Extreme Weather Events: Assessing Climate Risk in the Municipal Bond Market

Now is the time for municipal bond investors to mitigate climate risk.

China’s Regulatory Crackdown: A Cautionary Tale for Investors

How will recent regulatory shifts in China affect investment strategy? A diversified approach is the key to spread out exposure.

Expanding the Boundaries of Fixed Income Investing by Elevating Taxes as a Crucial Element of Customization

How important are taxes in customizing a fixed income portfolio?

What Can Investors Do About the Devastating Impact of the Pandemic on Workplace Equity?

Progress toward diversity—and disclosure—continues

Patience Is a Virtue in Portfolio Construction

Even in the fast-paced world of investing, slow and steady can win the race.

Too Much of a Good Thing: Unwinding a Concentrated Stock Position

It may feel daunting to reduce single-stock risk, but implementing a staged diversification plan in tandem with a separately managed account makes it possible to do so tax efficiently.

Decluttering Tax Management

Can tax management spark joy? Decluttering tax management and finding the most effective strategy can at least minimize stress.

Midyear Responsible Investing Update: Disclosures, Climate, and Diversity

The first half of 2021 has seen a renewed investor focus on ESG investing and disclosure.

Midyear Bond Outlook: A Stronger Economy Supports Lower Volatility

The reopening economy hasn’t come without drawbacks—but compared with last year’s headaches, bond investors can expect a much less dramatic second half of 2021.

Stars in Your Eyes: How Credit Upgrades Benefit Corporate Bond Investors

A record number of corporate bonds were downgraded to high-yield status in 2020. Will they see a turnaround along with the greater economy?

What Investors Should Know About ESG in Fixed Income

Aren’t all municipal bonds “responsible?” How green are green bonds, anyway? We answer common questions about applying ESG criteria to fixed income.

The Time for Comprehensive, Mandatory, and Consistent Climate Risk Disclosure Is Now

Both investors and regulators agree: The world can’t wait to tackle climate change. That’s why mandatory climate reporting is vital.

Tax Change Proposals: Six Things to Keep in Mind

Investors might wonder how the Biden administration’s ambitious proposals might affect their tax burdens. Though the answer remains unclear, these six facts should reduce anxiety.

Transitioning to a New Market Cycle Requires a Fresh Look at Risk

Investor anxiety is shifting from the impact of COVID-19 to the changes that may come with the removal of stimulus measures. We share three ways to prepare your portfolio.

Not-So-Silent Spring: Exxon and the Vote Heard Round the World

Is 2021 the year climate risk finally got real for oil and gas companies? Why two events concerning Exxon and Shell could be game changers.

Factor Investors: Three Ways Tracking Error Keeps an Investment Strategy on Course

Factor investors: Learn how tracking error is a useful tool to measure the potential risks and rewards in factor portfolios.

Roll-Down Impact on Bond Returns

To maximize the benefit of a laddered strategy, investors should understand the impacts of a roll-down.

US Census Data Reveals Population Pressures for Investors

The US population has just seen its lowest growth rate since the Great Depression. How will this ripple throughout the economy and the markets?

GRAT Expectations: Why More Investors Are Turning to Grantor-Retained Annuity Trusts

Amid low interest rates and volatile asset values, high-net-worth individuals are taking a fresh look at a powerful wealth transfer tool—grantor-retained annuity trusts, or GRATs.

Why Has My Pension Funding Improved (and Why Hasn’t It Done Better)?

How can corporate pension plans make the most of the strong start to 2021? There are three key factors to consider.

How Will Biden’s New Infrastructure Plans Affect Investors?

We now know how President Biden proposes to address America’s infrastructure woes, but do we know what that means for investors?

Unpacking Tax Management

Understanding five basic tools for building a comprehensive tax-management strategy is key to delivering highly tax-efficient investment performance.

Making Sense of Lower Readings on the Market’s Fear Gauge

What’s behind lower volatility forecasts: COVID-19 optimism or something more foreseeable? We take a deep dive into the numbers.

It's Always Tax-Loss Harvesting Season

Learn how an active tax-loss management strategy ensures year-round performance, maximizes tax alpha, and minimizes costs.

What Does Biden’s Infrastructure Bill Have in Store for the Muni Market?

