The Advisor Advocate®

In-plan lifetime income solutions can help build confidence by making it simpler to convert retirement savings to retirement income.

A solid showing for corporate earnings last quarter shows that the fundamental backdrop remains supportive for stocks.

Learn how to help clients maximize retirement savings using Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) strategies to reduce their tax burden and unlock employer stock value.

Discover how securities-backed lending can enhance wealth management by providing a proactive credit line for client portfolios, ensuring cash availability and improving debt management

A return to the inverse relationship between stocks and bonds could be a welcome development for investors.

Get professional insights and practical steps to guide your farmer clients through succession planning without heirs.

Credit spreads can be a reliable indicator to help investors assess risk sentiment in the financial markets.

Our recent annuities survey uncovered insights to help your client retirement planning conversations. Learn more here.

The WA Cares Fund and its short lived opt-out opportunity affected the ability to get LTC business issued in a timely fashion all around the country. One of the biggest lessons all states learned from WA is how many people are willing to buy LTC insurance if it will get them exempted from a tax! WA expected about 100,000 people to opt out of the WA Cares Fund—but in the end it was nearly 500,000 people.

With slowing inflation and rising job openings, the cooling economy has analysts predicting a potential interest rate cut. Lower rates could benefit stocks and consumers, but uncertainty remains about a soft landing versus a future recession.

Recent stock market fluctuations remind investors about the fleeting and unpredictable nature of the market.

Debunk common myths about Social Security to empower clients with accurate information for better retirement planning and financial decisions.

Many Americans are worried about Social Security's future. Help your clients understand their Social Security options and learn insights from our recent survey.

Small caps have led the market recently, taking over from large caps. What will it take for the rally to continue?

Stocks soared relatively calmly through the first half of 2024. What will it take for the rally to continue?

As the second-quarter earnings season kicks off, investors will look for signs that earnings growth spreads to a broader range of companies.

Considerations for financial professionals on supporting retirees through economic uncertainty.

Stocks were strong but quiet in the first half of 2024 as economic activity remained more resilient than most believed.

The dual income, no kids (DINK) lifestyle is becoming more common. Here’s what you can expect from this kind of client.

Recovering addicts may face a unique set of challenges with finances. Here are tips to help your clients in recovery rebuild their financial stability.

The stock market's run of all-time highs is good news for investors, but there's cause for concern below the surface.

Small caps may offer your long-term investor clients some potential opportunities for growth.

Get the latest on the S&P 500® Index’s record run, institutional investor optimism and growing signs the economy is slowing.

Help get clients over common hurdles towards a long-term care plan that’s right for them.

Stocks have had plenty of reasons to be volatile, but daily performance has been subdued this year.

In 2024, equity markets achieved unprecedented highs, buoyed by inflation optimism. Meanwhile, the FOMC’s decision to hold rates steady raised eyebrows.

Recent economic reports may lead investors to question the prevailing narrative of the resilient U.S. consumer.

In a bullish streak, the S&P 500® Index breaks records and nonfarm payrolls defy expectations. Plus, we dive into election year dynamics.

Our recent survey shows investors' pessimism that isn't necessarily supported by current economic data. Learn more insights from our survey that will help your client conversations.

Consumers are in a dour mood, even as spending reports remain strong. What's behind this divide?

Your clients could still be in the dark about how securities-backed lending works. These top 5 myths can help you address common misconceptions.

Learn how variable annuities with income protections could better serve your clients for retirement than an investments-only approach without protections.

Long-term investors may feel skeptical about pouring savings into a frothy market.

Rising credit card delinquency rates signal increased financial stress among consumers, which could impact spending and the broader economy.

Investors have responded to recent reports of slower job growth and moderating business activity by embracing risk, resulting in higher stock markets

The results from our latest LTC survey show clients are looking to financial professionals to start an LTC planning conversation.

Explore the latest equity market trends: S&P 500^® Index’s record high, increasing investor optimism, institutional demand, and the economic outlook.

At the beginning of 2026, a valuable tax exemption is slated to go away— now is the time to help your clients prepare.

