Dynasty Financial Partners has named Ron Insana to the new role of Chief Market Strategist. Insana will join the firm’s Investment Committee and the investment committees of Dynasty Network firms. He will, in addition, meet and share insights with financial advisors in Dynasty’s Network and their clients.
As Dynasty’s Chief Market Strategist, Insana will be a spokesperson for the company on investment, economic, and related topics.
“We are thrilled to have Ron Insana, a legend in the financial services industry and a pioneer of financial journalism, representing Dynasty and sharing his deep and varied investment experience in hopes to catalyze growth for our partner firms,” said Shirl Penney, Dynasty’s CEO and co-founder.
Insana has had a distinguished career in broadcast journalism. Significant moments include his award-winning coverage of the market crash of 1987 and one of the first eyewitness accounts of the collapse of the World Trade Center towers on 9/11. He has also worked as an asset manager. As a bestselling author, his books include “The Message of the Markets” and “Trend Watching: How to Avoid Wall Street’s Next Fads, Manias, and Bubbles.” He is a frequent guest on CNBC and MSNBC, where he sheds light on pressing economic and market issues. He also shares his syndicated Market Scoreboard Report with radio listeners everywhere.
Named one of the “Top 100 Business News Journalists of the 20th Century,” Insana is known for his high-profile interviews with world leaders such as President Bill Clinton and President George Bush, billionaire investors including Warren Buffett and George Soros, captains of industry like Bill Gates and Jack Welch, as well as top economists, analysts, and influencers, the Press Release said.
Insana joins Dynasty as the firm prepares to host its annual Investors Forum for independent advisors in November 2023. A leading investment conference for RIAs, this year’s Investment Forum will take place in Nashville, Tenn., from November 13 through November 15, 2023. Insana will be a featured speaker along with other leading investment-firm executives.
In his new role with Dynasty, Insana will work closely with Chief Investment Officer Bob Shea to identify strategic opportunities for the investment portfolios. Shea oversees Dynasty’s Investment Platform, which administered $36 Billion in end-client assets as of Q1 2023 Period End.
“Ron is a giant in the investment industry, both as an incisive reporter and a hands-on practitioner,” said Shea. “To say my team and I are looking forward to this collaboration is an understatement.”
Besides the responsibilities described above, Insana’s work with Dynasty will include developing and leveraging investment content and advising Dynasty’s leadership on investment strategy, market intelligence, and business development.
Independent advisors can use Dynasty’s Investment Platform in several ways, from research and due diligence to outsourced investment products and services through the company’s OCIO program, featuring a range of asset classes, including equities, fixed income/capital markets, and alternative investments.
The Federal Reserve announced that its new system for instant payments, the FedNow® Service, is now live. Banks and credit unions of all sizes can sign up and use this tool to instantly transfer money for their customers, any time of the day, on any day of the year.
“The Federal Reserve built the FedNow Service to help make everyday payments over the coming years faster and more convenient,” said Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell. “Over time, as more banks choose to use this new tool, the benefits to individuals and businesses will include enabling a person to immediately receive a paycheck, or a company to instantly access funds when an invoice is paid.”
To start, 35 early-adopting banks and credit unions, as well as the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service, are ready with instant payments capabilities via the FedNow Service. In addition, 16 service providers are ready to support payment processing for banks and credit unions.
When fully available, instant payments will provide substantial benefits for consumers and businesses, such as when rapid access to funds is useful, or when just-in-time payments help manage cash flows in bank accounts.
For example, individuals can instantly receive their paychecks and use them the same day, and small businesses can more efficiently manage cash flows without processing delays. Over the coming years, customers of banks and credit unions that sign up for the service should be able to use their financial institution’s mobile app, website, and other interfaces to send instant payments quickly and securely.
As an interbank payment system, the FedNow Service operates alongside other longstanding Federal Reserve payment services such as Fedwire® and FedACH®. The Federal Reserve is committed to working with the more than 9,000 banks and credit unions across the country to support the widespread availability of this service for their customers over time.
