Oct. 17, 2018 Changes Ahead for the GICS: What Could They Mean for Your Portfolio?

As you may know, the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) controls how companies are sorted into sectors within stock indices. On September 28, 2018, the MSCI and S&P Dow Jones indices plan to make big changes to the structure of the GICS—perhaps the most impactful changes we’ve seen in GICS history. But how will your portfolios be affected? Let’s take a closer look, starting with a breakdown of exactly what these changes entail.

Sept. 24, 2018 Market Update for the Month Ending August 31, 2018

A mixed month for markets

U.S. markets performed well in August. The Nasdaq Composite gained 5.85 percent, the S&P gained 3.26 percent, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.56 percent.

Sept. 24, 2018 Moment of Truth: The Value of Long-Term Care Insurance

Have you ever put the emphasis on the wrong syllable when pronouncing a word? For example, some people say “INsurance.” I say “InSURance.” Since I am an insurance professional, I must be right, right?

Sept. 24, 2018 5 Ways Criminals Use Social Engineering to Scam Us

A major risk to both businesses and individuals, social engineering involves the exploitation of our very nature. Specifically, criminals use social engineering techniques to elicit feelings of fear, uncertainty, pressure, and excitement in the hope that we will deviate from the ways we typically behave. Their goal is to gain access to our sensitive information or take advantage of us for financial gain. Here, we’ll explore five ways that criminals use social engineering to scam us—and tips to avoid falling victim. 

Aug. 20, 2018 Market Update for the Month Ending July 31, 2018

Strong July for global markets

Global markets rebounded from a volatile June. In the U.S., the S&P 500 Index gained 3.72 percent, the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 4.83 percent, and the Nasdaq Composite rose 2.19 percent.

Aug. 20, 2018 Love Hurts: Understanding the Red Flags of a Romance Scam

According to the FBI, victims of romance scams are generally women ages 50 and older, but anyone could become a target. What follows is one client’s story. Please note that the names and some aspects of the situation have been changed to protect privacy.