As investors confront economic challenges, help them focus on their long-term goals and continue to save for the future.

Many Americans are realizing their retirement may differ from past generations. Discover insights in our latest survey.

Equity markets rebounded, and global optimism rose. Domestic and international markets showed resilience, with equity and bond funds inflows.

Historical data shows a correlation between long waits for Fed rate cuts and better stock market returns.

Equity markets rebounded, and global optimism rose. Domestic and international markets showed resilience, with equity and bond funds inflows.

The latest spell of stock volatility disrupted the impressive bull market run.

Months of hotter-than-expected inflation data complicates the Federal Reserve’s decision about when to begin cutting its benchmark rate.

Equity markets rebounded, and global optimism rose. Domestic and international markets showed resilience, with equity and bond funds inflows.

The biggest challenge to the dominance of the Magnificent 7 may come as investors turn their focus to earnings.

Robust client communication skills can set you apart from your counterparts, leading to improved client satisfaction, retention, and referrals for your practice.

Explore effective strategies for winning and keeping HNWI clients through trust, personalized services, technology, and understanding their unique needs.

Stocks decline as interest rate uncertainty weighs. Investors grapple with shifting market dynamics amid geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns.

Explore essential financial planning tips for helping clients merge finances in marriage.

See why a prudent investment strategy is crucial in helping offset inflation's damaging impacts.

Equities slide, CPI surprises, and economic data slows.

Because of economic pressures and market volatility, many pre-retirees believe their retirement will be different from their parents and grandparents.

Indicators such as market breadth can offer investors insight into what's happening in the stock market below the surface.

Markets retreat as S&P 500 logs worst week; strong job growth contrasts with looming inflation data.

Following a two-year run of interest rate hikes to combat rising inflation, the Fed was expected to shift towards reducing rates this year. However, the path to rate cuts is now uncertain due to the persistence of robust economic indicators. This unexpected economic strength could lead the Fed to reconsider its easing strategy, potentially maintaining the current rates for longer.

Equity markets surged in Q1, with inflation moderating and expected earnings growth.

It’s been nearly two years since the yield curve inverted, and still no recession, testing this once-reliable indicator.

Equal weighting all stocks in the S&P 500® Index doesn't necessarily eliminate sector biases.

With signals of potential interest rate cuts amidst inflation nearing the Fed's 2% inflation target, fixed income investors may find opportunities ahead.

Equity markets see a slight dip as inflation surges, signaling a bumpy road ahead for economic normalization and market stability.

Help your widowed clients financially navigate the loss of their spouse.

Understanding reinsurance and its potential impact on your client's investments can be beneficial.

As global stocks and other risk assets reach new highs, investors should plan for a possible temporary pullback.

As more women reach retirement age, the focus of financial planning turns to retirement preparedness in an uncertain economic climate.

Early signs of a cyclical recovery could complicate investor expectations for Federal Reserve rate changes.

Market bulls charge ahead as S&P 500 surges. Inflation cools, stocks thrive in relentless rally.

Historically sidelined in financial narratives, women are now at the forefront of economic change, fostering new trends, and reshaping the financial landscape.

Federal Reserve policymakers, aiming for confidence in inflation reaching their 2% target, received unexpected news with 353,000 new jobs added in January. Despite this, interest rate cuts later this year remain a possibility, but labor market strength could make the road to rate cuts a longer one.

Earnings revisions can illuminate subtle yet impactful trends that often aren’t seen in stock market headlines.

Deeply held political beliefs can influence investor sentiment and potentially lead to emotional investment decisions.

Learn how Millennial clients differ from older generations and how you can help them save for retirement and build financial security.

Equity markets hold steady amid rising inflation and Fed tightening.

Both workers and employers can benefit by adding protected retirement income solutions to workplace retirement plans.

Today’s financial professionals can consider offering a securities-backed line of credit to help clients who need fast access to cash.

So far, 2024 for stocks looks like a rerun of last year, but patient investors may find opportunities in overlooked sectors.

