Portfolio

If the emerging absolute-return exchange-traded funds succeed in delivering outsized returns at low cost, the one-two punch to the traditional mutual fund industry could gain steam, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The time has come for mutual funds and other institutional investors to vote their proxies in favor of individual investors and truly exert their fiduciary duty, John Bogle, founder and former chief executive officer of Vanguard, writes in a Wall Street Journal editorial titled, “Restoring Faith in Financial Markets.”

In an effort to accelerate the development of its activities in emerging countries, notably Central and Eastern Europe, AXA acquired Omniasig Life. Created in 1997, Omniasig Life sells protection products, representing premiums of Euro 12 million in 2008, through a network of 1,400 agents, of which a quarter is proprietary channel.

The American Securitization Forum and the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association have ended their six-year relationship.

Hedge funds had their best year last year since 1999, according to the Hennessee Group. The Hennessee Hedge Fund Index gained 24.6% in 2009. Equity indices also gained in 2009, with the S&P 500 up 24.7%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 18.8%, and the Nasdaq Composite Index gaining 43.9%. In 1999, the Hennessee Hedge Fund Index was up 30.78%.

Pioneer U.S. Sales Team Expands With Seven Hires

A new survey by the Investment Company Institute finds that most Americans are still confident that their 401(k) plans can help them reach their retirement goals, but last year's 31% average drop in account balances has also highlighted the need for improvements to this popular, critical retirement vehicle.

The fundamentals of what advisers need from wholesalers are changing, and wholesalers have no choice but to adapt. Our research at kasina concludes that wholesalers should focus on serving advisers' needs for:

The mutual fund industry should proudly celebrate Americans' 73% approval rating for 401(k)s, according to an Investment Company Institute report, "Enduring Confidence in the 401(k) System."

Morningstar Names Managers of the Decade