BlackRock

Best Blogs of the Week

Posted by Anu Heda on Nov 15, 2011, in Best Blogs of the Week , tagged with , , , ,

Sorry for the one-day delay.  Last week, many firms covered a lot of ground. Wells Fargo posted 11 blogs last week and other firms followed suit. AllianceBernstein – new to blogging – came in with seven. With so many posts to select from, we have four posts to share with no theme or inter-related issue.

  1. AllianceBernstein – In this post, Sharon Fay shares a compelling reason for being bullish on technology stocks. Agree or disagree, it’s valuable to the FA for a firm to share posts like this.
  2. American Century – This post shares a straightforward and easily shared reason for including alternative investments. For an advisor beginning the discussion with clients, this post is helpful
  3. BlackRock – I admit it: I am a sucker for a good heat map.  This post simplifies the tax-loss harvesting discussion many FAs will have with clients soon.
  4. Wells Fargo – This is a solid Q&A with thoughts on how high-quality in the high-yield market can represent value right now.

Best Blogs of the Week

Posted by Anu Heda on Oct 24, 2011, in Best Blogs of the Week , tagged with ,

A dearth of FA impact this week, as we share two posts that cover super-committee and TIPS.  Additionally, we have our first-ever best video.

  • BlackRock – This video includes a few talking points about how the super-committee can impact investing.  As the news outlets ramp up coverage, more advisors will get questions and so this two minute video is valuable.
  • BlackRock – The author does an excellent job describing the differences in owning TIPS and TIPS ETFs.  It’s common sense but a helpful and worthwhile review as clients’ minds turn to year-end tax planning.

 

Best Blogs of the Week

Posted by Anu Heda on Oct 11, 2011, in Best Blogs of the Week , tagged with , , ,

Apologies for the one-day delay. The tremendous weekend weather (in New York) took precedence over this blog.  Though we’re not tracking precisely, the volume of industry blogs is increasing.  More firms are blogging and the firms with established blogs are increasing frequency. Both are encouraging.  This week’s best include three different topics – all highly relevant for advisors fielding calls.

  1. BlackRock – This post shares a few fresh perspectives on gold.  From previous research engagements, I know advisors sometimes get “benchmarked” against gold.  While totally unfair, you can hear an investor saying “why don’t I just invest in gold?”
  2. Russell – This post provides a succinct job of heading off conversations that compare the US economy with Japan’s economy and aging population.
  3. Vanguard – This post provides a succinct job of comparing current economic situations in the US and China.

Best Blogs of the Week

Posted by Anu Heda on Oct 03, 2011, in Best Blogs of the Week , tagged with ,

This week’s best blogs have two different takes on the potential for a double-dip recession.  Not only is the topic very timely, but BlackRock and Russell set up the blog posts in FA-friendly manners.  So as advisors read these blogs, they could easily incorporate the ideas into discussions with their clients.  The third is from a newcomer – NYLIM.  It’s not really a blog post but the Q&A format is interesting and the 3-question format is similar to a blog.

  1. BlackRock – This post shares what to do if a double-dip is imminent.
  2. Russell – This post points out the opinion of numerous managers on a double-dip.
  3. NYLIM – This Q&A discusses high-yield in a succinct, informative manner.

Best Blogs of the Week

Posted by Anu Heda on Sep 26, 2011, in Best Blogs of the Week , tagged with , ,

For the first time, we didn’t find three blogs to present.  We did read two posts that presented important insights.  Insights an FA could pick-up and use immediately.

Virtus – Joe Terranova presents a rational case for his current concerns in US equities.  It’s digestible and probably worth consideration as skittish investors continue to press their FAs for ways to understand if the market will swing upwards.

BlackRock – We are proponents of the dueling opinions format.  Matt Tucker and Russ Koesterich sound off on the Federal Reserves “twist” strategy.  It’s succinct, compelling and shows BlackRock isn’t afraid to showcase different opinions.