FINSUM
A new group of traders is engaging in US power markets due to the rise in generative AI, according to Sarah Kiernan of Goldman Sachs. The increasing demand from data centers, electric vehicles, and onshoring is driving power needs.
Data center power demand is projected to grow 165% by 2030. Hedge funds and asset managers are increasingly interested in power derivatives, seeking opportunities in this expanding market. Key regions like Virginia and Texas are experiencing notable power consumption increases.
The shift to renewable energy also contributes to the optimism in the power sector. This growing focus on power markets signifies the broadening impact of AI innovation on various asset classes.
Finsum: Take this in combination with crypto and we could potentially see a boost in significant boost in demand for natural gas.
Smarsh, a compliance tech firm serving major global financial institutions, has integrated OpenAI’s ChatGPT Enterprise Compliance API into its platform. This enables clients to utilize generative AI while adhering to regulatory requirements.
According to Chief Product Officer Goutam Nadella, regulated industries face challenges with new cloud-based solutions due to stringent oversight. The integration allows for AI-generated content to be tagged, helping financial institutions comply with upcoming regulations.
CEO Kim Crawford Goodman highlighted the importance of maintaining governance policies for AI-generated content. This aligns with FINRA's Regulatory Notice 24-09 regarding the supervision of electronic correspondence using generative AI.
Finsum: AI is best used to augment the relationship between advisors and clients and can serve for scheduling and many writing tasks.
In 2024, emerging-market investments face a challenging environment due to high interest rates, elections, and strict regulations. However, optimism exists for both fixed income and equities.
Higher-rated countries with strong external credit positions are less affected by rising rates, and better policymaking enhances stability. China's economic impact on commodity prices remains significant, while India's growth prospects are strong.
South Korea's undervalued market may benefit from policy changes, and exposure to semiconductors and AI in regions like Korea, Taiwan, and China offers additional opportunities.
Finsum: Also keep a role on political stabilization which seems to be trending positive for a number of EMs.
Deciding to switch broker-dealers can be transformative yet challenging for financial advisors. But Advisors should thoroughly consider how their new environment will affect them.
Evaluate the support, technology, and practice management tools the new firm offers to boost your business. Ensure the firm's values and advisor focus align with your working style.
Confirm that the firm supports your specific business needs and niche. Research the firm's reputation and past issues to ensure it aligns with your professional image.
Lastly, trust your instincts and seek expert advice if needed to make an informed decision.
Finsum: Sometimes we get too caught up in the minutia when considering a switch but these high-level questions are important.
For golfers seeking an international adventure, several destinations that aren’t the typical Scottland or Ireland recommendations offer outstanding experiences.
Los Cabos and the Baja Peninsula are top-tier golf locations with courses designed by famous architects and breathtaking landscapes. Loreto in Mexico allows golfing in a UNESCO site, while the Pacific Coastline and Riviera Maya feature exceptional courses like El Camaleón.
Vietnam is rapidly emerging as a premier golf destination with diverse terrains and numerous new courses. Mauritius provides a unique blend of historical significance and stunning ocean-view courses like Iles aux Cerfs Golf Club. Each location promises a memorable golfing experience.
Finsum: The additional benefit of traffic and weather could make these great for later destinations in the season.
Indian government bonds have been added to the JPMorgan GBI Emerging Market Global Series Index for the first time, reflecting a milestone for Indian markets. The move follows the RBI's 2020 decision to remove foreign investment restrictions on specific rupee debt.
Starting June 28, 27 Indian G-secs are now open to non-resident investors under the Fully Accessible Route, boosting their market presence. These bonds, with the longest duration in the index and a yield of 7%, present a significant opportunity for global investors.
This inclusion is expected to raise foreign ownership of Indian government debt from 2% to 4.4% and may lead to further additions in other global indices.
Finsum: Investors might start flocking to EM as rates fall in the west.
Homes in some pandemic boom towns are significantly overvalued, with Reventure CEO Nick Gerli predicting a steep decline in the Southern real estate market. Gerli estimates that home prices in the South could drop by 20% over the next few years due to a surge in new housing inventory and waning demand.
Florida and Texas, in particular, are seeing significant price declines, with seven of the 10 cities experiencing the largest number of price drops. The region's housing market bears similarities to previous bubbles, with home prices having surged 50%-70% since the pandemic, while incomes have only risen 10%-20%.
This imbalance could lead to a substantial correction, especially if the economy enters a recession or unemployment rates rise. Despite the current affordability crisis, Gerli believes that patient homebuyers could find good opportunities in the coming years as the market adjusts.
Finsum: It’s important to monitor these changes in housing, but keep in mind SFR poses a completely different problem set and these areas could still flourish.
Leading the industry, WisdomTree, Inc. launched its Portfolio Solutions program to better support RIAs and wealth management firms. This program aims to help advisory firms customize client portfolios and embrace model portfolios, offering significant time efficiencies.
The platform offers a range of services, including examining current model portfolios, stress-testing assets, and providing CIO-managed model portfolios. Additionally, advisors can collaborate with WisdomTree’s team for trading, rebalancing, and tax optimization tasks.
The program helps advisors allocate more time to client-facing activities and improve their overall service. WisdomTree has also expanded its Portfolio Solutions team with the strategic hire of Samuel Rines, a Macro Strategist, to provide geopolitically risk-aware portfolios.
Finsum: These technologies allow advisors to deepen their relationships with clients by freeing up time and understanding interests.
As market volatility persists, major equity indexes hit new highs, prompting investors to shift from AI and technology stocks to small-caps. The Dow Jones rose 700 points on July 16, achieving a record high, while the S&P 500 followed suit, driven by interest rate cut hopes.
Natixis Investment Managers advises using selective, active strategies and high-conviction portfolio construction to navigate market peaks. They recommend not waiting for stock declines, as equity markets historically increase 70% of the time.
For an offensive strategy, focus on growth-oriented, small, and midcap stocks. Active management and model portfolios can help manage risks and optimize tax implications.
Finsum: Prepping your portfolio for the fall election is more crucial than ever.
Investing in bonds has gained popularity, facilitated by platforms like Webull and Public. Bonds come in three main types: U.S. Treasury bonds, corporate bonds, and municipal bonds, each with distinct tax implications.
U.S. Treasury bonds are state and local tax-exempt, corporate bonds are fully taxable, and municipal bonds often enjoy federal and state/local tax exemptions. Credit quality is vital, with investment-grade bonds rated BBB- or higher by S&P and Baa3 or higher by Moody’s.
Comparing after-tax and taxable-equivalent yields helps investors decide the best options based on their tax brackets. Additionally, understanding the yield to maturity and coupon rates of bonds, such as those from can aid in making informed investment decisions
Finsum: Alternatively, ETFs and other products can make a wider exposure to bonds a little easier.