Deal volumes remain anemic even though transactions rebounded in the second quarter off a historically low base, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence’s newly released global Q2 2023 M&A and Equity Offerings Market Report.
The total value issued in global equity deals rose from the prior quarter for the first time in more than a year, but the issuance level was about 2x lower than the quarterly average during 2021. The total global value of announced M&A also ticked up quarter over quarter, but even with the growth, the second quarter was reminiscent of the lows reached during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The headwinds facing dealmaking for much of the last six quarters are expected to continue plaguing transaction activity in the second half of 2023. Geopolitical unrest, rising rates and economic growth concerns are all giving companies pause before pursuing transactions.
“The lack of equity issuance and M&A announcements since the early part of 2022 has created some pent-up demand,” said Joe Mantone, lead author of the report. “It’s no surprise that we’ve seen some pockets of quarter-over-quarter growth, but activity levels are far from normal. Companies and investors should gain more clarity over the direction of interest rates and the economy later this year and once that occurs, markets could become more sanguine and supportive of deal activity.”
Key highlights from the quarterly report include:
Second-quarter M&A transactions’ total value was $564.03 billion, a 42.4% decline from an already low base a year earlier.
The total value raised from global equity deals increased 28.8% quarter over quarter to $77.39 billion in the second quarter but remains far below levels reached in 2021 when the quarterly averaged raised topped $260 billion.
The total number of global M&A announcements in 2023 hit a monthly low in June with just 3,044 transactions.
The quarterly report provides an overview of global M&A and equity issuance trends, offering insights into the sectors and geographies that are seeing the most activity. It also focuses on deals with the highest valuations and strategies larger players pursue that underscore trends occurring throughout an industry. S&P Global Market Intelligence has produced the quarterly global M&A and equity offering report since the first quarter of 2018.
Fixed–income exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are gaining ground, due to incrementally higher yields and greater investor comfort levels. A strong product development opportunity exists for managers offering active fixed–income exposures, given the white space for fee-competitive, attractively priced products, according to the latest Cerulli Edge—U.S. Asset and Wealth Management Edition.
Issuers attribute expected future fixed–incomeETF asset growth to greater uptake by advisors and institutional investors—66% cite greater advisor familiarity as a top-three asset growth driver in the next 24 months, and 55% say the same for greater institutional use. Meanwhile, 38% point to both higher yields and advisors’ need to access lower-cost, fixed–income exposures.
Fixed–income product development among issuers is now taking priority over even the more sizable U.S. equity asset class, with 66% of managers citing fixedincome as a primary product development focus and 57% citing U.S. equity.
Cerulli expects fixed–income ETF product development to follow two avenues, with some products becoming more targeted and offering access to niche allocations. At the same time, other new fixed–incomeETFs will reflect mutual funds via more diversified exposures meant to offer a tax- and price-efficient way to access fixed–income exposures for the long run.
Combined with greater product development focus amid existing white space in fixedincome versus the far more product-saturated equity space, a strong and attractive asset-gathering opportunity exists for fixed–incomeETFs.
“Issuer openness to offering transparent active fixed–income strategies creates room for the revenue generation associated with active exposures—even if managers will still have to lower prices in the fee-competitive ETF industry,” says Daniil Shapiro, director. “This optimism is underscored by the perception of a virtuous cycle by which a greater variety of quality and appropriately priced exposures help make fixed–incomeETFs a go-to for a broader set of investors,” he concludes.
Despite economic challenges, 75% of mid-sized business owners expect their revenue to increase and 71% are planning to hire over the next 12 months, according to the inaugural Bank of America Mid-Sized Business Owner Report. The study is based on a survey of more than 300 mid-sized business owners (MSBOs), with $5 million to $50 million in annual revenues, and focuses on their business and economic outlooks.
“The strength of mid-sized businesses is essential to the health of the U.S. economy,” said Raul Anaya, President of Business Banking at Bank of America. “Preparation, optimism, and flexibility are traits of successful leaders in this environment, with investments in the workforce and digital transformation topping their current list of priorities to remain resilient and position their businesses for growth.”
