Orion's The Weighing Machine

Current economic conditions, marked by fluctuating interest rates and potential recessions, have sparked many investors to re-evaluate their investment strategies. By diligently monitoring trends and strategically adjusting asset allocations, investors can position themselves to not only weather the challenges but also capitalize on opportunities that arise from the ups and downs of the interest rate market.In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Andy Smock, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Principal at Merganser Capital Management. Andy joined Merganser in 2003. Earlier in his career, he focused on researching and trading both residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities. In his current role, Andy oversees the company's investment team and is a portfolio manager for their longer-duration strategies. With extensive experience in the fixed-income market, Andy talks to Rusty and Robyn about fixed income and fluctuations in the interest rate market. He discusses the reasons behind the large swings in interest rates and the trends within fixed income, including shifting demands from investors. Andy also shares his macro perspective on inflation and the potential for a recession and provides insights on the status of regional banks and the commercial real estate market.Key Takeaways [02:32] - Andy's background and work at Merganser Capital Management. [03:27] - The reasons behind the large swings in interest rates. [05:22] - Strategic allocation shifts in response to interest rate movement. [06:54] - Notable trends in fixed income. [08:20] - What Andy sees as demands from investors. [09:57] - Andy's view on inflation. [12:05] - The possibility of a recession. [14:12] - The reasons for a bank crisis. [15:38] - The challenges facing commercial real estate. [18:46] - How Andy maintains his mental and physical energy to perform at a high level. [20:36] - The people Andy is professionally thankful for. [23:16] - Andy's recommendations for content. Quotes[05:02] - "The drivers [large swing of interest rates] have been all over the place. You can really point to economic data on certain days or geopolitical." ~ Andy Smock[10:04] - "Inflation is definitely coming down. Every way I look at the data, it's clearly dropping from really disturbingly high levels." ~ Andy Smock[11:35] - "Inflation is coming down. And for it to meaningfully come down and quickly come down to target, we're going to need to see weakness in the consumer much more than we have." ~ Andy SmockLinks  Andy Smock on LinkedIn Merganser Capital Management Close to Me by The Cure Indiana University From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks A Bird's-Eye View of the Bond Market Podcast Connect with Us Meet Rusty Vanneman, Orion's Chief Investment Officer Check Out All of Orion's Podcasts Power Your Growth with Orion 3225-OPS-12/1/2023

Building strategic partnerships with attorneys and accountants can be a game-changer for financial advisors with the power to redefine the trajectory of an advisor's career. By unlocking the code of how to build a strategic partnership with these professionals, financial advisors can have a consistent flow of high-net-worth referrals.In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Brett Van Bortel, Director of Consulting Services at Invesco Consulting. Brett has been with Invesco since 2010 and specializes in helping financial professionals be more profitable, effective, and productive. He has developed and delivered numerous consulting programs designed to increase the profitability, effectiveness, and productivity of financial professionals. As a speaker and consultant, Brett focuses on helping financial professionals build strategic partnerships with attorneys and CPAs to create a pipeline of high-net-worth referrals.Brett joins Rusty and Robyn to discuss how financial advisors can build strategic partnerships that grow their businesses. He dives into the importance of creating pipelines of high-net-worth referrals from attorneys and accountants and how to build successful client relationships. Brett also shares the challenges and solutions in building these partnerships and the five criteria for evaluating potential strategic partnerships.Key Takeaways [03:25] - Brett's career background. [04:10] - What separates Invesco apart from other firms? [04:52] - Why “The Referral Code” resonates with financial advisors. [06:05] - The question financial advisors need to ask when starting a business. [06:52] - How financial professionals create successful strategic partnerships. [13:48] - The challenges and solutions in building strategic partnerships. [16:28] - The five criteria