Fear gauge dips, but volatility likely to return

Fear gauge dips, but volatility likely to return

With the ongoing European debt crisis, a slowdown in China’s economic growth, and concerns about a so-called “fiscal cliff” at the end of 2012 for the United States, market volatility jumped in the second quarter compared with the first. The Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index (VIX), also known as the “fear gauge,” only recently

Pricing risk amid global policy impasse

Pricing risk amid global policy impasse

The unusual combination of challenges currently facing financial markets prompts investors to search for historic parallels. We find that today’s monetary and fiscal landscape looks a lot like that of Europe and the United Kingdom in the late 19th century. At that time, Europe had no effective monetary or fiscal policy with which it might

How are advisors planning for volatility?

How are advisors planning for volatility?

Heading into 2012, 79% of financial advisors said volatility would be the biggest challenge facing investors this year. Through the first five months of the year, Europe’s sovereign debt and recession woes, China’s economic slowdown, and decelerating jobs growth in the United States have contributed to market uncertainty and volatility. Find out how advisors are

Volatility can derail even the best client planning

Volatility can derail even the best client planning

While investors may express commitment to a long-term view, all too often volatility can have a negative impact on behavior and turn potential gains into losses. This common response to uncertainty is demonstrated clearly in DALBAR’s 2012 Quantitative Analysis of Investor Behavior. In the study, DALBAR found that while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index

Stock market volatility challenges investors

Stock market volatility challenges investors

Market volatility was cited by 79% of financial advisors as the biggest challenge for investors during 2012, according to a survey conducted by Putnam. It’s easy to see why. Stock market volatility has been much higher since the 2007 subprime crisis compared with earlier years, making risk a major concern for portfolio strategies. A large

Innovative graphic shows how states compete on taxes

Innovative graphic shows how states compete on taxes

Are you living in a high-tax state? Financial planners suggest that finding the ideal retirement spot means weighing a number of pros and cons about each state. This interactive graphic shows how your state stacks up on taxes and other metrics.