Will a corporate tax increase shift muni demand upward? Are Build America Bonds coming back? We take a look at what the Biden administration’s infrastructure bill could mean for fixed income investors.

Are Natural Resource Stocks the Inflation Fighters Investors Want?

Owning a portfolio of natural resource stocks may seem like the easiest way to gain exposure to commodities. But is it the best way?

Tackling Climate Change Through the Municipal Bond Market

President Biden has introduced a comprehensive strategy for updating aging US infrastructure, giving investors an opportunity to focus on meaningful environmental impact.

School’s Always in Session: Brush Up on Your Financial Literacy

To celebrate Financial Literacy Month, our strategists share the frequently misunderstood terms all investors need to know.

When the Bond Market Gives You Lemons, Make a Ladder

Current market conditions have reminded some corporate bond investors of the 2013 taper tantrum. Is that comparison fair?

Tax Day: How Investors Can Have Their Cake and Eat It Too

Through an effective tax-managed investment strategy, losses can offset gains, turning a volatile year into another step toward achieving investment goals.

Is Inflation Around the Corner?

Haunted by double-digit inflation of the past, some fear the US economy is poised for runaway inflation. Given how successfully the Fed has anchored expectations, that seems unlikely.

Stronger Together: What Morgan Stanley’s Acquisition of Parametric Means for Our Clients

Now that Morgan Stanley’s acquisition of Parametric is complete, our CEO looks ahead to what it means for our clients, how it will affect the company, and what it says about the industry.

Opportunities Emerge as Munis Come Back to Earth

What’s behind a big surge in municipal bond yields? We look at how muni buyers can capitalize on recent volatility.

The Common-Sense Case for Real Action on Diversity and Inclusion

Linking gender diversity to financial performance only muddles a vital conversation. Here’s what really matters when it comes to building a more inclusive world.

What Does the Future Hold for Chinese Securities?

How will the new presidential administration change US trade policy toward China? From what we’ve seen thus far, we don’t expect anything drastic.

Three Advantages of a Custom Passive SMA for the Taxable Investor

Are investors getting the best after-tax returns out of their index strategies? They may be missing out on the extra benefits of a custom passive SMA.

How to Use Customized Portfolios to Boost Yield

How far can investors go in pursuit of excess return? We share some strategies that can help—as long as the added risk isn’t too intimidating.

Is the US Equity Market Heading for a Bubble?

A crowdsourced short squeeze is dominating headlines in the investing world. What does it mean for the US equity market as a whole?

Customized SMAs: How to Make Responsible Investing Truly Personal

When an off-the-shelf solution doesn’t cut it, responsible investors can turn to customized SMAs to build portfolios that align with their values.

Municipal Bonds Win Big from Recent and Proposed Federal Stimulus

The CARES Act provided much-needed support to a municipal bond market reeling from COVID-19. What’s coming next now that the Biden administration is setting to work?

Why Customization Is the Investment Industry’s Watchword in 2021

It’s not unusual for pension plans to have a sizable mismatch to interest rates and credit spreads. How much might that mismatch hurt in 2021?

2021 LDI Outlook: Hedge Liabilities Against Heightened Market Sensitivity

It’s not unusual for pension plans to have a sizable mismatch to interest rates and credit spreads. How much might that mismatch hurt in 2021?

2021 Tax Outlook: Tax Policy Likely Takes a Back Seat to Recovery

With the narrowest Senate majority, President-elect Joe Biden won’t have much room to pursue aggressive tax reform. What should taxable investors expect this year?

2021 Responsible Investing Outlook: Three ESG Themes to Watch

Climate risk, diversity and inclusion, modern slavery: Three topics came to the fore in 2020 and figure to animate ESG investors in the New Year. Here’s why.

2021 Bond Outlook: Will an Uneven Recovery Make Credit Research Even More Important?

After a year we’re all happy to put behind us, what’s in store for corporate and municipal credit in 2021? And how much stimulus will make it to struggling cities and states?

2021 Investment Outlook: Hoping for No More Surprises

Between hopes for a COVID-19 vaccine and expectations for the Biden administration, how should investors think about the year ahead?

Brexit Reminds International Equity Investors to Look Beyond the Benchmark

Is your international equity allocation prepared for Brexit? Find out why the UK’s exit from Europe matters to investors around the world.

