Investments

In 2015, much of the industry's growth outlook will depend on how competition fares between the cascade of funds entering the market, currency hedging and smart beta trends, and the momentum new non-transparent ETFs can gain with investors and offerings.

Pacific Investment Management Co.’s biggest mutual fund had the worst year of client withdrawals in the history of fund management as the firm lost both of its co-chief investment officers, Bill Gross and Mohamed El-Erian. Investors pulled $19.4 billion from Pimco Total Return Fund in December, bringing redemptions in 2014 to a record $105 billion.

Pimco's biggest mutual fund had the worst year of client withdrawals in the history of fund management as the firm lost both of its co-chief investment officers, Bill Gross and Mohamed El-Erian.

The $162.8 billion Pimco Total Return Fund returned 4.7 percent in 2014, trailing 53% of comparable funds, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. In 2013, it lost 1.9%, lagging behind 65% of peers.

Pimco's biggest mutual fund trailed a majority of peers for the second straight year after missing a rally in longer-term bonds and betting incorrectly that inflation would rise.

The past year has taught retirement investors that stocks will produce yields despite volatility; Plus, the biggest risk investors are taking with their retirement nest eggs.

Planners say they are giving overseas markets a fresh look.

In an effort to groom their top talent, some of the industry's biggest financial firms are offering training on how to look and sound like a powerful executive. But how do you tell Ivy League MBAs they need to work on their image?

Morgan Stanley is in talks with the U.S. to resolve an investigation into the bank’s creation and sale of mortgage-backed bonds, the latest in a string of Wall Street cases tied to the 2008 financial crisis, a person familiar with the matter said.

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.