Assuming funds of funds offer nothing in return—or that you get less than you pay for—is a mistake for a surprisingly broad group of investors. That perspective becomes clearer when taking a closer review of the reason investment committees focus their attention on high-level strategic thinking and asset allocation, rather than on picking individual stocks. Similarly, there is a case to be made for investors to use fund of funds, rather than directly selecting individual private equity firms from the thousands of choices available.
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Jessica Jackley, cofounder of KIVA, the world’s first microfinance website, shares her unique wisdom on financial inclusion and social justice. Jessica highlights stories and lessons from her book, Clay Water Brick: Finding Inspiration from Entrepreneurs Who Do the Most with the Least, as well as experiences from her own life as an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist.
A rising generation of clients in their 20s and 30s turned to Jim Steiner, president of Abbot Downing, and asked him to share his insights, both as a parent and a wealth management leader. Through four memorable stories and thoughtful questions, Mr. Steiner reflected on matters of career, philanthropy, family, and leaving a legacy. He began with a cab ride in Chicago, learning to see with fresh eyes.
After falling from over $100 a barrel to its low point of $26 in February 2016, prices for crude oil have now risen to about $50 a barrel. While that’s nearly a 100 percent increase, oil is still comparatively cheap. But the current state of crude oil also necessitates a look at other investments that move with the price of oil—directly or indirectly. Has the roller coaster of oil’s descent and its subsequent climb out of the abyss hit a plateau?
Traditional economic theory teaches that humans will make rational decisions when presented with all the facts and appropriate alternatives.
The optimism and market strength seen in 2016 continued into the first quarter of this year with equity markets showing notable advances. International stocks showed their promise in the first three months of the year as emerging markets rallied 11.45 percent and developed international markets gained 7.39 percent. U.S. stocks were still in the race as the S&P 500 Index gained 6.07 percent during the first quarter of 2017.
Private family trust companies have increased in popularity in recent years, and several states have adopted statutes specific to them. This compiled information compares state trust law requirements for Virtual Representation, Nonjudicial Settlement Agreements and Nonjudicial Modification Agreements in selected states that have PFTC statutes, including Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming.
Seventy-seven percent of employees want voluntary benefits. But with so many options available in today's market, it's crucial to choose the right benefits, based on your employees' demographics, claims history, and expressed wants and needs. A good place to start is to know the trending voluntary benefits and when top employers are offering them.
The enterprise-wide accounting and finance platforms that other industries employ have not historically satisfied the unique information and reporting requirements of private wealth management firms and family offices. Fortunately, material advances in investment accounting technology, as well as fresh ideas around accounting best practices have emerged in recent years to help address these issues.
If your boat is hauled out for winter storage, here are some suggestions on what to do before, during, and after the haulout. Each recommended step will help you ensure that your vessel will be ready for safe and reliable cruising again next year.