Tracking Error: Why Deviation from a Benchmark Shouldn’t Dissuade Passive Investors from ESG

What’s behind the idea that socially responsible investing hurts performance? We clear up the confusion around tracking error.

Using Electronic Trading to Deliver Value for Fixed Income Investors

Electronic trading provides better efficiency and transparency to bond investing than ever before. But what if investors miss out on value that only fixed income professionals can add?

Three Ways to Maximize Tax Benefits Through Charitable Giving

Different approaches to charitable giving can yield very different after-tax results for investors. Which approach is best for your clients?

How Family Offices Are Coping in a Dramatic 2020

Wealthy investors have faced an unprecedented crisis this year—and so have the professionals who manage their money. But they’re not sitting on the sidelines.

Muni Investors Can Prioritize the “S” in ESG with Social Bonds

Fixed income issuers are starting to respond to investor demand for portfolios that reflect their principles. How can muni investors get the most out of social bonds?

Muni Credit and COVID-19: The Long-Term Impact of Municipalities Under Pandemic Part 1

Will the municipal bond market survive unprecedented economic downturn amid a growing pandemic? Find out why muni credit ratings aren’t indicative of long-term creditworthiness.

A Divided Government Puts a Premium on Compromise

Now that Joe Biden has recaptured the White House, how should investors think about preparing their portfolios for the next four years?

Expect Volatility and a Defensive Rush Following an Unclear Election Outcome

In the wake of Election Day 2020, how should investors think about preparing their portfolios?

The Core of Customization: Why a Stratified-Cells Approach Works for Bonds

Portfolio customization is growing in popularity among equity investors—but does it have a place in the bond market? Learn about the benefits of stratified cells.

Stop Waiting, Start Customizing: How Passive Investors Can Make Their Own Rules

The recent exclusion of a high-profile company from a major equity index took many investors by surprise. But who says an index provider has to be in charge?

What the Volatility Markets Are Telling Us About the 2020 Election’s Impact

How will the uncertainty of this year’s election impact equity valuation? Learn about the implied volatility of the VIX® Index and its derivatives.

If Tax Rates Rise Under Biden, Should Investors Realize Gains Now?

Is it better to pay now or pay later? It’s a big tax management decision for investors and advisors as the 2020 election approaches.

Deglobalization Threatens the World Economy and Investors Alike

Current projections show the steepest drop in global trade in 60 years coming. How should equity investors navigate this challenge?

Should Bond Investors Be Concerned About the Low Rate Environment?

Historic lows for municipal and corporate bond yields may have investors down—but are they out? Learn about the benefits of owning bonds during a low interest rate environment.

Income Investors Can Breathe Easier After 2020’s Early Dividend Drama

Between the slowing pace of payout cuts and changes in index yields, how much do income investors really need to worry about the rest of 2020?

Three Reasons to Consider Investing in International Equities

Buying local isn’t always the best strategy when investing in stocks. Here are three compelling reasons to consider investing beyond your home-country bias.

If He Wins, How Would Joe Biden’s Tax Plans Affect Investors?

Individual income tax rates might go up. Lower long-term capital gains rates might go away. Ahead of the election, an analysis of what this could mean for portfolios.

Crisis, Interrupted? Taking Stock of a Drawdown That Hasn’t Stuck

Even as markets improve, investors may not be ready to reembrace risk. Closed-end fund activity offers a surprising view.

Taxing Times: Systematic Loss Harvesting in 2020 Versus 2008

Can investors capture market returns and harvest tax losses amid periods of high volatility? Find out how the markets in 2020 and in 2008 provide guidance for beneficial tax management during a crisis.

What Does the Vatican’s Fossil Fuel Announcement Mean for Catholic Investors?

The commodities market appears to be recovering, but will it continue to improve throughout 2020? Find out which economic factors will drive—or sink—the asset class in the New Year.

The Recession We Feared Is Happening. What Should Investors Do?

Despite hard times for the broader economy, investors fared surprisingly well throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. What should they do now that the big R has arrived?

Market Performance amid COVID-19 and the 1918 Flu Pandemic

There are parallels between the economic impact of COVID-19 and that of the 1918 flu pandemic—but how do they stack up from a market perspective?

Investors Need Data to Make Diversity a Reality

For investors, companies, and employees alike, diversity makes a difference—but it takes data to know how much work is ahead.

