Investors and consumers typically adopt a wait and see attitude toward investing and spending in the nascent days of a recovery. That timidity should be history by now, says the author, who explores the reasons behind the ongoing lack of confidence.
Families should consider an array of factors as part of their charitable planning, such as their legacy, the particular assets, market conditions, investment objectives, interest rates and cash flow needs, as well as the mission of the charitable organizations.
The author explores the advantages and disadvantages of the outsourced CIO model relative to non-discretionary models and suggests how investors might think about choosing between the two models.
Family offices should develop an understanding of the requirements for health care benefit plans, implement the requirements on a timely basis and then continually monitor ongoing compliance.
The intent of this piece is to communicate the economic indicators that help to monitor in real time whether approaching deflation or accelerating inflation is on the horizon.
Putting a financial value on social outcomes can help funders determine whether an organization is worth supporting, understand the impact that grantees are having and identify where organizations need help.
Longer life expectancies and financial pressures are prompting a general reassessment of traditional retirement. Attitudes among the wealthy have already shifted, with many planning to continue working even if they have little need to do so.
Senior security, floating interest payments and covenant protection make these loans a unique asset class. Their historically steady returns, low volatility and negative correlation with investment-grade fixed income could enhance returns while reducing portfolio volatility.
Despite the uncertainty regarding estate taxes, wealth owners still can take steps to ensure their estates are in the best possible position no matter what laws are passed.
Researchers measure differences in wealth across countries and the extent of change during the past decade. They examine patterns of wealth geographically and by gender, as well as differences in household portfolios.
Understanding the family history can help to create a family legacy, establish sound strategy to keep future generations interested in a family business and develop philanthropic missions for these future generations.
In the post-Madoff era, the foundation and non-profit sector continues to struggle with how to invest philanthropic assets most appropriately and how to ensure that boards and staff are managing investments prudently.
Venture capital shows signs of recovery. Short-term returns have improved and investment volumes have increased to almost pre-crisis levels in the U.S. Analysis supports the notion that a vibrant VC market is conducive to technological progress and, thus, growth.
While oil prices are likely to be range-bound across the next few years, natural gas prices are establishing new, higher support levels after experiencing multi-year lows. Natural gas prices are likely to get a boost from politics as well as the weather and speculation.
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.