Bond Manager Recognized for Excellence.

Dan Fuss has been around the mutual fund industry since its relative infancy in the 1970's.  Fuss' focus on value and long term track record of out performance are two of the reasons why we have invested in his funds.  One of ARS' core holding is Fuss' Loomis Sayles Strategic Income Fund (NEZYX).  Below is an article that focuses on Fuss' emphasis on buying undervalued securities.  While the article references another bond fund that Fuss manages, the article gives good insight into his philosophy and strategy which are similar across the funds he oversees.  At ARS we are looking for the cream of the crop for our clients and their exposure to fixed income, and we believe strongly that Fuss is one of the best managers out there. 

(Click to read article.)

Williams Companies (WMB) spins off E&P unit.

Many of you may now be seeing a new ticker symbol on your statements.  Williams Company recently spun off their exploration and production unit (E&P) into its own publicly traded company.  Owners of WMB were given 1 share of WPX for every 3 shares of WMB that were owned.  This spin off is non-taxable.  Todays share price of WMB was down reflecting the spin off of WPX.  The new CEO of WPX Energy Inc., Raplh Hill, was interviewed about the recent spin off.  

Boomers are targeted for investment fraud.

There has been talk lately about rising instances of investment fraud that are occurring nationwide and are specifically targeting baby boomers.  Recently the Wall Street Journal ran an article that outlines what is happening.  Last year there were over 1200 criminal complaints, cease and desist orders, along with other types of regulatory actions that involved investors who were 50 or older.  This is quite an astounding increase from 506 cases that took place in 2009.  In many cases investors are trying to make up for lost funds from the recent economic downturn and are seeking to maximize returns.  Many times the investment fraud takes place in unregistered securities products such as investment contracts or private placements.   Read the full article here.

ARS selected for "2011 Top Wealth Managers"

ARS Wealth Advisors was selected for "2011 Top Wealth Managers".  This is the 4th time in 5 years for the firm to receive this award.  You can view our past awards at the "Our Awards"  section of the website.  MarketWatch.com (A part of the Wall Street Journal) posted a press release on the site regarding the award.  You can view the full press release here.  ARS is honored to have received this award as we continually strive to serve our clients.  

Budget Cut Humor

Here is legendary game show host Chuck Woolery with him thoughts on what needs to be cut from our bloated government spending.