Corporate Plan Sponsors Can Reduce Treasury Rate Risk with Completion Overlays

Credit risk remains an important consideration for defined-benefit plans—but Treasury rate exposure may be a bigger concern.

Four Easy Steps to a Responsible Investing Portfolio

Do you want a portfolio that reflects your principles? Learn how to begin your responsible investing journey.

Municipal Credit Outlook: Which Sectors Will Outlast the Economic Downturn?

With downgrades and defaults on the rise, can municipal bonds outlast the recession? Find out why some sectors are more fail proof than others.

Why Muni Investors Should Go Long for Yield Despite Record Lows

Are record-low yields holding you back from investing in munis? Other metrics suggest you may be missing out.

Will a DOL Rule Kill Responsible Investing for Pension Plans?

A proposed new Department of Labor rule has caught the institutional investing world by surprise. What does it really mean for pension plans?

Despite Some Fallen Angels, Corporate Bond Investors Have Heaven on Their Minds

More companies than ever have seen their bonds fall from investment grade to high yield. But does this really spell doom for investors?

Looking Ahead: Setting a Pace for the Second Half of 2020

Market volatility is expected to continue through 2020—but what does it mean for investors? Find out how to gain clarity amid uncertainty.

Don’t Fear the Premium: Highly Priced Muni Bonds Can Offer Compelling Value

Are the potential benefits of premium munis worth the high cost to investors? Find out why avoiding them may lead to missing out on great value.

Prepare for the Tax Hit from Mutual Fund Gain Distributions

Virtually every investor pays taxes on their capital gains—but the amount you pay for gains in your mutual funds may not depend only on you.

Wall Street Versus Main Street: The Disparity Between the Market and the Economy

The relationship between stock market performance and the economy has always been tenuous, but why does the gap seem to be getting larger?

Defining Two Varieties of Volatility in Corporate Pension Plans

Some institutional investors may think surplus volatility and funded ratio volatility are the same thing. We take a deeper dive.

Beating the Drum: Will New Policies Turn Fossil Fuels into “Stranded Assets”?

Carbon emission laws may soon deem many fossil fuel reserves unusable, but will they still have value for investors? Find out how investors can influence companies to better manage their risk of stranded assets.

With Major Indexes Set for Rebalancing, How Has 2020 Reshaped Passive Investing?

Equity indexes rebalance regularly as the investment landscape changes. How will the COVID-19 pandemic affect the next round?

Despite Some Cuts and Suspensions, the End Times Haven’t Come for Dividends

Some dividend payers may be stressed, but index data tells us the impact isn’t fatal. We share where you might find it.

Think Twice Before Hedging Currencies in Emerging Market Equity Portfolios

Are you thinking about hedging currency exposures in your emerging market equity portfolio? It may not be worth the time or expense.

Taxable Muni Bonds: Why Institutional Investors Should Take Notice

Updates on the state of the municipal bond market. Today: Does a surge in taxable municipal supply create opportunity for investors?

Rebalancing amid COVID-19: Turning Volatility into Opportunity

Is portfolio rebalancing too risky for investors seeking to react to high market volatility? Find out how it may be easier—and more beneficial—with the help of an overlay program.

After-Tax Benchmarks: Easier Said Than Done

Traditional benchmarks don’t work for taxable investors seeking to put their after-tax performance in perspective. The solution? Customized benchmarks.

Fixed Income Is Normally a Source of Liquidity

As institutions seek liquidity during the coronavirus market downturn, does an episode from the 2008–2009 global financial crisis offer a lesson?

Spot On: What to Know About Commodity Price Indexes

Don’t get caught up in commodity confusion. Learn how spot prices play a role in your investments.

Do Market Losses Make Now a Good Time for Portfolio Changes?

Can a pandemic-induced market downturn become an opportunity for investors looking to modify their portfolios? Find out why now’s the time to strike.

One Potential Coronavirus Side Effect? Higher Taxes.

The coronavirus pandemic has upended markets, the economy, and people’s livelihoods. Learn why it could also reshape taxes.

With Oil Below Zero, Are Investors over a Barrel?

Markets have just witnessed the biggest decline in crude prices since the Gulf War. What does this mean for commodity investors?

For Responsible Investors, Sunlight Is the Best Anti-Greenwashing Agent

How do you know when a company is honestly green? We provide some pointers.

