Investments

Here’s a primer on long-short funds, managed futures funds and managed payout funds.

Hedge funds and mutual funds that once shunned venture-style deals are flocking to late-stage technology startups, paying 15 to 18 times projected sales for the year ahead in recent private-funding rounds

Falling interest rates and the increase in the number of people retiring are two big risks facing the Social Security system; Plus, why 401(k) participants should forgo a higher allocation to their employer stock.

The perceived threat of asset managers operating as a shadow banking system, thereby needing bank-like regulatory oversight from the Fed, produced the strongest commentary at the ICI forum, as key speakers spoke of pushing back against any attempt to entwine firms into further government oversight.

The ProShares UltraShort 20+ Year Treasury fund has lost $6.1 billion of investor money since its inception in 2008, more than any other ETF has lost during its existence.

Long-term care expenses rise throughout retirement to the point of crisis, according to one expert; Plus, how do your clients stack up in retirement savings?

I don't want to be a distraction, I don't want to be irrelevant -- and I don't want to be wrong. Perhaps you shouldn't be making predictions either?

This week's notable news from the asset management industry includes a recent SEC roundtable meeting where some participants discussed the potential "unintended consequences" of universal proxy ballots, global ETP flows in February reached a record $50 billion, the fastest start to any year on record, and leadership at Vanguard were tasked with new roles within the firm.

F-Squared Investments, which last year admitted to misleading investors about its performance, has eliminated about 25% of its staff, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.

A tax-efficient strategy to best index funds; Plus, six reasons why investing in a taxable account is underrated, and how to capitalize on capital gains tax rules.

Clients who turned 70 1/2 last year need to take their first required minimum distribution by April 1 or face a tax of 50%; Plus, reducing fees is the best way to boost investment returns.

The time has come to create the position of chief data officer to manage the tidal wave of data-based regulations and reporting and implement a concrete data strategy - both to meet requirements but also more effectively make investment decisions and streamline back-, middle- and front-office operations.

Credit markets are getting a second wind, thanks to a Federal Reserve that’s suddenly not as confident the economy is strong enough to weather a steady rise in interest rates.

See the returns, expense ratios and other data for the available domestic dividend growth ETFs -- including three new ETFs based on new indexes from Morningstar, Russell, and S&P Dow Jones.

The Federal Reserve opened the door to an interest rate increase as soon as June, while also indicating it will pursue a slower upward path once it achieves liftoff.

More workers than ever are staying on the job well into their seventies, which will make the U.S. a "very different place" for the next 30 years; Plus, Why an empty nest can be hazardous to a client's retirement.

Scott Mather, who replaced Bill Gross as one of the portfolio managers of the Pimco Total Return Fund, has been buying government-backed bonds, helping boost its total mortgage allocation to 30% on Jan. 31 from 20% in September.

ETFs continue to be dominated by three big players: BlackRock’s iShares, Vanguard Group, and State Street, which collectively control 82% of the roughly $2 trillion invested in ETFs.

A study by S&P Dow Jones Indices -- which clearly has a horse in the race -- says clients will profit more from buying a fund tracking the S&P SmallCap 600 index than one tracking the Russell 2000.

BlackRock’s iShares, Vanguard Group and State Street collectively control 82% of the roughly $2 trillion invested in ETFs -- but other funds are gaining market share. Here's a ranking of the fastest-growing funds.