CLS Blog

The First P: People

Business people meeting at table in conference room

Content provided by Rusty Vanneman, CFA, CLS Chief Investment Officer I’m often asked to describe the role of a Chief Investment Officer (CIO). A short answer that seems to work in many parts of the country (especially here in Nebraska) is that a CIO is like a football coach. The CIO is accountable for the… Continue reading The First P: People

A Family Business

Mike, his wife Teri, and their children, Cody (7), Luke (8), and Kate (5). Content provided by Robyn Murray, Freelance Writer Mike Vitallo began his career in the printing industry. In a small town outside Chicago, he printed catalogues and brochures with his two brothers at a company founded by his father. Mike Vitallo Sr.,… Continue reading A Family Business

The Importance of Tax Management

Tax time word on tax form with calculator, pen, glasses

Content provided by Grant Engelbart, CFA, CLS Portfolio Manager Managing portfolios for tax sensitivity is an often overlooked area of investment management, however this time of year, more than the rest, investors definitely seem to tend to notice if their portfolio was not managed with regards to taxes. Many holders of traditional mutual funds received… Continue reading The Importance of Tax Management

The Pros and Cons of Fixed Income ETFs

Concept image "weighing the pros and cons". Dice spelling pros and cons balanced on scale isolated on white background

Content provided by Marc Pfeffer, CLS Senior Portfolio Manager Currently, there are nearly 300 fixed income exchange traded funds (ETFs) in the marketplace. That is four times as many as in 2008. Demand continues to be strong for fixed income ETFs, and for some good reasons. The Pros: Liquidity, Diversity, Price, and Efficiency Fixed income… Continue reading The Pros and Cons of Fixed Income ETFs

Gold, Emotions, and Poor Behavior

http://www.gunaymutlu.com/iStock/financial-images-360.jpg

Content provided by Paula Wieck, CLS Portfolio Manager Gold is up about 20% so far this year. This is about the time when investors start asking if we have gold exposure in our portfolios. Whether we do or do not isn’t the point I want to drive home (we do have exposure to gold miners… Continue reading Gold, Emotions, and Poor Behavior

In His Counting House

Andrew, with his wife Stephanie, are expecting their first child in September Content provided by Robyn Murray, Freelance Writer It’s Christmas morning, and brightly colored wrapping paper lies in shredded swirls as four kids sit around the tree tearing through presents. Ribbons, papers, and boxes fly around the room, while 7-year-old Andrew Reisdorff keeps a… Continue reading In His Counting House

Story Telling

Open book

Content provided by Brian Towner, CLS Separate Account Product Manager In the financial industry there are three key components or phases in the client/advisor relationship: Proposal: Define the client’s financial goals and how the advisor can help achieve them. Client Review: How has the advisor helped the client progress toward his or her goals? What… Continue reading Story Telling

The Makings of a Good Smart Beta ETF

Satisfaction

Content provided by Joe Smith, CFA – CLS Senior Market Strategist Smart beta ETFs continue to be a popular topic in the investment industry. They’ve created excitement because they follow indexes that intentionally deviate from a market-cap-weighted index and have deep roots in academic and institutional investment circles. This provides opportunities for additional risk management… Continue reading The Makings of a Good Smart Beta ETF