Major U.S. banks have continued to reduce their holdings in state and local government debt, decreasing their exposure by $3 billion in the third quarter. This trend was led by JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America, which together accounted for over half of the reduction. 

Other institutions, including State Street, Citigroup, and Morgan Stanley, also cut back on their municipal bond investments. This marks the third consecutive quarter of declining investments, the longest such retreat since 1996, driven largely by the reduced tax benefits following the corporate tax cuts. 

The banks' diminished demand has negatively impacted long-term municipal bonds, which have underperformed other maturities. However, the third-quarter reduction indicates a slower pace of the overall pullback compared to earlier in the year.

Finsum: Now might be an opportunity for those seeking value to consider munis as they are getting such little attention. 

In recent months, the stock market has been extremely volatile, prompting increased interest in low-volatility low-cost ETFs. While the market has seen gains this year due to a growing appetite for riskier investments, uncertainties like the Federal Reserve's future actions, geopolitical tensions, and the upcoming U.S. presidential election still loom large. 

Low-volatility ETFs offer investors a way to participate in the market with potentially less risk, although they are not immune to sharp downturns. These funds may underperform compared to more dynamic portfolios, especially during market surges. However, they can be attractive for those prioritizing capital preservation over high returns.

 Examples of popular low-volatility ETFs include the Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF, which focuses on the least volatile stocks in the S&P 500, and the iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF, which targets lower-risk companies in developed markets outside the U.S.

Finsum: Be mindful of what thematic ETFs you want to integrate into your portfolios, because there will be a chance to capitalize in the coming months. 

National elections in the United States rely on over 774,000 poll workers to operate smoothly, alongside countless other volunteers who support activities like voter registration, transportation, and canvassing. Voting is central to democracy, but it is the dedication of these volunteers that makes free and fair elections possible.

 Changing how we view volunteering—from a casual choice to a vital civic duty—can strengthen communities and inspire broader participation in democratic processes. Volunteers are more likely to vote and feel deeply connected to their communities, yet the U.S. faces a decline in volunteerism that threatens its civic engagement. 

To reverse this trend, organizations and governments are working to make volunteering more accessible, such as by offering paid volunteer leave or organizing voter registration drives. 

Finsum: This is a great opportunity to for both community and civic engagement, and a less party centric way to engage with elections.

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.