ridgeworth.com - News & Commentary

Our Perspective - Municipal Market Update

Mon, 21 May 2012 10:54:00 -0400

The demand for municipals continues to dominate the market. Heavy bond calls and maturities are giving investors large cash balances to reinvest in the municipal market. This trend will continue through...

1Q12 Seix Boutique Perspective

Fri, 11 May 2012 03:43:00 -0400

In the ever-evolving capital market crisis, liquidity made another high-water mark in the first quarter of 2012.

The Street - Short Term Agency Bonds a Smart Play

Tue, 08 May 2012 03:48:00 -0400

Chad Stephens sees short-term government-backed bond securities as a good bet because they offer both yield and safety as the economy recovers.

Bloomberg - Mortgages Beat Corporates With Fed Q3 Discounted

Mon, 07 May 2012 03:47:00 -0400

Chad Stephens doesn’t view the re-financing programs as having a major impact on the mortgage-backed market

Bloomberg - Avon Board Elects Jung, Other Directors to One-Year Term

Thu, 03 May 2012 03:45:00 -0400

Don Wordell says he sold his Avon position last month as he sees the Coty Inc. takeover bid as being dead.

Bloomberg - Avon Investors Vote for CEO in Pushing Coty to Raise Bid

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 03:43:00 -0400

Don Wordell explains that his position on the bid for Avon Products, Inc.

Forbes - Profit Surprises From BofA, Tech Sector Are More Than Wall Street Error

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 03:42:00 -0400

Alan Gayle describes why companies keep surprising Wall Street analysts with earnings reports.

The Street - Stocks Mixed; Apple Weighs Down Nasdaq

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 03:41:00 -0400

Michael Sansoterra talks about what he expects from Apple’s second quarter results release.

WRKO, AM680 - The Financial Exchange

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 03:40:00 -0400

Michael Sansoterra discusses his investing choices and what he expects in the economy.

Dow Jones Newswires - GETTING PERSONAL: Floating-Rate Funds Emerging From The Clouds

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 03:38:00 -0400

George Goudelias sees the floating rate asset class improving due to better supply trends and clearing out speculative interests.

Our Perspective - Municipal Market Update

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:05:00 -0400

In this municipal market update, we’ll take a look at credit trends occurring in the first quarter of 2012, along with an overview of municipal credit in general, and what we can expect from credit for the near-term...

CNBC - Markets Gearing Up for Q2

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 03:22:00 -0400

Alan Gayle believes the macroeconomic trends are still attractive going into 2nd quarter.

Bloomberg Radio - The First Word

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 10:33:00 -0400

Sansoterra is focusing on Technology and Cosumer Discretionary stocks.

Our Perspective - Municipal Market Update

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 04:29:00 -0400

The municipal bond market experienced a strong rally that began in November 2011 and peaked on January 18, 2012. The rally was helped by a strong Treasury market...

Bloomberg - Top Junk Pummels Treasuries for Safest Profits: Riskless Return

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 10:27:00 -0400

Nold explains why he likes U.S. BB-rated corporate bonds right now.

RidgeWorth International Equity Fund Earns 2012 Lipper Fund Award

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:00:00 -0400

RidgeWorth Investments announced today that its International Equity Fund was recognized at the 2012 Lipper Fund Awards ceremony held in New York on Thursday, March 8th. The Lipper Awards...

Financial Times - Cook breaks with Jobsâ�� Apple legacy

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:26:00 -0400

Sansoterra sees Apple’s decision to pay a dividend to shareholders as a positive as it expands the shareholder base and provides returns to investors.

CNBC â�� Shareholders React to Announcement (Video)

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:43:00 -0400

Sansoterra discusses Apple’s announced dividend and how it will affect his holding of the stock.

Reuters â�� How to Play It: Going after banks post-stress tests

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:25:00 -0400

Wordell talks about why he focuses on regional banks within the financial sector.

The Wall Street Journal â�� Bulls See Legs in Tech-Stock Rally

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:24:00 -0500

Sansoterra sees no better space with in the large-cap growth market than in large-cap technology stocks.

Fox Business TV - How to Pick Stocks that Exceed Investor Expectations

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:23:00 -0500

Sansoterra provides his views on what to look for when buying stocks and gives a few specific stock picks.

Marketwatch Radio â�� Sansoterra: Market slump is just a pause

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:19:00 -0500

Sansoterra explains his view on the overall market direction and how economic and company-specific data has been mostly positive.

