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Marketing Munis

Posted by Anu Heda on Jun 28, 2012, in Thoughts , tagged with

While reading about the Supreme Court’s decision, Google served this ad (see below) on The New York Times Web site. The landing page provides an introduction to DWS municipal bond funds along with a video.

Two positives about the video:

  1. Freshness – The expert cites Stockton, CA as a source of concern. Stockton declared bankruptcy less than two days ago.
  2. Q & A Format – Two people on camera is four-times more interesting than one person. And the questions are pretty interesting.

Best Blogs of the Week

Posted by Anu Heda on Jun 26, 2012, in Best Blogs of the Week , tagged with , ,

Fiscal cliff? Until this weekend’s paper and morning talk shows, I hadn’t heard that term. And then two of last week’s best blogs reference the fiscal cliff. A third blog introduces a straightforward but unusual manner for FAs to discuss returning from “all cash” positions.

  • BlackRock – This post covers four reasons not to expect a double dip recession, and touches on the fiscal cliff.
  • Putnam – This post is a video Q&A that starts with the fiscal cliff.
  • Russell – Many FAs and clients will be immediately turned off by an algebra formula. But those who are not may find this post a clear way to discuss re-entering the markets.

Who Says You Can’t Talk Product in Social Media?

Posted by Mike McLaughlin on Jun 20, 2012, in Thoughts , tagged with , ,

“Anything but product.”

That’s what a client said to us recently as we worked through content options for social media. It’s a point we hear regularly and one that the industry seems to generally believe in, either because of regulatory concerns or because of the potential perception of “pushing product”.

Then there’s this:

A BlackRock Tweet from June 3, 2012.

That was followed by another Tweet on June 10th highlighting BlackRock’s Global Dividend Income Fund. And, in fact, the June 3rd Tweet wasn’t even the first. BlackRock specifically mentioned its LifePath Portfolios back on May 28th.

At the very least, this challenges the widely-held notion that product-specific promotion is an absolute social media no-no. It will be interesting to see if this type of content becomes more common moving forward.

Best Blogs of the Week

Posted by Anu Heda on Jun 18, 2012, in Best Blogs of the Week , tagged with ,

These two posts are as unconventional as we remember. Frankly, I’m both surprised and impressed that these firms released these blogs.

  • AllianceBernstein – In all the financial material we read, we can’t recall the last case for Japanese equities. This post makes the case.
  • Pioneer – The author posts a case for Spain’s solvency. It’s an interesting and logical process. It’s also a bold position to put in writing.

Best Blogs of the Week

Posted by Anu Heda on Jun 12, 2012, in Best Blogs of the Week , tagged with , ,

This week’s best blogs range from a Q&A about stock picking to finding opportunity in volatility.

  • Columbia – Most FAs we encounter  have sold volatility (as a situation) to their clients. We hear “these are volatile times” or “it’s a period of unprecedented volatility” very often. This post, especially the bold text provides an interesting stance on what to look for in today’s volatile markets.
  • Russell – Is there any asset management metaphor more cliche than the sailboat? A compass. I’d agree with that. Anyhow, this post relates an important (and simple) sailing innovation to investing in a new (hence, not cliche) manner.
  • Wells Fargo – This post provides an interesting stance on why the time for active equity may be now. We’re fans of the Q&A style, especially when used selectively.

[Apologies for the extra day]