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Potomac Couch (E5)
The One with Our Spouses
The true people’s couch is the Potomac Couch. The ultimate recommendation show for Financial Advisors.
Gap Closed Amid
Increasing Risk Appetite
Lumber is leading Gold and Discretionary is breaking out relative to Staples, two key data points in the “risk-on” thesis.
Wake Me Up
When the Data Changes
If your job is to “write” about technical analysis, you typically find data points that fit your narrative. For us, the saying goes, “if it can’t be tested, then it can’t be trusted.”
Fears of Contagion are Spreading Faster
than Actual Contagion
Fears of “contagion” are running through the media but thus far are not materializing in the markets.
Who Charted? (E10)
Calm the F/** Down
From Research by Potomac and the Conquer Risk podcast, hosted by Manish Khatta and Dan Russo, CMT.
Why Aren’t Defensive Groups
Showing Stronger Leadership?
Defensive groups have shown some signs of relative stabilization, as we would expect in times of stress, but they have not made meaningful moves to the upside.
Testing the Levels that
EVERYONE is Watching
The specific areas of interest are the 10-week (50-day) moving averages, and with so many investors watching them, it would not be surprising to see them undercut to shake out the weak hands.
Signs of Increasing
Risk Appetite
There are signs of life in risk appetite on the part of investors as High Beta begins to lead Low Volatility, and Lumber makes a strong move higher relative to Gold.
How Long Can
the Divergences Last?
Small Caps remains the weakest and the metrics have ticked lower over the past week.
One More Chance for the
“Buy the Dip” Crowd?
The S&P 500 has once again reached the 50-day moving average, which has been a key guidepost for the “buy the dip” crowd.
Build in Public (E6)
Award Season
The Profound Industry Maker and Player Awards were a smash, giving Financial Services awards the send-up they deserve.
Leaders Pull Back from Record Highs,
but Trends Remain in Place
The Health Care sector is on the verge of trading to another new high as the uptrend is firmly in place on an absolute basis.
Will the 10-Week Moving Average
Ride to the Rescue Again?
The S&P 500 enters the new week amid a five-day losing streak, but odds favor the rising 10-week (50-day) moving average continuing to act as support to pullbacks in what remains a bullish trend.
When Will Investors
Make Up Their Minds?
From a risk perspective, the fact that these trends did not breakdown in the face of a four-day decline for the S&P 500 is encouraging.
Breadth Metrics Weaken
as the S&P 500 Hits a Three-Day Losing Streak
Short and intermediate-term trend measures remain in early uptrends, while long-term trend metrics continue to decline.
Trends Favor
Large Caps & Growth
The S&P 500 and NASDAQ 100 are in steady bullish trends while Small Caps and Commodities are stuck in their consolidations.
Health Care
is the Sector to Watch
The Health Care sector is on the verge of trading to another new high as the uptrend is firmly in place on an absolute basis.
Who Charted? (E9)
Everyone is Watching
From Research by Potomac and the Conquer Risk podcast, hosted by Manish Khatta and Dan Russo, CMT.
Will the End of Summer Bring
a Resolution to These Consolidations?
Technology, Discretionary vs. Staples, Lumber/Gold, Small Caps, Growth Over Value are top of mind as autumn approaches.
Don’t Look Now
but Breadth is Improving
We are now seeing signs of improving breadth, a continuation of which would remove this part of the bear thesis.
Sentiment Indicators Beginning
to Line Up with Equity Strength
We are still waiting for a resolution in the 10-Year Note which is likely to have important implications for leadership in the equity market.
Industry Gossip (E8)
Texting, Riskalyze, Fall Events and more
Capital Group Launches new ETFs, Riskalyze Recapitalizes, 2021 RIA Events Collapse, Redtail and Snappy Kraken Text.
Leaders Tend
to Continue Leading
Last week, the best-looking groups were Technology and Communication Services. That remains the case this week as leaders tend to continue leading.
Risk Assets Rally
but Trends Remain the Same
Risk-on is the only way to describe trading last week with strong bullish moves in the Small Caps and Commodities while defensive assets came under pressure.
Book Club (E4)
Crush It!
Lessons from Crush It!: Why NOW Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion, the legendary book from Gary Vaynerchuk.
A Whole Lot
of Nothing!
There are some divergences that hint at the potential for trend changes, but until key levels are broken, we are hard pressed to give them more than a passing glance.
Breadth Continues
to Diverge with Price
This week has seen a slight rebound, but we are still hard-pressed to call breadth metrics healthy despite the S&P 500 trading at record levels.
Small Caps Try to Rebound;
Will they Get in Gear?
Groups that hold the largest Growth stocks (Technology and Communication Services) continue to show signs of outperformance.
Profound Industry Maker and
Player (PIMP) Awards
Potomac is pleased to announce the first annual Profound Industry Maker and Player (PIMP) awards.
Who Charted? (E8)
Put Up or Shut Up!
From Research by Potomac and the Conquer Risk podcast, hosted by Manish Khatta and Dan Russo, CMT.
In the U.S. and Europe
Technology is Leadership
Groups that hold the largest Growth stocks (Technology and Communication Services) continue to show signs of outperformance.
Small Caps and the 10-Year Note
are Nearing an Important Resolution
The rising 10-week moving average remains a key guide to the uptrend for the S&P 500 after holding, once again, last week.
Third Party Strategists (Part-Two)
A Wild Goose Chase for Advisors
We suspect if you’ve tried looking for a third-party strategist to manage assets for your advisory firm recently, you know this feeling quite well.
Drinks Well with Operations (E2)
Finding Efficiencies
How to create operational efficiencies within a TAMP. Utilizing your teams strengths to improve what you do and streamline efforts.