Bloomberg Radio â�� Bloomberg on the Economy

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:19:00 -0500

Sansoterra talks about his views on Apple and why he continues to own the stock.

The Wall Street Journal â�� US Stocks Continue Drop In Friday Afternoon Trade

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 10:18:00 -0500

Wordell discusses the market’s performance for the day.

USA Today â�� Apple hits $500B in market value

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:02:00 -0500

Sansoterra offers his view on Apple which he feels can continue to grow and strengthen.

Reuters â�� HOW TO PLAY IT: Preparing for higher dividend taxes

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:20:00 -0500

Wordell thinks that higher taxes on dividend income would not affect his long-term approach but could offer short-term benefits.

Junk Rivals 2009 as Fed Drives Bonds to Loans: Credit Markets

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:19:00 -0500

Goudelias sees Bernanke and the Federal Reserve pushing investors into credit markets for junk-rated bonds due funds needing to generate returns.

Seix Investment Advisors Perspective

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:48:00 -0500

Capital market volatility declined over the course of the final three months of 2011, allowing for a pause in the treasury rally and, for most spread sectors of the bond market, a chance to regroup and recapture some of the lost ground...

4Q11 Seix Boutique Perspective

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:16:00 -0500

Reuters â�� GLOBAL MARKETS-Stocks inch up, euro near flat; Greek deal eyed

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:18:00 -0500

Keegan talks about the Greek debt discussions going on in Europe.

Bloomberg â�� Glencore Price for Xstrata Seen Rising Amid Threatened No Votes: Real M&A

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:17:00 -0500

Deakins believes Glencore International PLC’s efforts to merge with Xstrata PLC are undervaluing Xstrata by at least 20% by not offering much of a premium to shareholders.

The Wall Street Journal â�� Treasurys Left Flat After Dizzying Session

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:17:00 -0500

Keegan keeps his Fund underweight on Treasuries as he believes there is a higher chance of the 10-year notes yielding 1.5% as opposed to 2.5% in the coming months.

CNBC â�� Greece Remains Market Wild Card

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:16:00 -0500

Deakins offers his view on the upcoming CPI data and the possible Greek default.

The Street â�� Bond Funds That Beat the Benchmarks in 2011

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:15:00 -0500

Keegan discusses why he kept a big stake in AA-rated corporate bonds last year and how that helped his Fund outpace 98% of competitors in the intermediate-term bond fund arena.

Marketwatch â�� Financial stocks show investors the money

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:15:00 -0500

Wordell says he likes smaller investment banks and property and casualty insurers and is staying away from life insurers and banks in the financial sector.

MSN Money â�� After iPhone and iPad, an iTV?

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:14:00 -0500

Sansoterra talks about how Apple may soon change the world of TV and affect the cable and satellite industry.

The Bond Buyer â�� Market Close: Munis End Week On Much Softer Note

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:13:00 -0500

Schwartz thinks demand for munis should be strong and strengthen in the long-term because they continue to be one the most secure asset classes.

Barronâ��s â�� This Drug Middleman Is No Middling Stock

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:12:00 -0500

Ransom sees AmerisourceBergen as a stock that isn’t waiting to see what happens with a merger that could affect almost 20% of its revenue.

The Wall Street Journal â�� US Stocks Advance On Stronger Economic Data; DJIA Up

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:00:00 -0500

Wordell believes positive Chinese GDP numbers gave investors some relief in the market.

CNBC â�� Europe & The Earnings Parade

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:32:00 -0500

Deakins explains which European events next week could have an impact the stock market.

Bloomberg Businessweek â�� Leveraged Loans Lead Year on Longest Winning Streak in 14 Months

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:30:00 -0500

Goudelias says a lot of the loan market gains are due to redeploying cash from the end of the year.

The Wall Street Journal â�� Stocks Notch Another Win

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:42:00 -0500

Sansoterra discusses reasons behind the stock market improvement.

Final Capital Gains Distributions Year-End 2011

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:00:00 -0500

The 2011 capital gains distributions for the RidgeWorth Funds.

Wall Street Journal - Dow's Leap Wipes Out Monday's Loss

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:00:00 -0500

Michael Sansoterra believes the housing sector has not drastically changed for the better.

MarketWatch - Whole Foods shareholderâ��s big payday

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:00:00 -0500

Ransom talks about Whole Foods stock.

