Portfolio

Life under $150 million: Successful smaller firms say they've overcome common challenges by embracing a long-term view.

Firm president Tash Elwyn explains the upswing in advisor headcounts.

The $162.8 billion Pimco Total Return Fund returned 4.7 percent in 2014, trailing 53% of comparable funds, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. In 2013, it lost 1.9%, lagging behind 65% of peers.

Pimco's biggest mutual fund trailed a majority of peers for the second straight year after missing a rally in longer-term bonds and betting incorrectly that inflation would rise.

The IRS will begin accepting tax returns electronically on January 20. Paper returns will begin processing at the same time.

The past year has taught retirement investors that stocks will produce yields despite volatility; Plus, the biggest risk investors are taking with their retirement nest eggs.

Planners say they are giving overseas markets a fresh look.

How clients can face higher taxes on gains paid by underperforming mutual funds, shrink their tax footprint and spend their tax refund wisely.

Independence has a growing value both to clients and to would-be acquirers. See how the top firms are standing their ground. Plus: Top 100 rankings and 50 fastest-growing firms.

This is a critical time for the industry, with demographic and technological shifts creating tectonic pressures. Here are a few trends all advisors should follow.