for evaluating potential strategic partnerships. [20:30] - The meaning of 'next' in Brett's “The Referral Code” presentation. [22:08] - An overview of Invesco's Practice Innovation Index. [24:09] - What Invesco's Total CX is all about. [25:05] - How AI impacts the financial markets. [26:38] - The people Brett is thankful for professionally. [28:05] - Brett's recommendations for content. Quotes[07:54] - "One good COI (center of influence) doesn't make your year. It makes your career." - Brett Van Bortel[11:02] - "You don't have to network with a huge number of people to be successful." ~ Brett Van Bortel[26:14] - "The ability of the advisor to demonstrate that level of care really can't be matched by AI as we know it today." - Brett Van BortelLinks  Brett Van Bortel on LinkedIn Invesco I Won’t Back Down by Tom Petty The Referral Code presentation The Referral Code file Practice Innovation Index Paul Brunswick Paper Money Connect with Us Meet Rusty Vanneman, Orion's Chief Investment Officer Check Out All of Orion's Podcasts Power Your Growth with Orion 3177-OPS-11/27/2023

With some of the best, most innovative, and well-run businesses located beyond U.S. borders, limiting one's investments to the domestic market may inadvertently limit their portfolio's potential growth. While the world's economic activity is dynamic and diverse, smart investors are now exploring opportunities in previously seen as distant and foreign markets.In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Daniel Fields and Todd Morris, portfolio managers and analysts at Polen Capital Management. Before joining Polen Capital, Daniel spent eight years in Hong Kong, working for Gavekal Capital and Marshall Wace LLP as a research analyst evaluating Asian growth companies. Todd worked in research and marketing roles with Prudential Insurance and Millennium Global Asset Management, respectively, and served in the U.S. Navy for seven years. Managing Polen Capital's international growth strategy, Daniel and Todd discuss with Rusty and Robyn the case for high-quality and international investing. They emphasize the importance of investing outside the United States. They also highlight the potential for international outperformance in the future, as well as the attractive valuations currently available in international markets.Key Takeaways [03:21] - Daniel and Todd's personal and professional backgrounds. [04:35] - An overview of Polen Capital's culture and what makes it unique. [05:45] - What compounders are and why they are important for investing. [08:00] - Why Polen Capital invests in concentrated portfolios. [08:48] - What Polen Capital's article, “Hidden in Plain Sight” is all about. [10:59] - How Polen Capital specifically defines high-quality companies. [13:11] - Potential catalysts for the dollar to weaken. [15:24] - Key takeaways from Polen Capital's “Opportunity Beyond Borders” article. [17:21] - Recommended allocation for non-U.S. securities. [19:34] - Daniel and Todd's take on how AI impacts the markets and financial advice. [21:19] - How Daniel and Todd maintain their physical and mental energy to perform at their best. [22:32] - The people Daniel and Todd are thankful for professionally. [24:47] - Daniel and Todd's recommendations for content. Quotes[08:33] - "We feel that concentration specifically among high-quality, profitable businesses offers the best odds of success over the long run. And so that is very central to how we think and operate as investors." ~ Todd Morris[09:02] - "If you're not investing outside the United States, you're missing out on a whole lot of really good companies. Some of the best, most innovative, and well-run businesses are located outside the United States." ~ Daniel Fields[15:42] - "More than 75% of global activity is happening outside the United States. And while a US-centric or a US-biased allocation has been sensible and has worked well for the last 15 years, that may not always be the case. We should all remember that much of the world's economic activity is happening outside our borders." ~ Todd MorrisLinks  Daniel Fields on LinkedIn Todd Morris on LinkedIn Polen Capital Neighborhood #1 by Arcade Fire Thunderstruck by AC/DC Aon Fisher Investments Gavekal Capital Hidden in Plain Sight Opportunity Beyond Borders John Wooden James Stockdale Louis-Vincent Gave Alfred Ho The New Map The Economist Admiral Chester Nimitz The World For Sale Connect with Us Meet Rusty Vanneman, Orion's Chief Investment Officer Check Out All of Orion's Podcasts Power Your Growth with Orion 3129-OPS-11/17/2023