How Earnings and Inflation Drove S&P 500® Index to Surpass 5,000

As a financial professional, you help your clients plan for long-term care (LTC). Before customizing a care plan, it helps to understand how LTC benefits can be paid.

An old Wall Street adage says, "As goes January, so goes the year." That has many investors feeling good about 2024.

Learn how Millennial clients differ from older generations and how you can help them save for retirement and build financial security.

Job gains fuel S&P 500® rally.

How reliable is the LEI as a predictor of recessions?

The economy and equity markets thrive in Q4, while inflation remains subdued.

Talking to clients about what happens to their assets after they die may be a difficult conversation, but you can help make them feel more comfortable.

Consumer spending held up well throughout 2023, but that’s unlikely to continue.

An early start to saving can make a big difference in an investor’s long-term financial success.

In the coming years, an extraordinary amount of wealth will transfer from Baby Boomers to their beneficiaries. According to a recent report, adults born before 1960 will pass over $84 trillion dollars to their heirs by 2045.

S&P 500^® Index closed the week at a record high despite a lackluster earnings season and rising interest rates. The Fed signaled a more hawkish stance, but investors shrugged off the rate fears.

Our recent survey of 60-65-year-olds found contrasts between retirement expectations vs. reality, financial lessons for the younger generation, and more. Read more insights from the survey and how they can help retirement planning conversations with your clients.

As a financial professional, your mission transcends helping clients build wealth. It also includes safeguarding their hard-earned assets from potential risks, like the cost of long-term care.

Last week, the S&P 500^® Index reached a new high, led by growth, tech, and consumer stocks.

While different factors may drive stock returns occasionally, earnings growth is most important over the long term.

The historical record offers investors reason for optimism about the year ahead.

The U.S. stock market retreated slightly after a solid end to 2023, while the economy showed signs of resilience with robust job growth and consumer spending. However, investors, economists, and strategists have mixed views on the outlook for 2024.

When it comes to blended families, financial planning can become a lot more complex. Although the US Census data doesn’t track stepfamilies specifically, it’s estimated that around 40% of families in the United States would be considered blended. A blended family is one with a couple and children from their current and previous relationships. With the potential for multiple sets of children, ex-spouses, and different levels of financial resources, there's a lot to consider.

2024 might be the year when recession warnings are proven correct, although any recession should be short and mild.

Financial planning tools have become indispensable for financial professionals, and for good reason. They offer a range of benefits, from streamlining workflows to enhancing client engagement and providing data-driven insights. As client expectations evolve and the financial landscape becomes increasingly complex, these tools are essential for staying competitive and delivering the highest level of service.

Market reactions to shifts in monetary policy depend primarily on the reason behind the decision.

Investors may undervalue the impact of investment losses and don’t know that more significant gains are needed to recover fully.

The stock market’s rise since the last bear market low has been the slowest in nearly 75 years.

On the 15-year anniversary of the Lehman Brothers collapse, investors continue to allocate to cash, with money market funds attracting $1 trillion of inflows year to date, on pace to break the record set in 2020. It is unclear what percentage of the flows is a parking place to de-risk portfolios, and how much is an allocation decision with rates above 5%.

The 20% rally through July greatly shifted the scenario investors were pricing into shares from extreme pessimism to modest optimism. Given this shift, the burden of proof is more balanced between bulls and bears. Bulls continue to point to gradually softening inflation, the perceived end of the Fed’s rate cycle, general health of the consumer, and encouraging earnings season. Bears are increasingly focused on the perceived deterioration in credit following the US debt downgrade by Fitch and Moody’s cut to the ratings of ten banks and warnings on several others.

Are stocks poised for a year-end rally? The recent market pullback bears similarities to the 2022 bear market drawdown.

Inflation hit 3.2% in July from 3% in June, reflecting the first increase in over a year. The economy has been less sensitive to higher interest rates, challenging the Fed’s fight against inflation.

The biggest question among investors in the year's second half is whether the idea of "immaculate disinflation" – the so-called scenario in which inflation comes down without a recession – can be achieved.

