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.

Annuity sales surged in the second quarter, with traditional variable annuities reaching $16.5 billion, a 20% increase from the same period in 2023. Registered index-linked annuities (RILAs) led the growth, with a 45% rise in sales year-over-year. 

Overall, sales of all tracked annuity types climbed 31% to $110 billion. This uptick signifies a strong demand among retirement savers for insurers to manage some of their market risks. 

While variable annuities link returns to fund performance, RILAs often tie returns to investment indexes and are increasingly preferred by insurers due to easier administration and hedging. Recent SEC regulations may impact how RILAs are classified compared to traditional variable annuities.

Finsum: It’s important to monitor this ongoing classification of RILAs as this could have a significant impact on the industry. 

Parkwoods Wealth Partners LLC has recently launched a new platform aiming to support registered investment advisors (RIAs) with their growth and succession planning. The platform has integrated its first partner, FMF&E Wealth Management, a Syracuse-based RIA managing approximately $358 million in assets. 

Founded by industry experts including Al Sears and Ed Edwin, who have deep connections with Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA), and Chris Gardner, formerly of FMF&E, Parkwoods plans to scale nationally. The firm is designed to help advisors maintain their independence while benefiting from centralized services like compliance and trading. 

This model provides a pathway for long-term continuity and succession, focusing on maintaining professional autonomy. Parkwoods is actively looking to partner with RIAs that value evidence-based investing and a client-focused approach.

Finsum: Leveraging all the tools at your disposal can allow you to optimize your succession plan.