Core Viewpoint - The sentiment is shifting towards a bullish outlook on small-cap stocks, driven by recent Federal Reserve actions and economic indicators suggesting a stable economy rather than a weak one [1][2][3]. Economic Indicators - The GDP growth forecast for Q3 is mid to low 3% and is expected to be in the low 2% range for Q4 and mid-2% for the following year, indicating a stable economic environment [3][4]. Federal Reserve Actions - The Federal Reserve has reduced the policy rate by 75 basis points since September and 175 basis points since the previous September, positioning the Fed to monitor economic developments closely [4]. Small-Cap Market Insights - There is a belief that despite some Russell 2000 stocks being unprofitable, there are significant opportunities in the small-cap sector, particularly in profitable companies [6][7]. - The outlook for earnings in the Russell 2000 is projected to be in the mid to high teens, outperforming the S&P 500 [7]. Market Dynamics - The current market environment is characterized by a shift where previously lagging stocks, including small caps, are beginning to gain momentum, which is seen as a positive sign for future leadership in the market [11]. - Increased M&A activity in the small-cap space is noted, with strategic buyers becoming more active, particularly in healthcare and technology sectors [12].

NEW YORK, Dec. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Gross Law Firm issues the following notice to shareholders of Blue Owl Capital Inc. (NYSE: OWL). Shareholders who purchased shares of OWL during the class period listed are encouraged to contact the firm regarding possible lead plaintiff appointment. Appointment as lead plaintiff is not required to partake in any recovery. CONTACT US HERE:  https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/blue-owl-capital-inc-loss-submission-form/?id=180009&from=3 CLASS PERIOD: Febru ...

Hanwha Asset Management is expanding into private credit, an asset class still in its early stages in South Korea but continues to attract some of the nation’s largest money managers https://t.co/QWsjOH0RVr ...

Group 1 - Retail investors are experiencing a breakout year, investing nearly double the 5-year average and 53% above last year's levels according to JP Morgan [1] - The primary strategy for retail investors has been buying the dip during major sell-offs, such as the panic in late January and the tariff announcement in April [2] - Retail investors have shifted from individual stocks to ETFs starting in May, indicating a strategic rotation in their investment approach [3] Group 2 - Retail investors are also capitalizing on gold and silver investments, while still pursuing major tech stocks like Nvidia, Tesla, Google, and Microsoft, but net selling shares of Meta and Apple [3] - Fidelity reported a record high of 654,000 401k millionaires, the highest since the early 2000s, with the share of millionaire accounts doubling since late 2022 [4]

Core Viewpoint - The Board of Trustees of abrdn National Municipal Income Fund has approved the reorganization of VFL into MFS Municipal Income Trust, aiming to create a larger, more efficient fund with a targeted annual distribution rate of 6% of the Surviving Fund's net asset value [1][2]. Group 1: Reorganization Details - The reorganization will change the Surviving Fund's name from "MFS Municipal Income Trust" to "Aberdeen Municipal Income Fund" [1]. - Shareholders of VFL will have the opportunity to vote on the proposal at a special meeting scheduled for March 11, 2026, with the reorganization expected to close in the second quarter of 2026 if approved [2]. Group 2: Fund Management and Assets - Aberdeen Investments is one of the largest asset management firms globally, managing approximately $515 billion in assets as of September 30, 2025, including 15 U.S. closed-end funds totaling $26.1 billion [5]. - MFS had approximately $655.2 billion in assets under management as of November 30, 2025 [6]. Group 3: Governance and Advisory - The reorganization includes appointing abrdn Inc. as the investment adviser to the Surviving Fund and retaining the current VFL trustees along with one additional independent trustee [9].

Core Viewpoint - The Board of Trustees of abrdn National Municipal Income Fund has approved the reorganization of VFL into MFS Municipal Income Trust, aiming to create a larger, more efficient fund with a targeted annual distribution rate of 6% of the Surviving Fund's net asset value [1][2]. Fund Reorganization Details - The reorganization will change the Surviving Fund's name from "MFS Municipal Income Trust" to "Aberdeen Municipal Income Fund" upon closing [1]. - Shareholders of VFL will vote on the proposal at a special meeting scheduled for March 11, 2026, with the reorganization expected to close in the second quarter of 2026 if approved [2]. Investment Management Background - Aberdeen Investments is one of the largest asset management firms globally, managing approximately $515 billion in assets as of September 30, 2025, including 15 U.S. closed-end funds and 13 non-U.S. closed-end funds totaling $26.1 billion [5]. - MFS, as of November 30, 2025, had approximately $655.2 billion in assets under management [6]. Governance and Advisory Structure - The reorganization includes appointing abrdn Inc. as the investment adviser to the Surviving Fund and retaining the current VFL trustees along with one additional independent trustee [9].

