In an article for ETFTrends, James Comois discusses how direct indexing can lead to increased customization of portfolios which isn’t possible to the same extent as with ETFs and mutual funds. However, it’s important to note that the primary benefits of index investing are retained with direct indexing as it comes with lower costs and diversification.

The major differentiation is that investors own the actual components of the index in their portfolio in order to replicate its performance. At one time this would be too unwieldy for the vast majority of investors, however direct indexing is increasingly available to all investors due to technology which makes its implementation and management simple for any advisor.

In addition to tax benefits, another major positive is that it can result in increased customization of portfolios. For instance, an investor can track the S&P 500 but negate stocks or sectors that they would like to avoid. Many investors are not comfortable holding stocks that are related to gambling or tobacco, while others are unwilling to invest in fossil fuel companies. However, the index can still be tracked as these stocks are replaced with other stocks that have similar factor scores. 

Finsum: Direct indexing is growing in popularity due to the increased flexibility and customization it allows for investors while retaining the benefits of index investing..

One of the most puzzling aspects of markets in 2023 for investors has been the relative weakness in volatility. This is despite a plethora of risks for the economy and markets including rising recession risk, elevated levels of inflation, a hawkish Fed, deep stresses in the banking system, and a looming debt ceiling standoff that seems certain to go till the deadline.

Yet, stocks are at their highest levels in more than a year, while volatility is at its lowest level in a couple of years. In an article for the Wall Street Journal, Caitlin McCabe discusses the potential impact of quant funds on volatility, and why it could potentially account for the discrepancy. 

Basically, quant funds have been piling into stocks even though most investors remain on the sidelines. Currently, these funds have a net exposure level to stocks that is the highest since December 2021, before the bear market started. In contrast, investors have a relatively low allocation to stocks and have reduced it this year. 

Some see risks in the concentrated positions of these quant funds which increase the odds of a market dislocation in the event of bad or unexpected news. Another factor in reduced volatility has been steady inflows from corporate buybacks. Overall, it’s been an exceptionally calm stretch with less than a 1% move for the S&P 500 in 36 out of the last 46 sessions. 

Finsum: One mystery for markets in 2023 has been the steady drop in volatility despite growing risks. One potential reason may be quant funds which are aggressive buyers of stocks. 

A robust pipeline of prospects is essential for the long-term growth of a successful financial advisor practice, however the major challenge is that it takes consistent investment of time and energy that won’t yield immediate results. In an article for SmartAsset, Rebecca Lake CEFP laid out some tips on building a strong pipeline.

The first step is to understand that there are multiple paths to successful prospecting. So when coming up with a strategy, figure out the one that best aligns with your inclination and personality. For instance, a digital savvy advisor may elect to invest their efforts into creating an online presence. Someone with a background or interest in athletics may look to sponsor and/or get involved with local sports leagues. 

Related to this, your prospecting strategy must create visibility and interactions with your target demographic. This means defining your ideal client in terms of income, wealth, age, occupation, etc. 

Finally, you can look at your network and existing clients for referrals for prospects who may be receptive to your message or services. Often, these have the highest conversion rate but are only earned through years of building trust. 

Finsum: Having a strong pipeline of prospects is necessary for an advisors’ success. Here are some tips on formulating an effective strategy.

In an article for ETFTrends, Todd Rosenbluth discussed how US insurance companies are aggressively investing in fixed income ETFs. Last year, the industry invested a total of $37 billion in ETFs. This is a small portion of the overall ETF market and the $7.9 trillion that is cumulatively managed by US insurance companies. 

However, insurance companies are some of the largest holders of fixed income ETFs especially for corporate bonds according to a report from S&P Dow Jones Indices. S&P Dow Jones believes that insurers are gravitating to these products because of increased liquidity and higher yields. Additionally, these ETFs functioned well over the last couple of years despite periods of considerable market stress. 

In terms of ownership, insurance companies own 14% of the iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF at year-end 2022. The average duration is 8 years with a split of A- and BBB-rated bonds. 

2 more popular bond ETFs are the iShares 1-5 Year Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF andthe iShares 10+ Year Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (IGLB). Both invest in similar products but with different durations. Each has 11% and 7% ownership by the insurance industry, respectively. 

Finsum: Fixed income ETFs are becoming increasingly accepted by institutional investors. Research from S&P dow Jones shows that insurance companies are some of the largest holders.

In an article for ETFTrends, James Comtois discusses 3 benefits of direct indexing as laid out by Vanguard. The asset manager sees the trend continuing to grow in popularity in the coming years and is investing heavily to capture market share in the space.

Direct indexing combines the benefits of index investing such as low costs and diversification while allowing for greater personalization. Rather than gaining exposure through an ETF or mutual fund, investors own the individual stocks in the index. This allows for more flexibility, transparency, and potential tax savings. 

In terms of returns, tax savings is the biggest benefit. According to research, it can add between 20 and 120 basis points annually. Losing positions can be sold to offset gains from profitable positions. Then, these positions can be replaced with other stocks that have similar factor scores to continue tracking the underlying index. 

