Investments

Annuity guarantees will help improve relationships among couples, says annuity specialist; Plus, five great small cities for retirees.

The latest Schorsch bombshell "makes quality advisors super uncomfortable," says executive recruiter Mindy Diamond.

Companies that ignore the big picture are severely punished in the marketplace, especially when they misstep. Companies that display concern for what happens outside their walls get the nod from a new generation of investors.

Clients may consider reducing the amount they set aside in their 401(k) plans and invest the money in real estate, according to financial planner; Plus, how women can generate income for life.

Nicholas Schorsch has resigned from RCS Capital, New York REIT and 11 other non-traded real estate investment trusts and direct investment programs sponsored by AR Capital.

Year-to- date, energy ETFs have attracted $9.25 billion of new money, the most of any sector behind real estate funds and more than triple the same period in 2013.

Frequent traders use the tools with individual stocks, but planners advise caution for many clients.

Investors today want profits to be achieved with attention to the environment, society, workers, customers and a variety of other stakeholders. Companies that ignore this big picture will be punished in the market.

States and local governments boosted debt sales to $43.7 billion so far in December, the highest monthly total in at least a year.

Stocks that have seen an increase in dividends for at least 25 straight years are the best stocks for retirees who want stability and consistency in their investments; Plus, using umbrella insurance to protect retirement assets from future liability lawsuits.

A comparison of 'decision rules' with rebalancing suggests that advisors may not be giving one simple strategy the credit it deserves.

A big jump in clients’ risk appetite is why the Retirement Advisor Confidence Index climbed 2.3 points in December, reaching a five-month high of 54.

The SPDR Nuveen Barclays Build America Bond ETF proved the best choice during a record-setting year for muni exchange- traded funds. Its 20.6 % gain through Dec. 23 was highest among the 26 muni ETFs tracked by Bloomberg.

Gold advanced as prices near the lowest level in three weeks encouraged purchases. Silver jumped the most in a week and palladium rose to the highest since Dec. 12.

Mutual conversions soared this year as mutual thrift executives sought to raise capital at the behest of investment bankers and others. With many of the biggest mutuals having converted this year, there may be a drop-off in conversions in 2015.

As part of clients' retirement planning, make sure they understand terms like "sustainable withdrawal rate," as just one example; Plus, encourage clients to increase their savings rate to 15%.

Municipals delivered solid performance overall thanks to the strength of the long duration and high-yield segments.

Investors in the world’s biggest ETP backed by bullion sold the most gold in 18 months as the U.S. economic recovery cut demand for a haven.

Municipals delivered solid performance overall thanks to the strength of the long duration and high-yield segments.

The ETF industry in the U.S. has finally broken through the $2 trillion dollar milestone, demonstrating the product’s surge in popularity with investors. Through December 22nd, assets have increased 18% in 2014 from $1.698 trillion to $2.007 trillion based on positive market performance and net new assets.