Resource Search

For the couple planning marriage, the focus is often on the union itself and not the meshing of financial assets, rights, and obligations. In a time when many couples are marrying later in life, have children and other financial responsibilities from a previous marriage, or have considerable assets that they want to safeguard, a prenuptial agreement can be a helpful planning tool.

If the current growth trend in bank credit continues, a failure on the part of the FOMC to raise its federal funds rate target and shrink its balance sheet will sow the seeds of a rate of consumer inflation above the FOMC’s 2% annualized target in 2014 and 2015.

Fiscal imbalances, monetary imbalances, and trade imbalances are serious issues that will continue to impact the relative value of the U.S. dollar, and none of these situ­ations is easily solved. The concerns they raise should be given deep consideration by dollar-based investors moving forward.

hat a difference a new year makes. Fueled by massive liquidity injection from the European Central Bank (ECB) and expectations of additional easing from central banks around the globe, stocks raced out of the starting gate and left bearish sentiment in the dust.

Emerging market stocks have historically provided differentiated performance compared to other important asset classes. Along with providing the impetus for growth in a long-term portfolio, including emerging market stocks as part of an asset mix may help improve the risk-reward ratio of a portfolio because of its inherent diversification benefits.

The recent Facebook IPO announcement has had a positive impact on sentiment. Perhaps that sentiment will catch on in Europe. However, it seems that gloom still weighs heavier there than here. Private equity firms will most likely continue to wait for the right time to exit companies, and if the equity markets are as volatile this year as they were last year, activity could be choppy.

Taking the time to consider security measures before a theft occurs can save a collector a great amount of frustration and expense. Here are seven key measures that can increase the security of fine art and collectibles for little cost.

Understanding what drives behaviors is a starting point for establishing acceptable family norms as well as addressing the unacceptable. It also may provide insight that can help reduce conflict, establish better communication patterns, and increase levels of trust among family members.

Although a multitude of risks remain, including the unresolved situation in Europe, geopolitical risks from Iran, and fiscal austerity in developed nations around the globe, markets are enjoying the moment, allowing risk assets to flourish and volatility, at least as measured by the VIX index, to retrench to a seven-month low.

The style box concept can help investors manage portfolio risk effectively. But thinking outside the box – considering opportunities across the spectrum, exploiting efficiencies from both beta and alpha perspectives, and using large-cap stocks selectively – may give investors a better chance to outperform the market.