Displaying items by tag: alts

The Silver industry is benefiting from a strong rally in silver prices, driven by rising industrial demand, especially from solar, electronics, and EV applications, and a fifth consecutive year of global supply deficits. Silver’s recent designation as a U.S. critical mineral is increasing its strategic importance and attracting more investment to the sector. 

Despite cost pressures from energy, labor, and materials, mining companies are improving efficiency through technology and disciplined cost management. 

Silver mining stocks have surged 79% over the past year, far outperforming both the broader materials sector and the S&P 500. Given this backdrop, companies like Fresnillo, Pan American Silver, Hecla Mining, and First Majestic Silver are well-positioned due to expanding production, strong assets, and meaningful earnings growth expectations.

Finsum: The industry’s strong momentum is reflected in its near-term prospects, and these stocks could benefit. 

Portfolio income remains a priority for investors, especially with rate cuts and shifting macroeconomic conditions creating uncertainty. 

Closed-end funds (CEFs) offer an alternative income approach, since they issue a fixed number of shares at launch and then trade on exchanges, often providing higher yields than traditional bond strategies. 

Because CEFs behave differently from standard fixed income, they can also enhance diversification at a time when bond markets remain unpredictable. The Calamos CEF Income & Arbitrage ETF (CCEF) simplifies access to this space by actively investing in discounted closed-end funds to capture both income and potential capital appreciation. 

Finsum: CEFs could be a nice opportunity to gain exposure to alternative income streams

Collective Investment Trusts (CITs) are becoming increasingly prevalent in retirement plans, with over 78% of defined contribution (DC) plans offering them, making them the second most common investment option after mutual funds. CITs serve as cost-effective, tax-exempt pooled investment vehicles offered through banks or trust companies, delivering many benefits of institutional accounts alongside accessibility for retirement plans. 

Compared to mutual funds, CITs often feature lower administrative and compliance costs, and their fee flexibility and eligibility for smaller plans enhance their appeal for sponsors and advisors. They are available only to qualified retirement plans under ERISAand are not open to IRAs or certain other tax-advantaged arrangements

 While CITs may mirror mutual fund strategies, slight performance differences can arise due to varying fee structures, cash flows, and corporate-wrapper mechanics. 

Finsum: Fiduciaries should consider the switch from mutual funds to CITs, the transition process is relatively straightforward.

Faith-based investing has become an increasingly important niche within sustainable finance, offering investors the opportunity to align their portfolios with Catholic values while still pursuing competitive returns. 

Funds such as Allianz Global Investors’ E.T.H.I.C.A. apply the Church’s social doctrine, emphasizing human dignity, social justice, and environmental care, while excluding sectors like abortion, weapons, or adult entertainment. Similarly, Invesco’s MSCI Europe ESG Leaders Catholic Principles ETF provides exposure to European firms that uphold Catholic ethics, combining strict exclusions with best-in-class ESG practices and achieving strong performance alongside transparency and affordability.

Investment houses like Tressis also integrate moral and financial discipline, using ethical commissions to ensure portfolios support social welfare, sustainability, and human rights, while excluding harmful industries. 

Finsum: These strategies reflect a growing movement where values-based frameworks coexist with robust investment performance, helping advisors tailor to clients.

Gold and silver prices fell following the U.S. Federal Reserve’s latest policy announcement, as Jerome Powell’s hawkish comments sparked uncertainty over future rate cuts. Analysts say gold remains the traditional safe-haven asset, performing well during inflation and economic instability, with strong support from central bank and investor demand. 

In contrast, silver’s dual role as an industrial and investment metal makes it more volatile, closely tied to sectors like solar energy and electronics. Experts suggest gold’s stability makes it ideal for conservative, long-term investors, while silver offers higher risk and potential reward during industrial recoveries. 

They advise balancing both metals based on market conditions, gold for protection, silver for growth. 

Finsum: Ultimately, portfolio weighting, not outright preference, should guide investors in the post-Fed environment.