The Dow Jones Industrial Average hit 22,000 this week, on its lengthiest winning streak since February, but just imagine how high it could have gone if the longest-living stock on the index had been performing a bit better. General Electric, which was one of the original companies listed on the Dow and has remained in it since 1907, is on track for its worst year in a decade, with shares tumbling more than 19 percent, according to CNBC. Still, GE isn't going anywhere, Boris Schlossberg of BK Asset Management said. "It sports a 3.75 percent dividend," he said. "That alone should really attract a lot of value investors ... I think GE as a long-term buy is probably an excellent position at this point."
Prepare for These Questions From Prospective Clients
Business man with a question mark in place of head suggesting confusion.
Smart clients should think about shopping for an advisor like they would a car: What are their needs, wants and budget—and then take them for a test drive after narrowing the search. That's the advice Morningstar's Director of Personal Finance Christine Benz gave in a recent article, where she listed a checklist of questions would-be clients should ask. But advisors can use this list, too. It's important to prepare to answer the questions more informed prospective clients might ask, including, "How comfortable are you with technology?"
Susan John Elected to Lead CFP Board of Directors
The Board of Directors for the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards has elected Susan John as its 2018 Chair-elect. John, who has served on the board of directors since 2016, received her CFP designation in 1989. She is the former chair of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors and founder and president of New England–based Financial Focus Inc. “I am excited to work with my colleagues on the Board as we continue to find ways to effectively carry out our mission of upholding CFP certification as the highest standard in personal financial planning,” John said. “The strategic priorities the Board has set out for the coming years are important to increasing the relevance of the CFP certification for financial planners and the public we serve, and to advancing the financial planning profession.”