MSBOs maintain a positive outlook, as 75% plan to expand their business and 67% expect the national economy to improve over the next 12 months. Additional insights into mid-sized business operations and financing in the current environment include:
Macroeconomic challenges in recent years, including inflation, the threat of a recession, and supply chain issues, are driving companies to make operational changes, such as raising prices (45%), revaluating cash flow and spending (37%), increasing employee wages (35%), and reducing business costs (33%).
90% of MSBOs plan to obtain funding to finance their businesses over the next 12 months, including through business credit cards (43%), traditional bank loans (38%), personal savings (27%), personal credit cards (25%), and venture capital funding (21%).
Perspectives on financing are not one size fits all. For example, 59% of businesses say they’re looking to obtain financing to weather rising interest rates, while 23% say the rising interest rates make them less likely to seek financing.
Among the more than half (54%) of MSBOs who plan to apply for a bank loan or line of credit in the next 12 months, they plan to use these funds to: invest in new technology (43%), invest in new equipment (37%), and market/promote their business (35%).
Digitization on the Rise
Over the last 12 months, 90% of MSBOs have adopted digital strategies to further optimize their businesses and operations, with new digital tools helping them to save time (48%), increase customer satisfaction (43%), manage cash flow (43%), stay organized (41%) and reach new customers (37%). Additional ways innovation is at play within mid-sized businesses include:
87% plan to further utilize automation and artificial intelligence to stand out from competitors (45%), assist with hiring (45%), and streamline payroll and bookkeeping (43%).
As the use of digital wallets and cashless payments continues to grow in popularity, 76% of MSBOs anticipate that all their transactions will eventually be digital.
71% say the marketing of their business is now done primarily online or through digital-first channels.
88% see cybersecurity as a threat to their business, and as a result are further investing in digital security systems (65%) and storing less business information online (39%).
“The digital landscape is complex and fast-moving,” added Anaya. “Staying on top of the latest innovations can help business owners create efficiencies, manage risk and unlock value that gives them a competitive edge.”
Employees are the most valuable asset of any company, and current labor shortages have challenged business owners looking to attract and retain talent. Our report found that many MSBOs struggle to find skilled, experienced employees. To attract qualified candidates, many MSBOs are increasing salaries (43%), offering more PTO (40%), strengthening retirement benefits (36%) and introducing new employee training and resource groups (34%).
Given the complexity and competitiveness of this labor market, MSBOs are also employing strategies that emphasize their commitment to retaining their existing employees. Four out of five (78%) business owners say the following actions over the last year have led to a meaningful impact in employee morale and/or retention:
Increasing paid time off (PTO) (39%)
Offering cost-of-living bonuses (38%)
Providing additional healthcare benefits (37%)
Augmenting retirement benefits (34%)
To read the full report you can access to the following link
Photo courtesyIsabel Campillo, Carmen Garcia & Cristina Rubio, Capital Strategies team
To compete effectively in China’s mutual fund market, foreignmanagers in China will need to demonstrate the advantages of their investment methods and find their niche areas.
China’s RMB26 trillion (US$3.6 trillion) mutual fund market continues to attract global asset managers, and eight wholly owned foreign fund firms have been set up in the market to date.
Backed by professional research teams, as well as extensive global investment experience, foreignmanagers can provide innovative solutions to meet the diverse needs of investors.
Foreignmanagers can use these strengths in areas that are relatively new to China, such as pension funds, index funds, sustainability-themed funds, and Qualified Domestic Institutional Investor (QDII) funds. They can also rely on their expertise to provide investors with more personalized and scientific programs, such as quantitative strategies and robo-advisor platforms.
Foreign fund managers with established global brands have no problem attracting investors’ attention. However, no matter how strong their financials, investment philosophies, and risk control systems are, global managers in China still need to provide excellent performance and service.
Many local fund managers have started to refine their investment processes in recent years, and they are increasingly focused on the stability of investment processes and portfolio risk management.
