11 Most Read Articles of the Week

1. Is the AI Revolution Still Investable?

In this episode, we dive into pivotal topics such as the growing adoption of cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence (AI) as investment opportunities. Our hosts discuss the recent bullish trends and mainstream recognition of crypto - as well as the rapid evolution and investment potential of AI technologies. — What Does It Mean

2. Is the Market Rally Nearing Its End?

I’ve been fielding an increasing number of questions recently that share a similar theme: “have we run too far?”, “is it time to lighten up?”, “should I sell?”, that sort of thing.  And for better or worse, most of my answers are more elaborate versions of “don’t fight the tape”, “be fearful when others are greedy”, and “markets can remain irrational longer than you can remain solvent”. — Steve Sosnick

3. Investor Favorites: 3 Key Sectors from 2024 to Watch in 2025

2024 has seen new governments elected in key economies, including the UK, the US, Japan and France. There’s also been an escalation in military tensions, both in the Middle East and Europe. Turning to the world economy, inflation has subsided significantly, and the global economy is continuing to grow. But that does mean there’s some uncertainty around the speed at which interest rates will come down. — Derren Nathan

4. Reviving Dormant Clients: Tips for Rebuilding Connections

If you’ve been in this business for any length of time, you know the cost, in terms of time, effort, and money, of bringing in a new client. You should also know that replacing a client who leaves with a new client costs five to 25 times more than retaining an existing one. Client retention is crucial to building a sustainable and profitable business. — Don Connelly

5. Bad Boys: Men Have More Money Secrets Than Women

The oft-used saying “Money is the root of all evil” is actually a paraphrase of a Bible verse “For the love of money is the root of all evil.” One interpretation of that verse is that money itself isn’t inherently evil, but it can stir negative behavior and emotions. — Todd Shriber

6. Unlock Exponential Growth With the 3 Rs of Relationship Marketing

There is no question that the digitization of client acquisition is playing an increasing role in how advisors find new clients. The research that I’ve seen points to the fact that while online / social media activity can play a role in helping clients find and determine the right advisor for them, word of mouth, recommendations, referrals, and introductions are still important factors in the process. — Bill Cates

7. Forget Selling the Future: Build Trust Now

Why do prospects keep saying, “I need to think about it?”. It’s not because they don’t see the value of what you’re offering. It’s because your process isn’t creating urgency. When you focus too much on long-term benefits, you leave them stuck in the future -- where decisions can always wait. — Ari Galper

8. The Role of Model Portfolios in Modern Advisory Practices with Ryan Krystopowicz

WisdomTree works to create a better way to invest, offering a leading product range that offers access to an unparalleled selection of unique and smart exposures. Ryan Krystopowicz is the Director of Client Solutions at WisdomTree. In this episode, Ryan reveals how leveraging model portfolios can save time, enhance client satisfaction, and improve advisory efficiency. — Power Your Advice

9. Advisors: Are You Closing the Game or Starting the Next One?

Typically in December & January most clients are trying to close out their own business games….get THEIR jobs done before the end of year and the festive season and get ready to have a break themselves, and they are under more time presure than usual.  It can be tough to get appointments, let alone do the business.  For some advisers that makes it a deadly production period. — Tony Vidler

10. Trump’s Win Is Driving Markets Higher, but What About 2025?

If you were following the playbook from Donald Trump’s last victory in 2016, the markets’ post-election response has played out largely according to plan. The prospects for a pro-growth, pro-business platform that President-elect Trump centered his campaign around has once again unleashed the animal spirits pushing stock market indices to all-time highs. To be sure, the gains in 2024 were already well above average, with the S&P 500 gaining more than 20% ahead of the election. But a Trump win, along with a Republican sweep in Congress, clearly gave investors the spark they needed to further ignite the risk-on sentiment. — Nick Williams

11. Selling Integrity as a Benefit (Without Mentioning Integrity)

“Integrity is doing the right thing, when no one is watching.” C.S. Lewis gets the credit for this observation. When people list the traits they seek in a financial advisor, honesty is high on the list. It is expressed in different ways, like “putting clients first” or transparency, but having integrity and a good sense of ethics is an important selling point. How do you do it? — Bryce Sanders