Morningstar Advisor Workstation Adds PriceMetrix Tools
Morningstar is adding two new tools to Advisor Workstation, its Web-based investment planning platform. According to the Chicago-based fund researcher, the new tools, CommissionCheck and FeeCheck from PriceMetrix, will help Advisor Workstation subscribers make informed pricing decisions and streamline administrative tasks.
CommissionCheck and FeeCheck show advisors how their fees or commissions compare with those of their peers. The new tools determine an average price range for a variety of client transactions and managed account fees from the anonymous history of more than 5 million fee-based and transactional accounts, gathered from advisors managing nearly $1 trillion in assets. This data is refreshed monthly to ensure maximum accuracy and relevance.
CommissionCheck and FeeCheck allow broker-dealers and their affiliated advisors to transparently compare their fees and determine a fair, appropriate price for executing a trade or managing a client's portfolio. This helps financial advisors gain confidence in their value proposition and ensure they are receiving appropriate compensation for the value they bring to clients.
Morningstar's Advisor Workstation offers advisors research, portfolio analysis, goal planning and sales presentations.
International Gold Safekeeping Management Opens
International Gold Safekeeping Management, a new firm headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, offers the management and storage of precious metals worldwide. The firm addresses the risks and costs inherent in the direct ownership of precious metals by offering a network of more than 10 top-class vaults in secure, diverse locations and a management team with extensive precious metals expertise.
IGSM's vaults are located in multiple countries, allowing investors to spread their holdings across the globe and minimize risks due to economic or political factors in any one location. More information can be found at www.goldsafekeeping.com
Jackson Introduces Elite Access
Jackson National Life Insurance Company has launched Elite Access, a new variable annuity designed to provide greater portfolio diversification by using alternative asset classes. The annuity uses alternatives, risk management and tactical management to dampen market volatility and seek higher returns with less risk.
Market Vectors Launches Indonesia ETF
Market Vectors ETF Trust has launched the Market Vectors Indonesia Small-Cap ETF, the first U.S.-listed exchange-traded fund designed to provide investors with pure-play exposure to the small capitalization segment of Indonesia's stock market, and the second ETF in the Market Vectors family focusing on Indonesia.
"Indonesia has grown rapidly over the past several years, and we believe that it is well positioned to continue to prosper, with an economy supported by rising domestic consumption and higher levels of disposable income," says Ed Lopez, marketing director at Market Vectors ETF.
TRUSTIVO Connects Employees with Advisors
TRUSTIVO is a new platform that connects people with independently verified financial advisors focusing on retirement needs. Boston-based TRUSTIVO's retirement service targets employers who want to add value to their employees' benefits package and offer more than just a traditional rollover option at retirement.
The majority of retirees and pending retirees have no relationship with a financial advisor and need help finding one. TRUSTIVO-verified advisors undergo independent screening to ensure that they can handle assets at the time they are most crucial to retirees.