Core Viewpoint - MFS Investment Management announced the reorganization of several Target Funds into the MFS Multimarket Income Trust, aimed at increasing scale, liquidity, and marketability, potentially reducing the discount to net asset value per share over time [1][3]. Reorganization Details - The reorganization involves MFS Charter Income Trust, MFS Government Markets Income Trust, MFS Intermediate High Income Fund, and MFS Intermediate Income Trust merging into the MFS Multimarket Income Trust [3]. - The reorganization is intended to allow shareholders to invest in a larger fund with the potential for a higher annual distribution rate, as the Target Funds and the Surviving Fund share similar investment objectives and policies [3]. Shareholder Approval Process - Shareholders of each Target Fund will vote on the reorganization at a special meeting scheduled for March 11, 2026, with a prospectus/proxy statement to be provided for additional information [4]. - The reorganization is contingent upon shareholder approval, and if approved, is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2026 [4][10]. New Management and Governance - Aberdeen Investments has been appointed as the new investment adviser for the Surviving Fund, with a new investment management agreement to be approved by shareholders [7][10]. - Five new trustees have been nominated to serve on the board of the Surviving Fund, also subject to shareholder approval [7][10]. Aberdeen Investments Overview - Aberdeen Investments is one of the world's largest asset management firms, managing approximately $515 billion in assets as of September 30, 2025, and has extensive experience with closed-end funds [9].

Core Viewpoint - MFS Investment Management announced the reorganization of three municipal trust funds into the MFS Municipal Income Trust, aiming to enhance scale, liquidity, and marketability, potentially benefiting shareholders with higher distribution rates and lower operating expenses [1][3][5]. Reorganization Details - The reorganization involves MFS High Income Municipal Trust, MFS High Yield Municipal Trust, and MFS Investment Grade Municipal Trust merging into the MFS Municipal Income Trust [1][3]. - The new fund will be managed by Aberdeen Investments, with the appointment of five new trustees and the issuance of additional common shares [1][8]. Shareholder Approval - Shareholders of the Target Funds will vote on the reorganization at a special meeting scheduled for March 11, 2026, with a prospectus/proxy statement to be provided [4][5][11]. - The reorganization is contingent upon shareholder approval and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2026 [5][11]. Investment Management Changes - A new investment management agreement will be established with Aberdeen Investments, which is recognized as one of the largest asset management firms globally, managing approximately $515 billion in assets as of September 30, 2025 [10][11]. - The election of five new trustees for the Surviving Fund is also subject to shareholder approval [8][11]. Fund Objectives - The Target Funds and the Surviving Fund share similar investment objectives and policies, with the reorganization aimed at benefiting shareholders by creating a larger fund with improved financial metrics [3][12].

Summary of Abacus Global Management Conference Call Company Overview - **Company Name**: Abacus Global Management (NasdaqCM: ABL) - **Industry**: Asset Management focused on life insurance assets - **History**: Over 20 years of operation, public for 10 quarters Key Financial Metrics - **Q1 Revenue Growth**: Year-over-year growth of over 100% in revenue [4] - **Adjusted Net Income Guidance**: Targeting approximately 80% year-over-year growth [4] - **EBITDA Margin**: Greater than 60% [4] - **Return on Equity (ROE) and Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)**: Both over 20% [4] - **Dividend Yield**: Over 2.5% with the first annual dividend announced [6] - **Market Valuation**: Trading at a multiple of approximately 2.5 earnings, with expectations for growth [5] Business Model and Strategy - **Core Business**: Abacus operates as both an origination company and an asset manager, controlling the lifecycle of client assets [3] - **Market Opportunity**: Positioned in a $14 trillion life insurance industry, with a focus on acquiring life insurance policies as assets [7][10] - **Recurring Revenue**: Aiming to increase recurring revenue from 15% to 70% over the next three to five years [15] - **Growth Strategy**: Plans to triple revenue over the last two years and double it again in the next three years [16] Unique Selling Proposition - **Regulatory Advantage**: Licensed in every state to operate in a highly regulated market [10] - **Data Utilization**: Developed technology to track mortality with 99% accuracy within 48 hours, significantly outperforming traditional systems [18] - **Asset Characteristics**: Life insurance policies are typically A-rated, cash-reserved, and uncorrelated to market fluctuations [12][13] Growth Areas - **Asset Management**: Currently managing approximately $3-$3.5 billion in assets under management (AUM), with expectations to reach $10 billion in five years [26] - **Technology Division**: Significant growth in tracking lives for mortality data, expanding from 26,000 to 2.6 million lives monitored [29] - **Wealth Advisory Services**: Developing financial solutions based on lifespan data to assist clients in retirement planning [19] Market Position and Future Outlook - **Market Penetration**: Abacus is a dominant player in an underpenetrated market, with a unique position as the only public company in its industry with recurring revenue [7] - **Securitization Plans**: Launched its first securitization in October, with plans for more in 2026 to optimize capital costs [32] - **Investor Engagement**: Committed to educating investors about the business model and growth potential [36] Conclusion - **Investment Opportunity**: Abacus presents a compelling investment opportunity with strong growth metrics, a unique business model, and a significant market opportunity in the life insurance asset management space [36]

On Thursday, top financial players BlackRock and J.P.Morgan each launched a new ETF to add to their ever- growing fund libraries. BlackRock's Expansive Bond Coverage BlackRock added the iShares Total ... ...