Takeaways from the TD LINC Conference: Think Big

We attended the TD Ameritrade LINC Conference in Orlando on February 1 and 2.  It was a very well attended conference, and we were able to touch base with many of our technology vendors and investment fund managers, as well as with other RIA advisors.  TD had lined up an incredible series of keynote speakers and panelists.  We heard from the “Wizard of Wharton,” Jeremy Siegel, political scientist Ian Bremmer, and award-winning actor Viola Davis.  We also attended breakout sessions that focused on new financial technologies and ETF investment strategies. Here are some of the main points we came away with.

Market Insights from “the Wizard of Wharton”

Jeremy Siegel graced us with his deep knowledge and wisdom about equity valuations and market trends.  You may have seen his interviews and articles on CNBC in recent days.  He is optimistic about market returns for 2018 in the U.S. and even more in international markets. Seigel has extensively studied trends in valuations and he believes that while valuations are high right now, they are nowhere near the extreme highs that preceded previous crashes.  He also notes that valuations are lower in Europe, Japan and emerging markets, and equities in those markets will likely deliver a larger return. So, think big. As in, think globally in your investment portfolio. Siegel’s outlook was echoed by several fund managers who were panelists at other sessions. These panelists see more attractive opportunities in the international markets for both stocks and bonds.  Other markets are at different points on the interest rate cycle, so while rates are falling in the U.S., income investors may do well to look abroad for opportunities. One factor to consider is that the U.S. accounts for 24% of global GDP but 36% of global capital markets. By those numbers alone, it would seem that there are some untapped opportunities in capital markets abroad. Think globally in your fixed income portfolio as well.

Political Insights from a “Rising Guru”

Ian Bremmer gave us an overview of political situations around the globe.  Spoiler alert: he doesn’t see a global crisis emerging in the near term.  The main storyline is that the U.S. is becoming less of a global influence and China is becoming more of one.  China’s economic growth is impressive and its significant investment in infrastructure is likely to sustain that growth.  While delivering his comments, Bremmer made a side reference to the fact that he grew up in a very poor neighborhood and dreamed of one day moving to Queens.  Now he is called a “rising guru” in the field of political science and the firm he founded, the Eurasia Group, a leading political risk consultant group.  He travels the world, speaking with leaders and sharing his expertise with business leaders and investors. Think big with your career aspirations.

Opportunity Insights from an award-winning actor

On the final morning of the conference, we heard from award winning actor Viola Davis.  She shared in depth stories about her childhood in poverty and the opportunities that helped her escape the cycle. You can read more about her story in this article in Glamour magazine.  Davis encouraged us to look beyond resumes and find candidates who may not have had as many opportunities, but who are no less talented than those with excellent credentials and dozens of experiences to tout.  Her message had an impact on this group of people, who work in an industry that is predominantly white and male.  More than a few tears fell in the audience, and we are pretty sure that the advisers in the room may have a more open mind next time they are looking to recruit.  Think big with your hiring. We left thinking big, too.  After connecting with many technology providers, we are inspired by the entrepreneurs who keep bringing better financial tools to the market.  We are busy following up with many of them now and look forward to bringing new tools to our clients as we stay ahead of the technology curve.