Portfolio

Only two weeks remain in 2012 and the fiscal cliff is still cause for alarm among many investors. And yet, it may not be that bad. One equities expert expects a short term deal to blunt the fiscal pain, coupled with an agreement to come back next year to deal with tax and entitlement reform.

The largest exchange-traded fund tracking municipal bonds traded at a discount to its underlying assets for the first time since July as states and cities flooded the market with the most borrowing in six months.

All of a sudden, everyone wants to give the retail investor a break.

Firms aren't done with their acquisitions for the year yet, as evidenced by Schroder Investment Management North America's deal.

The Charles Schwab Corp. has closed its acquisition of ThomasPartners.

As clients get into the holiday spirit, too many are not making smart decisions about the gifts they purchase. Many clients see gift-giving as a chore, and as a result, are hasty in making purchases. While this may be natural in a task-oriented society, clients should consider transforming their giving from just stuff – opened today, forgotten tomorrow – to gifts that benefit the recipients and themselves long after the tinsel and bows have been swept away.

Morningstar today reported that stock mutual funds shed another $14.1 billion in November and are on pace to surpass 2008’s record outflow of $96.7 billion.

Arden Asset Management has expanded its offerings of customized hedge fund solutions.

Putnam Investments has created a new, dedicated Defined Contribution Investment-Only website to further bolster its DCIO business.

AdvisorShares today officially announced that the Pring Turner Business Cycle ETF will open for trading on Wednesday, December 19.