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☆ Investors are ramping up their exits from Cathie Wood's ARK after an epic 72% decline in her flagship fund
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-23 | by ( Matthew Fox | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Investors are ramping up outflows from Cathie Wood's ARK funds after a three-year decline. The suite of ARK ETFs has seen net outflows of $2.2 billion so far this year, triple the outflows in 2023. AdvertisementInvestors in Cathie Wood's ARK ETFs are starting to increase the pace of outflows after a string of bad bets and a painful three-year decline. The ARK ETFs' combined assets under management stand at $11.1 billion, down 81% from its peak AUM of $59 billion in 2021. This dynamic — the sharp decline in ARK funds while the broader stock market hits record highs — was highlighted by Morningstar earlier this year.

Persons: —, Morningstar, Amy Arnott, Wood, Tesla Organizations: Service, Innovation, Morningstar, Nvidia, Unity Software

☆ Stocks trade near records, but chances are your portfolio isn’t sufficiently protected from a fall
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-26 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

For instance, the iShares MBS ETF (MBB) has a net expense ratio of 0.04% and a year-to-date total return of -1.24%. Vanguard's MBS ETF (VMBS) also carries an expense ratio of 0.04% and a total return of -1.08% in 2024. Stocks in developed markets have had the closest correlation with U.S. equities, while emerging markets equities are less correlated, the research firm found. ETFs that play on that theme include the Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) , which has an expense ratio of 0.08%, and the iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) , with an expense ratio of 0.09%. VWO has a year-to-date total return of 1.33%, while IEMG's total return for the period is 1.6%.

Persons: Charles NeSmith, Morningstar, Andrew Herzog, Herzog, Cash, Amy Arnott, There's, NeSmith, VWO Organizations: Nasdaq, Communications, Financial, Mortgage, Investors, MBS, Morningstar, Commodities, Vanguard FTSE, Markets Locations: Plantation , Florida, Plano , Texas, U.S

☆ These niche funds provide investors with steady monthly payments in retirement
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-12 | by ( Michelle Fox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Some investors looking for steady income in retirement are turning to managed payout funds. There are just a handful of these niche mutual funds, which pay monthly income to investors, Morningstar portfolio strategist Amy Arnott said. Schwab offers three such funds: Schwab Monthly Income Fund - Income Payout (SWLRX), Schwab Monthly Income Fund - Flexible Payout (SWKRX) and Schwab Monthly Income Fund - Target Payout (SWJRX). The Schwab Monthly Income Fund - Target Payout (SWJRX), on the other hand, aims to offer a 5% annual payout. Managed payout funds are not offered in many defined contribution plans, such as 401(k)s. In fact, a 2022 Cerulli survey of defined contribution plan consultants showed just 17% of the plans offered any managed payout funds.

Persons: Morningstar, Amy Arnott, Schwab, Inga Rachwald, Schwab's, Morningstar's Arnott, Rachwald, Arnott, Brett Lozowski, doesn't Organizations: Schwab, Income, Schwab Asset Management, Planning Partners

☆ Investors are unlikely to dump cash in favor of locking in bond yields, JPMorgan says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-02 | by ( Michelle Fox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

The inflows this year come at a time when, historically, money funds see seasonal outflows. Ho calculates about $5.5 trillion of the assets sitting in money market funds are core liquidity for companies and cash savings for retail investors. In fact, the most recent push into money market funds is coming from institutional investors, according to the ICI. Assets of institutional money market funds increased by $33.06 billion to $3.65 trillion, while retail money market funds rose by $8.62 billion to $2.35 trillion, the organization found. That's because yields on money market funds lag behind Fed moves.

