All major stock indices fell in the 1st quarter of 2022. The market volatility stems primarily from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, continued concerns of COVID and the new Omicron variant and related global supply chain issues, persistent inflation, and the effect of rising interest rates. Our feature commentary is on the relationship between Inflation and Nominal Stock Returns. WATCH PRESENTATION HERE ›
All major stock indices fell in the 1st quarter of 2022. The market volatility stems primarily from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, continued concerns of COVID and the new Omicron variant and related global supply chain issues, persistent inflation, and the effect of rising interest rates. Our feature commentary is on the relationship between Inflation and Nominal Stock Returns. READ MORE ›
Many stock markets rebounded in the 4th quarter, ending the year in positive territory. The gains came despite the advent of the Omicron variant disrupting holiday plans, renewed supply chain worries, and mounting concerns about… WATCH PRESENTATION HERE ›
Many stock markets rebounded in the 4th quarter, ending the year in positive territory. The gains came despite the advent of the Omicron variant disrupting holiday plans, renewed supply chain worries, and mounting concerns about… READ MORE ›
The 3rd quarter was a rough one for equity markets, both in the US and aboard. Stocks ended the quarter relatively flat or down. Despite greater access to Covid vaccines, there were concerns over the lightning fast spread of the Delta variant, worries of rising US inflation, and uncertainties around China. The theme for this quarter's discussion is Why Doesn't Schultz Collins Take Authority Over Client Accounts - & Why is that Important? WATCH PRESENTATION HERE ›
The 3rd quarter was a rough one for equity markets, both in the US and aboard. Stocks ended the quarter relatively flat or down. Despite greater access to Covid vaccines, there were concerns over the lightning fast spread of the Delta variant, worries of rising US inflation, and uncertainties around China. The theme for this quarter's discussion is Why Doesn't Schultz Collins Take Authority Over Client Accounts - & Why is that Important? READ MORE ›
Stock markets continue to extend their gains from earlier this year, based on a fairly successful rollout of the coronavirus vaccine in the US, and the relaxing of restrictions on public gathering during the pandemic. The theme for this quarter’s discussion is ESG, or funds with an emphasis on environmental, social and governance factors... WATCH PRESENTATION HERE ›
Stock markets continue to extend their gains from earlier this year, based on a fairly successful rollout of the coronavirus vaccine in the US, and the relaxing of restrictions on public gathering during the pandemic... READ MORE ›
Welcome to the Schultz Collins First Quarter 2021 Quarterly Update. This is a review of Global Market for the first quarter 2021. In general, equities performed well with concerns around the pandemic's effects on the markets... WATCH PRESENTATION HERE ›
Investors have two basic options. They can concentrate their portfolios – in, say, the S&P 500 or U.S. Treasuries, or real estate – or they diversify broadly over a weighted cross-section of global stocks, bonds and real estate. Which strategy is more likely to produce better long-terms results? Which strategy is less risky?… READ MORE ›
Investors have two basic options. They can concentrate their portfolios – in, say, the S&P 500 or U.S. Treasuries, or real estate – or they diversify broadly over a weighted cross-section of global stocks, bonds and real estate. Which strategy is more likely to produce better long-terms results? Which strategy is less risky?… WATCH HERE ›
Global stock market returns ended the 4th quarter in positive territory based on optimism surrounding a COVID-19 vaccine and the global economy. Most major asset classes ended the year with positive double digit returns... WATCH PRESENTATION HERE ›
This essay chronicles the recent struggles of value-style investing; explores some possible explanations for its poor recent performance relative to both general market indexes [the S&P 500 in the U.S. and the EAFE foreign stock index] and growth-specific indexes; and reports academic assessments of the future prospects for value investors... READ MORE ›
Despite mild selling in the month of August, global stock markets ended the third quarter with positive returns as economies around the globe slowly learn and adapt to the limitations created by the COVID-19 virus. Even with solid returns in the quarter, some stock asset classes remain in negative territory for the year... WATCH PRESENTATION HERE ›
Due to the Covid-19 shelter-in-place rules, many of us are spending additional time online at home. Unfortunately, unscrupulous cyber communities have attempted to take advantage of the situation with an increase in so called “phishing attacks” on many of our home computers. Clearly, cyber security is more important than ever. Hightower and Schultz Collins have recently created and distributed guidance on this topic… READ MORE ›
Clients sometimes request that sale transactions in taxable accounts be handled on a tax-sensitive basis. If a security is to be sold, the transaction should recognize as little taxable gain as possible. This asset-management strategy is commonly called “Tax Loss Harvesting.”… READ MORE ›
