Knowledge Center

The goal of this piece is to provide advisors with real world tools and techniques they can apply to their practice today.

Economic Highlights: Real GDP was down slightly during the first quarter of 2015, contracting -0.2%. Economic growth has slowed for the last two quarters after a two quarter surge in 2014. Although personal consumption growth was positive, exports contracted, as did state and local government spending.

JUNE 25, 2015 (3:54)—Jason Schwarz, president of Wilshire Funds Management, discusses the use of a diversified portfolio in periods of market uncertainty.

ETFs (exchange traded funds) have rapidly grown in popularity since State Street first launched the SPDR in 1993. As a financial advisor, you have likely received inquiries from your clients about ETFs. Questions like “What are they?” or “Should I add them to my portfolio?” are becoming increasingly common.

Until recently, alternative investments were typically only available to institutions and ultra-high net worth individuals because of high investment minimums and stringent investor qualifications. Post 2008, however, we have witnessed a meaningful increase in alternative investment product offerings in the open-end mutual fund universe.

U.S. Economy and Markets: Domestic equity markets were positive in May, as the Wilshire 5000 Total Market Index^SM returned 1.30% and the S&P 500 Index returned 1.29%.

U.S. Economy and Markets: Domestic equity markets were positive in April, as the Wilshire 5000 Total Market Index^SM returned 0.54% and the S&P 500 Index returned 0.96%.

Economic Highlights: Real GDP finished the year on an underwhelming but positive note, expanding at an annual rate of 2.2% during the fourth quarter. Economic growth for all of 2014 was 2.4% despite a contraction during the first quarter. Consumer spending drove growth during the fourth quarter, reflecting improvement in employment conditions and lower gas prices.

MARCH 17, 2015 (4:22)—Wilshire Funds Management President Jason Schwarz on giving individual investors access to liquid alternatives.

U.S. Economy and Markets: Domestic equity markets were positive in February, as the Wilshire 5000 Total Market Index^SM returned 5.70% and the S&P 500 Index returned 5.75%.