There will be more humanoid robots than people by 2040, Elon Musk recently bragged.
For this edition of Bull vs. Bear, the VettaFi writers debate the case for using sector ETFs to make bets on the new market regime.
Builder confidence inched up in January to its highest level in 9 months on hopes for economic growth and an improved regulatory environment. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Housing Market Index (HMI) rose to 47 this month, up one point from December. The latest reading came was above the forecast of 45.
The latest updates on the labor market and consumer prices show President-elect Donald Trump inherits an economy where inflation is poised to return to the Federal Reserve’s target later this year.
In the week ending January 11th, initial jobless claims rose or the first time in five weeks. Initial jobless claims were at a seasonally adjusted level of 217,000, an increase of 14,000 from the previous week's figure. The latest reading was worse than the 210,000 forecast.
Amid an unsettled global economic outlook and elevated equity valuations, bond markets present attractive yields and important diversification benefits.
Let's do some analysis of the Consumer Price Index, the best-known measure of inflation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) divides all expenditures into eight categories and assigns a relative size to each. The pie chart illustrates the components of the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers, the CPI-U.
The median US income in 2023 was $80,610, up from $22,420 in 1984 — a 260% rise over the 39-year time frame. However, if we adjust for inflation chained in 2023 dollars, the 1984 median is $55,828, and the increase drops to 37%.
On top of the human tragedy they’re still inflicting, the Los Angeles wildfires are exposing a gap between what people thought their homes were worth and what they’ll actually get from insurance companies when those houses have been reduced to ash. Potentially thousands of homeowners are learning it won’t be nearly enough.
Inflation ticked up in December while core growth slowed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the headline figure for the Consumer Price Index rose to 2.89% year-over-year, right in line with economist expectations. Additionally, core CPI came in lower than expected, slowing to 3.2% year-over-year.
Engaging up front with four key workstreams may smooth the process of adding a solution.
We need to face the reality that we’ve chosen a system that prioritizes lower taxes over centralized health care.
Private equity wants access to Americans’ retirement accounts, and is lobbying President-elect Donald Trump’s administration to get it.
The journey from niche asset to core allocation looks set to continue.
Let's take a close look at December's employment report numbers on Full and Part-Time Employment. The latest data shows that 82.7% of total employed workers are full-time (35+ hours) and 17.3% of total employed workers are part-time (<35 hours).
What does the ratio of unemployment claims to the civilian labor force tell us about where we are in the business cycle and recession risk?
The aerospace and defense industry plays a pivotal role in both national security and the stock market. With U.S. defense spending leading the world, the largest contractors are well-positioned for growth amid rising global tensions.
A few months ago, the Census Bureau released its annual report on household income data for 2023. During 2023, the median (middle) average household income rose 8.0% to $80,730. Let's take a closer look at the quintile averages, which dates from 1967, along with the statistics for the top 5%.
In the week ending January 4th, initial jobless claims fell to their lowest level since February 2024. Initial jobless claims were at a seasonally adjusted level of 201,000, a decrease of 10,000 from the previous week's figure. The latest reading was better than the 214,000 forecast.
In our year ahead outlook, we unveil 5 key factors we believe offer rare certainty in these uncertain times. Discover how we’re navigating this landscape and positioning portfolios to seize opportunities and mitigate risks in the year ahead.
Our Cash Indicator methodology acts as a plan in case of an emergency. Investors should expect more equity market volatility ahead.
For 2025 and beyond, a few particular global and industry trends can offer attractive long-term returns for advisors and investors alike.
The December U.S. services purchasing managers' index (PMI) conducted by S&P Global came in at 56.8, the highest level since March 2022. The latest reading came in below the forecast of 58.5 but keeps the index in expansion territory for the 23rd straight month.
President-elect Donald Trump is said to be interested in the privatization of the US Postal Service, a prospect that also appeals to his DOGE project and its allies in Congress.
Three interconnected lessons from 2024 help shape our 2025 outlook.
