Economy & Markets
The important economic and stock market news that advisors need to know.
Alternatives All the Rage
By Janet LevauxNew research has found that 78 percent of all advisors are using alternative investments within client portfolios, according to Cogent Research, mainly for diversification and with some variation related to channel differences and other factors.
September 29, 2011
Ladenburg Thalmann to Buy Securities AmericaLadenburg Thalmann said that it planned to pay Ameriprise Financial $150 million in cash for Securities America in late August. In addition, the Miami-based broker-dealer says it will pay up to $70 million in 2012 and 2013 in so-called earn-outs, as the firm explained in an SEC report. Plus, Ameriprise...
September 29, 2011
UBS Cutting Staff, But Recruiting FAsUBS said it planned to cut staff by 3,500, or more than 5 percent of its global workforce, as part of its overall plan to trim about $2.5 billion from its yearly expenses by the end of 2013 to improve operating efficiency, the company explained in late August. About 10...
September 29, 2011
New Wave of Active ETFs; Richard Thaler Rethinks Retirement: October Research—SlideshowResearchs October cover story reports that the fast-changing field of ETFs is heading for a new watershed: the rise of actively managed funds. Also in the issue, Gerald Burstyn examines the work of economist Richard Thaler, who is using the insights of behavorial psychology to aid retirement income decision-making.
September 29, 2011
Vice vs. Nice: Sustainability Debate Pits ‘Tea Party’ Against ‘European Social’ TeamsIn a sometimes feisty Oxford-style debate in New York, portfolio managers and professors sparred over whether socially responsible investment has any business contributing toor subtracting froma companys bottom line.
September 29, 2011
Germany Backs Merkel, Approving Expansion of Bailout FundA tough vote for Angela Merkel, chancellor of Germany, passed off without a hitch as she won enough votes from her own coalition to pass new powers for the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF).
September 29, 2011
Axel Merk: Fed’s Operation Twist Warm Up for QE3A growing chorus of critics is questioning the efficacy of the Feds latest attempt to put downward pressure on long-term interest rates and help make broader financial conditions more accommodativealso known as Operation Twist.
September 28, 2011
Charles Schwab Bashes Buffett Rule, Obama PoliciesCharles Schwab, founder of the investment company that bears his name, took to the pages of The Wall Street Journal to denounce President Obama's stimulus spending and raising taxes on the rich.