The economy grew by 4.9% in the third quarter, overcoming high interest rates, a resumption of student loan payments, and widespread recession forecasts. But other challenges persist, like the prospect of a government shutdown.

Retail sales rose in September despite high prices and borrowing costs. Still, questions remain about whether student loan repayments and global tensions will impact spending.

While acknowledging there’s been good progress made on controlling inflation, Fed Chair Powell recently said that there is more ground to cover to get it down to the 2% goal.

With lower inflation, the Federal Reserve is unlikely to hike rates again in this phase of monetary tightening. Still, inflation remains above their 2% target.

Growth stocks have outperformed in 2023 thanks to large-cap tech stocks gains, but the trend isn’t the same for small-cap stocks.

Equity markets continue to rise, with the Dow hitting a new record high. Investors buoyed by encouraging inflation data and dovish FOMC shift.

Investors can use macroeconomic and style factors to understand better what’s influencing the stock market and S&P 500 performance.

The equity markets soared to a year-high as inflation data eased fears of a hard landing, while the Fed remained hawkish despite market expectations of rate cuts.

Bulls were energized by the prospects of a “goldilocks” scenario of an improving macro backdrop with steadily easing inflationary pressure. A Wall Street Journal poll of economists has decreased the expectation for a recession over the next 12 months to 54% from 61%, the largest monthly drop in nearly three years. This sharp shift in expectations is highlighted by the estimate for second-quarter growth at 1.5%, up from 0.2% in the last survey.

The housing market adjusts to rising mortgage rates, high prices, and low inventory.

A holistic look at the latest consumer spending data offers insights into what may be in store for markets and the economy.

While a few tech names drive bullish sentiment, more stocks are helping to power more recent market gains.

While legislators deferred the latest shutdown drama for a few weeks, investors face uncertainty.

The “good news is bad news” theme in the market continues, with the Citigroup Economic Surprise Index again over 60, suggesting economic data continues to handily beat estimates. This has not supported equities, in fact, the correlation between economic beats and equities is at the most negative level on record. A wave of data is on the way, including CPI this week, an FOMC meeting next week, and earnings next month.

With money market funds yielding over 5%, many investors may see them as attractive alternatives to more volatile stocks.

Technical factors continue to be a tailwind for markets, as investor sentiment and positioning continue to shift following a difficult three-month period. Global stocks saw $40 billion of inflows in the last two weeks, the strongest pace in nearly two years, while investment-grade bonds saw their strongest inflows in nearly four months.

Bulls are focused on healthy macro data, improving seasonality, and extremely pessimistic sentiment and positioning, while bears argue that Fed policy remains uncertain, recession indicators continue to flash, and consumer data is beginning to suggest a slowdown. Earnings revisions further complicate this debate, with fourth-quarter estimates being revised lower but 2024 estimates remaining resilient. Investors have softened their reactions to data in recent weeks, with significantly less volatility.

The higher rate environment could become a headwind for stocks, as the 10-year Treasury yield approaches the highest level since 2007. The real 10-year yield (adjusted for inflation) is at the highest level since 2009, while the MOVE Index reflects greater volatility in bonds. The spread between the 10-year and 2-year yields is at the least inverted level since May, as investors increasingly bet on a soft landing or “no landing.”

Markets saw a relief rally this week, as several major headwinds from recent weeks eased. Markets entered the week severely oversold following declines in six of the previous eight weeks, with the S&P 500 more than two standard deviations below the 50-day moving average, setting the stage for a bounce. The Russell 2000® Growth Index exited oversold territory on Thursday following a 34-day stretch at one or more standard deviations below the 50-day moving average, the fourth-longest stretch in the 44-year history of the index.

For the third quarter, the S&P 500® Index returned -3%, the weakest in a year, but still has a 13% year-to-date return. The behavior of the equity market has seen a subtle shift, with greater emotion and volatility in reaction to the Fed, rates, and inflation than at any point this year, with the VIX approaching 20 last week. Sentiment has also collapsed, with the AAII Sentiment Survey showing bulls collapsing to 28% after peaking above 50 in July, while bears are at 41%, nearly doubling in two months.

