For investors thinking about purchasing an annuity, there are two things they should do first. One, speak with a financial advisor (other than the one trying to sell you the annuity) so you can get an unbiased explanation of how the annuity contract works. Second, consider these three reasons not to buy an annuity. Reason 1: Limited Control of Your Principal, Income, and Investment Options Money in Annuities May be Locked Up Most types of annuities restrict access to your principal for a certain number of years. If you have an unforeseen need for cash and have to exit the contract early, you might have to a pay a penalty to access your money. [+] Read More

International equity money manager Cambiar Investors' latest investment commentary discusses their outlook for the international equity markets and the performance of their International and Global equity portfolios. From the commentary: "As we enter the final quarter of 2013, it would not be a surprise if the year-to-date enthusiasm towards equities wanes in favor of a more defensive posture. The reasons for caution are plentiful: gridlock in Washington, taper timing by the Fed, a new Fed Chairperson, uncertainty in Syria, and above all – a stock market that is no longer that cheap. As the saying goes, the market climbs a wall of worry…but resolution on these fronts would certainly bolster investor confidence." Download Cambiar Investors' Full Commentary Here Get Free Research Reports on Cambiar Investors [+] Read More

WrapManager’s Weekly Summary of Market and Economic News The Bellwether US 10-Year Treasury Hit 3% on Thursday Interest rates continue to move higher as the economy recovers and as the Federal Reserve provides additional hints that they plan to “taper” their economic stimulus measures. Some people are concerned that rising interest rates could stifle the recovery of the housing market as well as general business activity.1 While that may be true to a degree, we also believe there are at least 4 Reasons Rising Interest Rates Aren't Necessarily a Bad Thing. In Spite of Rising Interest Rates, US Auto Sales Continue Booming In the month of August, new car sales rose 17% to 1.5 million, which is the highest level of sales since 2007. This is a good indication that the auto sector has moved past the recession and recovered in full. Analysts expect that close to 16 million cars and trucks will be sold in the US this year. Toyota, General Motors, Nissan, Honda, Chrysler, and Ford all posted double-digit gains for the month.2 [+] Read More

Eagle Asset Management's monthly commentary focuses on their predictions as to where interest rates will be and the affects it will have on the economy and markets. "Where will the 10-year Treasury be in three years? Will it be closer to 2 percent or 5 percent? I’m now wrestling with this question because the fiscal drag on the economy from the sequester will gradually fade over the coming months. The U.S. Federal Reserve’s tapering talk suggests it sees stronger growth ahead and there have been signs of economic stabilization in Europe and China. We could be close to moving on from the 2008 crisis, in which case interest rates should normalize. Or it could be another false dawn with growth disappointing and rates rolling over again." Download Eagle Asset Management's Full Commentary Here Get Free Research Reports on Eagle Asset Management [+] Read More

Churchill Management Group believes the odds of a stock market correction, defined by them as 10-20%, have increased. Their latest commentary explains their thinking, and addresses five news stories to expect this fall. "The above title is an old practical adage of Wall Street that describes how markets get rattled on the rumor of events to come and tend to settle down after the news has been revealed. As we go through the maturing phase of the bull market that began four-and-a-half years ago, it is a statement to keep in mind as the news coming in September is set to be expansive and emotional. On the docket are..." Download Churchill's Full Commentary Here Get Free Research Reports on Churchill Management [+] Read More

Eagle Asset Management's Senior Portfolio managers sit down and discuss their outlook on what they consider the main issues in the world today. "Eagle Asset Management’s equity and fixed-income portfolio managers regularly meet to discuss ideas, events in the financial markets and potential opportunities for investors. The global economy still has areas of concern, especially in Europe and China. Meanwhile, there are mixed data points on the domestic front. Our managers’ discussion included such topics as how and when the Federal Reserve will taper its quantitative-easing program; U.S. energy independence; what effects, if any, federal policy and politics have on markets; and – perhaps most interesting to readers – how they have positioned investment portfolios." Download Eagle Asset Management's Full Commentary Here Get Free Research Reports on Eagle Asset Management [+] Read More

WrapManager’s Weekly Summary of Market and Economic News Eurozone Exits Longest Recession in Over 40 Years> Initial reports have the Eurozone posting 0.3% growth in the second quarter, signaling the Eurozone may have exited its longest recession in over 40 years. France and Germany helped pull the Eurozone up with 0.7% and 0.5% GDP growth, respectively, however Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands still posted negative GDP numbers. In spite of potentially having exited its longest recession in 40 years, the Eurozone still carries a 12.1% unemployment rate as of June.1 That is almost double the current unemployment rate in the U.S., which as of July stood at 7.4%.2 Japanese Debt Tops 1 Quadrillion Yen Japan’s outstanding debt (including borrowings) rose to a record 1,008.6 trillion yen, representing the most debt held by any country in the world. The fact that Japanese debt tops 1 quadrillion yen also means it’s debt burden is larger than the economies of Germany, France, and the UK—combined. [+] Read More

Cambiar Investors' latest commentary reviews the international and emerging markets, along with the performance of their two international investment strategies. "Despite impressive annualized gains over the past three years, global equities have largely taken a backseat to their fixed income counterparts. Within equities, the U.S. has been the top-performing market, while austerity and slow growth have been headwinds for Europe, and Emerging Markets remain volatile. The Cambiar International Equity and Global Select portfolios continue to seek balance and broad diversification, while maintaining a degree of nimbleness to 'flex' the portfolio if a given sector/region becomes particularly attractive." Download Cambiar Investors' Full Commentary Here Get Free Research Reports on Cambiar Investors [+] Read More

Portfolio Manager Richard Skeppstrom explains why he's continuing to hold his ~60% allocation to equities moving forward. "June jobs, reported July 5, came in stronger than expected at 195,000 and previous months were revised higher. Treasury rates exploded up to 2.725 percent. Markets, both equity and bond, interpreted the numbers as a signal that the economy is indeed stronger and Fed accommodation will ebb." Download Eagle Asset Management's Full Commentary Here Get Free Research Reports on Eagle Asset Management [+] Read More