CLS Blog
The Problem Solver
November 1, 2016
Content provided by Robyn Murray, Freelance Writer Jon Trbovich is a middle child. Growing up, that mostly meant he was “the ignored one.” But being in the middle also gave Trbovich another role, and it’s one he’s assumed for life. The problem solver. “Yep. They always put the problems on me,” Trbovich said with a…
DOL Reiterates Consideration of Differential Compensation
October 28, 2016
Content provided by Kylee Beach, CLS General Counsel In the Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) first set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) concerning the DOL’s new fiduciary rule, the DOL reiterated that the Best Interest Contract Exemption (BIC Exemption) provides that advisors cannot use differential compensation to make recommendations that are not in the best interest…
DOL Releases First Set of FAQ Guidance.
October 27, 2016
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…
CLS & American Funds: Asset Allocation
October 26, 2016
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…
Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts: Opening New Doors for Investors and Financial Advisors
October 7, 2016
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…
Sail Away from the Safe Harbor
September 28, 2016
Content provided by Robyn Murray, Freelance Writer John and his wife, Kristen. John Welch grew up in a small, rural town in Maine where most of the industry was concentrated in logging and farming. Neither held any interest for him, and as soon as he could, he left. More than 20 years later, he knows…
The September FOMC Meeting
September 20, 2016
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…
Get Busy Living
September 13, 2016
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,…
A Treacherous Question: How Do Risks Compare to Potential Rewards?
September 8, 2016
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…
Why Investors Should Source Income Globally
September 1, 2016
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…