Transports are Trying
to Get on the Right Track
While the lack of confirmation remains in place, there are early signs that the Transports are turning the corner, with the S&P 500 Road & Rail Index…
Third Party Strategists (Part-One)
How to Build Your Own Due Diligence Process
As more advisors are outsourcing portfolio management, it is critical that you have a way to evaluate each provider.
If Bad Breadth Couldn’t Crack the Market,
What Happens if Breadth Improves?
Breadth metrics have improved across the equity market in the U.S. The improvement in small caps is perhaps the most impressive of the bunch.
The 10-Year Note is
Driving Shifts in Leadership
Leadership shifts appear to be most sensitive to moves in the 10-Year Note which is essentially stuck in a sloppy consolidation between the two …
Financial Planning in the New Age
(S4 E24)
Potomac Fund Management’s TAMP, the Union UMA, now features a dynamic financial planning tool available for both desktop and mobile.
Financials in Focus
After Recent Improvement
The two most interesting developments over the past week are the potential resurgence of strength in Financials and the potential for a breakout in Utilities.
Who Charted? (E7)
The Market is Boring
From Research by Potomac and the Conquer Risk podcast, hosted by Manish Khatta and Dan Russo, CMT.
Rates and Commodities
Send a Mixed Message
Equities exhibited some stalling behavior last week, but no damage was done to the prevailing, long-term uptrends.
Investors Can’t Seem
to Make Up Their Minds
The market is extremely calm on the surface but there is a lot of churning underneath. High-Beta and Consumer Discretionary point to…
Not Your Grandfather’s
Financial Plan!
Goals is a word that is thrown around a lot in financial planning. So much so that most of us are dead tired of it.
Still Looking
for Breadth to Improve
Small Cap breadth remains the weakest. The Advance/Decline Line is heading lower, below the declining 50-day moving average.
Are Investors Discounting
a Slower Growth Environment?
As has been the case for the past few weeks, investors are not showing signs of excessive greed despite the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ 100 trading near…
Cyclical Sectors
are Being Put to the Test
Cyclical sectors are testing resistance and have clearly defined levels below which we can say that their trends have turned bearish.
Industry Gossip (E7)
Carson Group, Dynasty, Schwab, and more
Schwab takes a charge for robo-advisor, Dynasty hires digital and tech leads, Carson Group valued at $1B with Bain Capital Investment, and more.
Equities Stall but the
Long-Term Trend is Bullish
Equities exhibited some stalling behavior last week, but no damage was done to the prevailing, long-term uptrends.
Calm on the Surface,
Turbulent Below
While the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ 100 trade near record highs, there remains a lot of choppiness under the surface.
Potomac Couch (E4)
Oh We’re Doing THAT Now?
The true people’s couch is the Potomac Couch. The ultimate recommendation show for Financial Advisors.
Breadth
is Still Bad
Subtle signs of improvement in a few of the short-term breadth metrics but overall, the level of participation in the market’s uptrend is lacking.
Fearful Sentiment with Stocks
Near Record Levels
Despite lingering concerns about the Delta variant, the S&P 500 Hotels, Restaurants, and Leisure Index made a new closing high yesterday.
A Big Week for Technology
and Communication Services
Two of the key leading groups, Technology and Communication Services, will be in sharp focus this week as key members of each report earnings this week.
Who Charted? (E6)
It’s a US Large Cap Story
From Research by Potomac and the Conquer Risk podcast, hosted by Manish Khatta and Dan Russo, CMT.
New Equity Highs but Leadership
Remains Concentrated in Large Caps
The dips continue to be bought in the equity market, but outperformance continues to concentrate in the larger stocks, especially those with…
Credit May Provide
the Best Roadmap
Under the surface, there remains a lot of uncertainty as it relates to thematic leadership. Credit may be the best “tell” in the near-term.
Breadth is Weak,
but We All Know That
Breadth metrics remain under pressure across markets, with Small Caps sustaining the most damage into Monday’s lows.
The Dips Continue
to be Bought
Equities are bouncing from support levels after a brief (thus far) pullback, as the 50-day moving average continues to define the trend for the S&P 500.
Build in Public (E5)
We F/**ed Up
Potomac’s Bull Bear Cereal has been a smash, but the brand refresh fell flat. Learn what happens when you fail at marketing.
Support Levels
are Being Tested
Pharma appears to be making the turn vs. the S&P 500. As the prospects for a “risk-off” market continue, odds favor Pharma outperforming.
Beyond the S&P 500,
Markets Have a Risk-Off Tone
Treasuries and the Dollar, traditionally haven assets, have an underlying bid to them while Small Cap stocks remain under pressure.
This Indecision’s
Bugging Me
While the S&P 500 trades near-record levels, held aloft by the biggest of the Mega Cap stocks, under the surface there is a lot of choppiness.
Breadth Metrics Weaken
Across the Equity Market
Breadth metrics across markets have weakened further over the course of the past week, with the damage most pronounced in Small Caps.
More Fear Than Greed
but Stocks Trade to Record Highs
Record highs for the S&P 500 and NASDAQ 100 indexes point to keeping the bull market for equites intact. Sentiment remains in a fear position.
Who Charted? (E5)
The Market vs. Internals
From Research by Potomac and the Conquer Risk podcast, hosted by Manish Khatta and Dan Russo, CMT.
Banks Kick Off Earnings Season
with Cyclicals Under Pressure
Not much has changed at the sector level over the past week. Growth themes continue to benefit from rotation while the cyclical groups are under pressure.
U.S. Over the World
and Large Over Small
U.S. equities remain the best game in town but leadership within the U.S. market appears to be tilting back to the NASDAQ as Small Caps have begun to stall out.
Value to Growth Shift
Continues to Play Out
Commodity themes point to slowing global growth which is further supporting the outperformance of Growth stocks relative to Value stocks.
