Core Viewpoint - Vanguard is entering the high-yield bond market with its new actively managed ETF, the Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF, which represents a significant shift from its traditional focus on investment-grade bonds [4][5]. Company Developments - In December 2025, Vanguard announced a policy change allowing crypto trading on its platform, marking a departure from its previous stance against cryptocurrencies [2][3]. - The Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF was launched in September 2025, indicating a new direction for the company in the junk bond space [4]. Fund Strategy and Management - The Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF aims to invest in a diversified portfolio of junk bonds, focusing on security selection, sector allocation, and market analysis to outperform the high-yield market [5]. - This ETF is actively managed, contrasting with the majority of Vanguard's ETFs, which are passively managed [6]. - The fund has a competitive expense ratio of 0.22%, significantly lower than the average of 0.59% for similar funds, which could enhance shareholder returns [7][12]. Portfolio Composition - The ETF's current asset allocation includes approximately 48% in BB-rated bonds, 36% in B-rated bonds, and about 9% in bonds rated CCC or worse, with 8% in Treasuries for liquidity [7][9]. Future Outlook - Active management is seen as crucial in the evolving junk bond market, allowing the fund to adapt to changing market conditions [11]. - Vanguard's management team aims for an annual outperformance target of 40 basis points relative to a broad high-yield bond index, supported by a well-resourced team with over 200 investment professionals and more than $2.6 trillion under management [12].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the shift in investment strategies for retirees as bond yields rise, particularly focusing on the implications of high-yield bonds offering around 7% returns in a higher interest rate environment [1] Group 1: Investment Environment - A few years ago, retirees faced challenges in finding income due to near-zero bond yields, forcing them to take on riskier investments [1] - Currently, high-yield bonds are providing approximately 7% returns, prompting a reevaluation of risk for retirees relying on their portfolios for income [1] Group 2: Investment Strategy - The article raises the question of whether high-yield bonds represent the appropriate type of risk for retirees, considering their income needs and risk tolerance [1] - It suggests that retirees may need to consider the balance between income generation and the safety of their investments when evaluating options like Pimco's 7% Yield Bond ETF [1]

Market Overview - Wall Street experienced a strong first full trading week of 2026, with the S&P 500 reaching a record high close on Friday, gaining 1.6% for the week [1] - The Nasdaq advanced nearly 2% but did not reach its record high [1] Economic Indicators - The U.S. nonfarm payrolls increased by 50,000 in December, falling short of the forecasted 73,000, which supports the case for more Federal Reserve interest rate cuts [1] Company-Specific Developments - BlackRock shares were offloaded as the financial name saw a jump since the start of the year, capitalizing on its strength [1] - Nvidia's stock declined over 2% despite positive developments, including bullish remarks from CEO Jensen Huang and a larger sales guide for 2025 and 2026 [1] - CrowdStrike's stock fell more than 3% after announcing a $740 million acquisition of identity management startup SGNL, although the stock rose nearly 3.8% for the week overall [1] Strategic Insights - Jim Cramer advised against making sudden moves in the market, noting that the first weeks of the year often display "strange patterns" [1] - The acquisition by CrowdStrike is seen as a significant opportunity to disrupt the identity security market, which is rapidly growing due to increasing online threats [1]

Core Insights - Building a $1 million portfolio does not require finding a single high-performing stock; a simpler strategy involves consistent monthly investments in an ETF [1][2] - The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF is recommended for its ability to track the benchmark index effectively, providing reliable returns over time [4][5] Investment Strategy - Consistency in investing is emphasized as a more effective approach than seeking high-risk stocks; many investors have lost money chasing lesser-known stocks [3][7] - Historical data suggests that investing in the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF could yield significant returns over time, with a hypothetical investment of $5,000 monthly potentially growing to over $1.3 million [7] Time to Millionaire Status - The S&P 500 has an average annualized return of approximately 10.5% over the last century, which serves as a basis for estimating the time required to reach $1 million [9] - A table outlines the estimated time to reach millionaire status based on monthly investments, showing that larger contributions do not proportionally reduce the time needed due to the effects of compounding [11][12] Volatility and Inflation Considerations - Market volatility can impact actual investment outcomes, but consistent monthly investments can help mitigate these effects [13] - The estimated returns do not account for inflation, suggesting that investors may need to adjust their monthly contributions or expectations over time [14]

Core Insights - The recent issuance of Adani Enterprises' five-year non-convertible debenture (NCD) offers a coupon of 8.9%, significantly higher than the 6.5% offered by a five-year fixed deposit from a PSU bank, highlighting the bond market's pricing of risk, credit quality, and liquidity [1] Yield Spread - Yield spread is defined as the difference between the yields of two comparable bonds, typically with similar maturities, and is a crucial concept for fixed-income investors [4][2] - For example, a 10-year government security yielding 6.5% compared to an 8% AAA-rated corporate bond results in a yield spread of 1.5 percentage points, or 150 basis points [5] - Spreads can be calculated among various types of securities, including government securities and corporate bonds, and are influenced by shifts in interest rates and economic conditions [6][7] Types of Spreads - **Term Spread**: The difference in yield between long-term and short-term government securities, reflecting investor expectations regarding economic growth and inflation [8][9] - **Liquidity Spread**: The additional yield demanded for bonds that are harder to trade in the secondary market, with frequently-traded bonds typically offering lower yields [12][13] - **Credit Spread**: The extra yield investors require for holding a corporate bond over a risk-free government security, compensating for default risk and issuer financial health [14][15] Market Behavior - Credit spreads tend to widen during economic stress or sector-specific concerns, as seen during the IL&FS default, which caused spreads to surge across the NBFC sector [17] - Conversely, spreads narrow when economic growth improves and liquidity conditions ease [18] Investor Guidance - Retail investors are encouraged to compare bond yields with appropriate benchmarks, especially in an environment where high returns are advertised [20] - It is essential for bond investments to align with individual time horizons, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs, with professionally-managed debt funds often providing a safer investment route [21]

