Wealth Management
The domestic broad-market ETF sector is highly competitive, with popular options like Vanguard's and iShares' total market and S&P 500 funds. While these funds offer low costs, blended styles, and broad sector coverage, there are lesser-known alternatives worth considering.
For broad U.S. market exposure, the Schwab U.S. Broad Market ETF (SCHB) and the SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF (SPTM) provide similar market coverage at lower costs. For those focused on large-cap exposure, the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF (SPLG) and BNY Mellon US Large Cap Core Equity ETF (BKLC) offer even lower expense ratios.
Using these alternatives can enhance tax-loss harvesting strategies while maintaining market exposure. By diversifying beyond the usual Vanguard and iShares funds, investors may find cost savings and strategic benefits.
Finsum: You can still implement thematic investing with these ETFs, so keep this in mind when making decisions.
Just this last week Geneva Watch Days took place in Switzerland, a showcase of the latest releases from various watch brands. Among the standout pieces was the Berneron Mirage 34mm with a new caliber and a stunning tiger's eye dial, which features a unique single-piece stone dial.
Another highlight was the Albishorn x Massena Lab Maxigraph, a vintage-inspired regatta timer with intricate design details and a "retrograde" function, priced under $5,000. Additionally, the Oris Divers Sixty-Five LFP Limited Edition caught attention for its playful and thoughtful design, including a handwritten script on the dial.
The fair offered a mix of innovative and classic pieces, catering to diverse tastes in horology. With multiple exciting releases, Geneva Watch Days has once again proven to be a dynamic event for watch enthusiasts.
Finsum: Additionally, we love the new blue dial Tudor Black Bay Chrono, released from Rolex’s sister brand earlier this month.
Small-cap stocks have recently caught the attention of investors, driven by expectations of upcoming interest rate cuts signaled by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Following a significant selloff in early August, there has been renewed interest in small-cap ETFs, like the iShares Russell 2000 ETF, which saw a net inflow of over $688 million last week.
However, the erratic nature of these investments has some investors weighing the potential for a rebound against the risks associated with this speculative market segment.
Historically, small-cap stocks have been more sensitive to changes in interest rates and economic conditions, benefiting more directly from lower borrowing costs. The S&P SmallCap 600 Index, for example, has shown gains following initial Fed rate cuts, but with notable downturns in past cycles such as 2007 and 2019.
Finsum: There is going to be a lot of potential growth for interest rate sensitive small caps as rate hikes ramp up.
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While stock selection often gets the most attention, the true driver of portfolio performance is typically asset allocation, with around 90% of variability linked to how investments are distributed across asset classes. Different asset classes perform well under different economic conditions—stocks might excel in growth periods, while bonds provide stability during downturns.
Goldman Sachs has analyzed various economic scenarios to suggest optimal asset mixes for maximizing risk-adjusted returns over the next decade. For sluggish growth or stagflation, they recommend a heavier allocation to Treasury bonds and real assets, while minimizing exposure to growth stocks.
In a scenario of strong growth and low inflation, the maximum allocation to stocks should still be capped around 70%. Ultimately, a diversified mix, including US Treasuries, remains crucial regardless of the economic outlook.
Finsum: Keep in mind the relative risk profiles of these asset classes when constructing your portfolio.
The cryptocurrency market experienced a sharp downturn recently, with Coinbase suffering its worst week of the year and Marathon Digital plummeting by 20%. Broader crypto-related equities hit their lowest point since February, reflecting concerns about the U.S. economic outlook and a general decline in risky assets, including Bitcoin and Ether.
Historically, September has been a challenging month for crypto, adding to the pessimism; the Crypto Fear & Greed Index is now in "Extreme Fear." Market volatility was compounded by weak U.S. labor data, further impacting investor sentiment.
Despite these setbacks, trading volumes rose in August, suggesting some continued market engagement. Attention is now on the Federal Reserve's potential interest rate cut, which could impact crypto markets.
Finsum: We are seeing an increased correlation between crypto and traditional market moving news, this could be a long term trouble or a short term reflection of the asset classes risk.
Annuities offer a dependable source of income in retirement, primarily provided by life insurance companies. With various annuity products available, the challenge is identifying the most reputable providers that align with your retirement needs.
Bankrate guides this process by evaluating companies on customer satisfaction, financial strength, product diversity, and other key criteria. Their analysis includes top providers like Allianz Life, known for its wide selection of fixed index annuities, and Prudential, offering diverse annuity types with flexible options.
Pacific Life, another strong contender, stands out for its financial stability and customer service, despite higher minimum premiums. Choosing the right annuity provider involves weighing factors like fees, accessibility, and product offerings to match individual retirement goals.
Finsum: Index annuities are an increasingly important vehicle for those nearing retirement as inflation has been such an important investment factor in recent years.