What are the benefits of using a CTA (managed futures) fund in a portfolio? What is a reasonable allocation and where should it come from?

The New Normal will "take you down" and lower expectations of future asset returns - maybe not "forever" but for a long, long time.

Going into 2013, I'm significantly more positive about the outlook for US growth, notwithstanding the fiscal cliff, while I think China will continue to to grow at around 7%.

Does retirement income public policy and the design of the super system need to move into a new direction?

Until we see the US producing at least 200,000 to 250,000 jobs a month, the Fed is likely keep rates low.

I am not sure if this past week leaves us much the wiser regarding market issues, but here's my latest take...

Demographics, workforce and trends are changing fast - and creating opportunities for financial advisers who move with the times.

Cloud technology could be the key to providing end-to-end, seamless financial advice. Much has been said about cloud technology, but very little has been explained its potential positive impact on financial advice.

All advisers know they should pay special attention to their top clients - the challenge is how. I suggest investing 20 minutes to create a four-age Client Opportunity Plan

The US GDP growth rate we've been used to for over a 100 years - in excess of 3% a year - is not just hiding behind temporary setbacks. It is gone forever.

Three insights from philosophy are helpful in times of financial and economic crisis and can result in improved decision-making...

Four key risks - the US fiscal cliff, EU debt crisis, global slowdown, and Middle East - are highly interconnected and yet to truly impact markets.

This PortfolioPick discusses what in Lonsec's view is a common error being made in the Australian equities sector of portfolios - a gravitation to extremes.

Just after I write on the improved economic news in China and the US, it turns less constructive. But not as bad as Japan. The outlook for the Yen is highly asymmetric.

Earlier this month, Tony Vidler called for SOAs to be no longer than four pages. But others see no problem with quite lengthy statements, as financialalert found out when it surveyed some advisers on how they interpret Code Standard 6's requirement to communicate "clearly, concisely, and effectively."

Top 10 concerns amongst advisers; AIS appoints new investment manager; Adviser summer school; William Blair enters Australia and NZ; Court ruling against S&P opens door for CDO lawsuits.

We recommend moving to neutral risk weightings in portfolios until a favourable resolution of the US fiscal cliff becomes more likely. A malign outcome is a clear possibility.

I question whether anything has materially changed as a result of the US election and Chinese leadership handover. I feared a US status quo, but perhaps things are different.

The FMA has indicated it could bring the first disciplinary proceedings against advisers before year's end, likely around Code Standard 8 regarding suitability of advice. financialalert asked some AFAs, a lawyer, a researcher and a Disciplinary Committee member what the test for suitability should be and whether it should be applied at a product or portfolio level.

The US election is over but the US economic crisis is so severe that the outcome barely mattered while both sides deny reality.