In conjunction with this shift in markets, we also passed the one-year anniversary of the current bull market earlier this month. In reviewing historical stock data, the 22% return of the current bull market is the weakest 12-month return for a new bull market since 1950. In the 12 months following previous bear market lows, returns have averaged 39%.

While small-cap equities have recently underperformed compared to their large-cap counterparts, history indicates that trend may be short-lived. Small-caps have outperformed large-caps in eight of the last 10 decades. Not only that, but small-caps are also the only asset class to outperform inflation in every decade. They’re also attractively valued right now and offer unique diversification benefits. Given the uncertainty of today’s macroeconomic backdrop, it’s important for investors to take a long-term view and be cautious when reacting to short-term trends.

Elections can have an emotional impact on investors. Help them stay focused on the fundamental drivers of market performance.

As Fed officials debate an appropriate level for the neutral interest rate (R-star), investors consider what higher-for-longer interest rates could mean for the markets.

Insights on financial conditions can help investors understand the impact of Fed policy on the economy.

Market interaction is unusual, with simultaneous increases in bond yields, the dollar index, and commodity prices, pressuring earnings from multiple directions. Higher interest rates are putting pressure on equity market valuations through competition for investor assets and greater discounting of future cash flows.

Recession worries can affect investor sentiment. Here’s how to clarify what to expect from the economy in the future.

While legislators deferred the latest shutdown drama for a few months, investors face uncertainty.

S&P 500 edges higher amid mixed global markets and data. Investor sentiment and positioning improve as commodity prices and interest rates rise.

Shifts in sentiment have been a primary driver of market action this year. The CNN Fear & Greed Index combines seven technical indicators, including breadth, sentiment, and risk metrics. This index hit a low of 14 (on a scale from 0-100) last September and ended the year at 34, reflecting excessive pessimism. This saw a dramatic rebound this year, peaking at 82 in late July, before plummeting to 42 on Friday.

Recent economic data has been better than many market analysts had expected, lifting the spirits of stock investors.

August and September have historically been among the weakest months for stock returns. A near-term pullback shouldn't stress stock investors.

The bounce around Fed Chair Powell’s speech was encouraging, reflecting that the overbought conditions in play coming into August have been resolved and expectations have been reset. Perhaps more impressive than the strength in the face of Powell’s comments was the lack of volatility, with the VIX finishing below 16, reflecting a less emotional investor. Interest rate volatility is hovering at the lowest level of the year.

Risk metrics have moderated as the market has stabilized. Credit spreads across various asset classes, from commercial paper to high yield, have registered a slight increase yet remain within a reasonably modest range. Equity and bond market volatility remain elevated but sentiment indicators, including CNN Fear & Greed and Global Fear & Greed, are all up substantially this month, while the put/call ratio has moderated, and the S&P 500 bounced strongly off the 200-day moving average.

The “good news is bad news” trend resurfaced following a strong payroll report, driving rates higher and equities temporarily lower before rallying on short covering. Rising bond yields threaten to impact markets in multiple ways, including tightening consumer budgets, pressuring corporate earnings, and diverting investor assets from equities.

View 15 of our WFH tips to implement in your practice or share with clients.

In the digital era, you have access to a plethora of tools and software that facilitate financial planning, enabling you to create detailed, customized financial plans that incorporate annuity products, considering the diverse assets that clients have acquired from various sources.

Our recent survey uncovered insights from participants and plan sponsors on how they’ve been feeling about retirement planning. Learn more about the insights and how you can help build retirement confidence here.

Although the full benefits of AI in health care are just beginning to be realized, it’s becoming clearer that AI could help us live longer, healthier lives. While that’s great news, it could also put many of your clients at a higher risk of outliving their savings.

Long-term care is a topic many people don’t talk about, but the need for planning is real. View our latest insights from our LTC survey that detail how consumers are feeling.

