GenSpring reports that despite increased market volatility and instability on global markets, threats of inflation and recession, the age of affluence is upon us. It further argues that men play a central role in decision-making of most affluent families. Understanding their attitudes, views and practices may therefore help us to understand their f...
BNY Mellon chronicles the rapid evolution of exchange-traded funds.
This paper explores the psychological underpinnings of finance (i.e. behavioral finance).
Indications are that only a fraction of kidnappings that are threatened, attempted or successful are reported. FBI investigations number 350–400 domestic kidnappings per year, with one-third resulting in the payment of ransom (average ransom $2,000,000). Globally, the statistics are far more disturbing. Britain's Foreign Policy Center estimates th...
Much homelessness need never occur in the first place. Long-term action by charities to address underlying problems such as substance misuse and child abuse helps to reduce the pool of people acutely vulnerable to housing breakdown. More targeted responses—giving advice on housing, for example, or working with groups at particular risk (such as pri...
President's Letter: February 2010 Bernardi Securities I am convinced more than ever that the "perfect" bond market hedge does not exist. Many, many investors lost money over the last 18 months on "hedged" bond investments and swaps. Some would have seen their "hedged" investments wiped out entirely had not the government rescued certain financial...
While a life insurance agent/broker may be a valuable resource and advisor, the very nature of today's products and compensation structure, coupled with the lack of transparency, create substantial conflicts of interest between what is best for the client and what is best for the agent. What are the conflicts, how meaningful are they and how can fa...
If the market continues to transition to a more fundamentals-driven recovery, investment managers – including Shariah managers - with a track record of strong security selection capabilities may be in a better position than other managers to navigate such an environment, according to SEI Investments. Managers who follow strong due diligence process...
Families who employ nannies may be violating federal and state tax and labor laws without even realizing it. And that includes nannies who are legal U.S. citizens, according to this article from Teresa Leigh Household Management. To stay in the clear, families need to collect and file appropriate payroll taxes, track hours worked, pay overtime and ...
In this set of short articles, WTAS addresses topics ranging from the tax impact of employee bonuses to factors to consider in assessing the fair market value of alternative investments. The authors also discuss changes in state personal and corporate tax rates, the impact of widening state budget gaps on state taxes, and complications of the curre...
A global outbreak of influenza, such as that anticipated with this year's H1N1 virus, can have a major effect on all aspects of the world economy. Having a contingency plan can make a difference for businesses and individuals, says HUB International Personal Insurance, which offers suggestions for creating such a plan.
The increasing prevalence of identity theft means the ultra-wealthy need to be on their guard against this risk. Fortunately, these individuals can avail themselves of a number of resources and take some practical measures to protect themselves. This helpful paper from Century Wealth Management provides guidance.
Recent cases of misappropriation of client funds, breaches of fiduciary duty, theft and bankruptcy filings underscore the importance of qualifying one's 1031 qualified intermediary. This article from Strategic Exchange Advisors includes information of interest to any investor with real estate holdings in the United States.
In the latest issue of Global Giving Matters, the Synergos Institute explores the personal story of a philanthropist's inner journey and relationship with her giving, which has included support of initiatives with highly marginalized groups. This issue also collects brief news items from Argentina, Chile, China, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, the Unit...
As social demands increase and government budgets tighten, the need to get maximum impact from increasingly scarce philanthropic funds grows. This paper from Springbanc Social Capital Advisors suggests ways to gain philanthropic leverage so that the potential positive outcome of each donation is enhanced.