As states have struggled with the fall-off in tax revenues from the financial crisis and ensuing recession, they have experienced very difficult budgeting processes. Despite these difficulties, almost all the states began the 2011 fiscal year with improving budgets.
Despite heightened fears of a double-digit recession, we see plentiful evidence of improving, equity-friendly fundamentals. Global economies are growing again, and large multinational companies are benefiting from exposure to healthier emerging markets.
To realize the social benefits their donors seek, foundations must clearly define their missions, create spend policies that correspond with those missions and set investment strategies that suit those policies.
Globalization has increased growth opportunities not only for companies but also for those in the business of kidnapping for ransom. The key is to prepare for dangers both at home and abroad and to assess readiness for a complex resolution process if a kidnapping should occur.
Given the uncertainty around income and estate taxes, planning with a financial advisor is essential. While Congress may not act on taxes until late in the year, individuals will be best positioned to implement a plan if they spend the intervening weeks laying the necessary groundwork.
It is increasingly common for estate planning attorneys to reduce estate taxes on tangible property by transferring ownership of that property from an individual to a trustee of a trust. However, this strategy can expose an entire estate to some serious potential uninsured claims.
In the first of a two-part series, the author defines the various types of investment styles and strategies of long/short equity managers, as well as explores their portfolio construction characteristics and techniques.
Social media is fun. It can create communities and even revenue streams for businesses. However, risks abound. Understanding one's personal responsibility and liability is essential to remain safe in online interactions.
This paper highlights the concentration risk embedded in traditional portfolios, describes a simple risk parity strategy and demonstrates its out-performance over nearly four decades, and then delves into the more advanced portfolio construction and risk management techniques used to implement risk parity portfolios.
A method for determining the complexity level of a prospective client and evaluating if they are a good fit for the firm's services.
The five stages of raising the next wealth owning generation of a family and principals of each stage.
Investment innovation and rigorous discipline; dynamic, seamless planning; and a different quality of client-advisor engagement will be key to the achievement of long-term objectives for wealth accumulation, protection, spending and transfer as well as to peace of mind.
Be sure that your heirs have the information they need to access your online accounts.
Even with the recently enacted financial industry reform legislation, prudent investors should evaluate whether their advisors are truly acting in their best interest by examining nine areas in which a conflict of interest could exist.
Examining the impact of their behavior on the family client gives family office professionals insight into how to enhance their relationship with the family; it also highlights some of the ways in which their behavior may lead to unintended consequences.