11 Most Read Articles of the Week

1. Is Retail Euphoria a Warning Sign? Market Correction Ahead?

Retail investors are expected to become more bullish about increasing equity exposure when markets rise. However, the more extended markets become, the more confident investors are about increasing speculative risk. In other words, “success breeds confidence.” One way we can view retail exuberance is through the use of leverage. — Lance Roberts

2. Is AI the Next Dot-Com Bubble? Signs of a Tech Boom (or Bust)

Can the artificial intelligence (AI) boom continue? Winning AI stocks have handed out huge gains to investors since ChatGPT became the fastest-growing product ever in late 2022. Chip king Nvidia (NVDA) has surged 660%. Vistra Corp. (VST), which fuels power-hungry data centers, has soared 590%. Palantir Technologies (PLTR) handed out 10X gains. Those are serious gains in such a short window… leading many to accuse AI of being in a bubble. Are they right? — Stephen McBride

3. How To Get Real Leads From Your Advisory Website

Did you know that 99% of website visitors do not convert? Half the battle is getting leads to your website – but how do you convince them to share their contact information with you? Samantha Russell says the power is in the calls to action (CTAs). Have TWO CTAs on your website – bonus points if you incorporate design elements that make them stand out. — FMG

3. Harness the Power of Halftime With the 3-Peat Strategy

In sports, halftime allows a team to reflect upon the first half, refocus on the second half, and reset the game plan. Taking a midpoint break in your investment strategy to reset could help you strengthen your portfolio and finish the second half strong. Reflect to refocus We examined how the 3-peat strategy would have performed over the past 50 years compared to the S&P 500®, across 529 six-year rolling periods.1 100% of the time, the 3-peat strategy outperformed the S&P 500. — Lincoln Financial Group

4. Maximizing Your Practice’s Value: The 3 Factors You Control

Do you influence the maximizing of your practice’s value? As an advisor, you provide immense value to your clients every day. But what is often overlooked is the value they offer you. Beyond the fees they pay you for your service and advice, your clients provide you with practice "value.” This post explores the three critical factors that build value in your practice – all of which are entirely in your circle of influence. — Jeff Thorsteinson

5. Financial Infidelity May Be Getting Worse, Not Better

Folks in committed relationships – civil partnerships, living with a significant other or married – shouldn’t be committing financial infidelity, but they do and quite frequently at that. Such acts can include the husband with a trading card “addiction” or a wife that gets a credit card in secret. Both are poor form and have the potential to punish relationships. — Todd Shriber

6. Want Deeper Client Relationships? Use More Open-Ended Questions

Effective communication is the cornerstone of enduring and trusting relationships. For financial advisors, it’s the key to meaningful client engagement that fosters deeper discussions and stronger connections. At the core of meaningful engagement is asking the right questions. — Don Connelly

7. The Eggflation Panic: What Rising Egg Prices Really Mean for Inflation

Egg prices were up nearly 19.5% in last Wednesday’s CPI report as the Avian flu wreaks havoc on the nation’s egg supply. Despite its inconsequential role in determining inflation, Eggflation is getting much publicity. Given the Eggflation fearmongering on social media, it’s worth putting some context on egg prices and their impact on CPI. — Michael Lebowitz

8. Turning Indecisive Prospects into Confident Clients

Weighing up the potential pros and cons of a momentous decision like switching to a new advisor can feel like a complex ordeal for the person sitting in front of you. But why is it so hard for them to make that decision? Do or don’t do -- proceed or don’t proceed. — Ari Galper

9. How To Personalize Client Interactions To Boost Satisfaction and Retention

Financial advising has only become more intricate as financial technology, or fintech, becomes prevalent. Robotics investors, cryptocurrencies and tax incentive changes abound. Experts are responsible for crafting strong relationships by continually deepening their expertise on the money world’s developments. This development works in tandem with customizing services for clients. — Devin Partida

10. Boeing, Safety, and Seasonality: Analyzing Airplane Accident Trends

You have probably heard about the tragic plane crashes in recent weeks. But as an investor, you may also be interested in how the share price of aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing behaves after such air crashes. In the past, incidents such as the crash of Lion Air Flight 610 (2018) and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 (2019) have led to significant market reactions. We want to analyze the situation in more detail. — Giles Coghlan

11. Building Strong Bonds: Why Financial Advisors Should Focus On the Whole Family

Over the course of our long careers in the financial industry, we often come across financial professionals who are primarily focused on revenue generating activities and building their practice. While every savvy financial advisor should be money-driven and have their eyes set on financial growth, they should also focus on other activities that may not necessarily produce immediate profits. However, “delayed gratification” brings many benefits in the long run. — Linda Eaton and Jeff Cobb