Geopolitical Risk Sparks a Pullback, Insurance-Based Investments, & RIA vs Broker

The Money Wise guys kick this week’s episode off with another market review. Last week the markets pulled back, with the Dow down 1.3%, the S&P 500 off by 0.4%, and the NASDAQ falling 0.6%. Despite encouraging inflation data, specifically favorable CPI and PPI readings, geopolitical tension in the Middle East quickly overshadowed the good news. Thursday night’s developments between Israel and Iran led to Friday’s market drop, with investors hesitant to hold positions over the weekend. The guys discuss how these types of events often spark short-term volatility, not long-term shifts, and share insight into recent rebalancing decisions involving oil and gas positions. Later in the show they delve into insurance-based investment products, often favored by legacy firms, but not always in clients’ best interest.

Insurance-Based Investments

Insurance-based investments, like variable annuities and equity-indexed products, are often pitched as safe, reliable options, especially by legacy firms. But behind the promises can lie high fees, long lock-up periods, and limited transparency. As discussed in this week’s episode, these products may serve the salesperson more than the investor, offering hefty commissions without always aligning with a client’s financial goals. It’s essential to look beyond the sales pitch and evaluate whether these tools truly support your long-term strategy.

In the second hour, the Money Wise guys explore RIA vs. Broker. You don’t want to miss the details! Tune in for the full discussion on your favorite podcast provider or at davidsoncap.com, where you can also learn more about the Money Wise guys or take advantage of a portfolio review and analysis with Davidson Capital Management.