPS-12/19/2022

As the need for sophisticated investment management has grown, OCIO has become an increasingly popular solution for institutional investors and advisory firms looking for comprehensive, turnkey investment management. Partnering with an OCIO team connects investment strategies and products directly to investors' unique financial goals, risk targets, and plans. It is a powerful model to increase operational efficiencies and drive growth.

In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Kurt Brown, Chief Investment Officer at TownSquare Capital and Head of OCIO at Orion. In his role, Kurt oversees the firm’s bespoke, high-touch services that power advisory practices, family offices, and institutions to more efficiency and higher growth. His team has consistently helped advisor practices accelerate their growth rates while enhancing investor returns, tax efficiency, and client retention.

An Outsourced CIO for institutions and advisory firms, Kurt talks with Rusty and Robyn about how TownSquare Capital started the OCIO trend, what the role of the OCIO entails, and why advisors that should consider an OCIO's services.

Key Takeaways

Quotes

[19:41] - "If you're an advisor living and dying by just having a basket of ETFs, it will be a much more challenging environment in the future. You have to be able to provide these other elements of customization, service, and sophistication." ~ Kurt Brown

[27:10] - "It's difficult to build a great business without partners. It is possible, but partnership models are incredibly powerful." ~ Kurt Brown

[33:27] - "The faster you can learn what you're exceptional at, the easier and quicker your career and income will grow." ~ Kurt Brown

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2443-OPS-12/16/2022