Historically, investors have predominantly relied on traditional assets such as stocks and bonds to build portfolios. These classic investments have undoubtedly proven their worth over time. However, the modern era has ushered in new opportunities that challenge the status quo. Liquid alternatives, also known as alternative investments, are at the forefront of this revolution. In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Michael Green, Portfolio Manager and Chief Strategist at Simplify Asset Management. Michael has been a student of markets and market structure for nearly 30 years. His proprietary research into the shift from actively managed portfolios and investment funds to systematic passive investment strategies has been presented to the Federal Reserve, the BIS, the IMF, and numerous other industry groups and associations. Michael joined Simplify in April 2021 after serving as Chief Strategist and Portfolio Manager for Logica Capital Advisers.Known for his expertise in alternative investments, Mike talks to Rusty and Robyn about the rise of liquid alternatives, such as ETFs and managed futures, and their benefits to investors. He emphasizes the need for diversification and the opportunity to do something different in a market dominated by passive equity and bond exposure. Mike also shares insights on the role of commodities in portfolios. Key Takeaways [02:18] - Mike's background and how he got to his current position. [03:38] - How Simplify differs from other investment firms. [05:02] - Why investors should consider investing in alternatives. [06:33] - Mike's thoughts on liquid alternatives such as ETFs. [08:13] - Challenges and reasons for the limited number of ETFs in the alternative space. [09:49] - Examples of alternative strategies that work well in an ETF format. [11:27] - The pros and cons of managed futures as a strategy. [14:38] - Mike's view of commodities from a strategic standpoint. [21:03] - The recommended strategic weight for alternatives in portfolios. [23:08] - The concept of crowding out in passive investing.  [29:23] - The catalysts for a shift in portfolio construction. [32:34] - Mike's take on the credit markets. [37:18] - Mike's thoughts on how AI impacts the markets and financial advice. [39:27] - How Mike maintains his physical and mental energy to perform at a high level. [42:12] - The people Mike is thankful for professionally. [43:44] - Mike's recommendations for content. Quotes[05:26] - "The opportunity to do something different is actually a chance to get in front of the crowd in terms of changing the allocation." ~ Michael Green[11:54] - "The real core behind managed futures is simply to reinforce momentum trends and the strength of those trends. It's a strategy that does really well in periods of uncertainty, moving to the resolution of that uncertainty." ~ Michael Green[15:13] - "Commodities are something that we require on a go-forward basis. It's one of the better vehicles for protecting yourself against potential inflationary outcomes. It's also one of the more powerful tools for effectively isolating very significant changes in either supply or demand characteristics in the global economy." ~ Michael GreenLinks  Michael Green on LinkedIn Michael Green on Twitter Michael Green's Substack Simplify Asset Management Highway to Hell by AC/DC Logica Funds Canyon Partners Facts and Fantasies about Commodity Futures Grant Williams Mitchell Julis Matt Stoller BIG by Matt Stoller Honestly Podcast Hidden Forces Podcast Danielle DiMartino Booth Connect with Us Meet Rusty Vanneman, Orion's Chief Investment Officer Check Out All of Orion's Podcasts Power Your Growth with Orion 3072-OPS-11/10/2023

Growth investing has long been a favored strategy for investors seeking to capitalize on the potential of high-growth companies. It's a path often chosen by those who firmly believe in the power of innovation, the potential of disruptive technologies, and the dynamic nature of markets in constant flux. While growth investing is not without risks, it promises the thrill of discovering the next big thing.In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Tom Galvin, Lead Portfolio Manager at Columbia Management. Tom has led the strategy since he joined one of the Columbia Threadneedle Investments legacy firms in 2003. With over 20 years of experience as a leading equity strategist and securities analyst, Tom has been named to Institutional Investor's All-America Research Team and The Wall Street Journal’s All-Star Analyst Team.Known for his expertise in highly concentrated growth investing and deep understanding of the technology and consumer sectors, Tom talks about growth investing, diversification, and the future of active management. He also shares his thoughts on the current market conditions, the impact of higher interest rates on growth companies, and his outlook for the “magnificent seven” stocks.Key Takeaways [02:46] - Tom's background and experience at Columbia Threadneedle Investments. [05:36] - How Tom manages his team through the changes in the industry. [06:41] - Three ways investors can implement the growth strategy. [11:09] - Using correlations to reduce risk and increase diversification. [14:56] - Money managers who are great at growth investing. [16:45] - How active managers using fundamental analysis perform. [18:19] - The connection between the markets and the economy. [23:00] - How higher rates impact growth investing. [25:40] - Tom's outlook for the “magnificent seven” companies. [30:10] - Analysis of Apple's growth potential. [32:23] - The impact of AI on markets and financial advice. [35:46] - Tom's perspective on Schwab's performance this year. [37:38] - Mentors and colleagues Tom is professionally thankful for. [40:47] - How Tom maintains his physical and mental energy to perform at a high level. [41:58] - Tom's recommendations for content. Quotes[07:01] - "Our growth strategy is not 'the' solution, but we're part of a solution." ~ Tom Galvin[16:13] - "As analysts or portfolio managers, we are like detectives. Any detective story you have ever seen on TV usually follows the money trail. That's exactly what we're trying to accomplish." ~ Tom Galvin[18:45] - "The market tends to lead the economy because it's less interested in what happened last year and more interested in what might happen in the future." ~ Tom GalvinLinks  Tom Galvin on LinkedIn Columbia Threadneedle Investments Columbia Threadneedle Investments on LinkedIn The Rising by Bruce Springsteen Charles Schwab Bank of America Who Moved My Cheese Peter Lynch Fidelity Investments Fidelity Magellan Fund Adobe Palo Alto Networks CrowdStrike Intuit McCormick & Company Greenwich Historical Society Clark Art Institute Against the Rules with Michael Lewis The Rewatchables Connect with Us Meet Rusty Vanneman, Orion's Chief Investment Officer Check Out All of Orion's Podcasts Power Your Growth with Orion 3052-OPS-11/8/2023

For many, faith provides a moral compass, guiding decisions and actions in both personal and professional matters. This compass extends its influence into the world of investing, giving rise to faith-based investing. This approach allows individuals to merge their faith with their financial portfolio, fostering a harmonious coexistence of monetary growth and ethical principles.In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Bob Doll, Chief Investment Officer at Crossmark Global Investments. With over 40 years of experience in the investment management business, Bob has a deep understanding of managing large-cap U.S. equities. He is known for his expertise in faith-based investing and helping clients align their investments with their values. He also utilizes his investment expertise to provide weekly and quarterly investment commentaries and annual market predictions. Bob is a regular guest and contributor to multiple outlets such as Bloomberg TV, Fox Business News, CNBC, and Faith & Finance Live Radio.A legend in the financial services industry, Bob talks about faith-based investing, market predictions, and the current market outlook. Bob shares his insights on the impact of values in investing and how investors can align their investments with their personal beliefs. He also provides his outlook for the economy and the market, including his predictions for inflation, the Fed, and interest rates.Key Takeaways [02:33] - Bob's background and experience in investment management. [03:24] - What Crossmark Global Investments is all about. [04:54] - Aligning faith with financial decisions. [06:26] - The long-term viability of value-based investing. [07:21] - How people can learn more about faith-based investing. [08:17] - How Bob's top 10 predictions for 2023 turned out. [10:12] - Bob's thought process for creating the top 10 predictions.  [11:35] - Bob's current economic and market outlook. [13:13] - Possible projections for inflation and interest rates. [14:58] - Outlook on the “magnificent seven” companies. [18:34] - Portfolio allocation between high-yield bonds and fixed income. [22:11] - The impact of geopolitics on investment. [25:15] - How Bob maintains his physical and mental energy to perform at his best. [26:54] - How AI can impact the markets and financial advice. [28:11] - The people Bob is thankful for professionally. [29:56] - Bob's recommendations for content. Quotes[04:24] - "People spend a lot of time making sure that how they spend money lines up with who they are. But in between the investment piece, 'Oh, I'll leave that to somebody else.' And they end up owning investments they may not know a whole lot about." ~ Bob