The College Football playoffs included 12 teams this year and all five automatic berth teams (because they won their conference championships) are now out, including the top two ranked teams, Oregon and Georgia. It wasn’t supposed to turn out this way, and the debate about why has only just started.
The same themes that drove sharp 2024 returns among the Magnificent 7 stocks appear to be very much alive in the new year.
Stocks rallied in 2024, delivering a second consecutive year of gains exceeding 20%, as investors embraced cooling inflation, falling interest rates and the prospect of lower corporate taxes under a second Trump administration.
MicroStrategy Inc. bought $101 million of Bitcoin after announcing that it would use perpetual preferred stock as well as common shares and debt to acquire more of the cryptocurrency.
Political uncertainty and volatility create fertile ground for active investors to find companies that can successfully navigate a new era.
The year ahead may present challenges as markets and the economy look to maintain momentum.
Gain insights into 2025’s top tech trends and market opportunities, and what experienced investors should consider for smart tech investments.
Enrollees in Medicare Advantage may end up paying steep costs for specialty care that doesn't meet their healthcare needs, advisors shared.
Although the general public might not pay much attention to such price swings, they still leave a serious impact on global trade and investment.
The S&P Global US Manufacturing PMI™ fell to 49.4 in December from 49.7 in November, marking the sixth consecutive month of worsening conditions in the manufacturing sector. The latest reading was above the forecasted reading of 48.3.
When Jaguar’s “copy nothing” brand reboot hit late last year, one self-styled car enthusiast replied on X: “What the actual hell is this.” Jaguar’s response: “The future.”
The clouds that hung over the financial-technology industry in 2024 appear to be clearing as interest-rate cuts, recoveries in fintech stocks and promises of a looser regulatory environment in the second Trump administration paint a more promising outlook for startups.
Investors continue to enjoy the bull market but remain somewhat nervous about valuation. Policy uncertainty is higher than usual, in part because there are so many policy changes at the same time.
With Donald Trump’s re-election as President of the United States, debates have reignited about the potential impact on markets, trade, and the global economy. The new administration has promised deregulation, tax cuts and a focus on energy independence.
I expect three major innovation cycles to dramatically affect our world in the next decade, with impacts comparable to steam engines, electricity, automobiles, and even the internet. Every new invention helps us explore even further.
We look back on six themes that defined another eventful year.
Annuities can provide a guaranteed lifetime income stream in retirement, no matter how long you live. They thrive under high interest rate environments and are currently offering the highest payouts seen in years.
The C-suites and boardrooms of corporate America should be on high alert entering 2025.
Financial loss is one of the most common secondary losses. The death of a family breadwinner can bring crushing financial uncertainty. Even when the deceased was not the primary earner, grief can derail financial stability.
A rude surprise could be in store for the millions of Americans who get health coverage through the Affordable Care Act. If Congress doesn’t act next year, enhanced premium subsidies will expire by December, causing enrollees’ payments to increase by more than 75% on average.
If you happen to be a Bitcoin skeptic, you’re not alone. A recent Pew Research survey found that 63% of Americans are not confident in the reliability or safety of cryptocurrencies in general.
AI has the potential to elevate industries by blending mechanical precision with human creativity. The key lies in balance: harnessing its capabilities while preserving the uniquely human touch that remains irreplaceable.
Bond traders have rarely suffered so much from a Federal Reserve easing cycle. Now they fear 2025 threatens more of the same.
Start the new year right by reviewing and revamping your financial plan.
From start to finish, 2024 was a year of change, with a multitude of implications for investors.
I must confess, I have been aware of quantum computing for quite some time, but it was one of those things that always seemed far off. It’s now getting much closer.
Personal income (excluding transfer receipts) rose 0.4% in November and is up 4.6% year-over-year. However, when adjusted for inflation using the BEA's PCE Price Index, real personal income (excluding transfer receipts) was up 0.2% month-over-month and up 2.1% year-over-year.