All That Glitters: Is Gold the Safe Haven Investors Need?

With so much uncertainty surrounding equities, why is gold underperforming?

Don’t Respond to Short-Term Volatility with Long-Term Portfolio Changes

Low prices may tempt some investors to rush into equities. But are there still too many unknowns?

Durable Investment Structure Provides Opportunities for CEF Investors

It’s hard to stay invested in tough times, but that’s what it takes to unlock the value of closed-end funds.

Muni Credit and COVID-19: The Current State of Municipal Credits Under Pandemic Part 2

Can the municipal bond market overcome a liquidity shortage triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic? Find out which sectors carry the most risk of leading to a credit crisis.

A Marathon, Not a Sprint: Tax-Loss Harvesting During the Downturn

Some advisors are clamoring for managers to harvest any and all available tax losses in their clients’ accounts. Here’s why that’s a bad idea.

Four Ways to Navigate Market Volatility

Disciplined investing isn’t always easy in volatile markets—but patient investors will see their discipline rewarded.

Can the Benefits of Corporate Ladders Outclimb Market Volatility?

Does market volatility mean vulnerability for portfolio owners with investment-grade corporate bonds? Find out why corporate laddered bonds can thrive—no matter the market cycle.

What to Do in a Downturn? Keep Calm and Harvest Losses.

As equity markets catch a nasty case of the coronavirus, what’s an investor to do? Four things to focus on amid the downturn.

How Low Interest Rates Are Changing Liability-Driven Investing

Increased interest rate sensitivity can spell trouble for unhedged pension assets. Find out what this means for liability-driven investing.

Amid the Coronavirus Outbreak, Are Municipal Bonds Still a Safe Haven?

In a time of equity market volatility, municipal bonds are doing what they’re supposed to do: diversify portfolios. Learn what may come next in the muni market.

To Capture the Volatility Risk Premium, Patience Is a Virtue

If you have the patience, the odds for a strong volatility risk premium in 2020 are in your favor.

Can Past Pandemics Guide Investors Through Coronavirus?

We don’t yet know what the world will look like in the wake of coronavirus. Learn what investors should do in the meantime.

Power in Numbers: Can Impact Investing Increase Shareholder Engagement in 2020?

Shareholder engagement is on the rise in 2020. Find out how this form of active ownership could prove to be beneficial for public equities, investors, and society.

Where the 2020 Presidential Contenders Stand on Taxes

With the possibility of a new president on the horizon, significant changes to the tax code may be on the way.

Lights, Camera, Action: Direct Indexing Takes Center Stage

Direct indexing has been called the next big thing in investing. Find out whether it’s right for your portfolio.

Three Reasons to Hold On to Municipal Bonds in 2020

Expect 2019’s positive conditions for municipal bonds to continue into 2020.

Emerging Market Equities: The Two False Narratives of the 2010s

The US equity income market could be in for a wild ride in 2020. Learn how exposure diversification may help your portfolio weather the coming storm.

A Mighty Wind: Will Economic Gusts Push the Commodity Market Through Uncertainty in 2020?

The commodities market appears to be recovering, but will it continue to improve throughout 2020? Find out which economic factors will drive—or sink—the asset class in the New Year.

US Equity Income Outlook 2020 - Extracting Income Opportunities from Volatility

The US equity income market could be in for a wild ride in 2020. Learn how exposure diversification may help your portfolio weather the coming storm.

2020 Investment Outlook: More Questions Than Answers

Will the New Year bring challenges or opportunities for investors? Yes. Find out more in our 2020 investment outlook.

What’s the Difference Between Positive and Negative ESG Screens?

Positive screens include good companies, and negative ones exclude bad companies, right? Discover why they’re really just two sides of the same coin.

A Slippery Slope: Hedge with Caution in a Volatile Market

Hedging may seem like a safe bet, but does it pose a risk for investors? Learn why it’s important to approach equity hedging with caution in a volatile market.

Maximizing Tax Benefits Through Charitable Giving

Is there a better way for investors to donate to charity? Learn how to maximize a portfolio’s tax benefits—and increase the size of the gift—through charitable giving.

Overlay: Setting the Table for Successful Fund Management

Institutional investors are only as strong as their policy objectives. Explore how overlay management gives investors a taste of better portfolio management with greater returns.

