Wealth Management
Americans today allocate a larger share of their wealth to the stock market than in previous decades, a shift largely driven by the rise of target date funds (TDFs). These funds, which automatically adjust their asset mix as investors age, have become the default option in many workplace retirement plans since the mid-2000s.
Research from MIT Sloan suggests that the widespread adoption of TDFs has led younger investors to hold more equities than they might have otherwise. The 2006 Pension Protection Act played a key role in this trend by allowing employers to use TDFs as default retirement investments, increasing participation in equity-heavy portfolios.
While the impact of TDFs is strongest in the early years of enrollment, many older investors have also gradually shifted toward similar investment strategies. As TDFs continue gaining popularity, they could contribute to market stability by influencing stock price movements and reducing volatility over time.
Finsum: The default 60/40 portfolio is too passive for many young investors and holding larger equity younger, could accelerate their savings.
As the wealth landscape evolves, the number of high-net-worth individuals is on the rise. And that means financial advisors who can cater to their complex needs will be in high demand. Are you prepared to meet the challenge?
Our infographic provides key strategies to help you become the go-to advisor for these discerning clients, such as:
- Leveraging professional designations
- Offering diverse financial strategies
- Using technology as a service tool
Are you ready to seize this growth opportunity? Transform your approach to serving high-net-worth clients today.
1) Changing broker-dealers involves legal complexities, including contracts, non-compete clauses, and client ownership issues. Consulting an attorney specializing in FINRA and SEC regulations ensures compliance and helps avoid costly mistakes.
2) Losing access to client accounts upon resignation makes preparation critical. A well-structured plan—created at least 90 days in advance—should categorize accounts, assess compatibility with the new firm, and identify opportunities for electronic processing to minimize disruptions.
3) Involving staff early ensures accountability and a smoother transition. Assigning clear roles, setting deadlines, and holding regular check-ins help distribute the workload, preventing last-minute challenges and ensuring a seamless move to the new broker-dealer.
Finsum: Navigating the broker dealer transition can be difficult but these three steps will make the process smooth
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Morgan Stanley has revised its U.S. economic outlook, predicting weaker growth and higher inflation due to escalating trade policies. The bank now expects GDP growth of 1.5% in 2025 and 1.2% in 2026, lowering its prior estimates of 1.9% and 1.3%, respectively.
Inflation forecasts have also risen, with headline PCE inflation projected at 2.5% by December, up from 2.3%, while core inflation is seen hitting 2.7% instead of 2.5%. Despite fluctuating trade policies with key partners, tariffs on Chinese imports remain in place, with China vowing retaliation.
These adjustments follow President Trump’s temporary suspension of tariffs on Canada and Mexico, reversing an earlier move to impose duties over concerns about drug trafficking and migration.
Finsum: Restrictive trade and immigration policies could weigh on economic growth, reinforcing their view of "slower growth, firmer inflation."
Separately managed accounts (SMAs) are evolving, with more firms integrating active management into customized portfolios. Unlike traditional SMAs that use passive indexing or third-party overlays, some new strategies incorporate direct active management for greater efficiency.
Actively managed large-cap equity SMAs, for instance, aim to provide market exposure while outperforming benchmarks through selective stock holdings. Transparency is also improving, with firms introducing after-tax reporting to help investors understand the impact of tax-efficient strategies.
Fixed-income SMAs are seeing similar advancements, with more customization options, such as state-specific municipal bond strategies.
Finsum: As the demand for personalized investing grows, SMAs are becoming a key tool for advisors seeking both performance and tax efficiency.
Direct indexing has emerged as a popular strategy for investors looking to enhance tax efficiency by owning individual stocks rather than traditional ETFs or mutual funds. Its growing adoption is driven by the rise of passive investing and advancements in fractional share technology, making it more accessible to a broader range of investors.
By selectively selling underperforming stocks and replacing them with others in the index, investors can realize capital losses to offset future gains—a key advantage of this approach.
However, tax benefits are generally front-loaded, meaning that over time, opportunities for tax-loss harvesting diminish as portfolio gains accumulate. To sustain tax efficiency, investors can reinvest funds, donate appreciated stocks, or explore strategies like transitioning holdings into ETFs through in-kind transfers.
Finsum: As direct indexing expands beyond passive strategies, advisors are also exploring actively managed SMAs with built-in tax management features, offering more tailored solutions.