Displaying items by tag: Growth

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.

A shifting economic and demographic landscape is prompting financial advisors to evolve their strategies, particularly as women are set to control $34 trillion in U.S. assets by 2030. Yet, advisors currently manage a smaller share of female wealth, with many women engaging financial planners later in life. 

Remote work has also changed the profession, with more advisors and clients opting for virtual meetings, while new talent is emerging in nontraditional markets. Advisors are increasingly launching independent RIA firms and exploring complex tax strategies like delayed RMD withholding to better serve clients. 

Building strong, trusting relationships is now seen as more valuable to clients than investment advice alone, according to recent surveys. 

Finsum: As the great wealth transfer accelerates, buying and selling books of business is also gaining importance, with success hinging on transition planning, client retention, and profitability.

Growth ETFs offer a simplified way to invest in high-potential stocks without the time-consuming analysis required for picking individual winners. Key factors to consider when choosing a growth ETF include its long-term performance, sector diversification, expense ratio, and top holdings. 

The best ETFs typically maintain strong five- and ten-year returns, low costs, and broad exposure to tech-heavy but diversified portfolios. Notable examples include the iShares Russell Top 200 Growth ETF (IWY), Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF (SCHG), and Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK), all boasting annualized 5-year returns near or above 18%. 

While many of these funds are concentrated in companies like Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft, they differ in fees, yield, and sector weightings. 

Finsum: Overall, growth ETFs offer an efficient path to access strong market performers with minimal effort and competitive returns.

Large-cap growth funds have recently delivered strong returns, with an average gain of 16.77% over the past year and standout performances from Fidelity, Vanguard, and Loomis Sayles offerings. 

Fidelity Advisor New Insights and Contrafund, managed by veteran Will Danoff, ranked among the top five funds, with returns exceeding 18% annually over the past five years. Loomis Sayles Growth Fund posted the highest three- and five-year gains, driven by a disciplined process and long-term investment strategy. 

Vanguard’s Growth Index and Mega Cap Growth Index funds also performed well, offering low-cost, passive exposure to top-performing large-cap growth stocks. Despite their success, these funds come with risks like high concentration in mega-cap stocks and share class accessibility issues for individual investors. 

Finsum: As interest rates remain high that could provide a relative advantage to large caps over small caps. 

Donald Trump has promised to accelerate U.S. economic growth, but the economy already surged through 2024, likely ending the year with a 3% annualized GDP gain in the fourth quarter, according to the Atlanta Fed’s GDPNow. If accurate, annual growth for 2024 would range from 2.4% to 2.7%, a rate comparable to pre-pandemic levels but unexpected in the post-pandemic era. 

This surprising strength is credited to two main drivers: an expanding population fueled by increased immigration and a notable boost in productivity, partially attributed to advancements in technology like AI. Yet, challenges remain, including persistent inflation, elevated interest rates that have slowed home and vehicle sales, and a weaker hiring environment despite low unemployment. 

Businesses are optimistic about Trump’s plans to cut taxes, streamline regulations, and reduce energy costs, though his proposals for higher tariffs and mass deportations raise fears of higher material and labor costs. 

Finsum: The outlook is upbeat, with early indicators of 2025 showing confidence, underscoring the nation’s resurgence as a global economic leader.