Alternative Investments
The latest news and developments about alternative investments and how they can help boost portfolio performance and reduce risk
Are you for real? Seven characteristics of a real salesperson
By Joanne BlackThere's a lot of talk about how the world of sales has changed. Pundits rant about the "new normal," "new realities," "Web 2.0," etc. The truth? Nothing's changed. People buy from people.
August 27, 2010
Using Managed Futures in Rough Markets: Part 1A little-known portfolio tool can help advisors reduce risk for their clients in severe market slides, financial experts say.
August 25, 2010
New ETFs Target Emerging Markets, CommoditiesThree ETF offerings from WisdomTree, EGShares and USCF with portfolio exposure to commodities and emerging markets have just debuted.
August 23, 2010
DFA Plans to Roll Out a Commodity FundDimensional Fund Advisors (DFA) is expected to roll out the DFA Commodity Strategy by year-end, according to a report by Morningstar Advisor on Monday, August 23.
August 23, 2010
Stocks, Munis Have Best 'Real' Returns Over Long-Term, Thornburg Study FindsCommon stocks and municipal bonds have had the highest long-term "real" returns for taxable accounts over the last 30 years, according to an annual study by Thornburg Investment Management (Thornburg) released Monday, August 23.
August 20, 2010
Bank Failures Outpace 2009A tally of bank failures so far this year reveals a troubling trend, but hardly surprising; the number of failures has sharply increased over last year as the economy continue to struggle to regain footing.
August 20, 2010
Fund Managers Still Cautious, Though Less BearishBank of America-Merrill Lynch survey finds that fund managers do not expect much growth; however, most don't believe we'll experience a douple-dip recession either.
August 19, 2010
LIMRA: Q2 Annuity Sales RiseTotal annuity sales increased 11% from the first quarter of 2010, the first quarterly increase since the fourth quarter of 2008, LIMRA reported.