DOL Releases First Set of FAQ Guidance.

What, Where, Who, Why, When, How-written with Direction board

Content provided by Mike Forker, CLS Chief Compliance Officer The US Department of Labor (DOL) has issued the first set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) concerning the DOL’s new fiduciary rule.  These FAQs seek to clarify issues for service providers to ERISA covered accounts related to the Best Interest Contract Exemption (BIC Exemption) and other… Continue reading DOL Releases First Set of FAQ Guidance.

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CLS & American Funds: Asset Allocation

Three business people examining graphs on the screen of digital tablet

Content provided by Grant Engelbart, CFA, CAIA, CLS Portfolio Manager We are often asked about our ability to add value to a portfolio of American Funds. After all, American Funds are the largest actively-managed fund company in the United States for a reason – they are darn good. There are over 60 different American funds… Continue reading CLS & American Funds: Asset Allocation

Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts: Opening New Doors for Investors and Financial Advisors

Content provided by Case Eichenberger, CIMA, CLS Client Portfolio Manager As long as people keep populating this earth, there will be a need for better products, better options, and better ways to perform critical functions. The drive for innovation and advancement is ever-present. Forty years ago, professionally managed pension plans were the norm in the… Continue reading Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts: Opening New Doors for Investors and Financial Advisors

The September FOMC Meeting

Financial charts abstract business graph and exchange rates 3d background

Content provided by Josh Jenkins, CFA, CLS Portfolio Manager Why a Hike Here Should Not Matter to Long-Term Investors The financial media has been focused on whether or not the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will move to increase interest rates this week. Does this mean that long term investors should also take notice? Does… Continue reading The September FOMC Meeting

Get Busy Living

Shari and her daughters, Olivia (5) and Lola (2) Content provided by Robyn Murray, Freelance Writer I caught up with Shari Rash when she was out buying last-minute necessities for a family trip to New Jersey. With two kids in tow, one in a stroller and the other rushing down the aisles in front of her,… Continue reading Get Busy Living

A Treacherous Question: How Do Risks Compare to Potential Rewards?

A very brave soul, balancing high above Yosemite Valley.

Content provided by Scott Kubie, CFA, CLS Chief Strategist Advisors have a lot on their minds. In addition to worrying about regulators and a tendency to watch too much politically-slanted news, advisors seem extra-concerned about markets lately. While most questions I receive from advisors focus on a narrow market segment, a recent question captured the… Continue reading A Treacherous Question: How Do Risks Compare to Potential Rewards?

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Why Investors Should Source Income Globally

Metal globe resting on paper currency

Content provided by Joe Smith, CFA, CLS Senior Market Strategist Low interest rates mean one simple thing: the search for yield and income is a very real and difficult challenge for investors. With many of the world’s economies offering low, zero, or even negative interest rates, the ability for investors to generate income in portfolios… Continue reading Why Investors Should Source Income Globally

Jersey Roots

Mike with his wife, Lauren. Content provided by Robyn Murray, Freelance Writer When Mike Zarren’s friends were biking through the woods or swimming in the lake at summer camp, he was inside, enjoying the air conditioning, and making money. “I’m not a big outdoorsy guy anyway,” Zarren said in a recent interview. “I’d rather be… Continue reading Jersey Roots