Portfolio

Fears over a possible economic slowdown, sovereign debt and not enough capitalization at U.S. financial institutions sent the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) Risk Index up 2.5 points to 110.5 in the second quarter. This is very close to the previous high reached in the third quarter of 2010.

Investment Company Institute report finds that an astonishing $178 billion has moved out of mutual funds and equity ETFs in the past 30 months. Could this dramatic exodus from stocks mark the volatile market’s bottom and great buying opportunity for advisors and investors?

Developing economies of the world are still showing robust growth, but that may not be enough to lift the sagging economies of the developed world, which still account for 60% of combined global economic output, warns Lin Yifu, a World Bank senior vice president and chief economist.

August’s mutual fund outflows reflected investors’ jittery mood, with money pouring out of most investment categories.

An auction of the deceased actor’s memorabilia, clothes and other property recently garnered more than $1 million but none of his five children, including actress Jamie Lee Curtis, have yet to receive a dime. And, from most indications, that’s exactly the way the “Some Like It Hot” star wanted it.

In a period of high market volatility like now, many mutual funds can be capital gains time bombs for investors including those buy-and-hold types who do just as their advisors recommend and sit tight while everyone else is fleeing the market.

GuidedChoice has created a retirement plan “reality check” for participants to see how well prepared they are for retirement and how much income their savings will produce. The program also guides them to save more and offers access to professional advice.

Invesco has launched the PlanForward Consulting Series, aimed at helping 401(k) advisers and consultants “build a compelling value proposition and enhance their brand recognition.”

News of a possible double-dip recession and extreme stock market volatility prompted 40% of Americans to reduce their spending in the past 60 days, according to the September Bankrate Financial Security Index.