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The ultra-wealthy oftentimes treat life insurance as a stagnant asset, buying it and then giving it only cursory reviews. This is not the wisest course of action, though, as it can lead not only to under-performing policies but also missed opportunities to increase death benefits, reduce premiums and improve the overall performance of life insurance.

As the financial services industry works to rebound from the financial crisis, analysis of the impact on life insurance carriers, reinsurers and products continues. While carrier financial strength and market volatility remain a concern, some are seeing positive signs in the marketplace that will help to restore confidence for both existing policyholders and those exploring a life insurance purchase.

The answer to whether to establish a Roth account or to roll over a traditional retirement account to a Roth is not always obvious because of the upfront tax cost associated with the Roth. Whether an individual reaps an offsetting benefit will depend on how long money remains in the account, the tax rates in effect when it is withdrawn and how the investments perform.

As insurance companies continue to face challenges due to the recent economic turmoil, many clients and advisors have expressed concern. In this environment, it is easy to lose sight of the proven policyholder protections that continue to be provided by the life insurance industry, including regulatory and third-party oversight and mechanisms to support policyholders of troubled companies.

Emerging country returns have high volatility and low correlation. A cap-weighted indexed portfolio is concentrated; its risks are high; and long-term growth expectations are compromised. However, a mathematical model shows that investors can expect to do better with an alternative portfolio structure, one that is rebalanced to relatively equal-weighted countries.

Of all the possible sources of inflation, a rise in commodity prices is the greatest threat. A separate threat also exists in the form of rising real interest rates. An ideal portfolio hedge is one that should do well in both environments but still is expected to generate an attractive rate of return in a normal economic environment.

This handbook attempts to strip away some of the mystery around farmland and outline the key aspects of it as an asset class, its management, the key considerations for investors and, perhaps most important of all, the vital questions any good farmland investment advisor must be able to answer satisfactorily.

Direct investment in private companies can deliver returns far exceeding those of private equity and other asset classes while also providing attractive diversification and increased control. The potential for outsize returns, however, comes with increased risk, meaning investors must carefully assess the various financial, organizational and managerial risks involved in this type of investment.

Four basic hedging techniques – long/short, covered call, buy/write indexing and index put options – represent varying levels of risk but, used appropriately, may reduce portfolio volatility and smooth overall returns. Defensive hedging, techniques designed to protect against loss, may even be well-suited for cautious or conservative investors.

It is at the turning points, both market highs and lows, that investors can either increase or forfeit large portions of their portfolios. These are also the times when they can make the wrong decisions. But with the right frame of mind and a willingness to do what others won't, investors can take advantage of the opportunities created by volatile markets.