Doll[05:13] - "We do our best job to suggest what good values might be in terms of the companies we exclude and the companies we give. My faith as a Christian is there's a standard. It's called God's word, the Bible. We use that as our best attempt to figure out what should be included and what should get excluded." ~ Bob Doll[05:35] - "We sit down with our clients and say, 'What are your values? Let's define them. Get them on a piece of paper so we can try to manage money to fit those values.'" ~ Bob DollLinks  Bob Doll on LinkedIn Crossmark Global Investments The Sound of Music  The Economist Bernstein Private Wealth Management Bob Doll's Deliberations Connect with Us Meet Rusty Vanneman, Orion's Chief Investment Officer Check Out All of Orion's Podcasts Power Your Growth with Orion 2951-OPS-10/27/2023

The impact of fintech on financial advisory practices has been nothing short of transformative. The collaboration between fintech innovators and financial advisors not only drives innovation but significantly enhances the overall client experience, revolutionizing the way financial services are delivered and received. However, it is not merely about adopting technology. It's about being purposeful in adopting new technology and seeking solutions that align with the specific needs of their business.In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Ryan Donovan, Senior VP of Institutional Sales, and George Svagera, Senior VP of Business Development for Enterprise at Orion. In his role, Ryan works to show registered investment advisors how Orion's technology and integrations can help them grow and improve efficiency. On the other hand, George oversees Orion's enterprise sales. He works with mainly broker-dealers, banks, and custodians in leveraging both the tech and wealth management sides.George and Ryan talk to Rusty and Robyn about disruptive trends, top tech features, and how advisors can leverage fintech to stay ahead of the curve. They highlight the impact of fintech on financial service providers and the importance of integration and seamless workflows for advisors. George and Ryan also discuss how emerging technologies change how advisors operate and deliver value.Key Takeaways [04:25] - George and Ryan's professional backgrounds and roles at Orion. [06:45] - What led to the creation of Ryan and George's podcast, The Fuse Show. [08:24] - FinTech trends impacting the financial advisory space today. [12:46] - How technology is changing the way advisors operate and deliver value. [23:06] - Features and capabilities advisors value the most. [27:59] - How advisors can leverage fintech to stay ahead of the curve and meet client expectations. [32:46] - Ryan and George's advice to financial advisors looking to leverage the fintech landscape. [34:49] - Ryan and George's favorite investment idea. [35:24] - How Ryan and George maintain their physical and mental health to perform at their peak. [37:15] - The people Ryan and George are thankful for professionally. [39:39] - Ryan and George's recommendations for content. [41:13] - Upcoming episodes of The Fuse Show that Ryan and George are excited about. Quotes[08:40] - "When you look at advisors, regardless of your affiliation with a broker-dealer or whether you're independent, you're an RIA, or you're with a wirehouse, ultimately, what you want is to minimize the friction of interacting with your clients so that you could serve them best." ~ Ryan Donovan[21:51] - "One of the biggest game changers that will impact advisors, but something that their firms don't necessarily have to do, is real-time data streaming more than anything else." ~ George Svagera[28:13] - "As a technology company, we leverage a lot of technology to run our business. You have to be purposeful in it. You have to set aside time to learn what it does to train yourself on it to understand what it does and how it can help run your day or make you more efficient." ~ George SvageraLinks  Ryan Donovan on LinkedIn Ryan Donovan on Twitter George Svagera on LinkedIn George Svagera on Twitter Head Like A Hole by Nine Inch Nails X Gon' Give It To Ya by DMX The Fuse Show  Redtail Technology Dr. Daniel Crosby Orion BeFi20 The Risk Tolerance Questionnaire Future Proof Eric Clarke Todd Powell Yellowstone The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin Only Murders in the Building Band of Brothers Connect with Us Meet Rusty Vanneman, Orion's Chief Investment Officer Check Out All of Orion's Podcasts Power Your Growth with Orion 2905-OPS-10/23/2023