Core Viewpoint - BlackRock emphasizes the long-term potential of AI investments, viewing them as a capital-intensive cycle with sustained infrastructure spending and productivity gains, indicating that the AI theme is not nearing exhaustion [1]. Group 1: AI Investment Focus - BlackRock's iShares A.I. Innovation and Tech Active ETF (BAI) has attracted over $8 billion in assets, highlighting the growing interest in AI-focused funds [1]. - The firm’s 2026 annual outlook identifies AI as a significant growth opportunity, urging investors to focus on targeted exposures in this area [2]. - The concentration of returns in the U.S. equity market, particularly among the "Magnificent Seven" stocks, which account for over 40% of the S&P 500 Index, necessitates a more deliberate approach to equity exposure [3]. Group 2: Income Generation Strategy - The current interest-rate environment, with expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts, prompts a shift towards income generation as yields on cash investments decline [4]. - Investors are encouraged to seek new sources of income to diversify their portfolios in light of falling interest rates [4]. Group 3: Diversification Approach - BlackRock's strategy includes diversification as a key pillar, especially as market volatility increases and traditional 60-40 portfolios become less reliable [5]. - Investors are advised to look for assets that behave differently from stocks and bonds to enhance portfolio diversification [5]. - The S&P 500's annualized return of 13.5% over the past decade may not be sustainable, indicating a need for cautious expectations moving forward [5]. Group 4: Other AI ETF Options - Several other AI-focused ETFs have also gained traction, each surpassing $1 billion in assets, including Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF (CHAT) and Global X Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ) [6].

Core Insights - Lawrence Fuller has 30 years of experience managing portfolios for individual investors and founded Fuller Asset Management to achieve independence [1] - Fuller Asset Management manages the Focused Growth portfolio on Dub, a copy-trading platform approved by US securities regulators [1] - The Portfolio Architect group, led by Fuller, focuses on an all-weather investment strategy aimed at consistent risk-adjusted returns [1] Company Overview - Fuller Asset Management (FAM) is a state-registered investment adviser [3] - The firm provides educational information and does not solicit specific securities or investment strategies [3] - FAM emphasizes that past performance should not be relied upon without understanding market conditions and investment constraints [3] Platform Features - Dub offers features such as portfolio construction guidance, an "All-Weather" model portfolio, and a dividend and options income portfolio [1] - The platform includes a daily brief summarizing current events, a week-ahead newsletter, technical and fundamental reports, trade alerts, and 24/7 chat support [1]

Wilson advises allocating 20% of one’s portfolio into real assets, including gold, as a hedge against inflation, replacing the traditional 60/40 stocks and bonds mix with a 60/20/20 split. He noted that the debasement story has gone mainstream.Gold is “basically an anti-fiat currency play now more than anything else,” said Mike Wilson, chief investment officer and strategist for Morgan Stanley. That view gained traction in the latter months of 2025, as the so-called debasement trade took hold and investors ...

Core Insights - The introduction of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in Canada in 1990 and their debut in the U.S. in 1993 marked a significant development in investment options, with the first U.S. ETF being the SPDR S&P 500 ETF [1][2] Growth of ETFs - ETFs have seen explosive growth, with a record $1.5 trillion invested in them in 2025, largely due to their nature as index funds and ease of trading [2] Investment Options - Vanguard is highlighted as a leading provider of ETFs, known for low fees and a variety of options suitable for different investor objectives [3][9] Broad-Market Index Funds - Key broad-market index funds include: - Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) with a 1.13% dividend yield and 5-year average annual return of 14.76% - Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) with a 1.12% dividend yield and 5-year average annual return of 13.41% - Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) with a 1.83% dividend yield and 5-year average annual return of 11.24% [5][6] Dividend and Income ETFs - ETFs focused on income through dividends include: - Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND) with a 3.86% yield and a 5-year average annual return of (0.27%) - Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) with a 1.62% yield and a 5-year average annual return of 11.67% - Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF (VYM) with a 2.44% yield and a 5-year average annual return of 12.72% [8][10]

TORONTO, Jan. 9, 2026 /CNW/ - SLGI Asset Management Inc. ("Sun Life Global Investments") today announced management fee reductions for both of its low volatility international and global equity funds and name changes to the same mandates, to better reflect their investment approach.Management Fee ReductionsEffective February 1, 2026, management fees for both funds will be reduced by 0.25%.Fund Name ChangesEffective January 12, 2026:Sun Life MFS Low Volatility Global Equity Fund will be renamed SLGI MFS Blen ...