Data modeling

The advisor confidence index gets lifted by a big shift away from cash and toward stocks.

Markets, global and industry pressures send confidence index to an almost 2-year low.

As equity markets rebounded, planners report higher fees and far greater risk appetite.

Planners back away from equities as concerns grow about international problems.

The equity markets have been strong this year and so has the planning business, but advisor confidence is slipping.

A big drop off in retirement activity after tax season pulls the index downward.

A flurry of tax and retirement planning activity boosts fees and confidence.

Retirement activity increases, but market uncertainty leaves indicator unchanged.

Advisors buoyed by retirement activity, rising risk tolerance.

Advisor sentiment falls as both planners and clients fret over investment outlook.

The confidence index jumps as planners report higher fees, more contributions to retirement plans.

Advisor confidence was essentially flat in December, as advisors reported greater risk tolerance but stayed the course on allocations.

Advisor confidence crept up again in October, buoyed in part by clients' year-end tax planning moves.

Declines in equity allocations, risk tolerance and advisor fees are cited.

The index reverses its fall, led by shifts in client behavior and market performance.

Plunge in risk tolerance and jump in cash sends index down for 2nd straight month.

Risk tolerance and a growing taste for equities help the January index climb back after two straight declines.

Advisors' attitudes improve for the second month in a row.