For decades, financial risk modeling has been based on standard deviation assumptions, such as the Gaussian Distribution, modern portfolio theory, and bell curve risk models. While this approach works great in fields like science, it has shown significant shortcomings during extreme market events. Why?
just 10 stocks are currently responsible for around 80% of market movement, pushing the index to its highest concentration levels in 50 years. The conversation explains how the S&P 500's market-cap weighting amplifies this effect, making the index less diversified than it appears.
The ideal niche sits at the intersection of your authentic interests, your distinctive capabilities, and genuine market demand. Choosing a niche market can be challenging for many advisors, though, so let’s talk about strategies for finding a niche market for your business to focus on.
SMArtX Advisory Solutions, a leader in enterprise managed account technology, seamlessly integrates semi-liquid alternative investments, including interval and tender offer funds, directly into Unified Managed Accounts (UMAs) using its fully proprietary, end-to-end platform.
"Shawn brings valuable experience that strengthens our legal team as we continue to grow," said Shirl Penney, CEO and founder of Dynasty Financial Partners. "His judgment and insight will help us continue to support independent advisors as they build their businesses."
Advisory transitions aren’t just personnel changes—they’re moments of truth. Done well, they demonstrate professionalism, foresight, and commitment to the client experience. Done poorly, they risk reputational damage and long-term erosion of client trust.
If you're not talking to your clients about Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts (SDBAs), someone else will. As demand rises for more flexible, personalized retirement strategies, SDBAs are quickly moving from “nice to have” to “need to offer.” But not all SDBAs are created equal, and that's where AssetMark sets itself apart.