Private credit firms want more than corporate lending. The largest are laying the groundwork to finance everything from auto loans and residential mortgages to chip manufacturing and data centers in an effort to swell the size of the market by the trillions.
As the year comes to a busy conclusion, we’re still catching up with news that didn’t make the front page. In the first week of November, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics published a data release that’s even less frequent than the four year presidential election cycle.
The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) increased slightly in November. The index rose 0.3% from the previous month to 99.7 after eight consecutive monthly declines.
A conversation with our stock selection team, part two.
Brent Olson and Thomas Ross, fixed income portfolio managers, believe that high yield bonds offer comfortable driving for now, but investors might need to negotiate more difficult terrain later in 2025.
The U.S. economy is experiencing a remarkable period of economic stabilization and growth
Xi Jinping and Donald Trump's bromance could be rekindled in 2025, if both sides play their cards right.
We all know someone who has passed away without their affairs in order. As financial advisors, we have a responsibility to ensure that this doesn’t happen to our clients.
On this episode of the “ETF of the Week” podcast, VettaFi’s Head of Research Todd Rosenbluth discussed the VictoryShares Free Cash Flow ETF (VFLO) with Chuck Jaffe of Money Life. The pair discussed several topics related to the fund to give investors a deeper understanding of the ETF overall.
Double-digit increases in rates are common. I’m definitely feeling the pain, as I suspect you are. So here are a few things I do to help my clients save some money.
Energy is everything. Or, if Einstein was right, you and I are just energy in material form. Accelerate us to lightspeed squared and we might become something else.
The clouds hanging over Boeing’s operations finally appear to be clearing.
Many hot trends have been turned into equity portfolios. But fads aren’t investing themes and may be flawed as standalone investments.
Joel Liu, J.D. Head of Advanced Sales MassMutual Strategic Distributors, discusses the impending wealth transfer.
Portfolio managers and market strategists from Payden & Rygel review the opportunities and risks ahead for four bond market sectors: high yield, emerging markets, global bonds and low duration securities.
An enduring image from 2024 will be the capture of the SpaceX booster rocket by the Mechazilla robot arms on its return to Earth. This achievement served as a powerful metaphor for the year: the improbable not only became possible but redefined expectations.
Our outlook on the 11 S&P 500 equity sectors.
China’s economic ascent over the past four decades has been a remarkable story of growth, driven by several factors.
The surprise nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head healthcare policy in the U.S. caused substantial volatility in November. But despite heightened uncertainty, the sector’s long-term outlook appears intact, say Portfolio Managers Andy Acker and Dan Lyons – giving investors a potential opportunity to invest at attractive valuations.
We decided to see which companies saw the greatest spillover effects from these two revolutionary technologies.
Today’s video on the Healthcare Sector Stocks is another in the continuing series of videos where we are looking for value in each of the 10 major sectors as reported by Standard & Poor’s. This particular video is going to be on the Healthcare Sector.
Why hasn’t tighter monetary policy caused a recession? One reason: federal budget deficits have been huge.
A resilient US economy and deepening geopolitical tensions around the world are making asset managers rethink their expectations for a weaker dollar.
Whether you want to buy or rent, finding an affordable, comfortable home can be extremely difficult, if not impossible.
Just a few short years (months?) ago, few would have believed it possible. But it happened: Bitcoin has traded above $100,000 for the first time ever.
CEO Ali Dibadj highlights the three macro drivers that investors must navigate in 2025 and beyond, as well as the importance of actively positioning for a brighter investment future.
Our Cash Indicator methodology acts as a plan in case of an emergency. This is analogous to the multiple safety systems in a modern automobile, which includes an airbag. Importantly, each of these systems work together to potentially help smooth the ride.
Historical trends are being permanently broken in real time as mega forces, like the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), transform economies.
With year-end looming, consider taking action now to determine if annual gifts make sense. Our Bill Cass shares useful strategies to consider for estate planning.
