Why does a book about the creation, rise and fall of Merrill Lynch matter today? Because the rise of the world’s once largest brokerage firm is emblematic of Wall Street’s great success and critical role in the growth and prosperity of this country and the firm’s failure, of the misguided priorities permeating Wall Street today.
Guests
MARK FREEMAN – FINDING INCOME WITHOUT TAKING UNDUE RISK
Where can you find income in a world with record low interest rates and paltry bond yields without taking on too much risk? This week’s guest, Mark Freeman, has a proven track record of doing so, which is why his Westwood Income Opportunity Fund is a Morningstar favorite.
BENZ & KINNEL: MUTUAL FUND SHAKEUPS!
The mutual fund industry is being buffeted by two enormous shifts: investors are deserting actively managed funds for passive ones and they are fleeing bond funds for other sources of income. What do these changes mean for investors? In their first joint television appearance, two Morningstar all-stars give us their perspective and advice.
BARBARA KRUMSIEK: CLEAN PROFITS
Socially Responsible Investing is no longer a niche strategy. It’s gone mainstream as more companies, investment firms and investors pay attention to environmental, social and governance issues. And the belief that this approach means lagging performance has been proven wrong. SRI funds are now competing head on with traditional money management. This week’s guest is Barbara Krumsiek, the CEO of Calvert Investments Inc., a leader in SRI mutual funds and a Financial Thought leader in her own right.
DONALD YACKTMAN: A GREAT INVESTOR TURNS MORE CONSERVATIVE
Donald Yacktman, President and Founder of Yacktman Asset Management runs two five-star funds. Both have beaten the markets and their peers by wide margins over the years. This past Morningstar Stock Fund Manager of the Year explains while his approach to picking stocks has stayed the same, his current strategy is changing.
DONALD YACKTMAN: ALL IN THE FAMILY
Yacktman, the legendary founder of the 5 star rated Yacktman and Yacktman Focused Funds recently promoted a long time co-portfolio manager of both funds to his former Chief Investment Officer role. The portfolio manager just happens to be his son Stephen who has been with the firm for 20 years.