Industry Gossip (E6)
Investopedia Top 100, RobustWealth and more
Principal shuts down RobustWealth for Advisors, Investopedia Top 100 Financial Advisors, JP Morgan acquires OpenInvest, Robinhood pays a fine.
A Divergence Doesn’t Matter
Until It Does
While we are seeing some small divergences across different data points, the trend needs more time to play out.
Sentiment Becomes More Fearful
with Stocks at Record Levels
The S&P 500 and the NASDAQ have traded to record levels, but it is hard to make the case that sentiment is a concern.
Good as Hell
(S4 E23)
Potomac Fund Management continues to cross milestones as they double down on evolving the advisor experience.
Leadership Shifts as the S&P 500
Closes at a Weekly High
As the S&P 500 trades at record levels, groups such as Technology and Communication Services are taking the lead from the cyclical sectors.
Potomac Couch (E3)
Gas Station Thanksgiving
The true people’s couch is the Potomac Couch. The ultimate recommendation show for Financial Advisors.
The Return of Growth
Over Value?
The Growth/Value ratio for the S&P 500 remains above the 200-day moving average after crossing it last week.
Record Highs
but Lack of Broad Breadth Confirmation
Across the major markets in the U.S., the Advance/Decline Line is near record levels but is not yet confirming the record levels of the index.
Record Highs but
Not Much Froth
The overall trend in the equity market remains to the upside with the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ trading at record level.
Drinks Well with Operations (E1)
Growing an Ops Team
In this inaugural episode, we break down what our Operations team has done in the past twelve months, and how we did it.
More Signs of Rotation
Under the Surface
Rotation is the near-term focus for investors as groups like Technology and Communication Services have exhibited relative strength of late.
Stocks Close at Record Levels,
Havens Retreat
Equity trends in the U.S. remain to the upside with the S&P 500 and NASDAQ logging record weekly closes. Global stocks confirm the uptrend.
Is it Risk-On
or Risk-Off?
Is Growth regaining leadership? The improvement in Growth over Value, while Lumber and Copper remain under pressure vs. Gold.
Breadth Metrics
are Not Confirming Price Strength
Despite the S&P 500 trading near record levels, there are signs that breadth is weakening under the surface.
Something for Everyone,
But We Defer to Price
The trends remain to the upside, while being mindful of the bearish arguments which would be confirmed with breaks of key support levels.
Will the Cyclicals Hold
Where They Must?
The cyclical areas of the S&P 500 are in the process of testing important absolute and/or relative support levels. Will they hold?
Who Charted? (E4)
Risk Off or Just a Pause?
From Research by Potomac and the Conquer Risk podcast, Manish Khatta and Dan Russo, CMT present…
Pressure on Reflation Assets
Causes Key Levels to be Tested
The NASDAQ is a bright spot with reflation assets under pressure. Is the pressure likely to persist, or is this a pause?
Risk-Off or
Just a Pause?
While Treasury yields have moved lower over the past few weeks, the credit market is not sending a warning signal just yet.
Book Club (E3)
Creative Confidence
Lessons from IDEO, the global design and innovation company, from a book by their founders titled, “Creative Confidence.”
Breadth Metrics Fail
to Confirm Price Highs
Despite the S&P 500 trading near record levels, there are signs that breadth is weakening under the surface.
Treasuries and Gold at Key Support
Ahead of the Fed
Later today, we will hear from the Fed Chairman, Jerome Powell, after the FOMC wraps up their policy meeting. All eyes will be on treasuries.
Tools to Build a Successful RIA
(S4 E22)
What are the best tools for Financial Advisors to run an RIA? Learn from your peers as we share what works for us.
“Reflation” Trade
Under Pressure
Materials, Financials, and Industrials are all testing their 50-day moving averages from above. Relative trends are under near-term pressure.
Record Highs for Equities
as Long-Term Yields Break Down
Equity markets in the U.S. and globally are trading at/near record levels, while yields break down at the long end of the curve.
Industry Gossip (E5)
Merrill Lynch, Snappy Kraken, Altruist and more
Merrill Lynch ends cold calling, Snappy Kraken’s Jolt marketing conference, Altruist raises funding, Vise announces Series C.
Are Investors Pricing
Slower Global Growth?
Commodity-Based Themes continue to weaken point to the possibility that investors are preparing for a slower growth environment.
Why Financial Advisor Communication is Broken
(And What You Can Do to Fix It)
The first step in crafting your new client communication model is always the hardest, but rarely (if ever) have we seen advisors regret taking the leap.
Transitory or not?
Inflation on the Front Burner Today
All eyes on inflation today, with the release of the CPI report. Ahead of the report, investor expectations…
Small Caps Trade to New Highs,
Is the S&P 500 Next?
The S&P 600 traded to a new high this week, Sentiment is not greedy. Will the S&P 500 break to new highs as well?
Who Charted? (E3)
Most Stocks are in Uptrends
From Research by Potomac and the Conquer Risk podcast, Manish Khatta and Dan Russo, CMT present…
Signs of Life
in the Technology Sector
REITs Complete the Bearish to Bullish Trend Reversal while Technology Closes at a One-Month Relative High. Software Holds Relative Support.
Global Stocks and Commodities
Break Out
Equity trends remain to the upside in the U.S., and the Global Dow closed last week at a new high. Will the Relative Trend Turn?
Potomac Couch (E2)
Live Long and Prosper
The true people’s couch is the Potomac Couch. The ultimate recommendation show for Financial Advisors.
Energy Powers
Small Cap Leadership
Value over Growth remains a key trend while two key breakouts emerge for Small Cap Energy. New highs for High Beta vs Low Volatility, will they hold?
A “Healthy Majority” of Stocks
are in Uptrends
Energy Equipment & Services are an Emerging Leader. Breadth Metrics Improve Across the NYSE, S&P 500, and S&P 600.
