Investment products

The head of a global standards-setting body argues that regulators overreacted to the financial crisis and says banking-style regulation is a poor fit for the asset management industry.

One of the hottest areas for U.S. money managers is quickly cooling off.

A yearly withdrawal of 4% of savings, adjusted by inflation every year, may sometimes outperform annuities; Plus, five critical mistakes people make with Social Security.

Major corporate pension funds incurred an investment return of 9.7% from their hedge-fund investments last year, lower than 13.7% earnings and dividends posted by the S&P 500; Plus, how much of a client retirement portfolio belongs in bonds.

Bank of America's Keith Glenfield says clients at the firm's Merrill Lynch wealth management unit are using alternatives to take a more deliberate approach to core allocations.

As more baby boomers age, withdrawals from 401(k) plans are outpacing new contributions, creating worries for asset managers; Plus, seven ways retirees can boost their income.

SEC Commissioner Kara Stein is worried that mutual fund sector is moving beyond the reach of the regulators.

While the IRS allows only one IRA rollover per year, clients are allowed to convert a portion of their IRA to a Roth account as many times as they want; Plus, when your clients should take their IRA required minimum distributions.

Power has shifted to the advisor, who is acting as the portfolio manager, ignoring intermediaries and going directly to the fund managers or assets they want in their portfolio models.

Retirees are breaking tradition and leaving their assets to grandchildren instead of their own; Plus tips to avoid taking out a 401(k) loan.

Divorce is increasing among people aged 50 and up, which affects lifestyle and financial independence; Plus, 401(k) mistakes to avoid.

It was only the second time in a decade that the funds have shrunk at the start of June, in part because it coincides with a period when investors get paid from maturing debt and interest.

Clients need to embrace new ways of learning in retirement because the deeply ingrained ways from earlier in life are less effective in later years; Plus, 4 ways clients are sabotaging their retirement in their 30s.

Here are six new dividend-oriented ETFs and how they can pay off for your clients.

Some employers have made target-date funds a default option in their retirement plans, a move that has improved employees' diversification; Plus, many older people are torn between saving for retirement and helping their children pay for college.

Do mashups offer an new investing opportunities or just create financial mush?

The human touch is still needed in the foreseeable future because advisors can approach complex situations with customized solutions, says one MIT professor.

With the right buying and selling strategy, your clients can convert interest income into capital gains and slash their tax bills.

Potential rate increases are keeping income investors skittish. Here's how to deliver smart strategy and informed advice.

The wirehouses are increasingly relying on lending to strengthen client relationships, create stickiness for the firm and boost revenue.