Wealth Management
Jefferies analysts are bullish on specialty engineering and construction (E&C) firms, arguing they are uniquely positioned to benefit from the ongoing surge in infrastructure spending. Key long-term drivers such as electrification, grid modernization, and expansion of gas midstream networks are fueling demand across the sector.
Despite outperforming broader benchmarks this year—up 12.1% year-to-date versus 2.6% for the S&P 500—Jefferies believes the sector still has room to run. They cite robust tailwinds like increasing project backlogs, margin expansion, strong renewables demand, and a tightening skilled labor market.
With forecasted EBITDA and EPS growth far outpacing that of the S&P 500, analysts see current valuation premiums as justified, reflecting a re-rating of the sector.
Finsum: While potential changes to the Inflation Reduction Act pose a risk, expect larger firms to consolidate market share and emerge stronger.
Despite intense geopolitical tension following U.S. and Iranian missile exchanges, gold prices have struggled to maintain momentum above $3,400 an ounce. Analysts attribute gold’s muted safe-haven response to the conflict’s regional containment and investor focus on broader market dynamics.
UBS argues that gold’s value lies more in its role as a portfolio diversifier than a short-term geopolitical hedge, emphasizing its historical strength in times of uncertainty. According to the World Gold Council, central banks and portfolio managers rank gold highly for diversification, stability, and as a store of value—especially amid unpredictable U.S. policies under the Trump administration.
UBS maintains a bullish $3,800 price target for gold, citing continued central bank and ETF demand, and also highlights high-yield corporate debt from gold miners as an underappreciated investment opportunity.
Finsum: With mining companies showing strong balance sheets and free cash flow, M&A activity is expected to rise, offering investors alternative ways to gain from the sector’s resilience.
Advisors are rapidly embracing direct indexing, with 76% already using or planning to adopt it within a year, especially among wirehouse and younger “NextGen” advisors. FTSE Russell’s latest survey shows 74% of advisors view direct indexing as essential for serving high- and ultra-high-net-worth clients, who benefit most from its tax-efficient, personalized strategies.
Despite high awareness—92% of advisors say they’re familiar with the concept—barriers like complexity, lack of client demand, and tech integration challenges persist. Notably, 79% of advisors expect friction in implementation, even though most current users report it’s easier than expected, suggesting a disconnect that education could help address.
Adoption is strongest among wirehouse firms and younger advisors, who view it as critical for staying competitive in wealth management.
Direct indexing’s appeal lies in its ability to offer customization, tax benefits, and risk management—features increasingly in demand by affluent clients.
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As concerns mount that President Trump’s trade policies could slow the U.S. economy, investors are shifting to value funds, which are seen as more resilient in downturns. Lipper data shows U.S. growth ETFs saw $3.6 billion in outflows this month, while value ETFs gained $1.8 billion in inflows.
Value funds, focused on sectors like banks and utilities, offer stability through cash-rich and undervalued companies, making them appealing amid rising volatility. Tech-heavy growth stocks, including the “Magnificent Seven,” have led the recent selloff as fears of overvaluation and slower economic growth take hold.
Value stocks currently trade at a 41% discount to growth stocks, a wider gap than the 10-year average, drawing attention to funds like the AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF and Acquirers Small and Micro Deep Value ETF.
Finsum: Small and mid-cap value stocks may now offer better opportunities, especially as investors question the safety of tech giants.
Inflation is cooling faster than expected, with May’s consumer price index rising just 0.1%, easing fears of a recession triggered by Trump-era tariffs and boosting investor confidence. A recent trade agreement between the U.S. and China, along with a tariff pause, has further calmed markets and revived interest in equities.
With inflation slowing and pressure mounting on the Federal Reserve to cut rates again—potentially as early as September—investors are increasingly eyeing growth opportunities.
Large-cap growth funds like T. Rowe Price Large Cap Growth (TRLGX), Blue Chip Growth (TRBCX), and Fidelity Contrafund (FCNTX) are drawing attention for their solid long-term returns and favorable expense ratios. These funds target high-quality, established companies positioned for above-average earnings growth, making them attractive in a more stable rate environment.
With diversification benefits and relatively low costs, they offer a compelling way for investors to capitalize on improving macroeconomic conditions.
Collective Investment Trusts (CITs) are gaining popularity among retirement plan sponsors due to their low costs, flexibility, and operational efficiency. Unlike mutual funds, CITs are pooled investment vehicles maintained by banks or trust companies and are available only to qualified retirement plans such as defined contribution and defined benefit plans.
They often have lower fees than mutual funds and may not require high minimum investments, making them more accessible to smaller plans. Though not registered with the SEC, CITs are regulated by banking authorities and must meet strict fiduciary standards under ERISA.
Many CITs now feature daily pricing and increased transparency, including ticker symbols and third-party reporting through platforms like Morningstar. AllianceBernstein, for example, partners with Great Gray Trust Company to offer a range of CITs with streamlined onboarding and no investment minimums, reflecting the vehicle’s growing role in retirement plan investment menus.
CITs can be a great way to augment your client's wealth management, and add an additional component to their portfolio.