The presentation helps investors understand the benefits of investing in multiple assets classes to increase a portfolio’s return potential or decrease its risk exposure. The slides present risk-return characteristics for five different portfolios, starting from a simple two asset class allocation and ending with a more comprehensive allocation. The contribution of each asset class to the overall portfolio is shown along the way. The presentation ends with reviews of the historical premiums some asset classes have over others… READ MORE ›
The Building Blocks Chart is a pictorial depiction of the relative performance of asset classes over calendar-year periods. What’s the likelihood that last year’s winners will repeat? Should the investor avoid asset classes exhibiting recent poor performance?… READ MORE ›
Our annually updated Asset Class Building Blocks Chart ranks the more important asset classes by their performance for each of the trailing 20 calendar years, with the best performing asset class for each year appearing at the top of its column, and the worst at the bottom. The chart includes the performance of a hypothetical portfolio macro-allocated according to a 60% equity / 40% fixed income split. The 60/40 hypothetical portfolio invites a closer scrutiny of the asset classes on the chart.… READ MORE ›
As we head into the holiday season, we remind you that this time of year, more than ever, it is important to be diligent about securing your identity in your interactions with financial institutions. Taking a few simple precautions can make a huge difference. A word, then, about some of the more important measures you can take to protect yourself… READ MORE ›
This report is an evaluation of the effect of the U.S. Department of Labor’s regulations on Retirement Savings Plans offering participant-directed investment accounts. Many defined contribution plans and virtually all 401(k) plans allow participants to direct the investments in their respective accounts. The report focuses on the Department of Labor ERISA Section 404(c) regulations which specify requirements for the structure and administration of participant-directed plans.… READ MORE ›
This essay provides a brief description of fraud and exploitation risks that investors are more and more likely to encounter. It concludes by outlining a coordinated effort, encompassing several new programs, which Schultz Collins [SC] has begun to implement. Our goal is to keep your money safe.… READ MORE ›
Recently, in “Anatomy of Portfolio Trading,” we provided insight into the Schultz Collins trading process. In brief, we outlined the care, skill and caution required to assure an efficient buy/sell transaction. Above all, we emphasized that a hasty process is often imprudent; and we explained why rushed trades can produce poor outcomes. As its title… READ MORE ›
Is professional financial advice harmful? This article reviews and evaluates the current state of the U.S. Financial Advisory Profession. It cites findings from academic and governmental regulatory agency sources indicating that the profession is rife with conflicts of interest, abusive practices, and even outright fraud. This is not a matter of “a few bad apples;” rather it is a systematic condition flowing from: (1) The use of asymmetric information to exploit clients, (2) Principal / Agency conflicts (both disclosed and undisclosed), and (3) Embedded compensation incentives designed to reward the advisor to the detriment of the client. Schmooze, deceit, and sophisticated swindling seem to be commonly found attributes. We provide an honest discussion and offer ideas on how to select and compensate an advisor… READ MORE ›
No matter how carefully a portfolio coordinates with an investor’s objectives and risk tolerance, poorly conceived and executed trades can undercut its long-term success. Although intelligent trading is critical, most investors find it opaque. Confusion arises, in part, because the popular term ‘trader’ connotes someone who trades to maximize short-term profit and loss. P&L-oriented… READ MORE ›
Portfolio Analytics provides technical information on the portfolio model used in your Investment Policy Statement [IPS]. The model employs historical returns, variances and asset class correlations for the period January 1973 through the end the previous year. The model focuses on the economic consequences of the strategic asset allocation decision. It does not take into account contributions and withdrawals, expenses, and taxes. As such, it is an asset allocation model not a prediction of actual future wealth or portfolio withdrawals (consumption)… READ MORE ›
A comprehensive annotated bibliography on the topic of “Longevity Risk and Portfolio Sustainability” is now available. It is primarily intended to act as a reference source for scholars conducting research in this field… READ MORE ›
Since our inception, the core mission of Schultz Collins has been to help investors make rational, informed and intelligent investment decisions. Prudent decision making, however, requires a basic understanding of capital markets and a familiarity with evolving research in the field of Financial Economics. In 2006, we published Portfolio Management: Theory and Practice to summarize relevant academic findings. The book’s goal is to provide a short, non-technical introduction to portfolio design, implementation, monitoring and management. It is directed towards investors wishing to understand critical asset management issues without having to become experts in the fields of finance, economics, and statistics. READ MORE ›
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