Portfolio

Stocks that have seen an increase in dividends for at least 25 straight years are the best stocks for retirees who want stability and consistency in their investments; Plus, using umbrella insurance to protect retirement assets from future liability lawsuits.

The recently enacted Tax Increase Prevention Act extends the provision that allows certain IRA owners to make tax-free distributions to charity, but the deadline is coming up.

Every advisor's experience is different. On Wall Street's popular Life Stories feature chronicles the experiences of advisors -- from their point of view.

A comparison of 'decision rules' with rebalancing suggests that advisors may not be giving one simple strategy the credit it deserves.

Ultrawealthy clients can be tough customers. One expert suggests a few ways to stay in their good graces.

Try these guidelines for giving shares of appreciable stocks, making major money moves before year-end, and setting up tax maneuvers for 2015.

A big jump in clients’ risk appetite is why the Retirement Advisor Confidence Index climbed 2.3 points in December, reaching a five-month high of 54.

The SPDR Nuveen Barclays Build America Bond ETF proved the best choice during a record-setting year for muni exchange- traded funds. Its 20.6 % gain through Dec. 23 was highest among the 26 muni ETFs tracked by Bloomberg.

Gold advanced as prices near the lowest level in three weeks encouraged purchases. Silver jumped the most in a week and palladium rose to the highest since Dec. 12.

Mutual conversions soared this year as mutual thrift executives sought to raise capital at the behest of investment bankers and others. With many of the biggest mutuals having converted this year, there may be a drop-off in conversions in 2015.