Portfolio

Legacy expert attorneys Andy and Danielle Mayoras say the intrigue and legal wrangling surrounding the copper heiress’s $400 million estate serve as a stark reminder that everyone -- wealthy or not -- needs to get proper estate planning advice from their financial advisor before it’s too late.

Nearly two-thirds, 63.8%, of plan sponsors have changed the investment lineup in their 401(k) plan in the past year, up markedly from a mere 20% in 2008, according to the Profit Sharing/401(k) Council of America.

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index surged 15.1 points in November to 56.0, up from 40.9.

NYSE Euronext, in partnership with Bloomberg New Energy Finance, is launching three "clean energy" stock indexes. The three indexes will be focused on performance of clean energy firms around the globe. The intent is to track public companies "most active in the world's historic shift to low-carbon energy."

"Frank's loss will be felt by generations of Goldman Sachs professionals," Lloyd C. Blankfein, chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs, said.

The State Street Investor Confidence Index rose 2 points in November to 97.2. In North America, the index rose 4.7 points to 95.2, and in Europe, it rose 5.4 points to 101.5. In Asia, however, the index fell 4.2 points to 94.6.

NYSE Euronext, in partnership with Bloomberg New Energy Finance, is launching three “clean energy” stock indexes. The three indexes will be focused on performance of clean energy firms around the globe. The intent is to track public companies “most active in the world's historic shift to low-carbon energy.’’

Instinet said it is giving its institutional customers the ability to electronically cast votes on which brokers provide the best research on possible investments.

Wealth accumulation is taking a back seat to another important investor goal: having guaranteed retirement income.

An industry group has asked regulators to disclose the factors they will use to determine which muni broker-dealers pose more risks and should undergo compliance examinations more often under a new proposed exam program.