Key Takeaways A financial advisor can help you develop strategies for your specific goals Professional financial advisors operate in your best interest under legal standards Financial professionals who may play a guiding role in your financial life also include stockbrokers and financial planners A financial advisor can play an important role in your life, whether […]

Continue Reading

Key Takeaways Investment advisors and broker-dealers operate under different regulations Broker-dealers typically must get your approval before buying securities Investment advisors can buy and sell on your behalf without approval for each transaction New regulation coming soon from the Securities and Exchange Commission Broker-dealers and investment advisors can both play a crucial role in their […]

Continue Reading

Key Takeaways Look for clear communication in a good financial advisor Ensure your financial advisor is working toward your specific goals Be aware of advisors who may be increasing their commissions through churning Choosing the right financial advisor could be a critical step towards making sure your finances are headed in the right direction, whether […]

Continue Reading

Key Takeaways Commodity examples include energy, metals, grains, livestock, and other foodstuff Commodity trading and investment alternatives include derivative contracts, exchange-traded funds, and shares of commodity producers  Learn about the fundamental factors that can move commodity markets Commodity markets may conjure an image of a freewheeling world of high rollers living hard and taking outsize […]

Continue Reading

Key Takeaways The rising stock market is one factor enticing firms to do secondary public offerings Secondary public offerings, also called follow-on offerings, have reached their highest levels since 1996 Share prices may fall after both dilutive and non-dilutive secondary offerings With the stock market repeatedly hitting new highs, companies are filing for initial public […]

Continue Reading

Key Takeaways Mutual funds present investors with an efficient means of holding a large, diversified basket of assets The mutual fund universe offers a varying range of opportunities and risks; choose carefully Understanding your financial goals, engagement levels, and risk tolerance is key to selecting a suitable mix of mutual funds So, you’ve decided your […]

Continue Reading

Key Takeaways Read through proxy voting guidelines Look at the board of director’s tenure Compare CEO pay to company performance Are you an investor who’s always wished you could have more say in the way a company is run? Do you have specific governance ideals—such as environmental standards—that you’d like companies to embrace? Vote your […]

Continue Reading

Key Takeaways New regulations kick in June 30, 2020  The new rules apply a “best interest” standard for broker recommendations The new Form CRS aims to help retail clients make informed decisions regarding brokers and advisors Is your broker acting in your best interest? A new set of rules that aim to increase your confidence […]

Continue Reading

Key Takeaways Withdrawing guidance may have lost its stigma amid the coronavirus pandemic Fundamental due diligence can help you fill the guidance gap When it comes to company earnings guidance, no news used to be bad news. Back in the B.C. (before coronavirus) days, a company suspending or withdrawing guidance often got punished by the […]

Continue Reading

Key Takeaways Social trading can be an informative way to invest, as long as you approach it with caution Know when consensus in opinion among forum participants starts resembling herd mentality Understand there isn’t always safety, let alone wisdom, in numbers In late January, we saw some quiet and underperforming stocks unexpectedly rise in value […]

Continue Reading