Quite a few observers have described the dramatic fall of the Barnier government in France not just as a political crisis but also an economic and financial crisis.
While the economy helped President Trump win a second term, it also created expectations that could prove difficult to meet.
Assets in money market funds reached an all-time high of $7 trillion this past month. Now that rates are moving lower, money market yields may not be as attractive to many investors and assets may gradually leave money funds.
In this article, Beverly Flaxington gives advice on how to navigate organizing events for staff and clients.
By understanding annuities, debunking myths, and staying on top of tax implications, you can offer your clients the financial stability they crave. Regular reviews, proactive communication, and continuous education are the keys to success.
The $1.8 trillion federal budget deficit in the fiscal year that ended in September was the third biggest ever in dollar terms, trailing only the pandemic deficits of the 2020 and 2021 fiscal years. As a share of gross domestic product, a better gauge for historical comparisons, it was, at 6.4%, the biggest ever outside of a large war or global crisis.
The trend is your friend. Or, in Larry Fink’s case, your primary acquisition tickbox.
We launched QuantStreet a little over three years ago, and our first accounts went live as of December 2021.
In their 2025 outlook, Head of Americas Equities Marc Pinto and Head of EMEA and Asia Pacific Equities Lucas Klein say a changing macroeconomic backdrop could create new pockets of leadership in global equity markets.
Healthcare
Elon Musk’s Robotopia Will Bloom in Aging Europe
There will be more humanoid robots than people by 2040, Elon Musk recently bragged.
Bull vs. Bear: Using Sector ETFs to Make Bets on the New Regime
For this edition of Bull vs. Bear, the VettaFi writers debate the case for using sector ETFs to make bets on the new market regime.
NAHB Housing Market Index: Builder Confidence Inches to 9-Month High in January
Builder confidence inched up in January to its highest level in 9 months on hopes for economic growth and an improved regulatory environment. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Housing Market Index (HMI) rose to 47 this month, up one point from December. The latest reading came was above the forecast of 45.
The Inflation Genie Is Moving to the White House
The latest updates on the labor market and consumer prices show President-elect Donald Trump inherits an economy where inflation is poised to return to the Federal Reserve’s target later this year.
Unemployment Claims Up 14K, Worse Than Expected
In the week ending January 11th, initial jobless claims rose or the first time in five weeks. Initial jobless claims were at a seasonally adjusted level of 217,000, an increase of 14,000 from the previous week's figure. The latest reading was worse than the 210,000 forecast.
Uncertainty Is Certain
Amid an unsettled global economic outlook and elevated equity valuations, bond markets present attractive yields and important diversification benefits.
Inside the Consumer Price Index: December 2024
Let's do some analysis of the Consumer Price Index, the best-known measure of inflation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) divides all expenditures into eight categories and assigns a relative size to each. The pie chart illustrates the components of the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers, the CPI-U.
Median Household Income by State: 2023 Update
The median US income in 2023 was $80,610, up from $22,420 in 1984 — a 260% rise over the 39-year time frame. However, if we adjust for inflation chained in 2023 dollars, the 1984 median is $55,828, and the increase drops to 37%.
The $2 Trillion Home Insurance Nightmare Is Getting Even Worse
On top of the human tragedy they’re still inflicting, the Los Angeles wildfires are exposing a gap between what people thought their homes were worth and what they’ll actually get from insurance companies when those houses have been reduced to ash. Potentially thousands of homeowners are learning it won’t be nearly enough.
Consumer Price Index: Inflation Ticks Up to 2.9% in December
Inflation ticked up in December while core growth slowed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the headline figure for the Consumer Price Index rose to 2.89% year-over-year, right in line with economist expectations. Additionally, core CPI came in lower than expected, slowing to 3.2% year-over-year.
Early Groundwork Is Key for Implementing Lifetime Income Solutions
Engaging up front with four key workstreams may smooth the process of adding a solution.