Aggressive Tax-Loss Harvesting: An Opportunity to Reduce the Millionaire’s Tax

Many states are imposing a millionaire’s tax with huge implications for top earners. Explore how aggressive tax-loss harvesting can soften the blow.

Is the Volatility Risk Premium Broken?

Is the volatility risk premium broken? Discover why some naysayers are thinking about it the wrong way and misunderstanding the nature of the VRP itself.

The SEC’s New Guidance on Proxy Advisor Firms: A Solution in Search of a Problem

The SEC’s August 2019 guidance on proxy advisory firms has big implications. Why they did it—and why it’s ultimately bad for investors.

The Rise of Index Investing Still Spooks Some Investors. It Shouldn’t.

Now that passive index investing has overtaken active management, learn why this might not be as scary for the industry as it may seem.

Customized Exposure Management: An Idea Still Ahead of Its Time

Reducing residual cash exposure and rebalancing efficiently are key to capturing policy-based returns. So why do so many institutional investors continue to leave money on the table?

A Tax Deferred: The Benefits and Risks of Investing in Qualified Opportunity Funds

What are the tax benefits of investing in Qualified Opportunity Funds? This blog post assesses the opportunities—and the risks.

Mirror, Mirror: The Inverse Relationship Between Commodities and the US Dollar

Prices of commodities and the US dollar are strongly linked. But is this also true at the individual commodity level?

Passive Voice: As Index Investing Grows, So Does Active Ownership

As assets continue to flow from active management to index investing, passive shareholders will still hold companies to account.

Choosing a Custom SMA Provider? What to Expect When You’re Investing.

Growing interest in customized separately managed accounts means new SMA providers are popping up to meet demand. But not all SMA providers are created equal.

Interest Rate Management: How Pension Plans Can Prevent Big Drops in Funded Status

When changes in interest rates cause a pension plan’s assets to zig and its liabilities to zag, what’s a plan sponsor to do?

What China’s Currency Manipulator Label May Mean for Emerging Markets

Now that the Treasury Department has labeled China a currency manipulator, are other emerging market countries in the crosshairs?

So You’re Worried About a Recession: Three Ways to Protect Your Portfolio

An inverted yield curve. A trade war. Slowing job growth. Some say recession warning signs are flashing. What can investors do to prepare?

ESG Investing in Emerging Markets: Proceed with Caution

Emerging market companies have different standards for ESG issues. What does this mean for investing in emerging markets if you’re a responsible investor?

Why Investment Taxes Are Such a Drag

What’s the value of tax-managed investing? A look at what causes tax drag and why choosing the right investment vehicle is so important.

Can Socially Responsible Investors Raise the Tide for All Investors?

Does responsible investing help or hurt returns? We get this question a lot. But there’s another, perhaps more interesting, question that’s also worth exploring.

The Volatility Risk Premium Explained

Most investors accept some level of risk. But that doesn’t mean they like it, especially during volatile markets. That’s where harvesting the volatility risk premium, or VRP, may help.

Unreliable Narrators: What Many SMA Composites Don’t Tell You

Composites have a lot to say about an investment product’s historical performance. But when it comes to taxable SMAs, they leave a lot out.

Four Investing Misconceptions to Say Goodbye To

In his farewell blog post, Parametric’s head of investment strategy takes a parting shot at the top four investing misconceptions.

The Market Thinks It Can Predict What the Federal Reserve Will Do. It Can’t.

Every time the market tries to anticipate what the Fed will or won’t do, it fails spectacularly. So why do we keep looking for interest rate predictions in all the wrong places?

Concentration Risk: Will You Know It When You See It?

At a certain level, an index’s overweight to a single country, sector, or security becomes a concern for all investors. Three examples from history demonstrate why concentration risk is a problem.

Proxy Power: How Shareholders Are Using Active Ownership to Take On the Opioid Epidemic

An investor who wants to change corporate behavior may have only one vote. But, as the fight against opioid abuse shows, active ownership means together we have far more power.

China and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index: A Distinction Without a Difference?

As MSCI includes more China A-shares in its emerging markets index, a look at why some investors may not be getting the truly broad exposure they seek.

How Much Do You Know About Tax-Loss Harvesting?

There are a lot of myths out there. Here are six true-or-false questions to help you separate fact from fiction when it comes to tax-loss harvesting.

