Market Sentiment - The Santa Claus rally, historically linked to a rise in stock prices during the last five trading days of December and the first two in January, has seen the S&P 500 gain an average of 1.2% since 1969 [2] - Advisor sentiment regarding the US economy has declined for five consecutive months, with over 40% of advisors expecting a less healthy economy, the highest level of pessimism recorded this year [2][3] - The current advisor economic sentiment reading is 101, indicating a neutral outlook, but it has decreased by 5% in the last month and is down 16% compared to the same time last year [3] Economic Outlook - Advisors with a positive economic outlook peaked at 63% in April but have since dropped to their lowest levels in twelve months [5] - The percentage of advisors expecting a less healthy economy by the end of next year has doubled from 21% in June to 42% [5] - Concerns are primarily attributed to high valuations and market concentration in Big Tech, leading to fears of a significant market correction in the new year [3]

You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters. Abby Salameh, chief growth officer at RFG Advisory, the Birmingham, Ala.-headquartered hybrid RIA platform with $7.3 billion in assets, is leaving the firm at the end of the year. She said it was a personal decision to depart, citing the amount of travel involved, going back and forth between Birmingham and New Jersey, her home base.  “If you’re an independent advisor, to continue to build ...

Because they are paid more when your assets grow (and vice versa) and do not receive commissions for selling investment products, fee-only advisors are considered to have relatively strong alignment of interests with their clients. However, this may also incentivize advisors to manage portfolios either too aggressively or too conservatively, depending on whether they prioritize fee growth or stability.Fee-only advisors , on the other hand, charge a percentage fee based on assets under management (AUM). As a ...

Core Insights - Retirement planning is complex, and relying solely on Social Security benefits can lead to financial difficulties, as it is not sufficient for a comfortable retirement [1][2][9] - A significant portion of American retirees depend on Social Security, with 40% relying solely on these benefits, and one-third of Americans having no retirement savings [2][5] - Inflation and tariffs are impacting the economy, with imported goods becoming 4% more expensive due to tariffs, leading to concerns about elevated inflation [3][4] Group 1: Social Security and Retirement Savings - The average monthly benefit for retired workers is $2,009.50 as of September 2025, highlighting the inadequacy of Social Security as a sole income source [1][6] - Nearly 50% of Americans are making critical mistakes regarding Social Security, which could jeopardize their retirement income [4][5] - The importance of additional savings and investments is emphasized, as Social Security alone is unlikely to meet retirement needs [9][10] Group 2: Economic Conditions and Investment Strategies - The current economic climate, characterized by inflation and tariff impacts, necessitates careful investment strategies to protect retirement funds [3][22] - Gold has seen a significant price increase of over 60% in 2025, reaching approximately $4,200 per ounce, making it a potential hedge against inflation [12][11] - Home equity investments and commercial real estate are presented as viable options for diversifying retirement portfolios, with opportunities for both accredited and non-accredited investors [14][20][21] Group 3: Investment Advice and Market Trends - Fink warns against hoarding cash during economic instability, labeling it part of a "silent crisis" for retirees, as it prevents generating necessary returns for a dignified retirement [22][23] - The article suggests that working with financial advisors can lead to better investment outcomes, with a Vanguard study indicating a 3% portfolio growth advantage for those who seek professional advice [6][8]

You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters. We take an open-architecture approach to technology so our advisors have the flexibility to choose the tools that best work for them and fit their practice. In addition to making recommendations and securing preferred pricing for our community of advisors, we help advisors get the most out of what’s available through liaising with tech providers when there are questions and offering business cons ...

You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters. Creative Planning has signed an agreement to acquire a United Kingdom-based financial advisory firm with $4.8 billion in assets under management, according to sources with knowledge of the deal. Maseco Private Wealth, based in London, has clients in the U.K. and U.S., and specializes in working with expatriates from both countries. The U.K. firm worked with investment bank Houlihan Lokey on the ...

At the same time, the study (and the growing research around estimating and communicating advisors' potential value to clients) offers some explanation into why tax planning and preparation are "elements I see time and time again among the fastest growing practices," said Shelby Nicholl, founder of advisor recruiting and consulting firm Muriel Consulting. Since early-career advisors often face difficulty generating organic growth — a problem shared by even some of the most profitable registered investment a ...

Core Viewpoint - Jim Wyckoff has extensive experience in the stock, financial, and commodity markets, contributing to his insights and analysis in these areas [1][2]. Group 1: Professional Background - Jim Wyckoff has over 25 years of involvement in various financial markets, including roles as a financial journalist and technical analyst [1]. - He has worked with notable organizations such as Dow Jones Newswires and TraderPlanet.com, enhancing his expertise in market analysis [2]. - Wyckoff is also the proprietor of an analytical and trading advisory service, indicating his active engagement in market education and advisory [2]. Group 2: Educational Background - Jim Wyckoff holds a degree in journalism and economics from Iowa State University, which underpins his analytical skills in financial reporting and market analysis [2]. Group 3: Current Engagement - Jim provides daily market roundups and technical analysis on Kitco.com, showcasing his ongoing commitment to market analysis and information dissemination [3].

Thinkstock Quick Read People with a financial advisor have approximately double the retirement savings compared to those without one. Retirees who claim Social Security at suboptimal times lose hundreds of thousands of dollars over their lifetime. Financial advisors help non-wealthy individuals budget and maximize tax-advantaged retirement accounts. A recent study identified one single habit that doubled Americans’ retirement savings and moved retirement from dream, to reality. Read more here. ...

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gunderson Dettmer Stough Villeneuve Franklin & Hachigian, LLP represented Andersen Group Inc. (NYSE: ANDG), a leading provider of independent tax, valuation and financial advisory services to individuals and family offices, businesses and funds in the United States, in its initial public offering of 11,000,000 shares of its Class A common stock, at a public offering price of $16 per share, at the top end of its $14 to $16 marketed range. The offering, whi ...