The Missing Piece in America’s Healthcare Debate
We need to face the reality that we’ve chosen a system that prioritizes lower taxes over centralized health care.
Private Equity Does Not Belong in Your 401(k)
Private equity wants access to Americans’ retirement accounts, and is lobbying President-elect Donald Trump’s administration to get it.
Private Credit Outlook: Expanding the Universe
The journey from niche asset to core allocation looks set to continue.
A Closer Look at Full-time and Part-time Employment: December 2024
Let's take a close look at December's employment report numbers on Full and Part-Time Employment. The latest data shows that 82.7% of total employed workers are full-time (35+ hours) and 17.3% of total employed workers are part-time (<35 hours).
Unemployment Claims as a Recession Indicator: December 2024
What does the ratio of unemployment claims to the civilian labor force tell us about where we are in the business cycle and recession risk?
The Top 10 U.S. Aerospace and Defense Contractors
The aerospace and defense industry plays a pivotal role in both national security and the stock market. With U.S. defense spending leading the world, the largest contractors are well-positioned for growth amid rising global tensions.
U.S. Household Incomes: A 50+ Year Perspective
A few months ago, the Census Bureau released its annual report on household income data for 2023. During 2023, the median (middle) average household income rose 8.0% to $80,730. Let's take a closer look at the quintile averages, which dates from 1967, along with the statistics for the top 5%.
Unemployment Claims Drop to 11-Month Low
In the week ending January 4th, initial jobless claims fell to their lowest level since February 2024. Initial jobless claims were at a seasonally adjusted level of 201,000, a decrease of 10,000 from the previous week's figure. The latest reading was better than the 214,000 forecast.
2025 Year Ahead: Certainties for an Uncertain World
In our year ahead outlook, we unveil 5 key factors we believe offer rare certainty in these uncertain times. Discover how we’re navigating this landscape and positioning portfolios to seize opportunities and mitigate risks in the year ahead.
The January 25 Dashboard: Our 3 Layers of Risk Management
Our Cash Indicator methodology acts as a plan in case of an emergency. Investors should expect more equity market volatility ahead.
Keep These Investment Themes In Mind For 2025
For 2025 and beyond, a few particular global and industry trends can offer attractive long-term returns for advisors and investors alike.
S&P Global Services PMI: Reaches 33-Month High in December
The December U.S. services purchasing managers' index (PMI) conducted by S&P Global came in at 56.8, the highest level since March 2022. The latest reading came in below the forecast of 58.5 but keeps the index in expansion territory for the 23rd straight month.
Privatize the USPS? Not in an Era of Crony Capitalism
President-elect Donald Trump is said to be interested in the privatization of the US Postal Service, a prospect that also appeals to his DOGE project and its allies in Congress.
Three Investment Lessons From 2024
Three interconnected lessons from 2024 help shape our 2025 outlook.
2025: A Year of Promise and Paybacks
The College Football playoffs included 12 teams this year and all five automatic berth teams (because they won their conference championships) are now out, including the top two ranked teams, Oregon and Georgia. It wasn’t supposed to turn out this way, and the debate about why has only just started.
NVIDIA In Focus: CES This Week, J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference Next Week, February Earnings
The same themes that drove sharp 2024 returns among the Magnificent 7 stocks appear to be very much alive in the new year.
AI Frenzy Drove the S&P 500’s Best Two-Year Gains Since the Dot-Com Era
Stocks rallied in 2024, delivering a second consecutive year of gains exceeding 20%, as investors embraced cooling inflation, falling interest rates and the prospect of lower corporate taxes under a second Trump administration.
MicroStrategy Buys Bitcoin After Adding Preferred Offering
MicroStrategy Inc. bought $101 million of Bitcoin after announcing that it would use perpetual preferred stock as well as common shares and debt to acquire more of the cryptocurrency.
Equity Outlook: Preparing for Profound Policy-Driven Change
Political uncertainty and volatility create fertile ground for active investors to find companies that can successfully navigate a new era.