Our latest Advisor Authority survey discovered many investors have come across misleading financial information online and acted upon it. View more insights from the survey.

Our recent survey found that many investors are connecting their portfolio performance and financial well-being to the outcome of the next presidential and congressional elections. View the insights here.

Our recent health care survey uncovered insights into how adults are feeling about planning for health care costs in retirement, and the knowledge they still need. Learn more here.

Nationwide’s recent survey of U.S. consumers found key insights on Hispanic Americans when it comes to financial planning. Learn more into these insights here.

Our recent survey uncovered insights from participants and plan sponsors on how they’ve been feeling about retirement planning. Learn more about the insights and how you can help build retirement confidence here.

Nationwide Retirement Institute’s® 10th annual Social Security survey revealed key insights into consumers’ knowledge and feelings about Social Security. View the insights here.

Going through a divorce later in life can have a significant impact on your client’s finances as they navigate the division of assets, alimony, and retirement planning. In addition to the financial considerations of gray divorce, the emotional implications can be profound and far-reaching.

Charitable contributions are donations made to qualified tax-exempt organizations, such as charities and non-profit entities. These contributions can take the form of cash, assets, or property and can offer significant financial advantages for your clients.

What does financial security mean to you? For some, it means having a robust retirement portfolio. For others, it means finding a high paying job or simply building an emergency fund. As a financial professional, you’re uniquely positioned to bring structure to your client’s financial life by helping them set goals and develop plans for retirement; you’re setting them up for financial security—whatever that means to them.

In the past, some annuity providers locked in products and beneficiaries upon purchase, making them less attractive for some clients. But now annuity solutions can much more client-friendly. Some annuities offer free withdrawal provisions or access to account values without penalties due to life events. Knowing this, it might be a good time to talk about the benefits of annuities with your clients.

Merging two individuals' incomes, assets, and liabilities into one shared financial picture through marriage can be both exciting and overwhelming, which is why having a solid financial plan in place is crucial. From careful financial planning before the big day to maximizing tax and other benefits, we’ll explore how marriage can impact your clients' financial futures.

When tensions rise globally, headlines and volatility usually dictate market sentiment, but long-term fundamentals drive performance.

For your clients who are self-employed, they may enjoy perks like being their own boss, having greater work flexibility, or owning something that they can pass on to their kids or grandkids. But self-employed clients may also miss out on the standard benefits afforded by a typical 9-5 like a 401k with employer match or health insurance—and it can be difficult to advise them on how to save for retirement.

Businesses struggling to attract or retain executive talent may want to extend employee benefits. Corporate-owned life insurance offers benefits to both the employee and the business.

Understanding unique challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face will help you be better prepared to help them achieve a more stable financial future.

Together, Medicare and Social Security will have a lasting impact on retirees’ financial well-being—and there are instances where these programs intersect. As a financial professional, you can help clients navigate these intersections so they can get the greatest benefits for the lowest overall cost.

Annuities are designed to help you grow your retirement income and protect you from outliving it. In return for your investment with an insurance company, you receive income in the form of regular payments through annuitization or a guaranteed lifetime income benefit that is available for an additional cost. There are many reasons why your client may want to purchase an annuity—and there are various kinds with unique benefits and drawbacks.

It’s no secret that many Americans are struggling with student loan debt. And while many assume it’s only younger people who are concerned, older generations are also feeling burdened with the resumption of payments. A new survey by the Nationwide Retirement Institute® finds that even seasoned employees are experiencing significant financial pressures due to the resumption of student loan payments that resumed on October 1st.

As a financial professional, you can help your clients process their anxiety about finances with these tips from the American Psychiatric Association.

Social selling is a great way for financial professionals to gain new clients, reach sales goals, and build relationships with existing clients online.

The rising cost of healthcare plays a pivotal role in retirement planning—now more than ever. For example, from July 2021 to July 2022 alone, prices for more than 1,200 prescription drugs increased an average of 31.6%. That is significantly higher than the 8.5% inflation rate during the same time period.