Is Tax-Loss Harvesting Right for Your Clients?

More and more asset managers and advisory platforms are marketing tax-loss harvesting to more and more investors. A bit of caution might be in order.

Can Better Glide Path Management Offer Pension Plans a Smoother Ride?

After the market volatility we saw in late 2018, pension plans want to reduce risk and lock in improvements to funded status. Are their glide paths prepared?

Are There Cannabis Stocks in Your Portfolio? Here’s the Straight Dope

As marijuana legalization expands and as investment grows in the industry, cannabis stocks’ footprint in the major equity indexes remains small. But that could change.

Faith-Based Investing: Why We All May Be Singing from the Same Book of Hymns

Whether we’re faith-based investors or not, our long-term goals are likely not all that different. Here’s why.

Stock in Trade: Brexit, Tariffs, and Their Effect on Equity Markets

As the Brexit debate roils Britain and the EU, what does trade uncertainty portend for global growth—and for the longest bull market in history?

Yes, Tactical Investing Can Be Tax-Aware Investing

Costs matter, and many investors assume the tax bite of being tactical is too high. But tactical investing can actually be tax aware—and still generate alpha.

Investment Taxes: Don’t Ignore the Tail

Don’t think the tax tail should wag the investment dog? A look at the data from 2018 may change your thinking—and your choice of animal metaphors.

What Investors Can Do About Human Trafficking

Modern-day slavery. Forced labor. Whatever you call it, human trafficking is a difficult problem to solve. But investors can help—and keep it out of their portfolios.

What Is Direct Indexing? If It Sounds Familiar, That’s Because It Is.

After the 2019 Inside ETFs conference, a “new” term is suddenly on everyone’s lips. We explain what direct indexing is—and why it’s anything but new to us.

What Investors Should Know About Futures Trading

What are futures, and how does futures trading work? Our expert offers a rundown of some of the benefits, risks, and costs of exchange-traded futures for curious investors.

ETFs or Separately Managed Accounts: Which Are Better?

ETFs are much loved, but they may not be “the one” for every passive investor. As you evaluate your choices, here are a few key reasons to swipe right on separately managed accounts instead.

Unlocking Portfolio Potential Through Completion Management

How completion management can help institutions monitor and manage portfolio risk exposures, bolstering control while maintaining flexibility.

How Do Options Work? An Illustrated Guide

You’ve heard of options, but what exactly are they? Puts and calls may seem complicated, but they don’t have to be intimidating. Here’s a plain-English explanation.

Nonqualified Dividends: How They’re Taxed and When Not to Worry

Yes, nonqualified dividends are taxed at a higher rate than qualified dividends. But in some cases paying it may be the better option.

Tax-Loss Harvesting: An Opportunity amid the Calamity

In a week that saw the S&P 500® Index shed more than 4% of its value, a valuable reminder that tax-loss harvesting can help many investors turn a loss into a win.

Ch-Ch-Changes: GICS Sectors Are Evolving—Will It Affect Your Portfolio?

S&P and MSCI are about to migrate a number of companies to new categories in their widely used GICS sector methodology. Why? And who will—and won’t—be affected?

Is High Tracking Error a Bad Thing?

What is tracking error, and is high tracking error always bad? Find out how the formula works and why the degree of acceptable tracking error is a personal choice.

Is Saudi Arabia an Emerging Market? MSCI Says Yes.

Next year Saudi Arabia will graduate to the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, skipping the Frontier Markets Index entirely. It’s surprising, but it’s not the only surprising thing about the desert kingdom’s markets.

Wash Sales: How to Keep Your Tax Losses from Shrinking

Running afoul of the IRS’s wash-sale rule is like accidentally laundering your favorite wool sweater in the hot-water cycle. Here's what you need to know to avoid being hung out to dry.

Are You Prepared for Unexpected Inflation?

Is inflation still in check? Check. But is it up? Yup. If it spikes unexpectedly, is your portfolio prepared to ride out the turbulence? We look at one asset class that may help diversify your holdings, reduce risk, and soothe the sting of unanticipated inflation.

A Fix for the VIX?

Amid questions about manipulation, the Cboe Volatility Index—the “fear gauge”—is making a few changes. Will they instill more confidence? We look at what to expect—and what it might mean for investors.