Welcome to our Asset Protection 101 series. With exception to diversification, the industry doesn't like to talk about asset protection because it goes against conventional thinking and the way that most advisors operate. However, one size doesn't fit all clients so we will take on these topics in this series.
With the market now 4.5 years into its bull run, investors must ask themselves, “How much longer can the party last?”
If you are a 401(k) participant, it is very likely that you are invested in a target date fund. Vanguard expects that by 2016, 80% of new participants will invest solely in target date funds up from 64% in 2011.
If you aren’t familiar, target date funds combine several mutual funds into one easy to digest fund and are managed to become more conservative as participants move closer to retirement age.
Congratulations to KraneShares, an ETF company delivering China-focused investment strategies. I am grateful for the invitation and opportunity to celebrate among Krane Fund Advisors' principals, family and friends by ringing The Opening Bell® to mark the July 23, 2013 launch of the KraneShares CSI China Five-Year Plan ETF (NYSE Arca: KFYP).
According to Bloomberg, the service sector in Asian emerging markets is poised to exceed 50% for the first time. This is a historic milestone as Asia shifts its role as the world’s manufacturing partner to developing self sufficient domestic growth via its service sector. China’s 12th 5-year plan lays out specific guidelines and incentives to create the environment necessary for extensive development in the service sector. In 2012, China’s service sector accounted for just 44.6% of GDP vs the world average of 63.6% so there is huge room for growth.
