The (Apparent) Demise of Fee-Based Brokerage

The Financial Planning Association's long-shot victory to strike the "Merrill Lynch Rule" (and fee-based brokerage accounts) becomes permanent as the SEC declines to appeal the decision of the Federal Court of Appeal.

The Only Three ETFs You Need

Steven Goldberg of Kiplinger.com deciphers the growing ETF maze and explains why most new entrants can be ignored.

Warren Buffett Backs Index Funds Over ETFs

John Spence of MarketWatch explains why Warren Buffett recommmends the use of low-cost index funds over ETFs - because the temptation to engage in self-destructive trading with ETFs may be too great for some investors to resist.

Fiduciary Duty v. "Suitability" - The End of the Merrill Lynch Rule?

Lynn O'Shaughnessy discusses how the recent court decision to strike down the SEC exemption of fee-based brokerage accounts from complying with the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 eliminates a dangerous industry charade and should afford investors better protections moving forward.

What They're Taking From You

Kathleen Day of The Washington Post explains how obscure 401(k) fees can add up to a shocking result for retirement plan participants.

Law Firm Taking Corporations to Task Over 401(k)s

Lynn O'Shaughnessy provides an overview of the current wave of 401(k) litigation regarding high investment fees and "revenue sharing."

As ETF Offerings Grow, Beware

John Waggoner of USA Today explains how silly season has apparently hit the exploding ETF market - with some new, exotic ETF offerings tracking market sectors "thinner than Elmer Fudd's hair."