FINSUM
Changing Custodians Just Got Easier
TradePMR has introduced Fusion SYNC, an AI-powered tool designed to ease the custodian transition process for registered investment advisors (RIAs). By allowing advisors to upload complete client data and automatically transferring it to TradePMR’s Fusion platform, Fusion SYNC aims to reduce manual data entry and speed up transitions, potentially cutting transition time from weeks to days.
The tool also cross-checks for errors, minimizing the need for manual corrections and improving data accuracy. Jon Patullo, TradePMR’s chief product officer, emphasized that Fusion SYNC aims to ease the burdens of custodial transitions, helping advisors maintain client trust through streamlined service.
With 40% of advisory assets expected to change hands in the next decade, Fusion SYNC positions TradePMR as an early AI adopter in custodial services.
Finsum: Lean into technology, and particularly AI when it comes to changing custodians as it can greatly aid the data transfer process.
Renewable Returns Look Shakey
Renewable energy stocks, once at peak valuations in 2020-21, are struggling with investor pullbacks and face extended uncertainty partly due to U.S. election concerns. Interest in the sector has been eroded by competition from Chinese renewables, strong returns on conventional energy, and issues like supply chain disruptions and grid connection challenges.
Although the Inflation Reduction Act has supported renewable investments in the U.S., analysts warn that the potential return of Donald Trump to office could redirect funds to fossil fuels, while a win for Democrat Kamala Harris might revive confidence in renewables.
Even with lower interest rates, a new boom on the scale of 2020-21 is unlikely, as renewable growth has slowed. The sector has seen 17 consecutive months of net outflows, losing over $11 billion in 2024 alone, with major funds like the iShares Global Clean Energy ETF losing 28% in unit numbers.
Finsum: There could be a serious opportunity to find value in these ETFs at the current price levels.
Private Real Estate Poised for Comeback
Pension and Benefits Monitor and Fiera Capital hosted a webinar titled “The Rise of Private Real Estate Credit in Canada’s Evolving Investment Landscape.” Industry leaders, including Michael Le Coche from Fiera Real Estate, discussed the advantages of private real estate credit as an alternative to traditional fixed-income options.
The asset class offers higher yields, enhanced diversification, and stability amid market volatility, making it increasingly appealing. The event highlighted how Basel IV regulations are reshaping lending, with private credit filling gaps left by banks.
Experts also discussed the unique regional dynamics within Canada’s real estate markets, which impact private credit strategies. Additionally, the importance of sustainable practices in real estate credit was emphasized, aligning environmental goals with financial performance.
Finsum: With rates falling again the real estate market could really look to open up given the tight supply constraints.
Trump Drives Crypto Inflows
Investors are pouring funds into bitcoin-tracking ETFs, with recent flows suggesting a surge in interest tied to the upcoming U.S. election and potential pro-crypto policies. The iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF saw an impressive $872 million in a single day, reflecting hopes for a Trump victory, which could foster more favorable cryptocurrency legislation.
Bitcoin gained around 12% in October, with some analysts attributing this rally to rising expectations of a Republican sweep. As election week nears, bitcoin futures data shows investors are bracing for heightened volatility, with possible daily swings near 3.7%.
Open interest on crypto derivatives has also reached a record high, signaling elevated activity ahead of the election. However, market indicators suggest traders anticipate that volatility will taper off after the election, allowing bitcoin’s upward trend to potentially continue.
Finsum: Trump as positioned himself as the pro crypto candidate but even some of Harris’ policies also indicate a favorable landscape for digital currency.
Think Alternative with Political Uncertainty
With the U.S. presidential election approaching, markets are anticipating potential volatility, and investors are weighing where to allocate their money. While some hedge funds are positioning for “Trump trades,” U.S. Global Investors instead sees growing opportunities in alternative assets like gold and Bitcoin.
Paul Tudor Jones shares this perspective, highlighting these assets as hedges against rising U.S. debt and inflation concerns. The national debt has reached unsustainable levels, doubling its GDP ratio over 25 years, and the federal deficit continues to climb.
As inflation impacts traditional assets, commodities like gold, silver, and Bitcoin have become more attractive as they tend to perform well in inflationary environments.
Finsum: Despite election-related uncertainties, holding alternative assets may help investors maintain portfolio stability in the long run.