CNBC - Next Week: The Economic Fear Trade

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:00:00 -0500

Deakins discusses what to expect in the market next week.

2011 Capital Gains FAQs

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:00:00 -0500

Frequently Asked Questions for RidgeWorth Funds 2011 Capital Gains Distributions.

CNBC - Dow Back in Black for 2011

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:00:00 -0500

Deakins believes that the international market has positive stock choices especially those with global exposure.

Heightened awareness of retirement income sufficiency coming out of the downturn, along with...

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:00:00 -0500

...auto plan features will propel the DC market to $5.5 trillion in assets by 2015. The share of passive assets in DC plans will double by 2015 to 25%. By 2015, nearly 70% of assets will be held by individuals at or within five years of their target date for retirement. — McKinsey & Company, "Winning in the Defined Contribution Market of 2015: New Realities Reshape the Competitive Landscape," September 2010

The average plan has approximately 60% of assets invested in equities. Assets are most frequently...

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:00:00 -0500

...invested in actively managed domestic equity funds (28.9% of assets), target retirement date funds (10.3%), and stable value funds (9.7%). — Profit Sharing/401(k) Council of America, "53rd Annual Survey of Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plans," September 2010

Reuters - FOREX-Dollar rises for 4th straight session on Europe woes

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:00:00 -0500

Keegan does not think the European Central Bank would aggressively intervene in the fixed income market like the Federal Reserve did with the its quantitative easing program in the U.S. market.

Bloomberg - Street Smart: Keegan on Strategy for U.S. Treasuries, Corporates (Video)

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:00:00 -0500

Keegan discusses investing in the U.S. Treasury and corporate bond markets.

Reuters - GLOBAL MARKETS - Stocks, oil prices dive on Europe's debt fears

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:00:00 -0500

Keegan believes the euro zone crisis could worsen before it gets better

SmartMoney - The 'Loser' Stocks Pros Are Buying

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:00:00 -0500

Wordell talks about one stock he is buying.

Bloomberg - Tech Puts Surging on Demand Concern, Thailand Floods: Options

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:00:00 -0500

Deakins says growth in technology companies is centered more in emerging markets.

The number of funds offered to plan participants appears to be leveling out after many years of...

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:00:00 -0500

...steady increase. Plans offer an average of 18 funds for both participant and company contributions. The funds most commonly offered are actively managed domestic equity funds (87.3% of plans), actively managed international equity funds (86% of plans), and indexed domestic equity funds (82.4% of plans). — Profit Sharing/401(k) Council of America, "53rd Annual Survey of Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plans," September 2010

Estimated Capital Gain Distributions 2011

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:00:00 -0500

The 2011 estimated capital gains for the RidgeWorth Funds.

Bloomberg - U.S. Stocks, Euro Pare Gains as Apple Shares Decline, French Yields Surge

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:00:00 -0500

Wordell discusses how the news from the day affected the markets.

While a majority (55%) of 401(k) plan participants surveyed say they would use free personalized advice...

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:00:00 -0500

...if their employer made it available, an analysis of actual participant behavior reveals less than 10% of people with access to advice actively use it. Use of professional advice has a positive impact on participant savings, investing behavior, and outcomes. Seventy percent of participants who receive 401(k) advice make changes to their deferral rates, and their savings rates nearly double as a result, jumping on average from 5% to 10% of pay. — Charles Schwab survey, "The New Rules of Engagement for 401(k) Success", September 2010

Bloomberg Businessweek - FTSE 100 Puts Highest to Europe as Traders Lock in Gain: Options

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 12:00:00 -0400

Deakins sees the European market as an opportunity.

Most employers offering a defined contribution (DC) plan provide matching contributions: 81% of...

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:00:00 -0400

...corporations, 68% of professional service firms, 57% of public employers and 9% of multi-employer plans. The most common match reported is 50 cents per dollar up to 6% of pay; 6% report they have dropped their match within the past two years. — International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans "Employee Benefits Survey: U.S. and Canada 2011," September 2010

3Q11 Seix Boutique Perspective

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 01:58:00 -0400

The fact that our so out of consensus view since last summer has suddenly become the consensus is both rewarding and discomforting at the same time.

Seix Investment Advisors Perspective

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:00:00 -0400

The fact that our so out of consensus view since last summer has suddenly become the consensus is both rewarding and discomforting at the same time. The hope that permeated the landscape by the end of the second quarter dissipated quickly...