A Breakout for Crude Oil
is Bullish for the Energy Sector
S&P 500 and S&P 600 Push Toward Record Highs while Crude Oil has broken above key resistance, a potential positive for the Energy sector.
Choosing a Risk Score and Proposal System
(S4 E21)
Where can advisors find clarity on risk scoring? What is the best proposal system for advisors? Manish Khatta shares his experience.
Offense Over Defense as Semiconductors
Close at a One-Month Relative High
The reflation/cyclical sectors of the market continue to receive the benefit of the doubt, as relative trends remain to the upside.
Maybe it was
Just a Pause?
Growth is likely to continue to lag Value. At the same time, Small Caps appear likely to reassert leadership over Large Caps.
Build in Public (E4)
Hungry?
On Monday May 24th, Potomac launched Bull Bear cereal. Not your everyday brand awareness project for an investment strategist.
Research by Potomac:
Your All-Access Pass to Leading Financial Insight
Research by Potomac is a lot of things, but if we had to sum it up it could best be described as your all-access pass, your front row seat.
Looking for Short-Term
Breadth Metrics to Improve
The NYSE Advancing – Declining Volume Line is in the process of breaking to a new high, ahead of the S&P 500.
Choppy,
With a Chance of Volatility
Equity markets in the U.S. are searching for direction, as near-term trading remains choppy within the context of longer-term bullish trends.
Who Charted? (E2)
Technology is Not the Stock Market
From Research by Potomac and the Conquer Risk podcast, Manish Khatta and Dan Russo, CMT present…
Broad Weakness
in the Consumer Discretionary Sector
The relative trends continue to favor the cyclical sectors of the market. Weakness in Consumer Discretionary is Broad
Like the NASDAQ,
Small Caps Give Up Their 10-Week Moving Average
Small Caps and the NASDAQ Closed Below the 10-Week Moving Average while Commodities have pulled back…
Is it Time for the Rest of the
World to Shine?
Watching the Shift Toward Global Stocks over U.S. Stocks. Copper/Gold Ratio Fails at Resistance while Lumber…
Potomac Couch (E1)
Back to the Beginning
The true people’s couch is the Potomac Couch. The ultimate recommendation show for Financial Advisors.
When it Comes to Breadth,
Your Time Frame Matters
Short-term metrics remain under pressure, while long-term metrics are healthy. Intermediate-Term Breadth is Neutral.
Less Aggressive
is Still Prudent
Global Stocks are on the Verge of a Relative Breakout and Sentiment is Tilting Toward Fear. Momentum Shifting…
What Does Transparency Mean to Potomac?
(S4 E20)
What does it mean to lead with transparency? What can financial advisors learn from a transparent approach…
One Eye on “Reflation” Sectors,
One Eye on Defensive Sectors
Materials, Energy, Financials, and Industrials Sectors continue to lead the pack while Defensive Sectors are…
Rates Fail to Respond
to Rising Inflation
U.S. Equities Test their 10-Week Moving Averages while Rates Fail to Move Higher on the “Worrisome…”
Industry Gossip (E4)
Riskalyze, Berkshire Boys, and more.
Riskalyze goes off on Hidden Levers, Charles Munger on Bitcoin, InvestCloud acquires Advicent and NaviPlan…
Longer Trends
Favor Risk-On Over Risk-Off
Equity Themes turn slightly Risk-Off but remain above Support while Intermarket Themes (Commodities) are…
Breadth Metrics are Bent, Not Broken,
as Equities Pull Back
Breadth Weakens as Equities Pullback, Short-Term Metrics Not Yet at Washed Out Levels while Long-Term…
Gold Stocks Glitter Despite
a Pause for Broader Equity Averages
Small Caps are Breaking their Relative Uptrend, while the NASDAQ Completes a Topping Process vs. the S&P 500.
Transition to Model Custom Management
(S4 E19)
How can customizations and more specifically, custom SMAs, provide added benefits for Financial Advisors?
Technology’s Weakness
Extends Beyond the Largest Stocks
Technology Completes its Relative Topping Pattern While Weakness Extends Beyond the Largest Names…
US Stocks, Global Stocks & Commodities…
Up and Out!
The relative underperformance of the NASDAQ is on the verge of turning decidedly bearish while Small Caps…
Who Charted? (E1)
Commodities and Transports
From Research by Potomac and the Conquer Risk podcast, Manish Khatta and Dan Russo, CMT present…
Risk Seeking
over Risk Aversion
The ratios of Copper to Gold and Lumber to Gold provide an intermarket confirmation of the higher risk appetite…
What Does it Mean
to be Extended?
The age-old question on every investor’s mind is if now is the right time to invest in the stock market…
Financials are More than Banks;
Insurance is Making a Relative Turn
Breadth metrics for the S&P 500, NYSE and S&P 600 have weakened slightly in the near-term but remain…
Short Circuit:
Semiconductors Break Down
A relative breakdown for Semiconductors, along with a shift in momentum, will likely be a headwind for the NASDAQ…
How Did We Do What We Did?
(S4 E18)
With today’s press release, how did grow nearly 1000% YOY on the Envestnet platform? How can other firms learn…
Leadership
Begins to Emerge
Materials and Financials remain in an absolute uptrend, while Technology and Discretionary continue to fade on a…
The Pauses
that Refresh?
Equities, in the U.S. and abroad, remain in consolidation mode. The S&P 500 has made no progress…
Build in Public (E3)
Streamyard
Learn how to produce a live broadcast with Streamyard. Join Potomac’s marketing team as they…
Copper vs Gold:
A Breakout Would be a Big Deal
The copper/gold ratio is arguably one of the most important relationships to watch in the market right now.
