August has been a highly volatile period for the financial markets. Reignited trade tensions and recent yield-curve inversions have spooked investors, culminating in a 3% drop in the S&P 500 Index on Aug. 14, its worst day of the year. Ivy provides its perspective on these two market moving events.
The Fed announced a much-anticipated one-quarter-percentage-point cut to the federal funds rate. Following the decision, Fed Chairman Powell's press conference commentary was perceived as unexpectedly hawkish. While the market had a 'buy the rumor, sell the news’ reaction, but we believe underlying fundamentals should support continued growth during the rest of 2019.
Economic fundamentals were solid at the start of the year. Could trade disruptions put the economic expansion at risk in the second half of 2019?
Retirement plans have undergone significant changes this year, and more are pending. Discover how the changes will impact plans, employee participation and compliance implications.
Over the next few decades, client assets currently held by Traditionalists and Baby Boomers will be controlled by Generation Xers and Millennials, reshaping the traditional financial advisor model. Discover how you can plan for each generation.
Navigating generational differences can be tricky, whether you’re speaking to a younger client or chatting with a long-time client that might be your parents’ age. Knowing each generation can lead to a growing and stable practice.
We stand for a legacy of expertise, focused on delivering strong, long-term results. Our name reflects our progressive product offerings and growing global presence as we continue to adapt to the needs of investors.
There’s no mistaking the raised eyebrow of the Gen Xer. Learn about this independent, resourceful and highly skeptical generation and navigate its key traits to build strong relationships.
 LATCHKEY KIDS Xers earned this nickname by coming home after school to an empty house. They became independent, learning how to manage their own time – doing homework, watching TV and cooking their own dinner. |
 VIDEO GAMES Created in 1980, Pac-Man revolutionized the gaming world by establishing the maze chase genre. Xers were the first generation exposed to the video game world, and many played this classic at arcades after school. |
 MICHAEL JORDAN The Chicago Bulls star is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, earning him the nickname “Air Jordan.” Many kids were looking for heroes, and MJ delivered. |
 TV MUSIC VIDEOS MTV launched in 1981 with the music video “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles. The creation of MTV changed the way Xers spent their free time. |
 24-HOUR MEDIA Founded in 1980, CNN was the first television channel to provide 24-hour news coverage. Xers watched live as many institutions were called into question by 24-hour news. |
 CHALLENGER EXPLOSION A tragic and pivotal moment of Gen Xers’ formative years, the 1986 Challenger disaster created misgivings about NASA. This was just one example of how trusted institutions let this generation down. |
 MISSING CHILDREN ON MILK CARTONS Etan Patz’s disappearance in 1979 sparked the missing children’s movement. Grabbing a milk at lunch, Xers witnessed first-hand how dangerous the world can be. |
 PERSONAL COMPUTER Xers remember the debut of the Apple I and the first mass-marketed personal computer, the Commodore PET. Millennials may believe they are the first high-tech generation, but Gen Xers were truly the pioneers. |
 DOT COM BOOM AND BUST The rise of the Internet was a major milestone for Xers. The subsequent tech bust created another source of skepticism for the generation. |
of Xers believe they can no longer count on pensions, Social Security and Medicare.1
of Xers have not tried to calculate what they need to save for retirement.2
of Xers identify as a “saver” vs. a “spender.”3
are concerned about the possible financial strain of caring for aging parents.4
of Gen Xers will leave an inheritance to children and grandchildren.5
of Xers feel optimistic about their financial future.6
94% of Xers believe it’s critically important for them to build their own financial security in retirement.1
66% of Xers think their financial plan needs improvement.7
78% of Xers are interested in receiving financial advice.8
1 Generations Apart℠ How boomers and Generation Xers are facing their financial futures. (2015, April). Allianz.
2 Fact Book 2016. A Guide to Information, Trends, and Data in the Retirement Income Industry. (2016). Insured Retirement Institute.
3 2017 Allianz Generations Ahead Study – Quick Facts #1. (2017). Allianz.
4 Retirement 2.0 Research Report. Generation X shares their vision for retirement. (2015). Ameriprise Financial.
5 Family Wealth Checkup. A multigenerational study on how families talk about money and long-term financial planning. (2017). Ameriprise Financial.
6 Gen Z and the Challenges/Opportunities Driving Their Financial Mindsets. (2016, Aug. 11). Lincoln Financial Group.
7 The Gen X Retirement Dilemma. (2017). Northwestern Mutual.
8 TIAA 2016 Advice Matters Survey. (2016, Sept. 29). TIAA.
This information is prepared by an unrelated independent third party, BridgeWorks, and is provided for informational purposes only. Ivy Distributors, Inc., believes the information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but does not guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.
