Opinion

Displaying 2102 results
NEWS OPINION FEB 09, 2011
Where does advisory industry go from here?

Without the unequivocal support of all the members of the Securities and Ex-change Commission, just how much can we learn about the future direction of the regulation of investment advice from the two SEC studies that were released last month?

NEWS OPINION FEB 03, 2011
Rule change takes aim at 'schlocky advice'

Last month, the Department of Labor proposed to expand the definition of the term “fiduciary” under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974

Mark Madoff - An American tragedy
NEWS OPINION JAN 25, 2011
Mark Madoff - An American tragedy

While in no way minimizing the tragic fate of Bernie Madoff's other victims, one can't help but feel immensely sad for Mark, whether he knew or didn't know.

NEWS OPINION JAN 09, 2011
Review the process, not just performance

At this time of year, investment stewards — retirement plan sponsors, and managers and trustees of charitable organization investment committees — are receiving 2010 year-end investment performance reports and poring over them to prepare for their first 2011 meetings with their advisers and money managers

NEWS OPINION JAN 05, 2011
A headhunter's dinner with three unhappy advisers, Part 5: Wrapping it all up

NEWS OPINION DEC 14, 2010
Five mistakes when passing the baton

Working with advisers over the years, I've seen firsthand how creating and executing a solid succession plan can be fraught with pitfalls

NEWS OPINION DEC 05, 2010
An adjustment is coming for reps

For some time now, there has been a net outflow of advisers from broker-dealers to investment advisory firms

NEWS OPINION NOV 19, 2010
Three top reasons why advisers change firms

NEWS OPINION NOV 11, 2010
'Buyer beware' is no basis for a fiduciary rule

What is the purpose of disclosing a conflict of interest? The answer de-pends on whether a financial adviser is a fiduciary.

NEWS OPINION OCT 29, 2010
Dodd-Frank: What it means for sales of proprietary products

During the busy fall conference season for financial professionals, virtually every agenda includes coverage of issues associated with regulatory reform and the extension of the fiduciary standard to brokers and dealers who provide advice to retail investors

NEWS OPINION OCT 28, 2010
Confidentiality when interviewing: Don't blow your deal

The rest of the world is a two week notice world.

NEWS OPINION OCT 25, 2010
Top stocks that will flop, laggards that will pop: Dorfman

The year's best performers are headed for a tumble, while three beaten-down stocks are ready to rebound

NEWS OPINION OCT 21, 2010
What if the 2011 tax rate is set late?

It is likely that nothing will be known about the tax rate for 2011 until after the November elections. History shows us that if everyone knows that taxes are going up, taxpayers will employ strategies to accelerate income into this year.

NEWS OPINION OCT 04, 2010
To serve middle class, expand your offerings

In his Aug. 9 letter to the editor, “Rally the troops to help middle-income people,” Kevin Condon, executive vice president of adviser services at Myfinancialadvice Inc., did a wonderful job of illuminating the important issue of providing financial planning advice to middle-income people.

NEWS OPINION SEP 29, 2010
Four hot stocks that are still good bargains

Few of September's star stocks look like bargains. But here are a few that do, according to John Dorfman, chairman of Thunderstorm Capital in Boston and a columnist for Bloomberg News.

NEWS OPINION SEP 23, 2010
Sector selector: How do the major industry groups grade out?

Here's how the 10 major industry groups in the S&P 500 grade out, according to John Dorfman

NEWS OPINION SEP 14, 2010
Knee-jerk reaction to market's free fall should be avoided

The Securities and Exchange Commission and the various stock exchanges must resist the temptation to react impulsively to the market meltdown that occurred May 6.

NEWS OPINION SEP 01, 2010
The role of a fiduciary is timeless

As required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, the Securities and Exchange Commission has begun a six-month study of the regulation of brokers under the fair-dealing standard and advisers under the fiduciary standard.

NEWS OPINION AUG 23, 2010
'Buy' signal flashing with plunge in consumer confidence

Historically, large stocks make biggest gains when confidence in the U.S. economy is at its lowest

NEWS OPINION AUG 15, 2010
Minorities can enrich financial services industry

The confirmation a year ago of the first Hispanic Supreme Court justice, following the election of the first black president, has signaled for many people a growing appreciation of racial diversity and inclusiveness in the United States.