Breadth is Not the
Place to Start a Bear Case
Breadth metrics continue to support the bullish trend in equities as participation remains broad. Leadership may…
A Big Breakout
in a Key Industry
The S&P 500 Air Freight & Logistics Index gapped to a new high with a momentum confirmation. Sentiment is…
Research by Potomac
(S4 E17)
Where can you find institutional quality investment research for financial advisors? How is Potomac elevating…
Still Searching
For Clear Leadership
Absolute trends are fairly clear, most are up and to the right, confirming the bullish trend for the broader equity market.
Equity Weakness
Was Bought
Equities stalled just below record highs last week. Looking at the performance numbers on the week doesn’t paint…
Book Club (E2)
Delivering Happiness
Ever wish you read more? We did, so we started a book club. Join us as members of the Potomac team sit down to share…
Shifts Between
Risk-On and Risk-Off
From a risk-on/risk-off perspective, the trends are showing signs of a subtle shift toward risk-off taking place.
Is Gold Regaining
its Shine?
The S&P 500 Gold Index is attempting to reverse trend on an absolute basis while breadth metrics remain constructive.
S&P 500 Rests
After a Record Run
Equities in the U.S. are taking a break to start the week. Small caps and the Nasdaq remain in consolidations.
All Star Charts
(S4 E16)
What perspective does All Star Charts add for financial advisors? How do you introduce tactical investing to…
Absolute Highs
but a Relative Mess
Another record high week for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 while the US dollar continues to fade below resistance.
Customer service: The most boring, and important,
aspect of your firm
In this guest column for Investment News, Manish Khatta discusses why boring old customer service is so important.
New High
for the Nasdaq 100
Another record high week for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 while the US dollar continues to fade below resistance.
Does Copper Have the
Answer to the Leadership Question?
Trends continue to point to a willingness on the part of investors to take on risk, but what will lead?
Industry Gossip (E3)
Rithotlz, Google, RevBuilder360, and more
Is work from home coming to an end? Morningstar ranks SMAs. Ritholtz AUM. Do turnkey marketing services work?
Can Breadth Be
Too Strong?
Breadth metrics for the S&P 500 and the NYSE remain healthy. For the S&P 500, trend measures have…
S&P 500 Reaches
Overbought Levels
Under the surface, there is a potential shift in leadership as small caps are breaking relative support.
WTF is an NFT?
(S4 E15)
What is an NFT? Are NFTs the same as cryptocurrency? Why should financial advisors care about an NFT?
Looking for Clear
Sector Leadership
Equities started the week by not doing much of anything, with the three major averages trading mostly flat…
Is Large Cap Growth
On the Comeback Trail?
U.S. equities remain in an uptrend from the March 2020 lows. Small caps continue to consolidate…a pause that refreshes?
Risk on!
But Where Will the Leadership Be?
With the S&P 500 trading at record levels, we look at some of the important relationships that can give us a sense…
Strong Breadth
at Record Highs
Breadth metrics in the equity market remains supportive of the bullish price trend in the near term for the…
Europe: On the
Brink of a Breakout
Much of the weakness in the “growth stocks” and the Technology Sector since the middle of February…
Spotlight Brookmont
(S4 E14)
Brookmont is available on platforms like Envestnet, Orion Communities, and now the Union UMA.
All Eyes on the
Technology Sector
Much of the weakness in the “growth stocks” and the Technology Sector since the middle of February…
The Uptrend
Continues
The uptrend from the March lows remains in place for risk assets with the S&P 500 trading to a new record weekly…
Build in Public (E2)
Potomac NFTs
Potomac’s marketing team break down their April fools NFT campaign, and what financial advisors can learn…
2 Legit 2 Quit
(S4 E13)
From the growth of this podcast, to the evolution of Potomac’s business, it’s been an incredible start to 2021.
Check Yourself Before
You Wreck Yourself
The fastest growing companies use business intelligence to gain a growth advantage over their peers.
Business Intelligence
(S4 E12)
How can financial advisors utilize business intelligence to better ascertain the health of their practice? What tools…
Industry Gossip (E2)
Hidden Levers, Apex, Walmart, and more
Has the Fintech arms race opened up to an all-out war? Or is this just pandemic fatigue March Madness?
Blowing up Benchmarks
(S4 E11)
Are there better benchmarks for investment strategists? What is the best benchmark for advisors to gauge a TAMP?
Build in Public (E1)
Ahrefs, Engagement, and Growth
Potomac Fund Management’s marketing team has launched a new series called Build In Public to show…
RIA Testimonials
(S4 E10)
The SEC approved RIA Testimonials on Friday March 5th, what will this mean for Advisors? What types of…
Book Club (E1)
Excellence Wins
Ever wish you read more? We did, so we started a book club. This series from the Conquer Risk Podcast will feature…
Donor Advised Funds
(S4 E9)
Following our “February Hot Takes” we dive deeper into Donor Advised Funds. How can they help advisors grow?
February Hot Takes
(S4 E8)
Have you heard about Donor Advised Funds? What’s up with people buying clients? We were wrong about Cetera.
How Your Custodian Makes Money
(S4 E7)
With so many claiming their services are now “free,” how are custodians actually making money? Does it matter?
Industry Gossip (E1)
TD, Testimonials, Vise, and more
There is so much news flying around we barely have time to process it all. What’s overrated? What’s underrated?
Death of a (Whole) Salesman
(Guest Column)
This was an age before (the industry had fully adopted) the internet, when the local wholesaler reigned supreme.
Advisor Communication is Broken
(S4 E6)
How is advisor client communication evolving? How can advisors utilize content to find the type of clients they want?
Custom SMA and Direct Indexing
(S4 E5)
While currently hot topics: Is direct indexing a fad? Is the custom SMA overhyped? Where can financial advisors…
January Hot Takes
(S4 E4)
Cetera adds Riskalyze at no cost. Altruist raises Funding. Baron Partners vs. Ark Invest. Why you can’t scale service.