Most foreign fund managers have entered the Chinese market through joint ventures, with only a few starting their activities in the form of solely foreign-owned or foreign-controlled businesses in the past three years. This means they tend to have a smaller domestic customer base and relatively weak fund distribution channels compared to local companies. Foreignmanagers that are lagging in traditional distribution partnerships with banks may find it expedient to partner with other distributors. Cerulli believes that enhancing cooperation with top securities firms focused on wealth management and online platforms will bring about opportunities for growth.
Foreign fund managers also face fierce competition from local firms in attracting and retaining talent. Still, they have managed to recruit star managers who are familiar with the domestic capital market and possess local investment experience.
Local talent who choose to join foreignmanagers tend to do so for culture reasons, as the work pressure is generally less intense in foreign firms, and they provide more attractive benefits and better work-life balance.
“The entry of global fund houses has intensified competition in China’s asset management industry, but offers opportunities for the entire industry to develop,” said Joanne Peng, research analyst with Cerulli Associates. “For foreign mutual fund managers to succeed in the market, they will have to work on their ability to achieve stable returns and control the risks of their products.”
The median price of homes sold inTexas in the second quarter decreased 3.1% compared to one year ago, according to the 2023-Q2 Quarterly Housing report released today by Texas Realtors. During the same time frame, the number of closed sales also decreased, while the number of homes available for sale increased.
“There’s a saying that all real estate is local, and the second quarter this year showed how true that is,” said Marcus Phipps, 2023 Chairman of the Texas Realtors. “While the statewide median price eased down, median prices are actually up in about half of Texas markets. Despite that variation, the average number of days that homes spent on the market was up in every metro area, and the number of homes available increased in nearly every metro as well.”
The median sales price of Texas homes for Q2 2023 decreased to $345,000 from $357,388 in the same period last year. Texas homes spent an average of 87 days on the market before closing in the second quarter, which is 20 days longer than a year ago.
The price distribution of properties sold in the second quarter shows a slight decrease in high-end homes as a percentage of total sales. Homes that sold for at least $750,000 made up nearly 10% of homes sold in the second quarter last year, while that price range accounted for 8.7% of sales in Q2 this year. Half of properties sold in the second quarter this year were in the $200,000 to $399,999 price range, up from 45.8% of all sales a year ago.
Months of inventory—or how long it would take to sell all homes on the market at the current pace of sales—increased from 2 to 3.2 months from the same period last year. While the increased inventory is a welcome trend for buyers, it still indicates a tight supply of homes. Researchers at the Texas Real Estate Research Center say that a market balanced between supply and demand is in the range of 6 to 6.5 months of inventory.
“General trends provide an indication of the overall market, but buyers and sellers will want to work with a Realtor who really knows the specific area,” said Chairman Phipps. “Not only can small changes in location make a difference, but each property is different. A Realtor has the knowledge to help buyers and sellers sort through all the variables to achieve the best results.”
Amundi announced a partnership with Excel Capital (XLC), based in Santiago, Chile, to further expand the distribution of its UCITS funds across retail market channels in Chile and Uruguay.
With this alliance, Amundi will strengthen its presence in the region and expand its commitment to distribution partners, private banks and asset management firms in the South Cone.
Excel Capital is one of the largest and most experienced distributors of foreign mutual funds in the Andean Region.
Lisa Jones, Head of the Americas, President and CEO of Amundi US, said: “This partnership further supports our long-term commitment to the region and our dedication to serving our clients. As one of the world’s ten largest asset managers, Amundi has the deep resources and expertise to bring important new opportunities to our distribution and banking partners in Chile and Uruguay. Excel Capital is well known and respected and we are excited to partner with them on this expansion of our strategy.”
Felipe Monardez, Managing Partner of XLC, said: “Amundi is a powerhouse and market leader with an impressive number of actively managed funds covering different regions and asset classes benefiting our clients with best-in-class offerings. We look forward to working with Amundi and building a strong presence with retail investors in the region.”