Persons: Teresa Ho, Ho, Powell, Shelly Antoniewicz, Jerome Powell, AllianceBernstein, Monika Carlson, Carlson, Amy Arnott, Arnott, Rob Williams, Charles Schwab Organizations: JPMorgan, Investment Company Institute, Federal Reserve, CNBC, ICI, Fed, Treasury, Morningstar, Charles, Charles Schwab Center, Financial Research Locations: Treasurys

☆ Big Tech had a huge 2023. Why it may be time to part with some of your winners
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-11 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

If you rode your Big Tech winners into the new year, now might be the time to consider whittling down a few of those overweight positions. "It's the only way to consistently buy low and sell high, but no one ever wants to do it," duQuesnay said. He noted that the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) is a good way to get broad exposure to the space. The Federal Reserve's rate-hiking campaign made yields on an array of assets, ranging from Treasurys to money market funds, attractive. Ethridge, who bought six- and 12-month brokered certificates of deposit for clients in 2023, is going for longer-dated instruments these days.

Persons: rebalancing, Blair duQuesnay, duQuesnay, Morningstar, Amy Arnott, Arnott, it's, Barry Glassman, Russell, didn't, Malcolm Ethridge, Ethridge, Tesla, Glassman Organizations: Big Tech, Microsoft, Nvidia, Tesla, Ritholtz Wealth Management, Wealth Services, Wealth, AMD, Federal, Taxpayers Locations: New Orleans, North Bethesda , Maryland, Rockville , Maryland, rebalance

☆ Protect your portfolio income from hefty state taxes with these funds
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Investors in high-tax locales can protect some of their portfolio income from steep levies by adding state-specific municipal bond funds to their fixed-income roster. "In the muni bond fund market, we're seeing yields higher than they have been in more than a decade," said Amy Arnott, portfolio strategist for Morningstar Research Services. That's because while muni bond income is generally free of federal taxes, it can also avoid state levies if the investor resides in the state where the bond was issued. That's where state-specific muni bond funds come into the picture. See below for a chart of 10 large state-focused muni bond funds.

Persons: Bonds, haven't, Amy Arnott, Dan Herron, Herron, Arnott, CNBC's Gabriel Cortes Organizations: Federal Reserve, Muni Bond ETF, Morningstar Research Services, Vanguard, SEC, Vanguard New, CPA, Wealth Advisors, muni Locations: California, New York, Massachusetts, Ohio, Jersey

☆ A time-honored investing strategy is under pressure. But don’t panic
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Krystal Hur | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

New York CNN —An age-old investing strategy is losing its shine, but investors aren’t ready to cast it aside. Common wisdom suggests that when investors are fearful, stock prices tend to fall, and bond prices rise as people seek safer investments. When yields rise, bond prices fall, and Treasuries have been sinking in recent months. Those are characteristics of the perfect storm that sent the 60-40 portfolio nosediving in 2022. The 60-40 portfolio shed roughly 17% last year, its worst performance since 2008, according to data from Vanguard.

Persons: Bonds, Stocks, ”, Amy Arnott, Jerome Powell, Brian Henderson, Henderson, Chris Isidore, Marlon Pando, White Lotus, Alicia Wallace, — Organizations: CNN Business, Bell, New York CNN, Federal Reserve, Vanguard, Morningstar, Treasury, BOK Financial, Auto, United Auto Workers, General Motors, Ford, GM, Wednesday, Disney Locations: New York, New Jersey, United States

Investors were handed an income opportunity they haven't seen in more than a decade when the 10-year Treasury yield climbed near 5% on Thursday. US10Y 5Y mountain 10-year Treasury A 5% yield on the 10-year is a good value, said Kathy Jones, Charles Schwab's chief fixed income strategist. A real yield is a bond's nominal yield minus inflation. "With the 10-year yield nearing 5%, it could be your sign to pick them up." There is also the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) , which has lost 2.59% and charges 0.06% in fees.