2025 Investing Outlook
The year ahead may present challenges as markets and the economy look to maintain momentum.
Tech Investing in 2025: Emerging Trends and Market Opportunities
Gain insights into 2025’s top tech trends and market opportunities, and what experienced investors should consider for smart tech investments.
Ignore Concerns About Medicare Advantage at Your Peril
Enrollees in Medicare Advantage may end up paying steep costs for specialty care that doesn't meet their healthcare needs, advisors shared.
How Climate Volatility Is Redefining Commodity Markets
Although the general public might not pay much attention to such price swings, they still leave a serious impact on global trade and investment.
S&P Global US Manufacturing PMI™: Tough End to 2024
The S&P Global US Manufacturing PMI™ fell to 49.4 in December from 49.7 in November, marking the sixth consecutive month of worsening conditions in the manufacturing sector. The latest reading was above the forecasted reading of 48.3.
A ‘Made in China’ Crisis Awaits Big Auto
When Jaguar’s “copy nothing” brand reboot hit late last year, one self-styled car enthusiast replied on X: “What the actual hell is this.” Jaguar’s response: “The future.”
Regulation, Deals and Crypto: Fintech Themes to Watch in 2025
The clouds that hung over the financial-technology industry in 2024 appear to be clearing as interest-rate cuts, recoveries in fintech stocks and promises of a looser regulatory environment in the second Trump administration paint a more promising outlook for startups.
10 Predictions for 2025
Investors continue to enjoy the bull market but remain somewhat nervous about valuation. Policy uncertainty is higher than usual, in part because there are so many policy changes at the same time.
Strategies for Investing Under the New Administration: Insights and Opportunities
With Donald Trump’s re-election as President of the United States, debates have reignited about the potential impact on markets, trade, and the global economy. The new administration has promised deregulation, tax cuts and a focus on energy independence.
Live Free and Don't Die
I expect three major innovation cycles to dramatically affect our world in the next decade, with impacts comparable to steam engines, electricity, automobiles, and even the internet. Every new invention helps us explore even further.
Reflections on 2024
We look back on six themes that defined another eventful year.
The Popular Rise of Lifetime Income on Annuities
Annuities can provide a guaranteed lifetime income stream in retirement, no matter how long you live. They thrive under high interest rate environments and are currently offering the highest payouts seen in years.
The 5 Biggest Forces to Watch in Corporate America
The C-suites and boardrooms of corporate America should be on high alert entering 2025.
How Grief’s Emotional Impact Is Compounded by Secondary Financial Loss
Financial loss is one of the most common secondary losses. The death of a family breadwinner can bring crushing financial uncertainty. Even when the deceased was not the primary earner, grief can derail financial stability.
Obamacare Is More Popular and Costlier Than Ever
A rude surprise could be in store for the millions of Americans who get health coverage through the Affordable Care Act. If Congress doesn’t act next year, enhanced premium subsidies will expire by December, causing enrollees’ payments to increase by more than 75% on average.
BlackRock Says Bitcoin Deserves a Spot in Your Portfolio
If you happen to be a Bitcoin skeptic, you’re not alone. A recent Pew Research survey found that 63% of Americans are not confident in the reliability or safety of cryptocurrencies in general.
Embracing AI Can Help RIAs Transform Their Practices
AI has the potential to elevate industries by blending mechanical precision with human creativity. The key lies in balance: harnessing its capabilities while preserving the uniquely human touch that remains irreplaceable.
Bond Traders Face 2025 Amid Most Agonizing Easing in Decades
Bond traders have rarely suffered so much from a Federal Reserve easing cycle. Now they fear 2025 threatens more of the same.
Financial Resolutions for 2025
Start the new year right by reviewing and revamping your financial plan.
Our Top 10 Favorite Articles of 2024
From start to finish, 2024 was a year of change, with a multitude of implications for investors.