Amundi opened its office in Santiago in 2008 and has long served the needs of institutional and retail clients in the region. Given the strong demand for active management offered by leading global asset managers, Amundi is expanding its ability to better serve distribution and wholesale partners across Chile and Uruguay.
Mortgage rate lock-in will continue to be a major challenge for the housing market in the remainder of 2023, according to the Realtor2023ForecastUpdate.
While prices have eased slightly, higher mortgage rates are hurting affordability, and many of those who already own a home are not incentivized to list. As a result, the total number of home sales (projected to be down 15.8% to 4.2 million) is likely to be at its lowest point since 2012. On the rental side, prices are expected to drop slightly on the year (-0.9%), as strong multi-family construction is improving inventory.
“High inflation and the Fed’s actions to curb it have had a significant impact on the housing market this year. And while inflation has begun to ease, the sustained spike in mortgage rates was enough to stifle the housing market after several years of low rates and strong activity,” said Realtor Chief Economist Danielle Hale. “The housing market has really seen a double whammy in 2023, with a retrenchment in the number of homes for sale coupled with still-high prices and mortgage rates that have kept both first-time and repeat buyers on the sidelines.”
Affordability improving, but still a long way to go Homeprices have been supported by persistent underbuilding relative to household growth over the last decade, but low affordability has had an outsized impact on demand. As a result, Realtor now expects a modest decline in homeprices of 0.6% for the year. The expectation is that mortgage rates will also be slightly lower than originally anticipated, but not low enough to bring down buying costs until the end of the year. As inflation is expected to cool gradually, we expect that mortgage rates will start to do the same beginning mid-year and nearing 6% by the end of the year. For the year as a whole, the cost of a mortgage is expected to be up 10.5% compared to 2022.
Mortgage rate lock-in effect impacting inventory Realtor expects home sales to decline 15.8% in 2023 for a total of about 4.2 million sales for the year, the smallest annual total since 2012. Mortgage rate lock-in has been a stronger factor than initially expected, and the number of homes for sale has not met initial projections. As a result, the expectation now is for inventory levels to slip 5% for the year, and not the growth projected in the initial forecast.
“The vast majority of homeowners locked in low rates during the pandemic and aren’t particularly excited to give them up in order to buy a new home, unless they really need to move for personal reasons,” said Hale.
Rental prices pull back Challenging conditions in the housing market will lead many to continue renting, driving ongoing demand for rentals through the second half of 2023. However, the strong uptick in new multi-family construction and people choosing to stay in their unit in order to save money is likely to decrease competition for new units and lead to a slight annual decline in rental prices (-0.9%). However, despite this pull-back, rental prices are still historically high with the average rent about $350 more than it was pre-pandemic.
Other economic factors to consider Despite the Fed’s tightening, the economy and labor markets have shown resilience. And while paychecks haven’t kept pace with inflation, Americans have dipped into pandemic savings and continued to spend money. While this is boosting the current economy, it could have an impact in the future if consumers burn through savings and need to rely on high-interest debt.
Investors Trust will be opening a new Asia sales hub in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The hub will serve as their new service point in Asia, which will allow the company to expand its operations and provide even better service to its clients and financial advisors, the firm said.
The new state-of-the-art facility, located in the prestigious Exchange 106 tower in the new central business district of Tun Razak Exchange, will provide an attractive and modern work ing environment for their Asia sales team along with an impressive location for Investors Trust’s business partners from around the world, states the text.
“The relocation of our Asia hub continues our longstanding commitment to the region and further expands our presence in Malaysia where ITA Asia Ltd is registered as a licensed Insur er by the Labuan Financial Services Authority,” said David Knights, Head of Distribution Asia at Investors Trust.
The new office is part of the restructure of Investors Trust (ITA) operations in the region and will serve as the Investors Trust service hub in Asia after the closure of the Hong Kong office on June 30th, 2023. The relocation is a strategic decision that reflects the company’s preference to concern trate their sales and operations functions in one location where ITA is fully licensed in order to provide optimal service and expand its reach across the region.