Wall Street Journal - Stocks Ease Back From Rally

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:00:00 -0400

Sansoterra sees what is going on with the Europe affecting the markets.

CNBC - Market Breakdown (Video)

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:00:00 -0400

Deakins believes Europe is slowly heading in the right direction, but he is continuing to invest in non-bank, European companies.

People who are six to 15 years prior to retirement are feeling substantially less "hopeful"...

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:00:00 -0400

...(71% vs. 81%) and "optimistic" (72% vs. 77%) than they were in 2005. However, they remain generally positive – 84% feel "happy" and 70% feel "enthusiastic" about retirement. — Ameriprise Financial, "New Retirement Mindscape", September 2010

Our Perspective â�� Municipal Market Update

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:00:00 -0400

Over the past month, we have seen an unusual increase in volatility across the global financial markets. The questions surrounding the U.S. economy and the potential for a...

Bloomberg - Sony Bulls Highest Since 2008 With Stock at 24-Year Low: Options

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:00:00 -0400

Deakins talks about his stock selection.

Plan sponsors who are comfortable with the level of training they received from their plan provider reported...

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:00:00 -0400

...a 108% increase in their overall client satisfaction rating, at 79%, compared with a 38% overall satisfaction reported by sponsors that did not receive training from their 401k providers. — Anova Consulting Group survey, September 2010

CNN Money - Muni meltdown? No. But don't ignore risks.

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:00:00 -0400

Schwartz discusses the municipal bond market and what investors should look for with muni bonds.

Loans initiated over the past 12 months (ended 8/2010) grew to 11% of total active participants from about...

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:00:00 -0400

...9% one year prior. The portion of participants with loans outstanding also increased two full percentage points in the second quarter to 22%. The average initial loan amount as of the end of the second quarter was $8,650 with an average loan duration of three and half years. — Fidelity Survey, August 2010

Associated Press - Stocks soar on European pledge to help banks

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:00:00 -0400

Sansoterra explains why the markets went up after French and German leaders promised to strengthen European banks.

Dow Jones Newswires - TIP SHEET: RidgeWorth Muni Manager Plays It Safe

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:00:00 -0400

Schwartz is featured and talks about the RidgeWorth Investment Grade Tax-Exempt Bond Fund.

Employee confidence in having enough savings to live comfortably in retirement has...

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:00:00 -0400

...recovered from February 2009 levels, but remains well below pre-crisis levels. — Towers Watson Retirement Attitudes survey, September 2010

Bond Buyer - Investors Brace for Trio of Deals Worth $600 Million or More Each

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:00:00 -0400

Schwartz foresees the municipal market improving now that third quarter is over.

Bond Buyer - Volume Is Closing The Gap

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:00:00 -0400

Schwartz explains the municipal market and his expectations into the fourth quarter.

Dow Jones - Banks Coming Up With More Pitches To Sell LBO Loans

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:00:00 -0400

Goudelias talks about why banks are having a hard time finding investors for leveraged loans right now.

TheStreet.com - Kindle Fire Is Make or Break for Amazon Shares

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:00:00 -0400

Sansoterra compares the Amazon Kindle Fire with the Apple iPad and adds why he continues to expect good results from owning Apple stock.

Reuters - US STOCKS - Efforts at euro zone solution bolster Wall St

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:00:00 -0400

Sansoterra discusses the efforts of the Euro zone to alleviate the debt crisis in Europe and how it affects the markets.

64.4 percent of plan sponsors review their investments quarterly and 85.8 percent of sponsors...

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:00:00 -0400

...have an investment policy statement (up from 54.3 percent from 10 years ago). — Profit Sharing/401(k) Council of America, "53rd Annual Survey of Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plans," September 2010

MarketWatch - If you need income, you canâ��t park in Treasurys

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:00:00 -0400

Goudelias says the bank loan market has become more active for retail investors in recent years because bank loans tend to carry good yields around 7% currently.

Dow Jones - Muni Bond Disclosure Has Room For Improvement

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 12:00:00 -0400

Hooks believes more consistent financial disclosures should be standardized for the municipal market.

Defined contribution investment-only assets will reach $2 trillion by the end of...

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:00:00 -0400

...2010, 60 percent of the total private DC market. — The Cerulli Edge: Retirement Edition, July 2010

The Wall Street Journal - Banks Apply Lever to Cash Positions

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:00:00 -0400

Goudelia explains the loan market.

