Portfolio

From an accountant's perspective, the trade deficit isn't a sign of economic weakness. As with any financial flow, there are two sides to the ledger.

Couching hard portfolio data in reassuring stories, similes and metaphors can help financial advisors steer nervous clients through volatile markets.

They can be illiquid, pricey and opaque, and some advisors say the performance doesn't justify the hype. Others say the assets can offer meaningful advantages.

Financial advisors can help clients find the right assistance and cost effective strategies throughout recovery.

Financial advisors report a variety of pros and cons with either setup, and experts say the decision comes down to highly particular factors at each advisory practice.

Quinn's technology could open personalized financial planning to clients who long weren't on advisors' radar screens.

Patrick Funke & Associates' decision to join Commonwealth Financial Network suggests that despite its pending purchase by LPL, Commonwealth still appeals to advisors seeking a smaller setting.

Roughly 200 advisors at the firm are being named "founder specialists" for their track record helping entrepreneurs do everything from set up employee-benefit plans to take their firms public.

A new TIAA Institute survey found that a vast majority of 401(k) plan participants are interested in accessing fixed annuities through their retirement accounts. Plan providers are listening.

The industry is awaiting SEC approval for dozens of applications, even as Vanguard's shareholder case highlights some of the tax complexity of the looming shift.