Investment insights

Many studies have shown that it's difficult for active managers to consistently outperform their benchmark indexes. Recent data from Morningstar on fund flows seems to show that investors are beginning to get that message.

Wall Street profits fell 13% in the first half of the year to $8.7 billion, signaling a potential second straight annual decline, according to a report from New York Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.

As investors flee Pimco's Total Return Fund, advisors may be exploring options for clients' fixed income allocations. Here are four intermediate-term bond funds with a gold rating from Morningstar.

The pullback from repurchase agreements: How new regulations are reshaping bank funding and financial markets, and impacting money market funds, which investors use as cash-equivalent investments.

The ignorance factor with 401(k)s; Alternatives to conventional housing in retirement; How bartering can make your retirement better

Muni managers and analysts say the absence of retail participation in the muni market has been palpable and that the net negative supply, historical low municipal to Treasury ratios, narrow spreads, and headline risk are contributing to the pull back.

Mohamed El-Erian, who quit Pacific Investment Management in January amid reports of clashes with Bill Gross, said he was surprised by the events surrounding the departure of the star bond manager last week.

Retirement planning: men can learn from women; Simple way for retirees to save on prescription drugs; 5 expenses that will improve your retirement

Analysts expect investors exiting Pimco's Total Return Fund will move into alternative strategies.

Federal workers lose big by pulling out of low-cost retirement plans; in ruling on California's bankruptcy, judge challenges sanctity of pensions; 5 things to remember when selling your business for retirement

President Obama has blasted the tactic as unpatriotic while the Treasury Department has announced steps aimed at limiting the tax benefits. But beyond the headlines and sound bites, how should advisors evaluate inversions when developing investment strategies for their clients?

The profitability of alts for investment managers and product originators promises that the deluge of alternative investment opportunities will continue.

The strategy once known as SRI has rebranded and expanded. Here’s what you should know now about the universe of values-based strategies.

Recent mutual fund flows suggest more advisors are going across the pond when constructing their client portfolios.

The imaginary retirement-income crisis; what happens when your retirement is ambushed; retirement couples' dilemma: the $100,000 difference

Determining the “right” allocation to international equities for clients' portfolios isn’t easy and depends on who you ask.

Advisors have trusted the "Bond King" for years, but with Bill Gross's abrupt departure from PIMCO, the firm he founded 43 years ago, the playing field has changed. Here's what you need to know before the dust settles.

Bill Gross and the risks of 'star power' fund managers; retirement plans for small businesses; the Roth-IRA math for 50-somethings

New York is the capital of the art world, but brave investors may want to look farther afield for opportunities. Be very careful, advisors say.

Advisors should think carefully about finding the right macroeconomic numbers and statistics to share with clients.