Themes for investors seeking growth
By the Select Large Cap Growth Team Two themes where we see opportunity are healthcare and information technology. Demographics and innovation support the continued growth of healthcare spending. Key...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Opportunities in a housing recovery
The housing recovery looks to be a source of opportunity for investors. Sectors that may benefit include building product manufacturers, banks and certain retailers. Recovery may proceed unevenly, so...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Increasing energy independence and the U.S. economy
The U.S. petroleum trade balance has shifted. Development of domestic energy sources benefits domestic goods producers with lower costs. Energy exports modest, but on the increase. Investors should...
View ArticleSecond quarter asset allocation positioning
Within equities, we maintained an overweight to U.S. stocks, with emphasis on large-cap stocks and high-quality, dividend-paying equities. For fixed income, we continue to prefer investment grade...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Casting a wider net for income
To generate sufficient investment income in today’s low-yield world, you may need to look at new sources of income. Many corporations are currently awash in cash and offer investment opportunities...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Parental income, not assets, affects college financial aid
The factors that affect needs-based financial aid for college are often misunderstood. The “Expected Family Contribution” is determined predominantly by parental income, not parental assets — such as...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Engineering a better retirement portfolio
Experiencing a significant portfolio loss in the early retirement years (timing risk) is one of the greatest risks to the longevity of a retirement nest egg (shortfall risk). This risk is typically a...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Navigating rising rates
By Zach Pandl, Senior Interest Rate Strategist, and Gene Tannuzzo, Senior Portfolio Manager Interest rates will rise at some point; investors must consider how to manage interest rate exposure in their...
View ArticleOutlook for the leveraged loan market
By Lynn Hopton and Yvonne Stevens, Co-Heads of Leveraged Debt Group, with Katy Brentz, Product Manager We find that the leveraged loan market is much healthier today than five years ago and we continue...
View ArticleStormy conditions in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico’s weakening fiscal and economic condition presents serious concerns for municipal bond investors. Investors are attracted by the portfolio diversification and triple-tax-free benefits of...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Opportunities in the middle ground
Investors seeking growth opportunities for an equity portfolio should not overlook mid-cap stocks. Mid-size companies typically feature a combination of desirable attributes – more stable than...
View ArticleClik here to view.
When do floating rate loans begin to float?
By Yvonne Stevens, Co-Head of Leveraged Debt Group, Ron Launsbach, CFA, Portfolio Manager, and Katy Brentz, CFA, Product Manager Given the significant and rapid move in Treasury yields over the last...
View ArticleTime for a change
The end of a long bull market for bonds means investors need to redefine how they generate income. In an environment of heightened risk, professional expertise can help investors avoid emotion-driven...
View ArticleLooking for true diversification in emerging markets
By the Columbia Acorn Emerging Market Team Emerging markets have become a significant component of the global economy, with higher GDP growth rates compared to developed markets. The wide range of...
View ArticleMonetary policy shift creates new investment challenges
Going forward, investors should look for return opportunities that do not depend upon easy money. Diversification strategies must take into account expected high correlations and the vulnerability of...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Opportunity in lower-quality municipals
Recently enacted higher tax rates — and the threat of even higher rates — enhance the attractiveness of tax-exempt income, especially versus other income-producing securities. Lower quality, shorter...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How will you pay for your child’s future education?
College savings plans offer an important tool for managing the cost of higher education. Saving in advance could offer a significant cost savings compared to taking loans during college. College...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Saving for college — What’s the real cost of waiting?
Just a few years’ delay in saving for college can dramatically increase the monthly savings needed to meet education funding goals. Early saving for college can reduce the burden of borrowing and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Inflation matters
Inflation is deceptive because it acts slowly. Portfolios must overcome inflation to maintain purchasing power. Even in today’s low-inflation environment, holding higher amounts of cash could be...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Duration for diversification
By Zach Pandl, Senior Portfolio Manager, and Gene Tannuzzo, Senior Portfolio Manager Many investors struggle to determine the appropriate amount of bond duration in an environment of rising interest...
View Article