Top Portfolio Products: Schwab Launches ETF Website

Russell Investments announced Wednesday that it has launched the Russell Strategic Call Overwriting Fund (ROWSX). The new fund provides access to the first noncash retail fund managed directly by Russell’s portfolio managers without underlying managers. ROWSX aims to provide total returns with lower volatility than U.S. equity markets, seeking gains from writing call options and from its equity portfolio and seeking income from dividends on stocks held.

ROWSX is managed by four Russell portfolio managers: Richard Johnson, Jr.; Scott Maidel; Karl Sahlin; and Rafael Zayas. It invests principally in equity securities economically tied to the U.S. market, using a multifactor quantitative model to select primarily common stocks of large and medium capitalization companies. It also writes (sells) index call options, typically on broad-based securities market indexes.

The combination of buying common stocks and selling call options is known as “call overwriting.” Writing index call options is designed to reduce the fund’s volatility relative to U.S. equity securities and provide gains from premiums received.

5) Focus Financial Partners Launches Succession Planning Solution

Focus Financial Partners, LLC announced the launch of a succession planning solution for independent RIAs, enabling advisors to continue serving clients with their entrepreneurial business models while partnering with likeminded Focus firms for a smooth transition of their practices once they are ready to retire or in case of a life event. The agreement enables advisors to reassure clients that they will continue to receive quality advice and care after the retirement of their current advisor.

Focus’ patent-pending succession solution is an integrated program with four modules: a structured diagnostic of the transition readiness of the business; an agreement with a Focus partner firm to manage the business going forward once the principals decide to activate the succession process; an annual certification program to ensure advisors keep their transition plan active and up to date; and access to Focus’ capital to finance the transition under agreed upon terms. Participating RIAs can choose to trigger the succession solution any time they choose.

6) Pioneer Investments Launches VIP Educational Program

Pioneer Investments recently announced the November launch of a national educational program in the U.S. designed to help financial advisors address key challenges in today’s markets. This program, called VIP, focuses on three topics: volatility management, income generation and perspectives on the market.

The initiative provides financial advisors with a range of educational materials, combined with investment ideas and solutions that address specific investor needs. Pioneer has also created a new microsite, accessible to financial advisors who register, to serve as the central hub for all VIP-related solutions.

Advisors have access to a wide range of materials and activities related to the campaign, including white papers, market commentaries, videos, and information on specific products that speak to the challenges of managing volatility and generating income. The microsite will also provide details on upcoming conference calls and road shows with Pioneer portfolio managers.

7) ChartLabPro.com Launches New Portfolio Diagnostics Solution

ChartLabPro.com has announced the integration of its sector exposure diagnostics solution into the ChartLabPro.com platform. The new enhancement will identify which sectors investors should increase or reduce exposure to, based on ChartLabPro.com’s proprietary algorithm.

In addition, the new functionality will provide specific stocks within a sector, and help members determine concentration risk to a specific sector and exposure to underperforming sectors.

——–

Read the Nov. 12 Top Portfolio Products at AdvisorOne.