Hiring, Training, and Retaining Talent
(S4 E3)
How can financial advisors hire the best talent in 2021? What are the best retention strategies…
Advisor Success Stories
(S4 E2)
We sit down with Samantha Russell to share stories of where advisors have found success growing their business.
Why a New TAMP for Small RIAs
Has a Months-Long Waitlist
Called Union, the unified managed account platform serves up big-TAMP technology plus “human handholding”
The Rocketship
(S4 E1)
Manish set out to write our year end letter but thought, “who would want to read it?” What was and what is to come…
3 Tactics for Advisors to Increase
Their Social Media Reach
CIO Manish Khatta shows how advisors can increase social media engagement in this article from YCharts.
Hindsight is 2020
(S3 E23)
How has Potomac evolved in 2020? What surprised us and what were the pain points? We bring our full leadership…
The Powerful Breadth
Surge
Explore how a surge in positive market breadth can effect forward looking returns. The use of technical analysis…
Spotlight: Main Management
(S3 E22)
From time to time we come across an investment strategist engaged in truly interesting work, and we want to share…
Oranj and the Future of Fintech
(S3 E21)
Why did Oranj close? What should advisors do? How does this signal a wakeup call for the wider industry?
Do Seasonality Trading Systems Work?
(S3 E20)
Seasonality trading is a term that gets thrown around a lot, but what is it? And can you build a trading system around it?
Fintech:
The Next Generation
As guest columnist, Manish Khatta discuss how integrations are giving way to the all-in-one solution.
Social Assurance
(S3 E19)
Advisors often hodgepodge their tech stack for social media engagement and compliance, is there a better solution?
Pricing to Piss People Off
(S3 E18)
Hidden fees, extra charges, “scalable” pricing. How can advisors help their clients be more money wise?
Lessons from a Home Builder
(S3 E17)
One opportunity we don’t hear talked about enough, is learning from people outside the industry.
Halloween Election Special
(S3 E16)
What impact do elections have on financial markets? Which party is a more positive market force?
Mobile Assistant (Human) Technology
(S3 E15)
From time-to-time we like to highlight resources that we believe may truly be of value to financial advisors…
How to Select Indicators
(S3 E14)
How do you choose and use indicators? How do you build a process around indicators and technical analysis?
Small nimble firms still have a lock on doing
well and making a great living.
As a guest columnist for RIA Biz, Manish Khatta discusses how oftentimes small advisors are either condescended to or…
Top Content of Q3 2020
(S3 E13)
What was the top Advisor content in the third quarter of the year? We discuss in this episode of the Conquer Risk podcast.
Is PR Valuable for Advisors?
(S3 E12)
Are PR efforts valuable for financial advisors? If so, where does one begin, what should you look for, and how do you define success?
Who Uses an OCIO?
(S3 E11)
How does the advisor relationship work with an Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO)? Who is using an OCIO…
Why We Started the
Union UMA Platform
So, we gathered the team and decided, “either we are going to solve this problem, or we need to find another business…
TAMP vs. Model Marketplace
(S3 E10)
What’s the difference between a TAMP and a Model Marketplace? Why does it matter to advisors in today’s regulatory environment?
How to Find a Manager
(S3 E9)
How do financial advisors find a manager? Web search? Custodian? Networking? Software? We discuss on the podcast.
Do Risk Scores Work?
(S3 E8)
Potomac has used several major risk assessment and risk tolerance questionnaires. Do they add value…
Is Social Media a Waste of Time?
(S3 E7)
Is social media a waste of time for financial advisors? Where can the most value be found with a social presence?
Day Trading vs Diversification
(S3 E6)
What is going on with stock surges? What happens when diversification does not work? This and more on the podcast…
The “Client Experience” Requirements have Changed
(S3 E5)
Is your firm pushing the envelope or struggling to keep up? We explore the key elements to success…
The Perfect Record of a
Breadth Thrust
Risk management is an important part of investing to protect from volatility and bear market declines. Explore whether…
Understanding Your Risk Tolerance
with Manish Khatta
Our CIO is featured on the YCharts blog in a Q&A about what we do and how we use their products to better understand risk.
Top Content of Q2 2020
(S3 E4)
What was the top Advisor content in the second quarter of the year? We discuss in this episode of the Conquer Risk podcast.
How to Launch a Product (with a Limited Budget)
(S3 E3)
How can Financial Advisors launch a product with a limited budget? We walk through building a successful roadmap without a…
The Key Steps to Becoming an RIA
(S3 E2)
The independence movement is still in full force with Advisors, but this can mean many things and there are multiple levels of…
Your Business Matters
(S3 E1)
Advisors have shared their biggest frustrations to be poor service. With Union, we set out to solve this point-by-point.
A Small Investment Company Launches
a TAMP for the Little Guy
Potomac says competitive pricing and superior service will make Union a viable business, even amid consolidation.
Union UMA Platform
Press Release
Potomac Fund Management launches Union, a new UMA Platform for Small Business Advisors.
The Making of Union UMA
(S2 E25)
Where can advisors find an all-in-one UMA platform designed for small businesses? We discuss the Union UMA…
Why Advisors Need
an OCIO
Explore the important topics around the benefits, mistakes, and RIA experience of working with an OCIO.
The Benefits of a TAMP
(S2 E24)
How can advisors keep up with evolving technology? How can advisors create a simple and intuitive client experience?
Do Moving Averages Work
for Risk Management?
Risk management is an important part of investing to protect from volatility and bear market declines…
The Female Advisor Network
(S2 E23)
How is the financial industry evolving to welcome female advisors? Nina O’Neal shares the story of the…
Random Pod Volume 02
(S2 E22)
In the second volume of our quick hitters’ format, we tackle numerous headlines that could impact advisors…
What Advisors Should Say When They
Don’t Know What to Say
A global pandemic. Civil unrest. People are hurting. How does an advisor proceed when the world is on fire?
