Ever since the first index-tracking fund was launched the early 1970s, investment pundits have been throwing brickbats at each as they debate the merits and the costs of active management. You know the argument. It basically boils down to this: &...

Even though the market has been rallying for more than two years, clients remain wary. Many still are clinging to big cash stakes. To calm nerves and ease clients back into stocks, consider using equity funds that rank among the most conservative...

Forget what you hear about gold and silver being rare commodities. Far more precious than metals is that holy grail of money management -- alpha. The cost of acquiring market outperformance -- or, more properly, the cost of acquiring the...

Advisors don’t appreciate how cautious clients have become, said speakers at the Investment Company Institute’s recent general membership meeting in Washington yesterday. Despite two years of rising markets, clients continue to hold...