Direct indexing allows for customization to reflect an individual’s circumstances and values. This could mean ESG investing or reducing exposure to a particular industry because of outside holdings. Finally, direct indexing leads to increased transparency as the holdings are always visible while avodiing complications of conentrated positions. 

Finsum: Direct indexing has 3 benefits for advisors and clients: tax savings, increased customization, and greater transparency.

Over the last year, Elon Musk has been increasingly pessimistic about the US economy and warning that a more severe downturn is coming. Recently, he warned that the prospects of commercial real estate would suffer due to a lack of financing given stresses in the banking system, and workers who are not returning to offices. In an article for TheStreet, Luc Olinga covers Musk’s thoughts on the matter.

Now, the Tesla founder and CEO is also warning that the residential real estate market could face similar pain as inflation and a weakening economy mean that demand will be tempered, while supply is artificially constrained as homeowners with low mortgage rates are unwilling to sell. 

He sees the same underlying factor negatively impacting residential real estate and commercial real estate - banks raising their lending standards which curtails demand. This would lead many prospective buyers to fail to qualify for a mortgage. 

On top of this, there are a myriad of other economic stresses such as inflation and higher rates leading to higher costs and payments. At the same time, Musk sees it as inevitable that the labor market experiences its own downturn, adding to pain for the US economy and housing market. 

Finsum: Elon Musk has been quite vocal in warning about risks to the economic outlook. He recently shared why he thinks residential real estate could follow commercial real estate lower. 

In an article for Forbes, Jon McGowan discusses how five out of the eight insurance companies, who were among the early signers of the agreement, are leaving the United Nations’ Net-Zero Insurance Alliance due to antitrust concerns and a backlash regarding ESG. 

The alliance was formed in 2021 to encourage the insurance industry to proactively work on solutions towards climate change. The goal was to get to net-zero emissions by 2050 by promoting change of internal practices and to use investment decisions to encourage other stakeholders to reduce their emissions as well. It also mandates disclosures of decisions related to climate change and is modeled on financial disclosures that are required by the SEC. 

This has raised antitrust concerns given the coordination of companies within an industry. It also has led to opposition due to the recent, heated pushback against ESG investing which has intensified with Republicans taking over Congress. At the statehouse level, Republicans have also mobilized to ban use of state funds from using ESG factors in investment decisions. 

Finsum: Insurers are leaving the UN Net-Zero Insurance Alliance due to antitrust concerns and the backlash over ESG investing. 

In an article for ETFTrends, Tidal Financial Group discussed the major challenge facing financial advisors. Clients want customized and personalized services, but growing the practice requires creating standardization of systems and processes and finding efficiencies. 

These conflicting demands tend to create a lot of stress for advisors and can limit their growth and effectiveness. Too much personalized service will impede your ability to attract new clients and grow the business while too many efficiencies will lead to unsatisfied clients and ultimately retention issues. 

Model portfolios can help advisors resolve this dilemma. They can help you offer more personalized services to clients without taxing an advisors’ time and resources. These models can be used for a variety of purposes such as reducing tax liabilities, values-based investing, more complex strategies, etc.

Instead of spending time on portfolio management, advisors can spend more time on marketing, client outreach, financial planning, etc. Advisors with a smaller practice may not appreciate the benefits of model portfolios until they get to a larger scale. Other benefits include simplifying client communication, leveraging research and education, and synergies between marketing and investing. 

Finsum: Model portfolios are one way for advisors to become more efficient while also creating a more personalized experience for their clients. 

A little forward thinking, anyone? Surely, now, there must be some…

Either way, as reported in a Global Market Insights Inc research study, by 2032, it’s anticipated the alternative financing market valuation will surge past $40 billion, according to globenewswire.com.

The trigger? The financial industry’s been revolutionized by grease lighting strides in tech – especially fintech. Borrowers and investors have been in the position to link up directly, with no use of intermediaries. You can attribute that to alternative financing platforms taking advantage of technology to dispense services that are efficient and user friendly.

Furthermore, from anywhere – and at any time -- borrowers and investors can take part in alternative financing transactions fueled by the popularity of online platforms and mobile apps, according to hk.finance.yahoo.com.

Industry trends also are being cultivated by regulatory frameworks set by governments and financial authorities.

Going….going…..gone.

Nope; no precious four baggers here. Instead, ESG recently took something of a hit as the United Nations convened a climate alliance for insurers, according to reuters.com. A minimum of three additional departures – including the chair of the group – took place. What had them heading for the exits? Opposition from U.S. Republicans pols.

As of the time of this report, on May 25, that meant at least seven members of the Net-Zero Insurance Alliance had bid the group adieu, with five of the eight founding signatories included. NZIA was founded in 2021.

Over the past year, in terms of reaching decisions evolving around investments, negativity stemming from the contemplation of EGS factors has dominated the landscape, according to weforum.org.

The invasion of Ukraine, inflation and, in some parts of the world, a spike in populism, have aroused criticism surrounding ESG.

The caveat: integral to abetting the swing to a greener, more sustainable future hinges on investing that’s truly sustainable and, consequently, shouldn’t be shucked aside.

Even so, the period of negative scrutiny in so much as arriving at investment decisions generated by ESG factors, has been unprecedented.