The AGC™
(S2 E21)
Where can advisors go for growth resources and a community to build a better practice? Justin Castelli joins us to discuss the AGC™
Market Cap Weighting: The Rich Get Richer?
(S2 E20)
Many individual companies are struggling and the economy is still mostly closed, so why is the S&P 500 fairing much better?
Why We Use YCharts
(S2 E19)
What the value of YCharts? Why we use the software, and why we believe every Advisor will benefit…
What is a Bear Market?
(S2 E18)
There are many definitions floating around of what constitutes a bear (or a bull) market. So, how do you know if you’re actually in one?
Working with Your Partner
(S2 E17)
Is it possible to have a successful working relationship with your partner or spouse? We discuss in this episode…
Top Content of Q1 2020
(S2 E16)
What was the top Advisor content in the first quarter of the year? We discuss in this episode of the Conquer Risk podcast.
What is a
Bear Market?
What is a Bear Market? There isn’t a consistent definition. Explore how Potomac defines a bear market and why you should care about…
Building a Multiple Manager Platform
(S2 E15)
In this episode we continue our series on “the Making of an Investment Platform” with several key updates.
The Truth about
Risk Management
Risk management can come in different flavors. Explore how Potomac manages risk and what we think is the only risk statistic you should…
Random Pod Volume 01
(S2 E14)
In this episode of the Conquer Risk podcast, we discuss the Cares Act, SBA loans, market head-fakes, and what could be a new paradigm.
The Essence of Risk Management
(S2 E13)
What is the meaning of Risk Management? What statistics support Risk Management? This, and how it defines Potomac…
How Social Distancing Can Improve Your Business
(S2 E12)
In this episode of the Conquer Risk podcast, we explore making the most of shelter in place as an opportunity for business growth.
SMArtX Technology
(S2 E11)
In this episode of the Conquer Risk podcast, we sit down with SMArtX CEO Evan Rapoport to discuss how their firm’s technology elevates…
The Black Swan
(S2 E10)
In this episode of the Conquer Risk podcast, we break down the meaning of “black swan events” and if the coronavirus is such an event.
How Bear Markets Can Humble a
Buy the Dip Investor
Explore how market historians understand that bear markets have a unique way of humbling the staunchest buy the dip investor.
Finding Your Voice
(S2 E9)
In this episode of the Conquer Risk podcast, we discuss how to identify, portray, and build upon the voice you establish for your advisory practice.
Know What You
Recommend
Financial advisors should understand the underpinnings of their recommendations, and never be surprised about what is lurking…
The Myth of Retiring Advisors
(S2 E8)
In this episode, we discuss the article by Cerulli that projects the number of financial advisors will begin declining in 2021.
Understanding the Mutual Fund
Share Class Fiasco
Financial advisors and brokers have a responsibility to understand the convoluted landscape of mutual fund share classes.
When in Doubt, Zoom Out
(S2 E7)
In this episode, we discuss the cord stuck with our first blog post of 2020 and the passionate found in calendar year returns.
National LINC & InsideETFs Conference Wrap
(S2 E6)
In this episode, we discuss our experiences at the TD National LINC and InsideETFs conferences sharing our biggest take aways.
When You Can’t Hire a CMO
(S2 E5)
In the fifth episode the Conquer Risk podcast season two, we discuss how to replicate the CMO experience without necessitating a big spend.
HSA – The Fidelity Experience
(S2 E4)
In the fourth episode the Conquer Risk podcast season two, we discuss the experience with Fidelity’s new HSA program.
Share Class Fiasco
(S2 E3)
In the third episode the Conquer Risk podcast season two, we break down the share class fiasco and what to make of it.
How to Create a Trading System
(S2 E2)
In the second episode of the Conquer Risk podcast season two, we discuss why every advisor needs a trading system!
The Making of an Investment Platform
(S2 E1)
In our season two premiere, we discuss the next evolution of Potomac’s Business and what it means for Advisors.
Dangers of
Calendar Year Returns
One of the biggest behavioral mistakes investors make is focusing on short term performance. The obsession with calendar year returns…
HSAs Can Be a Niche Market
for Advisors
Advisors can grow a niche and add value by discussing the opportunities of an HSA account to protect against growing…
How to Evaluate a Manager
(S1 E23)
In episode 23 we discuss key items Advisors should look for, as well as what is overrated, when constructing a portfolio of managers.
Gear Up
(S1 E22)
In episode 22 we dive deep into the production equipment and editing software Advisors can use in creating their own Podcast.
Why the Media is Not Your Client’s Friend
(S1 E21)
In episode 21 of the Conquer Risk podcast we discuss the dangers of media clickbait, social media gimmicks, and non-advisor advice.
Schwab: The Takeover
(S1 E20)
In episode 20 of the Conquer Risk podcast we discuss Schwab’s takeover of TD Ameritrade and what that may mean for the industry.
Did the Brokerage Window Solve 403(b) Lawsuits?
(S1 E19)
In episode 19 we discuss why a series of 403(b) lawsuits launched in 2016 and the impact they’ve made on the industry.
HSA – The Next Untapped Market
(S1 E18)
In episode 18 of the Conquer Risk podcast we discuss Advisor’s ability to manage HSA accounts, and four key points of this growth opportunity.
The Remote Workplace
(S1 E17)
In episode 17 of the Conquer Risk podcast we discuss the opportunities and challenges of having a remote workplace.
The Life (and Death?) of Mutual Funds
(S1 E16)
In episode 16 of the Conquer Risk podcast we discuss whether Mutual Funds are dying a slow death.
The Podcast (Podcast)
S1 E15
In episode 15 of the Conquer Risk podcast we discuss why we launched a podcast, and how you can get started.
