Morningstar analyst Emory Zink says demand for municipal bonds has been strong so far in 2017.
In his latest video update, Commonwealth CIO Brad McMillan reviews another strong month for world financial markets. Markets were down for most of April but rallied during the last week of the month as worries about the French election subsided. Political concerns aside, economics are pretty sound, despite lackluster U.S. growth in the first quarter. Looking at the global economy, the news remains good and is getting better. Although a bit more worry has crept into the picture lately, the overall situation remains positive. Follow Brad at blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.
Morningstar analyst Emory Zink encourages investors concerned about taxable bonds to view their portfolio from a “holistic” perspective.
Chuck Royce offers key takeaways from 1Q17 and a look at what's next for small-caps.
Portfolio manager Ken Fincher of First Trust Advisors shares a perspective on the potential impact of rising interest rates on closed-end fund investors.
"Dan Solin's Investing Secrets" video series gives you investing tips Wall Street doesn't want you you know.
Portfolio manager Ken Fincher of First Trust Advisors provides an update on closed-end fund discount trends in the first quarter of 2017.
Advisor Tammy Wener of RW Financial Planning in Lincolnshire, IL, shares the story of a 'poster child' client for how to retire successfully.
Jonathan Morgan of Canadian General Investments shares a perspective for investors on potential changes to the U.S.-Canada trade agreement.
"Real Advisor" Rand Spero of Lexington, MA, on finding creative ways to help clients manage their income and expenses in retirement.
It was a decent month and a great quarter for markets, both in the U.S. and around the world, says Commonwealth CIO Brad McMillan. Globally, economics are very positive, which supports financial markets. Fundamental factors are also improving, and that looks likely to continue. What do we need to worry about? One word: politics. Although markets have largely priced in U.S. political risk, Europe poses greater concerns. Overall, though, the picture is quite positive going forward. Follow Brad at blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.
Credit closed-end fund portfolio manager Chris Kilpatrick of Western Asset Management shares his view on the outlook for Emerging Markets.
"Real Advisor" with Jeff Fosselman of Relative Value Partners.
Closed-end fund investors continue to pursue income or regular cash flow, and in 2017 may find more strategies becoming available, says Anne Kritzmire of Nuveen.
What increased volatility could mean for small-cap investors.
Portfolio manager John Bellows of Western Asset Management shares a perspective on the global opportunity for investors.
Senior Investment Strategist Steve Lipper looks at the correlation of small-cap stock performance with rising interest rates.
When adding a CEF to a portfolio, consider how the fund’s strategy may fit your overall risk exposure, says Jonathan Morgan of Canadian General Investments.
CEF professionals highlight trends and opportunities including high-yield municipals, covered calls, corporate bonds and residential mortgage-backed securities.
As Commonwealth CIO Brad McMillan puts it, markets in February basically rocked. Here in the U.S., all three major indices rose substantially, and markets around the world also did quite well. Why is this happening? The economic news is good, with U.S. consumers and businesses feeling optimistic. What’s more, for the first time since the crisis, we’re seeing a synchronized global upturn, with most areas and regions starting to expand. Will the recovery continue (and possibly accelerate)? The prospects are encouraging. Follow Brad at blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.
Portfolio Manager Bill Hench explains how he finds opportunities, avoids value traps, and manages risk using his deep value strategy.
Closed-end funds present potential opportunities to investors this year despite “rate hikes on the horizon,” CEF professionals say..
Real asset alternative investments in a CEF format may appeal to investors seeking inflation protection, says Larry Antonatos of Brookfield Asset Management.
Due to structural differences, some closed-end funds may have longer durations than their open-end fund peers, says Alaina Bompeidi of Morningstar.
Portfolio Manager Charlie Dreifus discusses the strong 2016 for small-caps and what he thinks might come next in 2017.
After a “wild ride,” closed-end funds with Master Limited Partnerships may present opportunity to investors seeking income, says Jason Kephart of Morningstar.
Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, discusses the markets and economy for January. Last month was a great month for stock markets, and from a financial market perspective, the world is in good shape. In fact, we’re seeing the first synchronized global expansion since the financial crisis. What’s the problem? Even as growth continues to do well, it’s not quite keeping pace with expectations. Is this a healthy normalization? What will be the economic effect of the current political conflict in Washington? Stay tuned to find out. Follow Brad at blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.
Interest rate spreads may be more important than rising interest rates when it comes to impact on closed-end fund distributions, says Mike Taggart of Nuveen.
Co-CIO Francis Gannon discusses the dramatic reversals in the small-cap asset class and how they could impact 2017.
Rising interest rates may present short-term pain but long-term benefits to some closed-end fund investors, says Cara Esser of Morningstar.
Recession risk, interest rates and inflation are among key economic factors to keep an eye on in 2017, say CEF investment professionals.
Closed-end funds featuring senior loans, municipal bonds and MLPs may be worth considering in 2017, according to CEF investment professionals.
Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, discusses the markets and economy for December. Last month was all about confidence: for the consumer, for business, and in the stock market. U.S. markets finished strong for the month, in large part due to the post-election rally. Consumer confidence moved to its highest level since 2001, employment grew, and business confidence reached a level we haven’t seen since before the financial crisis. Given such strong results, what should we keep an eye on as we start 2017? Stay tuned to find out. Follow Brad at blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.
Closed-end fund professionals share perspectives on the 2016 CEF market and the outlook for 2017.
Longtime investment professional Maury Fertig of Relative Value Partners shares his perspective on “opportunities and risks” in the municipal bond closed-end fund sector.
In this video for The PMC Spotlight, Ryan Tagal, Director of Product Management at PMC, explains how advisors can help investors achieve both index returns and social priorities, and offers insight on innovations on the horizon for impact investors.
Director of Risk Management Gunjan Banati explains why rolling returns and risk-adjusted returns are more robust ways to look at fund performance.
Research shows CEF investors tend to be income seekers who are more educated, more open to new ideas and more affluent, says Anne Kritzmire of Nuveen.
Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, discusses the market reaction to November’s election upset. Everyone thought markets would sell off after a Trump victory, and they did for a few hours before rallying strongly. Although the reaction around the world has been less favorable, U.S. fundamentals are sound, and with the uncertainty of the election behind us, the economy and markets are free to do even better. Nothing’s guaranteed, but as headwinds turn to tailwinds, we may see even more acceleration. Follow Brad at blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.
One way to look at closed-end fund discounts is to view them as “free leverage,” says John Cole Scott of CEF Advisors.
Our recent research into the small-cap market shows a connection that many asset allocators may not be aware of.
The Chicago Cubs victory in the World Series suggests a few potential lessons for long-term closed-end fund investors, says research director Mike Taggart of Nuveen.
Financially fit employees are happier, healthier, and more productive. Watch the video for the full story.
Closed-end fund discounts have narrowed this year, but may remain relatively attractive in some credit-sensitive areas, says Alex Reiss of Stifel.
New research shows 66% of financial advisors use closed-end funds for clients compared with 51% three years ago, says Anne Kritzmire of Nuveen.
On the morning after the election, experts from Envestnet | PMC attempted to answer: Will a new president signal a change in markets? What will a new administration mean for portfolios? Where are the investing opportunities in the short and long-term? The webinar featured Tim Clift, Chief Investment Strategist, and Brandon Thomas, Chief Investment Officer at PMC, and Zachary Karabell, Head of Global Strategy at Envestnet.
The closed-end fund structure may appeal to long-term investors considering less-liquid assets, says Jonathan Morgan of Canadian General Investments.
Chuck Royce discusses the small-cap market today and why he believes the transition from growth to value will continue.
Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, discusses October tricks and treats for financial markets and the economy. As expected, it was a tough month for markets, as uncertainty surrounding the upcoming election and the future of interest rates continued to rattle investors. Still, fundamentals remain solid, and we were treated to rising business and consumer confidence, as well as strong economic growth. Is it possible that the trickiest part of the quarter is behind us? Stay tuned to find out. Follow Brad at blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.
Closed-end funds may offer attractive income potential to long-term investors searching for yield, says Jon Diorio of BlackRock.
