In SeekingAlpha, Jussi Akola discusses the opportunity in REITs and identifies some that are yielding more than 8%. REIT stocks are down significantly over the past 18 months due to higher rates and increasing pessimism around real estate prices. Yet, prices have remained resilient despite these headwinds. Additionally, many REITs continue to increase their dividends and are quite attractive on a valuation basis.

And, there are some indications that the macro environment is improving. For one, recent economic data in terms of mortgage applications and housing stars has shown an uptick. Longer-term trends in terms of inflation and the economy also support the notion that the Fed is close to the end of its tightening cycle which should be a boost to the sector as well.

Akola likes Global Medical REIT which is a REIT that invests in medical offices in secondary markets and has an 8% dividend yield. By investing in less competitive markets, it has higher cap rates with less competition from new projects. Additionally, longer-term trends around medical spending are also supportive given the aging population and long-term trend of healthcare inflation outpacing inflation.

Finsum: REITs have significantly underperformed over the past 18 months. Yet, some investors see value in the asset class due to an improving macro environment.

It seems there’s not much, um, fixed, about fixed income. That’s because, pre tell, in the second half of the year, conditions there likely will be choppy, according to dayhagan.com.

Ongoing tightening by central banks in the developed markets is pushing up short term yields, while long term yields are feeling the weight of slower growth and a pull back in inflation seemingly on the horizon later this year.

Meantime, the fixed income allocation strategy experienced scant changes in sector allocations coming into the month.

Now, want to talk about a calorie burner? Presenting active, active and more of it.

As in, as if you had to ask, active management.

"Everywhere we turn, we are hearing that a new dawn is upon us, and it is once again the time for active management. Many would be surprised that I totally agree, said Jason Xavier, head of EMEA ETF Capital Markets at Franklin Templeton, according to global.beyondbullsandbears.com.

It could be argued – as outlined in his predictions for the year – that the decade of “cheap” money and unprecedented low interest rates are a thing of the past and that those with the chops to work the volatile markets will reap the benefits.

That said, the picture on the horizon boasts considerably more potential; in other words, the dawn of active fixed income in the exchange traded fund or ETF vehicle. Clinging to the assumption that ETFs are a passive vehicle – and passive vehicles only – is a myth, he continued.

Okay, now, stop drooling. Say what?

This: over the next five years, the model portfolio realm of money management’s expected to swell to a $10 trillion business by Blackrock Inc, according to finance.yahoo.com.

You say coaches are masters at plotting strategy? Well, in this care, the strategy, where asset managers and investment platforms gather packages that are ready made and sold to financial advisers, current is on course to expand from approximately $4.2 trillion according to Salim Ramji, global head of iShares and index investments at the asset manager.

“It’s going to be massive,” he said on Bloomberg Television’s ETF IQ. “It’s the way in which more and more fiduciary advisers are doing business, and, as a result, that’s the way in which we’re doing business with them.”

Also significant, when it comes to money management, plucking money into the model portfolio commands a special corner, according to advisorhub.com.

Blackrock, a plethora of competitors like Vanguard and Charles Schwab are reaping the benefits stemming from the popularity of bundling funds into ready made strategies. 

Talk about that feeling of being left out. You know; as in hit the road, Jack.

With direct indexing, investors can include – or turn their backs on -- specific stocks from an index, according to etftrends.com. Not only that, entire sectors can be similarly left out. Yep, not exactly star treatment.

What’s more, leveraging guidance from an advisor, investors can do a gaggle of things; let’s say, for example, align their portfolios with their values and sustainability objectives. 

Sure, it dispenses tax loss harvesting opportunities. But there’s more. With direct indexing services like Vanguard Personalized Indexing, advisors can build customized portfolios. That accommodates their client’s individual investment goals.

While, in recent years, one of the ready for prime time features, direct indexing not only boasts positives, but downsides as well, according to comparebrokers.co.

In the financial industry it’s tabbed as the foreseeable future, optimal for investors who are big believers in customizing the portfolio. For those who’ve retired, it’s the rage.

In an article for InvestmentNews, Steve Randall shares some insights from a recent study conducted by Dynasty Financial Partners of investors who work with an advisor and have at least $500,000 in investable assets. 

It finds that many wealthy investors seek out an advisor following a major life event such as a change in employment or inheritance. Interestingly, 57% end up working with the first advisor they meet. This is an indication that advisors should invest in efforts that increase their visibility especially among this set. 

One caveat is that while high net-worth clients are quick to choose an advisor, they are also prone to switching especially if they feel a lack of trust or generating value. For high net-worth clients under 45, 61% had changed advisors. 

Another finding from the research is that referrals remain an important source of new clients. About a little more than half of new clients come from family and friends with another quarter coming from a professional colleague. About a quarter of new business came from social media, blogs, or other online platforms. 

Finsum: A recent survey of high net-worth investors by Dynasty Financial Partners has some interesting insights for financial advisors.