Investors are increasingly flocking to US government bond ETFs as anticipation grows for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut in September. BlackRock's TLT, the largest ETF for long-dated Treasury bonds, saw nearly $4 billion in inflows from early August through Monday, marking one of its highest monthly inflows since inception. 

This surge indicates a resurgence in bond interest following a period of weak returns and significant outflows in 2022. As economic slowdowns push investors towards safer fixed-income options, bond yields have dropped in response to the Fed’s potential rate reductions. 

Retail and institutional investors alike are rediscovering bonds, with $12.2 billion flowing into US sovereign bond ETFs in August alone. The overall bond market's revival is evident, with taxable bond funds and ETFs attracting over $280 billion in the first seven months of the year, surpassing the total inflows for 2023.

Finsum: Holding bonds as interest rates fall and their prices rise sems to be one of the classic strategies that we haven’t been able to leverage on this scale in a long time.

Annuity sales surged in the second quarter, with traditional variable annuities reaching $16.5 billion, a 20% increase from the same period in 2023. Registered index-linked annuities (RILAs) led the growth, with a 45% rise in sales year-over-year. 

Overall, sales of all tracked annuity types climbed 31% to $110 billion. This uptick signifies a strong demand among retirement savers for insurers to manage some of their market risks. 

While variable annuities link returns to fund performance, RILAs often tie returns to investment indexes and are increasingly preferred by insurers due to easier administration and hedging. Recent SEC regulations may impact how RILAs are classified compared to traditional variable annuities.

Finsum: It’s important to monitor this ongoing classification of RILAs as this could have a significant impact on the industry. 

Parkwoods Wealth Partners LLC has recently launched a new platform aiming to support registered investment advisors (RIAs) with their growth and succession planning. The platform has integrated its first partner, FMF&E Wealth Management, a Syracuse-based RIA managing approximately $358 million in assets. 

Founded by industry experts including Al Sears and Ed Edwin, who have deep connections with Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA), and Chris Gardner, formerly of FMF&E, Parkwoods plans to scale nationally. The firm is designed to help advisors maintain their independence while benefiting from centralized services like compliance and trading. 

This model provides a pathway for long-term continuity and succession, focusing on maintaining professional autonomy. Parkwoods is actively looking to partner with RIAs that value evidence-based investing and a client-focused approach.

Finsum: Leveraging all the tools at your disposal can allow you to optimize your succession plan. 

Determining when to opt for direct indexing over ETFs depends on specific client situations, as outlined in Dr. Stephanie Lo's recent research for NDVR. She suggests that direct indexing may offer advantages only under certain conditions, particularly when considering after-tax returns over the long term. 

The key factors involve embedded capital gains in an existing ETF portfolio; transitioning to direct indexing may trigger immediate tax liabilities that could outweigh the benefits of tax-loss harvesting. However, for new investors starting from cash, direct indexing might be more advantageous, assuming the fees are competitive and the investment horizon is long enough. 

The decision also hinges on the investor's tax profile, inheritance plans, and desire for portfolio customization or specific exposures, such as building around a concentrated position. Advisors should assess each client's goals, costs, and preferences to determine if direct indexing aligns better with their investment strategy than traditional ETFs.

Finsum: As with all strategies you need determine if the tax alpha is really the advantage promised but in some cases the returns can be great. 

Modern wine bars are shifting away from strict dining etiquette, embracing a more relaxed and exploratory approach. When sampling wines by the glass, it’s courteous to limit your tastings to around three options to avoid overburdening the staff.

 If a bottle seems off, promptly communicate with the server, as minor flaws may become noticeable only after some time. Generally, ordering a bottle is more cost-effective than several glasses, providing better value for your money. 

Tipping remains consistent at around 20%, regardless of whether you’re at a counter or table service. Bringing your own bottle is usually discouraged, but if done, ensure you adhere to house rules, such as purchasing a bottle from their list and covering any corkage fees

Finsum: The wine world can be overwhelming so these tips can help you feel more comfortable in the complex environment.