Group 1 - The average amount Americans believe they need for a comfortable retirement is over $2 million, specifically $2,089,000, which is significantly higher than traditional benchmarks [2] - A concerning statistic reveals that 62% of Gen-Xers have saved less than $150,000 for retirement, indicating a widespread shortfall in retirement savings [2] - The performance gap between pension funds and 401(k) plans is attributed to the inclusion of private assets in pensions, which typically outperform 401(k)s by about 0.5% annually, leading to a substantial difference over time [3] Group 2 - The lack of familiarity with private assets among plan providers is a barrier to their inclusion in 401(k) plans, which limits the potential for higher returns [4] - The practical inclusion of private assets like real estate and infrastructure in 401(k) plans has only become feasible in the last five to ten years, highlighting a recent shift in investment strategies [4]

Bitcoin and crypto markets have entered a new phase defined less by speculation and more by portfolio discipline, according to a new note from WisdomTree. Dovile Silenskyte, director of digital assets research at WisdomTree, wrote in a note shared with Decrypt that the days of survival and price discovery are behind crypto traders. "Crypto has moved on from its retail-led, boom-bust adolescence. Infrastructure largely works, regulation is tightening rather than retreating and capital is behaving more li ...

Core Insights - The article discusses three Fidelity ETFs that are recommended for long-term investment, emphasizing their performance and unique characteristics. Group 1: Fidelity ETFs Overview - Fidelity Fundamental Large Cap Growth ETF (FFLG) has outperformed broader indexes in most years over the past two decades, holding around 140 stocks across various sectors [1] - Fidelity High Dividend ETF (FDVV) offers a yield of nearly 3% with low fees (0.15%) and focuses on international large and mid-cap stocks, providing geographic diversification [1] - Fidelity Enhanced New India ETF (FENI) targets the high-growth Indian market, benefiting from consistent double-digit GDP growth and a weak U.S. dollar, making it a strong performer despite market volatility [1] Group 2: Performance and Strategy - FFLG employs a multi-factor model emphasizing fundamentals like earnings growth and valuation, aiming for returns on par with or better than broader index funds [1] - FDVV's sector tilt favors companies with income stability and capital appreciation, positioning it as a total return play rather than just a yield-focused investment [1] - FENI's strategy of focusing on the top 25-50 stocks in the Indian market allows for potentially safer exposure to high-growth opportunities [1]

Core Insights - U.S. small-cap equities experienced modest gains in Q4 2025, supported by attractive valuations, earnings recovery, and a shift from mega-cap stocks [1] - The Aristotle Small Cap Equity Fund (Class I-2) returned 1.96% in Q4 2025, slightly trailing the Russell 2000 Index's return of 2.19% [1] - Security selection positively impacted overall performance, while allocation effects detracted from it [1] Company Focus: Cohen & Steers, Inc. (NYSE:CNS) - Cohen & Steers, Inc. is a leading asset management holding company with a market capitalization of $3.4 billion [2] - The stock closed at $66.66 per share on February 13, 2026, with a one-month return of -5.34% and a twelve-month decline of 21.82% [2] - The company has seen an improvement in new business activity due to lower interest rates and high equity market valuations, which may lead to earnings growth [3] - Cohen & Steers maintains solid cash levels, positioning it for potential acquisitions or share repurchases [3] Hedge Fund Interest - Cohen & Steers, Inc. was held by 27 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q3 2025, an increase from 23 in the previous quarter [5] - Despite its potential, the company is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with some analysts suggesting that certain AI stocks may offer better upside potential [5]

Core Insights - The Federal Reserve's recent rate-cutting cycle and potential future cuts are prompting income investors to seek higher yields in the equities market [4][5] - Dividend growth ETFs are becoming increasingly important for generating reliable income to combat inflation and enhance dividend portfolios [5] ETF Performance and Characteristics - Popular dividend-focused ETFs like JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPI) and NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF (SPYI) have gained traction due to their high yields of 8.02% and 11.79% respectively [6] - However, these ETFs have shown limited share price growth, with JEPI trading between $50 and $63.19 and SPYI between $43.59 and $52.68 since their respective inceptions [7] - For investors seeking both dividend growth and capital appreciation, Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) are recommended as they have outperformed the S&P 500 in 2026 [8]

Core Viewpoint - Neuberger Berman focuses on delivering compelling long-term investment results for clients, driven by a culture of fundamental research and innovation [1] Company Overview - Founded in 1939, Neuberger Berman operates in 39 cities across 26 countries, managing a diverse range of investment strategies including equity, fixed income, private equity, and hedge funds [1] - The firm has a total of 2,850 employees, including 763 investment professionals, emphasizing a commitment to client outcomes and investment excellence [1] Employee and Culture - Neuberger Berman has achieved high retention rates among senior investment staff and has been recognized in the Pensions & Investments "Best Places to Work in Money Management" survey as either first or second since 2014 [1] - As a private, independent, employee-owned investment manager, the firm aligns its structure with the long-term interests of clients, with no external parent or public shareholders [1] Financials - As of June 30, 2025, Neuberger Berman manages $538 billion in assets [1]

The alternative asset-manager is adding an unleveraged sleeve to its Fortress Lending Fund V, in a bid to lure insurance companies as well as some other European institutional investors https://t.co/NK2yLnmi73 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of dividend growth investing, highlighting that the starting yield is not the sole focus for investors, particularly for younger individuals who have time to benefit from compounding [1]. Group 1 - The author has been investing since September 2017 and has a long-standing interest in dividend investing since 2009 [2]. - The blog "Kody's Dividends" documents the author's journey towards financial independence through dividend growth investing [2]. - The author expresses gratitude for the blog's role in connecting with the Seeking Alpha community as an analyst [2]. Group 2 - The article does not provide specific investment recommendations or advice, emphasizing that past performance does not guarantee future results [3]. - It clarifies that the views expressed may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole, and the analysts are third-party authors, including both professional and individual investors [3].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of dividend growth investing, highlighting that the starting yield is not the sole focus for investors, particularly for younger individuals who have time to benefit from compounding [1]. Group 1 - The author has been investing since September 2017 and has a long-standing interest in dividend investing since 2009 [2]. - The author runs a blog called Kody's Dividends, which documents the journey towards financial independence through dividend growth investing [2]. - The author expresses gratitude for the blog's role in connecting with the Seeking Alpha community as an analyst [2]. Group 2 - The article does not provide specific investment recommendations or advice, emphasizing that past performance does not guarantee future results [3]. - It clarifies that the views expressed may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole, and the analysts are third-party authors, including both professional and individual investors [3].

Core Viewpoint - Matthews International Capital Management is transitioning back to leadership from its founding era, with founder G. Paul Matthews and executive chairman Mark Headley set to take a controlling interest in the firm, pending necessary approvals [1][4]. Group 1: Leadership Transition - G. Paul Matthews and Mark Headley will regain control of Matthews International Capital Management, reflecting a return to its founding leadership [1][4]. - Several longstanding partners of the firm are expected to increase their equity stakes during this transition [1]. Group 2: Strategic Vision - Paul Matthews expressed confidence in the firm's future and the importance of international diversification, which he believes remains compelling [2]. - Mark Headley emphasized the commitment to serving clients with independence and focus, highlighting the shared conviction in the firm's future [4]. Group 3: New Appointments - Kathy Xu will join Matthews International Capital Management in Hong Kong, bringing experience from APG Asset Management and Aberdeen Asset Management [2][3]. - Xu will collaborate with Headley on the Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund and the Matthews Pacific Tiger Active ETF starting March 9, 2026 [3].