How I Invest
My Money
Investment managers should invest in the products they recommend to clients. Explore how Potomac takes the fiduciary…
The Race to Zero
(S1 E14)
In episode 14 of the Conquer Risk podcast we discuss what zero trading fees mean for Advisors and their businesses.
Acquisition Opportunities (and Challenges)
S1 E13
In episode 13 of the Conquer Risk podcast we discuss opportunities and challenges in advisor acquisitions.
Passive Investing – The Next Bubble?
(S1 E12)
In episode 12 of the Conquer Risk podcast we discuss if passive investing is creating the next market bubble.
A Look at Bear Market Funds
(S1 E11)
In episode 11 of the Conquer Risk podcast we discuss Bear Market Funds and their appropriate use.
The Skinny on
Bear Market Funds
Bear Market Funds provide a quick and easy way to immediately protect against bear market losses. But how should they be used? When?
The WealthStack 2019 Conference
(S1 E10)
In episode 10 of the Conquer Risk podcast we discuss our impressions of the 2019 WealthStack Conference.
LinkedIn for Financial Advisors and the Charlatans of Rate Chasing (S1 E9)
Episode 9 of the Conquer Risk podcast discusses how Financial Advisors can use (and not use) LinkedIn to benefit their practice and…
Choose a Path that Fits
Your Business Model
Financial advisors have many choices. Explore the various ways Financial Advisors can access Potomac’s tactical risk-managed…
Financial Advisors Can Help 403(b) Participants!
(S1 E8)
We discuss the enormous opportunity for financial advisors to help clients and grow their business in the 403b plan participant market.
The Inverted Yield Curve is Coming to Kill You!
(S1 E7)
Episode 7 of the Conquer Risk podcast discusses the truth behind the inverted yield curve and the deductibility of management fees for annuities.
The Truth About the
Killer Yield Curve
Explore the truth behind the yield curve inversion and if it’s really coming to kill your retirement account.
Benchmarks Are More Dangerous Than Trade Wars
(S1 E6)
Episode 6 of the Conquer Risk podcast discusses the dangers of benchmark FOMO and the process of remote hiring for RIA’s.
LA Fitness and The Death of Integrations
(S1 E5)
In episode 5 we discuss investment advice delivered via a subscription pricing model and the death of fintech integrations.
Would You Loan Someone $10,000 for $8 Guaranteed?
(S1 E4)
In episode 4 we discuss online banking, the chase for low risk yield and the pay-to-play dilemma with investment custodians.
Should Financial Advisors Stop Telling Clients to Save for College?
(S1 E3)
Episode 3 of the Conquer Risk podcast discusses the search to find the best 529 plan for financial advisors, if saving for college is even…
The Riskalyze Partnership and the Hogwash of Hypothetical Performance (S1 E2)
Episode 2 of the Conquer Risk podcast discusses Potomac’s recent addition to the Riskalyze Model Marketplace, and the utter nonsense of…
Will the Platform Rule the Investing Future?
(S1 E1)
The premier episode of the Conquer Risk podcast discusses the recent Envestnet Advisor Summit and the usefulness of the 200 day…
The 200 Day Moving Average:
Useful or All Hype?
Explore how Potomac views the 200 day moving average trading technique and if it deserves a place in your investing tool bag.
Hypothetical is Industry Code for Hogwash
Explore the disturbing trend of the investment management companies using hypothetical performance numbers…
Technical Analysis 101:
The Advance/Decline Line
Technical analysis is one of the many tools that can be used to help reduce better risk adjusted returns…
How We Manage Money
to Reduce Risk
There are so many ways to invest your hard earned money. Explore the Potomac way which utilizes a combination of technical indicators…
The Pros and Cons of Investing
in Index Funds
Learn about the history, pros and cons of investing in index funds. At Potomac, we believe there’s a time and a place for everything…
Four Ways You Can Lessen the Impact of Loss Aversion in Your Investment Portfolio
Having a healthy amount of fear can often save us from making bad decisions and keep us physically safe…
Morningstar Ratings™
Fact or Fiction
Explore how Morningstar Star Ratings have been used by investors to construct portfolios for decades, but in an industry that lives by a…
Why Most Retirement Plan Participants Are Invested Wrong
(And What To Do About It)
Explore the history, current popularity, and dangers of target date funds, and learn how Potomac can provide a more personalized…
The Financial Crisis Taught Investors What They
Didn’t Learn in Investing 101
It took around four years for the S&P 500 to make up all of its lost ground. Add to that the 517 days from peak-to-trough of the bear…
Your Biggest Asset Is
Also Most At-Risk
For many people, especially those who are further along in their careers and nearing retirement, their financial holdings may…
5 Steps to Take
in an Aging Bull Market
The recent spike in market volatility has provided an opportunity for investors to experience drawdowns for the first time in over a year…
Stop Ignoring the Conversation
About Risk
The most recent stock market pullback is a small taste of what could be a very small part of a much larger bear market…
Does your investment manager
“eat their own cooking?”
Explore the disturbing trend of the investment management industry not investing in their own management strategies…
The 5 reasons why employees should
have unlimited vacation
Explore a radical new trend that is redefining the workplace environment, unlimited vacation. The best way to serve clients is to make sure…
Bond investors: Address the risk of rising rates now
or suffer the consequences later.
Explore the shifting trend toward sustained rising interest rates and why we believe the risks for bond investors are as high as ever…
The Most Misunderstood
Asset Class!
Explore how high yield bonds can produce positive returns, however, as with most investments, the downside risk of…
It’s All About Timing: Why Market
Cycles—Not Luck—Matter to Investors
Learn why luck is not an investment strategy. Investors should understand the importance of market cycles and timing…
Risky Business:
Why Investors Need to Discuss Risk
Learn why investors should put maximum drawdown at the forefront of every decision about client discussion..
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