In preparation for pending participant fee disclosure rules, 60% of plan sponsors indicate they will take...

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:00:00 -0400

...some kind of action. Actions cited include: • 53% will conduct an administrative fee benchmarking study; • 28% will reevaluate who (participant or employer) pays administrative fees; and • 21% will change from a nontransparent bundled pricing arrangement to a transparent, fixed administrative fee pricing arrangement — Mercer survey, July 2010

CNBC - Next Week's Trade

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:00:00 -0400

Deakins discusses which economic indicators he is looking towards when proceeding in the market.

One third of employers would like more information from their retirement plan provider about the fees...

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 12:00:00 -0400

...and expenses associated with the retirement plan. — Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies' 11th annual Retirement Worker Survey, June 2010

Associated Press - Fund Focus - RidgeWorth Invâ��t Grade Tax Exempt (SISIX)

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:00:00 -0400

Schwartz is featured and talks about the RidgeWorth Investment Grade Tax-Exempt Bond Fund.

Bloomberg - Florida Sells $247.7 Million of Lottery Debt at Cheaper Yield: Muni Credit

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:00:00 -0400

Schwartz sees the spreads narrowing for bond deals.

Bloomberg - â��Too Earlyâ�� for Bank Debt as Housing Weakens, Seixâ��s Keegan Says

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 12:00:00 -0400

Keegan expects home prices to drop further as the economy slows, which is why he thinks corporate bonds remain attractive outside of bank debt.

27% of plan participants set their deferral because it was enough to qualify for their employer's matching...

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 12:00:00 -0400

...contribution while fewer than 10% said the amount was recommended by someone else including their adviser or employer. — Principal Financial Well-Being Index, June 2010

CNBC - Hunting for Bargains

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:00:00 -0400

Sansoterra talks about some specific companies he likes and sectors he stays away from.

Nearly all employers (93%) believe they give employees the right information to make decisions about their...

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:00:00 -0400

...retirement plan; however, there was no change in the percentage of employers offering investment advice/guidance (58%) over the previous year. Among those not offering advice, 88% do not plan to in the near future. — Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies' 11th annual Retirement Worker Survey, June 2010

MarketWatch - U.S. stocks to get no rest, remain volatile

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 12:00:00 -0400

Sansoterra expects weak economic data will come as no surprise and volatility will persist until more clarity is gained on how sovereign-debt issues in Europe are going to impact the United States.

RidgeWorth Investment Grade Bond Fund to change to Core Bond Fund, September 30, 2011

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 12:00:00 -0400

RidgeWorth Investment Grade Bond Fund to transition to new name, investment objective, investment strategy and benchmark. On August 9, 2011, the RidgeWorth Funds Board of Trustees approved investment management changes to the RidgeWorth Investment Grade Bond Fund...

Market Update: 4%+ days happenâ�¦just not that often

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:00:00 -0400

In five of the six trading days between August 4, 2011 and August 11, 2011, the S&P 500 Index rose or fell by more than 4%. In the past 40 years, there have been other volatile days like these – 77 of them to be exact with 39 days to the positive and 38 days to the negative. So, for over 10,000 trading days...

27 percent of sponsors use auto-enrollment in 2010, up from 24 percent in 2009. The median...

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:00:00 -0400

...contribution rate among employers who automatically enroll their workers in an employee-funded plan was three percent. — Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies' 11th annual Retirement Worker Survey, June 2010

Market Update: Standard and Poorâ��s Credit Rating Downgrade

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:00:00 -0400

On Friday, August 5, 2011 the Standard and Poor's Ratings Service ("S&P") lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating for the United States of America to "AA+" from "AAA". The outlook remains negative. At the same time, S&P affirmed its short-term ratings of the United States at "A-1+", its highest short-term rating...

Special Podcast: The S&P Credit Downgrade and Market Volatility

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:00:00 -0400

Ashi Parikh, Chairman, CEO and CIO of RidgeWorth Investments, discusses the S&P ratings services' downgrade of long-term U.S. debt, the macro-economic environment and offers some perspective on the unfolding situation...

74% of Plan Sponsors are very worried about meeting their fiduciary obligations and the 87%...

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:00:00 -0400

...say that they are struggling to keep up with ever-changing Department of Labor regulations. — The Briskin Consulting Study of Small-Retirement-Plan Sponsors, June 2010