What’s the story for the economy and markets in 2021? According to Commonwealth CIO Brad McMillan, the recovery has been steady and much faster than expected. Even with ongoing uncertainties surrounding the coronavirus and some anticipated setbacks, McMillan outlines why we may still be on track to something approaching pre-pandemic normal by the end of 2021....

This whitepaper explains how to make planning a central part of your business, with a specific example of how to build planning into your first client meeting....

Accurate and efficient reporting is critical to making data-driven decisions. If you don’t manage your reports well, keeping in mind how they are used, how often and by whom, it can keep you from reaching your long-term goals. Rationalization using data science can empower you to determine the right set of reports, quickly, for your business....

We have consistently observed that the market is inefficient at pricing specific risk. Loomis Sayles' full discretion investment style follows two core philosophies to help capitalize on this persistent inefficiency in corporate credit and drive excess return potential....

In this E-guide, we break down the basics of opportunity zone funds, compare them to other tax-advantaged investments, and highlight what financial professionals need to know before recommending opportunity zone funds to clients....

Many financial advisors are frustrated with their broker-dealer for a number of reasons, profit squeezing, rising costs, lack of continuity and stability to name a few, but it doesn’t have to be that way....

U.S. equities have had a great run for more than a decade. Investors may now be over-exposed to domestic stocks, particularly given the size of overseas equity markets and the number of idiosyncratic businesses within them....

Financial professionals today are finding it harder to stand out from the crowd, in part due to increasingly restrictive selling agreements. For advisors and other professionals feeling frustrated or boxed-in, it could be worth exploring a move to a financial services provider that provides access to a wider range of investment products (including alternatives) and that prioritizes giving financial professionals...

Your firm may consistently use social media as part of your marketing efforts, but that might not be its greatest value. Understanding the true potential of social is now imperative as you look for new opportunities in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s important to know how social can help you build relationships, create tangible value beyond marketing, and...

Technology and alternatives can offer a competitive advantage in uncertain times. Two such areas of opportunity that advisors should consider are:...

ECONOMIC ACTIVITY REBOUNDED SHARPLY OVER THE THIRD QUARTER, PUSHING THE GLOBAL ECONOMY OUT OF THE DOWNTURN PHASE OF THE CREDIT CYCLE. We believe the economy is now in credit repair, which is a progressive but still-volatile phase of the cycle. We believe risk assets can deliver positive excess return potential in this environment, especially if monetary and fiscal policy remain...

The COVID-induced disruption has wreaked havoc on every aspect of our lives, and financial advisors are certainly not immune. It has also accelerated the need for RIAs to re-think their business and operating models as we enter a new era with new norms. Can outsourcing provide an antidote for The New Normal?...

When it comes to securing critical data, what advisors don’t know can hurt them....

This guide helps you through the development of a marketing plan tailored specifically to your business needs and challenges. Simply follow the steps within and it will help you create the ultimate marketing plan that drives success in your business....

This guide is designed to illustrate your integral role on the estate planning team. It also provides interview questions, alerts you to key issues, and points you to practical solutions for implementing your client’s plan....

Innovative strategies advisors are using to succeed in a changing client market...

Risk assets begin 2020 at lofty price levels. Are stocks fully valued, or rather a relative value versus global bonds? Read a conversation with Thornburg Chief Investment Strategist Brian McMahon who surveys the unfolding investment landscape....

Quantitative managers are creating investment strategies that harness AI. How should investors assess them?...

After false starts in the last few years, we believe emerging markets are set to deliver strong performance in the year to come, thanks to accelerating and broad-based drivers....

Loomis Sayles analysts dove deep into the rapidly evolving green bond market. Read on for our findings....

As investors struggle to find attractive yield-generating opportunities in a lower-for-longer interest rate environment, many are diversifying into corporate real estate. But not all real estate is created equal....