
FINSUM
Three of the Top Sailing Destinations
If you're dreaming of a holiday that lets you escape the crowds and uncover hidden gems like secluded bays and uninhabited islands, sailing might be the perfect option. It offers a unique way to explore remote locations often unreachable by land, allowing you to experience the rich diversity of regions through island hopping, village visits, and resort stops—all in one trip.
For first-time sailors, the British Virgin Islands (BVIs) provide calm seas, steady winds, and easy sailing between close islands, making it ideal for beginners. Families might prefer Croatia, with its calm Adriatic waters, kid-friendly island hops, and exciting stops like Brač and the Kornati Archipelago, known for their hiking trails and clear waters.
Food-lovers can take advantage of Italy's coastal cuisine by sailing the Amalfi Coast, sampling local delicacies from stewed rabbit in Ischia to pasta with anchovies in the charming fishing village of Cetara.
Finsum: Gearing your sailing vacation around a secondary itinerary such as food or wine sounds like the best way to maximize your experience.
HNW Demanding AI From Advisors
Advisors aiming to strengthen relationships with younger affluent investors may want to enhance their AI knowledge, as a new survey suggests. Conducted by Boosted.ai, the survey found that younger high-net-worth (HNW) individuals are increasingly incorporating AI into their daily lives and expect their financial advisors to do the same.
With 82% of respondents describing themselves as AI-proficient and 56% using it regularly, many are looking for advisors who integrate AI into their services. In fact, 35% of younger HNW individuals would consider leaving their current advisor if they aren’t adopting AI.
As a generational wealth transfer looms, adapting to the preferences of tech-savvy clients becomes critical. However, the survey also reveals concerns about AI, particularly around data security and regulation.
Finsum: This is a huge shift in adoption of this technology and advisors might want to integrate this into their practice for new client adoption.
The Best Broadway Shows this Fall
New York City’s theater scene is unrivaled, ranging from intimate off-off-Broadway venues to grand theaters like The Gershwin. Broadway remains the pinnacle of this scene, defined by its professional shows in 41 theaters with over 500 seats.
Each performance offers a unique, unrepeatable experience, making Broadway a global cultural treasure. This fall, several high-profile productions are generating buzz. Thornton Wilder’s Our Town returns to Broadway after 20 years, with a star-studded cast including Jim Parsons.
Romeo + Juliet is getting a fresh update with music by Jack Antonoff and a stellar lineup led by Rachel Zegler and Kit Connor. Additionally, Sunset Boulevard, fresh from London’s West End, will star Nicole Scherzinger in her Broadway debut.
Finsum: This is a great way to take in the culture in New York, either as a resident or a traveler.
Factors Investing Give Portfolios an Edge
Advisors today face increasing challenges in helping clients achieve and maintain financial independence. With high U.S. stock valuations predicting lower future returns, and bond yields offering minimal real returns, portfolio strategies need to evolve.
Clients are also grappling with rising living costs, longer life spans, and elevated housing prices, creating greater financial strain. Factor investing offers a solution, selecting securities based on traits like momentum, quality, and low volatility, which have historically outperformed.
These strategies can be implemented cost-effectively through ETFs and optimized for tax efficiency within households. Although no factor guarantees success in every market, a diversified approach to factor investing provides a long-term opportunity for outperformance.
Finsum: Factor investing is robust proven strategy that can bring legitacy to new advisors or those looking to expand client adoption.
Fed Sparks Global Equity Boost
Leading up to the much-anticipated rate cut, global investors increased their equity fund purchases, anticipating a rate cut by the Federal Reserve that would kick off a broader cycle of reductions. A total of $5.21 billion was poured into equity funds, slightly below the $6.54 billion invested the previous week.
The Fed’s 50-basis point rate cut spurred risk appetite, particularly in Asia and Europe, where equity funds attracted strong inflows. Meanwhile, U.S. equity fund sales declined to a four-week low. Sector funds, particularly in financials and tech, saw outflows for the third consecutive week, while bond funds maintained their appeal, continuing a 39-week streak of net inflows.
Additionally, precious metal funds attracted investors for a sixth week, while energy funds faced a reversal with net sales of $129 million. The data reflects increased confidence in riskier assets and a shift away from money market funds, which saw outflows after six weeks of positive investments.
Finsum: There are still two more rate hikes on the forecast if investors want to take note of these trends in equity markets.