Portfolio

Government policy is becoming a more prominent topic of conversation between financial advisors and their clients, according to a recent study as well as anecdotal reports -- and remarks by the Federal Reserve chairman last week on the future of the Fed’s stimulus policy have spurred even more discussions about government policy.

The recent notification from FINRA, that the regulator will spot-check social media communications of its members, underscores how crucial it is for firms to have a robust social media policy in place. Here are 11 issues to consider in crafting an effective social media policy.

Mercer has made three senior-level appointments to its global investments and retirement units in Europe and in the emerging markets.

AdvisorShares is prepping another active exchange-traded fund to add to its roster.

Here’s a sampling of bank reps who were recently promoted or moved to new organizations to assume roles of greater responsibility.

Exchange-traded fund investors pumped in some $84 billion of assets into equity ETFs while fixed income funds brought in $30 billion through May 31, according to data from State Street Global Investors.

Advisors and institutions are turning to mutual funds as their choice du jour to access alternative strategies, according to new findings by Morningstar.

To stay competitive in attracting the next generation of clients, advisors will need a strong digital presence. Social media is a big part of that, says UBS advisor Mitch Slater.

FINRA's social media spot check notification last week shouldn't come as a terrible surprise to the industry. The announcement underscores the need for firms to thoughtfully develop clear policies to supervise and manage usage, content and engagement.

Thirty eight percent of fund firms across the country said that they will increase technology-related costs while a total of 17% of respondents said they expected no change in whether their firm's technology costs would rise or decline for the rest of 2013, according to the 2013 Money Management Executive Technology Survey.