Persons: Barry Glassman, Kathy Jones, Charles Schwab's, Callie Cox, Schwab's Jones, Amy Arnott, Morningstar, Arnott, Cox, John Croke ,, Jones, Morningstar's Arnott Organizations: Treasury, Wealth Services, LendingClub, Vanguard Locations: eToro

☆ How to Invest in Mutual Funds
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( Mallika Mitra | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +20 min

Mutual funds are relatively cheap and simple to invest in, thanks to the many trading apps and online brokerages available nowadays. To get started, read on for our 10-step guide on how to invest in mutual funds. Once you open an account, you can invest in a wide range of securities, like stocks, bonds and mutual funds. Buy mutual fund sharesNow that you’ve solidified your strategy and done your research, you are almost ready to buy mutual funds. How to buy mutual fund sharesSome mutual funds require an investment minimum, often between $500 and $3,000, but not all do.

Persons: Mallika Mitra, Tricia Rosen, ”, Rosen, “, Ameritrade, Roth, Roth IRAs, Uncle Sam, you’ve, Randy Bruns, it’s, Morningstar, Russell, hasn’t, Amy Arnott, John Bogle, Morningstar’s Arnott, pitfall Arnott, You’ll, you’ll, Don’t, Sam, haven’t Organizations: Mutual, Fidelity, Vanguard, Morningstar, SEC, Apple, Fidelity Investments Fidelity, Target, Walmart, Funds, Capital Group, Capital Group’s, The Securities, Exchange Commission, Social, Consumer, Morgan, Capital Locations: Andover, Mass, Naperville , Illinois, U.S

☆ Yields on inflation-protected bonds spiked after the Fed’s tough outlook. What’s next for investors
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-27 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The yield on the 5-year TIPS was 2.48% on Wednesday afternoon, while the rate on the 10-year TIPS was 2.29%. The par value of the bonds adjusts with inflation, based on the consumer price index for all urban consumers. Duration is a measure of a bond's price sensitivity to changes in interest rates, and as bond prices swooned in 2022, TIPS also suffered. "They're not always the perfect inflation hedge in the short term, and they are very sensitive to changes in market interest rates." Be aware that while there are no state or local taxes on interest, federal taxes apply.

Persons: Brett Wander, Morningstar, US5YTIPS, Bill Ahmuty, Amy Arnott, They're, Arnott Organizations: Federal Reserve, Schwab Asset Management, Fed, State Street Global Advisors, Morningstar Research Services Locations: TreasuryDirect

☆ Large U.S. companies outperformed other investments over the last 20 years—but you should still diversify, pros say
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-25 | by ( Ryan Ermey | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

In theory, the more return you hope to earn from an investment, the more risk you'll have to take on. While most asset classes follow the risk/return rules, a couple notable outliers emerge. Commodities, despite being one of the jumpier asset classes, offer the weakest 20-year return at 0.73%. There are compelling cases to be made that, given their outsize performance, large stocks are overvalued compared with other asset classes, such as small-company and developed and emerging markets stocks, Stovall adds. For long-term investors, he says, "nibbling at small- and mid-cap stocks as well as international investments might be a good thing."

Persons: We've, there's, Sam Stovall, they'll, Wayne Gretzky, Stovall, Amy Arnott Organizations: Morningstar Direct, Commodities, Morningstar Research Services

☆ Cash accounts are paying more than 5% in interest—but 'don't load up on it,' says money expert
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-22 | by ( Ryan Ermey | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

With interest rates hovering near zero for much of the last decade, savers couldn't expect to earn much in interest when they stashed their money. Online banks are offering high-yield savings accounts paying interest in the neighborhood of 5%, according to Bankrate. High-yield savings accounts High-yield savings accounts and money market accounts are both insured, up to $250,000, by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Money market funds Money market funds are mutual funds that invest in short-term low-risk debt. There is a very small risk of losing money with these, and they generally pay attractive interest rates and can be quickly liquidated.

