Economy & Markets
The important economic and stock market news that advisors need to know.
Annuity Analytics: How Much to Allocate to Annuities?
By Moshe A. MilevskyIf a client asked you how much of her retirement nest egg should be allocated to risky stocks versus safe bonds, I presume you'd...
August 27, 2009
BHC Security Broker Income Up SharplySecurities brokerage income for bank holding companies reached almost $6.9 billion in first quarter 2009, up 45% from $4.7 billion in first quarter 2008.
August 26, 2009
Is the Worst Really Over?The recent batch of news hasn't been good - just less bad than expected. But is it good enough to assume that the worst is really over?
August 26, 2009
Disability insurance: Completing the applicationCompleting the application is one of the most important phases of the sales cycle since so much depends on its accuracy and how thorough the agent was in its completion.
August 24, 2009
Calculating the Client's Savings RateThis week I updated a client's financial plan and refined my financial planning template by adding an additional metric. I have added an output page...
August 21, 2009
Leading Economic Indicators IncreaseThe Conference Board announced on August 20th the fourth consecutive increase in its Leading Economic Indicators Index.
August 20, 2009
Reason No. 611 for independent adviceThe Wall Street Journal reports that Goldman Sachs analysts reserved key trading tips for large clients, hurting smaller clients of the venerable firm. An example,...
August 17, 2009
Two Ways to Encourage LendingWhile it may not be a big surprise to those who follow the credit markets, The Federal Reserve Board and Treasury have officially extended the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility (TALF).