The future of ETF model portfolios and factor investing appears promising. With the continued growth of the ETF industry and the increasing demand for diversified and risk-adjusted investment solutions, ETF model portfolios are likely to gain further traction. As investors navigate the challenges of a deglobalized world environment, the principles of factor investing and quality investing will continue to play a crucial role in achieving long-term financial goals.In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with John Davi, Founder, CEO, and CIO at Astoria Portfolio Advisors. John is an award-winning research strategist with over 20 years of experience across macro ETF strategy, quantitative research, and portfolio construction. Before starting Astoria, he was the head of Morgan Stanley's Institutional ETF Content and advised many of the world's largest hedge funds and asset managers on ETF portfolio construction. John published hundreds of reports in his research career across various topics, from ETFs, indices, and futures to structured products. John talks to Rusty and Robyn about ETF model portfolios and factor investing. He emphasizes the importance of active management, diversification, and quality investing in the current market environment.Key Takeaways [03:14] - What inspired John to get into investment management. [04:29] - An overview of Astoria Portfolio Advisors and its services. [05:53] - John's journey in developing ETF Model Portfolios. [07:36] - What sets Astoria's ETF Model Portfolio apart from others? [09:09] - How boutique ETF strategists can compete against major ETF providers. [10:32] - The future growth of the ETF industry and ETF models. [11:39] - How factor investing works. [16:02] - Why quality is Astoria's true north. [17:40] - How real estate investing is similar to factor investing. [18:51] - John's view on the macroeconomic landscape. [20:34] - Investing in a deglobalized world. [23:03] - John's outlook for the next three quarters. [25:25] - Recommended strategic weight for non-U.S. equities. [26:50] - John's view of artificial intelligence in investment management. [28:05] - John's favorite investment idea. [29:26] - How John maintains his physical and mental energy to perform at his best. [30:51] - The people John is thankful for professionally. [31:58] - John's recommendations for content. Quotes[09:55] - "Diversifying our factors and using liquid alts can help you get higher up in the efficient frontier." ~ John Davi[15:21] - "It's very attractive to just own beta. But when you own a few factors, you get a smoother return." ~ John Davi[16:26] - "Quality is the most consistent of the factors. It's basically like buying good companies with good balance sheets. They pay dividends, they don't take on a lot of debt, and the consistency of their earnings and their earnings beats." ~ John DaviLinks  John Davi on LinkedIn John Davi on Twitter Astoria Portfolio Advisors No Sleep Till Brooklyn by the Beastie Boys Merrill Lynch Vanguard Larry Swedroe Portfolio Visualizer Orangetheory The White Lotus Deep Work by Cal Newport Connect with Us Meet Rusty Vanneman, Orion's Chief Investment Officer Check Out All of Orion's Podcasts Power Your Growth with Orion 2851-OPS-10/16/2023

As investors increasingly seek to optimize their portfolios and adapt to changing market conditions, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have emerged as an effective and rapidly evolving investment vehicle. While ETFs have proven superior to traditional mutual funds, they have also ushered in a new era of opportunities and challenges for investors, financial advisors, and the industry.In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Mike Akins, Founding Partner at ETF Action. Mike has over 20 years of financial industry experience spanning multiple disciplines. Before founding ETF Action, Mike served as SVP and Head of ETFs at ALPS Advisors, overseeing all aspects of the $15 billion ALPS ETF Trust. Throughout his career, Mike has held various management positions in product development, research and data analytics, risk management, compliance, audit, and operations. Mike talks to Rusty and Robyn about how to navigate the ETF marketplace, covering topics such as the growth and future of the ETF industry, the historical and projected growth of ETFs, the rise of ETF model portfolios, and the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.Key Takeaways [03:53] - Mike's career journey from compliance to ETFs. [05:01] - The historical and projected growth of the ETF industry. [07:12] - Competitive threats to ETFs. [10:18] - Potential benefits and limitations of direct indexing. [12:13] - Possible risks that may hinder the growth of ETFs in the future. [13:36] - The percentage of advisors choosing ETFs themselves vs. outsourcing to ETF models. [15:41] - How ETF Action supports advisors in adopting ETF models. [17:41] - The growth