As the stock market hovers near all-time highs, investors are seeking a balance between optimism and caution, with alternative ETFs gaining traction as a popular choice for risk management and income generation. 

The latest data reveals that while U.S. equity and fixed-income ETFs lead in demand, alternatives ETFs are growing rapidly, reflecting a shift toward more diversified and protective strategies. These funds offer exposure beyond traditional stocks and bonds, incorporating elements like commodities, digital assets, and derivatives to manage risk and generate returns. 

Notably, products like the Global X Nasdaq 100 Tail Risk ETF and Fidelity's options-based portfolios are attracting attention for their innovative approaches to downside protection and income. The appeal of alternatives ETFs lies in their simplicity and accessibility, allowing even complex strategies to become core components of investor portfolios.

Finsum: Most of the time the downside of alts is the liquidity component, being able to use ETFs is a great way to counteract this. 

Gardening isn't just about growing plants; it's a wonderful way to cultivate wellness, both physically and mentally. Studies show that spending time in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall well-being. If you've never gardened before, don't worry here are three tips to get you started: 

• Pay Attention to Sunlight

Sunlight is essential for most plants, especially vegetables, herbs, and fruits. Before you decide where to plant, take note of how sunlight moves through your yard. Aim for a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure your plants thrive.

• Start with Quality Soil

Healthy soil is the foundation of any successful garden. Invest in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. If you're planting directly in the ground, mix it into the existing soil, or use specially formulated soil for raised beds. This ensures your plants have the right environment to grow strong.

• Try Container Gardening

Short on space? Consider container gardening. Many plants, including vegetables, herbs, and flowers, grow well in pots. Choose containers that are appropriately sized for your plants and fill them with a potting mix that maintains moisture balance to prevent over- or under-watering.

Finsum: Gardening can bring a wealth of benefits from your life, from fresh produce in your daily cooking to a healthy outdoor experience. 

Emerging-market stocks fell as new signs of economic trouble in China emerged, with trading volumes low due to the U.S. Labor Day holiday. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index slid 0.3%, driven by declines in Chinese giants like Alibaba and Tencent, despite gains in Taiwan Semiconductor. 

The drop followed data showing that Chinese factory activity contracted for the fourth month in a row, casting doubt on the country’s growth prospects for the year. Meanwhile, currency markets are bracing for potential U.S. interest rate cuts, with upcoming economic reports likely to shape the outlook. 

The Brazilian real weakened despite central bank interventions, amid rising fiscal concerns and political uncertainty in Latin America. In a related move, Hungary issued yen-denominated bonds, nearing its cap on foreign currency debt issuance.

Finsum: It will be critical to monitor exchange rates as the US begins letting rates fall, this could have a big impact on Ems

Investors are preparing for significant shifts as U.S. elections and potential rate cuts approach in late 2024. While many have established their core holdings, adding targeted investments could help capture emerging market opportunities. 

Dividend-focused strategies offer both additional income and insights into a company's growth outlook; robust dividends may signal confidence, while lower payouts could suggest caution. The T. Rowe Price Dividend Growth ETF (TDVG), for example, invests in stocks with strong financials and dividend growth potential, leveraging active management to achieve higher returns. 

Over the past year, TDVG has returned 17% and averages 13% annually since its 2020 inception, using a strategy that evaluates balance sheets, cash flow, and competitive positioning. 

Finsum: Investors looking to pick up equity exposure and income this fall should be eyeing up dividend ETFs.

Investors are increasingly flocking to US government bond ETFs as anticipation grows for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut in September. BlackRock's TLT, the largest ETF for long-dated Treasury bonds, saw nearly $4 billion in inflows from early August through Monday, marking one of its highest monthly inflows since inception. 

This surge indicates a resurgence in bond interest following a period of weak returns and significant outflows in 2022. As economic slowdowns push investors towards safer fixed-income options, bond yields have dropped in response to the Fed’s potential rate reductions. 

Retail and institutional investors alike are rediscovering bonds, with $12.2 billion flowing into US sovereign bond ETFs in August alone. The overall bond market's revival is evident, with taxable bond funds and ETFs attracting over $280 billion in the first seven months of the year, surpassing the total inflows for 2023.

Finsum: Holding bonds as interest rates fall and their prices rise sems to be one of the classic strategies that we haven’t been able to leverage on this scale in a long time.