Quantum Supremacy
I must confess, I have been aware of quantum computing for quite some time, but it was one of those things that always seemed far off. It’s now getting much closer.
The Big Four Recession Indicators: Real Personal Income Up 0.2% in November
Personal income (excluding transfer receipts) rose 0.4% in November and is up 4.6% year-over-year. However, when adjusted for inflation using the BEA's PCE Price Index, real personal income (excluding transfer receipts) was up 0.2% month-over-month and up 2.1% year-over-year.
Private Credit Plots Expansion in Bid for $40 Trillion Prize
Private credit firms want more than corporate lending. The largest are laying the groundwork to finance everything from auto loans and residential mortgages to chip manufacturing and data centers in an effort to swell the size of the market by the trillions.
Tracking Contingent Workers
As the year comes to a busy conclusion, we’re still catching up with news that didn’t make the front page. In the first week of November, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics published a data release that’s even less frequent than the four year presidential election cycle.
CB Leading Economic Index: Small Rise in November
The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) increased slightly in November. The index rose 0.3% from the previous month to 99.7 after eight consecutive monthly declines.
Don’t Forget About Growth!
A conversation with our stock selection team, part two.
High Yield Bonds Outlook: Taking the Scenic Route in 2025
Brent Olson and Thomas Ross, fixed income portfolio managers, believe that high yield bonds offer comfortable driving for now, but investors might need to negotiate more difficult terrain later in 2025.
The Beat Goes On
The U.S. economy is experiencing a remarkable period of economic stabilization and growth
The Trump-Xi Bromance Has a Chance in 2025
Xi Jinping and Donald Trump's bromance could be rekindled in 2025, if both sides play their cards right.
My Uncle’s Early Death Hit Our Family Hard: A Case for Estate Planning
We all know someone who has passed away without their affairs in order. As financial advisors, we have a responsibility to ensure that this doesn’t happen to our clients.
VictoryShares Free Cash Flow ETF (VFLO)
On this episode of the “ETF of the Week” podcast, VettaFi’s Head of Research Todd Rosenbluth discussed the VictoryShares Free Cash Flow ETF (VFLO) with Chuck Jaffe of Money Life. The pair discussed several topics related to the fund to give investors a deeper understanding of the ETF overall.
Help Clients Save Money on Property and Casualty Insurance
Double-digit increases in rates are common. I’m definitely feeling the pain, as I suspect you are. So here are a few things I do to help my clients save some money.
Demanding Energy
Energy is everything. Or, if Einstein was right, you and I are just energy in material form. Accelerate us to lightspeed squared and we might become something else.
Boeing Resumes Production as the Airline Industry Prepares for a Record-Breaking 2025
The clouds hanging over Boeing’s operations finally appear to be clearing.
Pets, Pop and Sin Stocks: Not Every Fad Is a Thematic Portfolio
Many hot trends have been turned into equity portfolios. But fads aren’t investing themes and may be flawed as standalone investments.
Adapting to Seismic Shifts in Financial Services
Joel Liu, J.D. Head of Advanced Sales MassMutual Strategic Distributors, discusses the impending wealth transfer.
What’s Ahead for Fixed Income in 2025?
Portfolio managers and market strategists from Payden & Rygel review the opportunities and risks ahead for four bond market sectors: high yield, emerging markets, global bonds and low duration securities.
2025 Annual Global Market Outlook: The Mechazilla Moment
An enduring image from 2024 will be the capture of the SpaceX booster rocket by the Mechazilla robot arms on its return to Earth. This achievement served as a powerful metaphor for the year: the improbable not only became possible but redefined expectations.
Sector Views: Monthly Stock Sector Outlook
Our outlook on the 11 S&P 500 equity sectors.
Watching China’s Economic Miracle (and Relevance) Fade Before Our Eyes
China’s economic ascent over the past four decades has been a remarkable story of growth, driven by several factors.
