Investing December 12, 2014

Investment in Stock and Bond Funds Strong in November

November inflows totaled nearly $53 billion for stock and bond funds, according to Strategic Insight’s monthly fund review.
Reported by

Strategic Insight, an Asset International company, revealed net new investment in stock and bond funds was robust in November, with inflows totaling $52.7 billion. 

Led by a 1.9% return in the U.S. equity category, average one-month returns of stock and bond funds were positive across broad asset classes. International equity strategies returned an average 0.9% in November, while bond funds were slightly higher, at 0.3%, by month’s end.

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Net intake for equity products totaled $34 billion in November, led by a $23 billion inflow to U.S. equity. There was strong demand for exchange-traded products, which attracted a net $36 billion. Inflows to bond funds totaled $18.7 billion, led by demand for the corporate bond general (up $8.2 billion), corporate high quality ($3.8 billion), and corporate high yield (+3.5 billion) fund categories.

With fund net deposits totaling $20 billion, money market funds helped to lift monthly fund industry net intake to $73.4 billion. November recorded the highest monthly aggregate net inflows for the fund industry in 2014, Strategic Insight says. 

Information about how to obtain research reports from Strategic Insight is available at www.sionline.com. 

Deals and People December 12, 2014

NFP Acquires Foran Insurance and Advisory Services

NFP says acquisition of Foran’s insurance and advisory team expands its footprint and capabilities in New England markets.
Reported by

Insurance broker and benefits provider NFP expanded its employee benefit offerings with the acquisition of EBS/Foran Insurance and Advisory Services, Inc.

The transaction took effect in November, according to NFP. The Massachusetts-based Foran, with locations in Dennis and Northborough, specializes in designing health and welfare benefit plans for employers. Foran has particular expertise in serving municipality health and welfare programs, according to NFP.

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John Foran, president of Foran Insurance and Advisory Services, will remain with NFP as a director within the northeast region.

Commenting on the deal, Douglas Hammond, chairman and chief executive officer of NFP, says the acquisition “complements the strength of our Boston capabilities.” We are happy to welcome the Foran Insurance team to our NFP family and look forward to working with them.”

More information is available at www.nfp.com.

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