Subject Root Tag

As mutual funds lose steam, exchange-traded funds continue to gain popularity and proportional share of retail investor assets, according to a study by Cogent Research.

Bank-based advisors produced an average $27,418 in fees plus commissions in November, down 12% from October's $31,131, according to the Bank Insurance and Securities Association's latest Monthly Productivity Report.

Bank of America officially announced Monday the launch of Merrill Edge, a platform geared to the mass-affluent customer segment.

Bank of America has reorganized its personal retirement solutions business into five areas, according to an internal memo released late Jan. 20.

The Pittsburgh-based bank is committing a lot of time and effort to taking its investment business to the next level.

Indexed annuities and CDs are growing in popularity as alternatives to CDs and fixed annuities. They give investors some upside with downside protection.

Greg Fleming was named president of global wealth management at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, replacing Charlie Johnston. Fleming previously oversaw the firm's asset management business. With this move, he will take over one of the most significant firms in the advisory business. MSSB was formed in January 2009 from the joint venture between wirehouses Morgan Stanley and Smith Barney. Morgan Stanley continues to integrate that joint venture, while also drawing industry comparisons to BofA/Merrill Lynch as the other dominant player in the industry. Johnston, who will become vice chairman of MSSB for the next year, wanted to spend more time with his family and charitable pursuits, according to a company memo. Others noted that his departure marks a decreased role for former Smith Barney management in the joint venture.

SIFMA wants federal agencies to set realistic deadlines so firms can adjust their compliance practices.

The president of the North American Securities Administrators Association talks about his group's goals for the year.

REITs staged a major comeback in 2010 after two bad years. What's in store for the sector this year?

Training new advisors is at the top of the list for firms like Wells Fargo.

High-net-worth families can leverage the $5 million exemption.

Retirement at 65 is no longer the norm. But can Americans really afford to work longer?

Looking at the most probable future reduces uncertainties to a more manageable level while not concealing risks.

Our legal expert answers your questions.

A recruiter acknowledges those financial advisors who wish they never left the comfort of the traditional big firm world.

Having a high IQ isn't enough to be a star performer.

Who will create and enforce a new, uniform fiduciary standard for not just brokers, but investment advisers, as well?

The majority of baby boomers intend to have a more active lifestyle in retirement than their parents, as well as a better standard of living.

AARP and Charles Schwab are partnering to offer AARP members financial guidance through Schwab.