Despite the economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic—or possibly because of it—US retirement account balances rose to record levels during the fourth quarter of 2020, as reported by Fidelity Investments. The firm said individual contributions to individual retirement accounts (IRA), as well as 401(k) and 403(b) retirement accounts remained strong during the last three months of the year.
The municipal bond market’s complexity creates opportunity for active managers who know where to look. Adam Weigold, Senior Portfolio Manager and Head of Municipal Bonds at Manulife Investment Management, explains how JHMU seeks to capture value through sector rotation, credit research, and tactical positioning. With more than 60,000 issuers and 1.2 million CUSIPs, the muni market rewards managers who can identify inefficiencies—and avoid potential pitfalls before they materialize.
As volatility returns and valuations stretch, advisors are revisiting strategies that balance income with risk mitigation. The Cullen Enhanced Equity Income ETF (DIVP) seeks to address both through value-oriented stock selection and selective options overlays. Catherine Howse of Schafer Cullen Capital Management explains how the fund’s disciplined approach aims to deliver consistent income while preserving meaningful equity participation—and why the distinctions between covered call strategies matters more than ever.