Despite Political Headwinds, Healthcare Stocks Stay Anchored to Innovation
The surprise nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head healthcare policy in the U.S. caused substantial volatility in November. But despite heightened uncertainty, the sector’s long-term outlook appears intact, say Portfolio Managers Andy Acker and Dan Lyons – giving investors a potential opportunity to invest at attractive valuations.
The Spillover Effects of NVIDIA and Ozempic
We decided to see which companies saw the greatest spillover effects from these two revolutionary technologies.
13 Healthcare Sector Stocks With Healthy Valuation
Today’s video on the Healthcare Sector Stocks is another in the continuing series of videos where we are looking for value in each of the 10 major sectors as reported by Standard & Poor’s. This particular video is going to be on the Healthcare Sector.
Irresponsible and Addictive Deficits
Why hasn’t tighter monetary policy caused a recession? One reason: federal budget deficits have been huge.
Dollar Optimism Is Spreading From Hedge Funds to Asset Managers
A resilient US economy and deepening geopolitical tensions around the world are making asset managers rethink their expectations for a weaker dollar.
Homes for Christmas
Whether you want to buy or rent, finding an affordable, comfortable home can be extremely difficult, if not impossible.
Bitcoin’s Rise to $100,000 Signals Global Adoption Shift
Just a few short years (months?) ago, few would have believed it possible. But it happened: Bitcoin has traded above $100,000 for the first time ever.
Macro Drivers: Actively Navigating Change and Complexity in 2025
CEO Ali Dibadj highlights the three macro drivers that investors must navigate in 2025 and beyond, as well as the importance of actively positioning for a brighter investment future.
The December 2024 Dashboard: Our Three Layers of Risk Management
Our Cash Indicator methodology acts as a plan in case of an emergency. This is analogous to the multiple safety systems in a modern automobile, which includes an airbag. Importantly, each of these systems work together to potentially help smooth the ride.
2025 Investment Outlook: Building the Transformation
Historical trends are being permanently broken in real time as mega forces, like the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), transform economies.
Year-End Estate Planning: Strategies for Maximizing Tax Benefits and Legacy Planning
With year-end looming, consider taking action now to determine if annual gifts make sense. Our Bill Cass shares useful strategies to consider for estate planning.
This Is Not France’s "Truss" Moment
Quite a few observers have described the dramatic fall of the Barnier government in France not just as a political crisis but also an economic and financial crisis.
Monthly Global Economic Report
While the economy helped President Trump win a second term, it also created expectations that could prove difficult to meet.
Rethinking Cash
Assets in money market funds reached an all-time high of $7 trillion this past month. Now that rates are moving lower, money market yields may not be as attractive to many investors and assets may gradually leave money funds.
How to Navigate Organizing Events for Staff & Clients
In this article, Beverly Flaxington gives advice on how to navigate organizing events for staff and clients.
Annuities 101: A Financial Advisor's Guide to Understanding and Utilizing Annuities
By understanding annuities, debunking myths, and staying on top of tax implications, you can offer your clients the financial stability they crave. Regular reviews, proactive communication, and continuous education are the keys to success.
Health-Care Spending Is Sinking the Federal Budget
The $1.8 trillion federal budget deficit in the fiscal year that ended in September was the third biggest ever in dollar terms, trailing only the pandemic deficits of the 2020 and 2021 fiscal years. As a share of gross domestic product, a better gauge for historical comparisons, it was, at 6.4%, the biggest ever outside of a large war or global crisis.
BlackRock Pays $12 Billion to Catch Up in Private Credit
The trend is your friend. Or, in Larry Fink’s case, your primary acquisition tickbox.
QuantStreet December 2024 Letter: Our Three-Year Anniversary
We launched QuantStreet a little over three years ago, and our first accounts went live as of December 2021.
A More Dynamic Playing Field for Equity Investors
In their 2025 outlook, Head of Americas Equities Marc Pinto and Head of EMEA and Asia Pacific Equities Lucas Klein say a changing macroeconomic backdrop could create new pockets of leadership in global equity markets.