Economy & Markets
The important economic and stock market news that advisors need to know.
5 Best & Worst Broker-Dealers: Q4 Earnings
By Janet LevauxBrokerage firms in the fourth quarter boosted earnings growth as high as 191% and reported declines as low as 131%AdvisorOne selected 10 to spotlight.
February 14, 2012
Moody’s Cuts Six Euro CountriesItaly was cut from A2 to A3, Spain went from A1 to A3 and Portugal dropped from Ba2 to Ba3. All received negative outlooks. Malta, Slovakia and Slovenia also saw their ratings fall.
February 14, 2012
Gold ETF Debuts in Hong KongThe first yuan-denominated gold ETF has made a lackluster debut on the Hong Kong stock exchange, but if analysts are correct it is just the beginning for the new vehicle.
February 14, 2012
Stand-Alone Living Benefits: Guaranteeing Lifetime Income Without an AnnuityIf your client wants guaranteed income in retirement, SALB may be the answer. But there are some limitations.
February 13, 2012
Hold Cash, Gold and Hard Assets Until ‘Funny Money’ Frenzy Fizzles OutDavid Santschi, who analyzes fund flow data for investment research firm TrimTabs, borders on the apocalyptic when he warns that central bank actions are overwhelming the natural forces in the market.
February 13, 2012
Chinese Innovation to Fuel Global Competition: McKinseyAs innovation gains steam in China, the stakes are rising for domestic and multinational companies alike, reports McKinsey & Co. in the latest issue of its business journal.
February 13, 2012
PIMCO’s El-Erian Defends Eastwood in Ad ControversyWhile he isnt exactly Clyde from Every Which Way but Loose, PIMCOs Mohamed El-Erian is sticking by Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood and the controversy surrounding Eastwoods Halftime in America Super Bowl advertisement.
February 13, 2012
Pre-Facebook U.S. IPO Market Off to a Sluggish Start in 2012Considering the current weakness in U.S. IPOs, Facebooks initial public offering will be a welcome boost.