Persons: Cash, Amy Arnott, there's, they've, Arnott, Banks, Morgan, Charles Schwab Organizations: Federal Reserve, Morningstar Research Services, ., Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Vanguard

☆ YOUR MONEY How to get high rates to work for you
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-17 | by ( Chris Taylor | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

July 17 (Reuters) - There is no doubt that higher interest rates are hard on a many people – especially if you are taking out a loan on a home or a car, or are struggling to catch up with credit-card debt. But for some, steep interest rates are not actually bad news. In fact, 38% of people say they have benefited from higher interest rates during the past year, according to a new survey from Allianz Life Insurance. “That’s the dichotomy: Higher interest rates are both crushing some people and benefiting others at the same time,” says Kelly LaVigne, vice president of Consumer Insights for Allianz Life. That means if you have some savings set aside, it is time to think about how to flip this negative of higher interest rates into a positive.

Persons: “, ”, Kelly LaVigne, Amy Arnott, Morningstar, Arnott, Rowe, Baird, Jeremy Keil, Keil, George Gagliardi, Lauren Young, Aurora Ellis Organizations: Allianz Life Insurance, Consumer, Allianz Life, U.S . Federal Reserve, Morningstar, FDIC, Bills, CIT Bank, BMO Alto, Citizens, Financial, Thomson Locations: New Berlin , Wisconsin, Toronto, Lexington , Massachusetts

☆ Get paid for doing nothing: What you should know about cash sweep accounts
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-19 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Doing nothing pays these days — at least that's the case if you're talking about cash that's sitting in your brokerage account. Consider Fidelity Investments is offering a 2.6% APY on its cash management account, but LPL Financial pays 0.45% on its insured cash account for clients with $300,000 to $500,000 in household value. First, examine your goals for the money before you shop around for cash sweep rates. Finally, if you do pile cash into your sweep account, think about the tax implications of doing so. Some firms offer different options for investing your cash sweep account, including a municipal money market fund for investors who reside in high-tax states.

☆ Investors are pouring record amounts into money market funds as rates rise. How to pick the best one
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-28 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Investors in search of relative safety and attractive yields are piling into money market funds at record levels. In particular, they fled to government money market funds – which hold U.S. Treasurys – with retail assets surpassing $1.25 trillion. Here's what you should know as you browse: Three varieties In addition to government money market funds, there are also tax-exempt money market funds. She noted that there are also some state-specific money market funds, which might make sense for residents in high-tax jurisdictions. Money market funds also shouldn't be confused with money market accounts – which are interest-bearing accounts you can open at a bank.

☆ Six-month Treasury yield tops 5%. Here’s how you can put your idle cash to work
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-23 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Rates on U.S. Treasurys have spurted even higher, and that means you don't have to look too far to safely grab some yield for your cash holdings. The yield on six-month Treasurys have surpassed 5%, and even 1-month bills tout rates of 4.5%. Further, you can put the same concept to work with short-dated Treasurys to get a little more yield on your cash and do so safely. Risk management and ladders When interest rates are rising, you can reinvest the proceeds of the maturing bonds in your ladder into a longer-dated issue. In a falling rate environment, you can count on the bonds that have already locked in the higher yields.

☆ Interest rates are high. Here’s a relatively safe way to squeeze more from your cash
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-25 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Be aware that money market accounts offered by a bank are subject to protection from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. This isn't the case with money market funds, which can't guarantee that you won't lose money. When shopping for a money market fund, look for offerings that hold high quality underlying investments, and be sure to keep an eye out for fees. Money market funds that Lawrence likes include the Federated Hermes Prime Cash Obligations Fund (PCOXX) and the Fidelity Tax-Exempt Money Market Fund Premium Class (FZEXX). Unless they're tax exempt, money market fund income is subject to federal, state and local taxes.

☆ What Is a Robo Advisor, and Do I Need One?
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( ) www.wsj.com time to read: +9 min

That’s where a robo advisor can help. A robo advisor is a digital, automated service that makes investing easy because it picks securities for you. How to start investing with a robo advisorGetting started investing with a robo advisor is designed to be easy. Robo advisor accounts are well-suited for anyone who is comfortable being online but needs a nudge to invest and would rather not do it themselves or doesn’t have the means to hire an individual financial advisor. Betterment and Wealthfront, for example, offer savings accounts, which pay substantially more than traditional bank savings accounts, as well as checking accounts and debit cards.

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