Investments

Going forward, there will be more providers, more users, and more penetration by ETFs in the global market for investment products.

Strong stock markets and the improving economy, along with new alternative investment products and the continuing appeal of ETFs, are boosting prospects for the sector.

Gun-shy and data driven, younger clients can pose a particular challenge. Here are 5 concepts to keep in mind.

Bonds from Puerto Rico's record $3.5 billion general-obligation sale accounted for one-third of the trading volume of the entire $3.7 trillion municipal market on the day of their issue.

Emerging-market stocks headed for the steepest weekly drop since June while currencies weakened amid growing concerns that China's economic slowdown and Russia's standoff with the West will spur capital outflows.

Bill Gross, who runs the world’s biggest bond fund at Pacific Investment Management Co., cut holdings of Treasuries and U.S. government debt in February as turmoil in Ukraine fueled haven demand and investors bet the Federal Reserve will conclude bond purchases this year.

IMCA and CAIA are teaming up to fill in a knowledge gap about alternative investments, offering a new online education program that teaches the basics to the uninitiated.

The variable annuities sector stabilizes as issuers find a balance between provider risk and client protection.

Investors who beat a path out of global equity markets earlier this year are stampeding back in.

Retiree optimism is an encouraging improvement and most likely correlates to a stronger stock market and the prospect of higher interest rates in the future, says Wells Fargo executive.

Family office execs report a rise in direct investments and so-called club deals as hedge funds fall out of favor. ''Families want to be in control," says one consultant.

Pacific Investment Management Co., the world’s largest bond manager, said global economic growth will be steady over the coming 12 months because of asset purchases by central banks in 2013.

To protect clients, make sure you understand the difference between regular dividend increases and "extra" or "special" dividends.

The asset management industry has stepped up marketing efforts aimed at advisors, hoping to boost both sales and credibility.

Financial advisors who use active management may have a lower-cost option when considering actively managed ETFs – but some advisors express doubts on the real value for clients.

Steven Schoenfeld staked his career on a single belief in 2010: there was latent demand in the U.S. Jewish community to invest in Israeli stocks.

SAC Capital Advisors LP, Steven Cohen’s hedge-fund firm that last year agreed to pay a record fine to settle U.S. insider-trading charges, said it will rename itself Point72 Asset Management.

RCS Capital is following through on its promise to launch a research division with the hiring of two non-traded investments analysts.

Vanguard Group, the third- largest U.S. provider of exchange-traded funds, has asked regulators for permission to open actively-managed ETFs.

After variable annuity sales plunged in 2012, expectations are high for the coming years for new players and higher sales.