prospects of models in the coming years. [18:37] - How other models compete against giant industries. [21:21] - Delivering ETFs that align with investors' criteria. [23:15] - Opportunities and challenges for the future of the ETF market. [25:46] - Mike's concerns about liquidity and market complacency. [26:58] - The impact of artificial intelligence on the ETF industry. [28:16] - Mike's favorite investment idea. [29:25] - How Mike maintains his physical and mental energy to perform at his best. [30:31] - The people for whom Mike is grateful, both personally and professionally. [32:23] - Mike's recommendations for content. Quotes[05:35] - "The ETF is a superior structure to mutual funds. Therefore, as people have the opportunity to transfer assets, whether it's required minimum distributions from their qualified accounts or there's a reason to sell their mutual fund and realize those gains, it naturally flows into the ETF market." ~ Mike Akins[18:07] - "If you're an advisor or if you're an independent network of advisors, having models not only will lead to better outcomes, which is the ultimate game, but it also is going to lead to more efficiencies and time saved, and it's going to allow advisors to continue to scale their business." ~ Mike Akins[21:30] - "What attracts me to the ETF market is the ability to map almost any liquid investment in the world. You have every corner of the market covered by an ETF, and with a push of a button, I can track in real-time what's going on with that market through the ETF." ~ Mike AkinsLinks  Mike Akins on LinkedIn Mike Akins on Twitter ETF Action It's in the Way That You Use It by Eric Clapton State Street Vanguard iShares BlackRock Global X ETFs Tom Carter Connect with Us Meet Rusty Vanneman, Orion's Chief Investment Officer Check Out All of Orion's Podcasts Power Your Growth with Orion 2774-OPS-10/6/2023

High-net-worth individuals often have many objectives, ranging from wealth preservation and growth to estate planning and philanthropy. Each objective has its own intricacies, requiring careful consideration and customization to meet each client's unique needs. In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Vern Montross, Western Division Managing Director at City National Rochdale. In his role, Vern is responsible for cultivating and developing relationships with financial professionals, including financial advisors, CPAs and attorneys, and their high-net-worth clients in Texas. He works in concert with these professional advisors and City National Rochdale portfolio managers to develop long-term, risk-managed investment strategies.Working in close partnership with each client's trusted advisor to develop an insightful personal benchmark, Vern talks about the complexity of managing high-net-worth portfolios, what it takes to serve high-net-worth clients, and what intelligent personalization is all about. Key Takeaways [03:30] - How Vern transitioned from biology to finance. [05:13] - The role of CNR in the investment management industry. [07:51] - What makes CNR different from other investment firms that manage high-net-worth investors? [11:15] - What it is like to work with CNR's portfolio managers and investment consultants. [12:54] - How CNR works with high-net-worth investors. [16:22] - What intelligent personalization means. [19:08] - Vern's outlook for the stock market, inflation, interest rates, and the bond market. [24:37] - How CNR applies its market outlook to client portfolios. [27:59] - Vern's thoughts on artificial intelligence's impact on investing. [31:07] - One of Vern's favorite investment ideas. [33:35] - How Vern maintains his physical and mental energy to perform at a high level. [34:54] - The people Vern is thankful for professionally. [37:18] - Vern's recommendations for content. Quotes[06:04] - "We're a collection of problem solvers, very much like scientists and engineers. We want to study what a potential solution looks like, stress test it, and make sure it works and is appropriate." ~ Vern Montross[06:31] - "We don't pre-manufacture our solutions. We don't have inventory on the shelf, and we don't pre-manufacture products. We work with every single client based on their unique situation." ~ Vern Montross[16:50] - "Just because something is different or specific doesn't mean it's also optimal. So, I think of intelligent personalization as customization with intelligent awareness." ~ Vern MontrossLinks  Vern Montross on LinkedIn City National Rochdale Mr. Brightside by the Killers The Fabric of Reality Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade Connect with our hosts Rusty Vanneman Robyn Murray Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts 1592-OPS-6/12/2023