While still a critical component of overall investable assets, allocations to IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans (ESRPs) among users is down from 2010 as investors shift more dollars into other accounts. Investors appear to be shifting “retirement” dollars into other investment vehicles. Although the majority of investable assets are still held in retirement accounts, banks [...]

With institutional investors expecting significant changes in their asset allocation over the next three years, we presented them with  a constant sum exercise that asked them to distribute 100 “points” across several potential contributing factors to better understand the reasons behind these anticipated changes. The results reveal some interesting differences between organization type and asset [...]

Unprecedented market volatility and historically low interest rates have increased the pressure on institutional investors to think creatively, yet act prudently, to support their organizations’ asset pools. As a consequence, institutional investors anticipate seismic shifts in their asset allocation over the next three years, with significant movement in and out of traditional asset classes and [...]

We want to know what you think about what is going on in today’s market. We will  post a monthly question for you to tell us what you think.  Once we get your feedback  we will post and article based on what you have told us. This month’s question is: Now that the DOW has [...]

With $300 billion up for grabs from affluent investors planning to rollover assets from former employer-sponsored retirement plans (ESRPs) into IRAs, 2012 is proving to be anyone’s game.  Having spent a number of years growing their DC plan balances, investors are reviewing their options carefully to ensure their retirement dollars continue to flourish – or [...]

Despite past performance woes and negative publicity, the vast majority – nearly eight in ten advisors – currently use some form of Alternative Investment (AI) in their current book of business. While the AI category is still relatively small compared to other asset classes, consideration and use continues to grow. On average, advisors are now [...]

Once only the purview of institutions and the super rich, alternative investments (AI) have already begun to populate the portfolios of ordinary investors. Whether used defensively to add diversification, or as proactive tools to access hard to reach asset classes, alternatives, especially among advised investors, are here to stay. Today, just three in ten (29%) [...]

Affluent investors are likely to rollover approximately $300 billion from their former employers’ sponsored retirement plans (ESRPs) to IRAs in 2012. However, attracting these assets is becoming more competitive as investors search beyond the traditional rollover providers for advice and guidance. A number of full service providers have made significant gains in attracting potential rollover [...]

Nearly a third of Active Traders, investors who make three or more trades on a monthly basis via a self-service online trading platform, indicate they are likely to open a new online trading account in the next six months. While this group of investors recognizes 19 online brokerage providers, only six firms have a solid [...]

For many years, the three major exchange traded fund (ETF) providers—iShares, State Street, and Vanguard—have been able to grow share by leveraging their volume, early pioneer status, and strong brand reputations. However, the ETF landscape is changing, as new providers enter the market or continue to announce their intent to offer solutions in this growing market segment.