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The article discusses the results of the 22nd annual "Independent Broker-Dealer Survey" conducted by "Financial Planning" in the U.S. It is revealed that more than 20% of the revenues of 21 broker-dealers in the 50 financial planning (FP50) firms are earned from fee-based accounts. It states that Omaha, Nebraska-based Securities America grew 24.9% and ranked fourth in the top five FP50 broker-dealers.

The article discusses several regulatory issues that are floating around the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) concerning mutual fund reform. The author argues that of all issues concerning mutual fund reform, none seems more relevant than the issue of 12b-1 fees. It is stated that if the SEC changes how 12b-1 fees are collected, defined or disclosed, brokers who have not clearly explained such fees to clients will have to start.

The article focuses on the possibility that the victory of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) on a case against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) could lead to new regulations that cover both brokers and investment advisors. It says that a rule of the SEC which allows broker-dealers to offer fee-based advisory accounts without registering as investment advisors has been eliminated. The need to restructure regulations through congressional action is accounted.

Focuses on the financial performance of the financial planning industry in the U.S. in 2006. Revenue posted by Behemoth Linsco/Private Ledger; Decline in the revenues of Walnut Street Securities; Implications of the increase in the sales of mutual funds.

The article discusses the developments in the U.S. hog industry. It cites the 23% increase in lean-hog prices since early May 2012 due to tightening pork supplies. Based on the June 2012 forecast by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the country's pork output will increase by 1.6% in the fourth quarter of 2012 and the first quarter of 2013 compared a year earlier.

The article discusses U.S. commodities futures as of June 1, 2012. It predicts a boost on feeder-cattle futures with a big corn crop this fall and a severe drought in 2011 to strengthen investors' profits in the last quarter of 2012. The Agriculture Department expects a record 14.8 billion bushels of corn in 2012, 20% more than in 2011 to break the old record of 13.1 billion bushels set in 2009. It advises investors to take positions in feeder-cattle futures, deemed a seldom-noticed market.

The article presents an outlook for lumber futures in the U.S. for 2012. Some factors indicate a possible increase in lumber futures including the rebound of the housing market, thin inventories for contractors and builders, and more overseas demand. The improving U.S. economy and emerging market demand will also contribute to the improvement of lumber futures. Lumber futures are expected to move higher through July 2012.

The article reports that live-cattle futures in the U.S. rose in the week ending January 27, 2012. Rising cattle costs and decreasing U.S. supplies have raised prices to a point that may shun American consumers. However, demand for U.S. beef is being pursued by Japanese and South Korean consumers. Favorable exchange rates is also seen as a price factor.

An interview with bond market experts Stan and Hildy Richelson about the recent volatility in the U.S. fixed income market is presented. They suggest which securities should advisors recommend to clients in such a volatile bond market. They discuss the implications of the rise of hedge fund for the bond markets. They explain the risk and returns of high-yield paper.

The article announces career developments involving financial executives in the U.S., including Keith Gregg who was appointed president and co-CEO of First Allied Securities, Art Lutschaunig who resigned as president of Morningstar's Investment Services division, and John Healy who was appointed CEO of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

The article reports on the Retirement Income Planning: Opportunity or Threat study conducted by the periodical "Financial Planning" with asset management firm AssetMark in the U.S. It was found that most financial advisors are not asking for higher fees on their retired clients even if these people use most of their services. Meanwhile, a few number of planners have been charging their retired clients through separate fee schedule.

The article assesses the sales performance of variable annuities in the U.S. for the first quarter of 2006. Providers of variable annuities are expected to see their quarterly liabilities increase accordingly as more policyholders shift from accumulation to distribution. An increase of 149 percent in variable annuity sales was reported by Fidelity Investments during the first quarter. The market share of TIAA-CREFF and Metlife were reported to be 9.29 and 9.04 percent respectively.

The article reports on career developments involving financial planning industry executives in the U.S. as of September 2006. Dave Sipprell has been promoted to president of the fixed- and fixed-index annuity product line at Allianz Life Insurance Co. Helen Cousins has been appointed as executive vice president and CIO of Fiserv Investment Support Services. Deanna Mulligan has returned to New York Life Insurance Co. as senior vice president for life and annuity.

Highlights the results of the "Investor Perception Study 2006," a survey conducted by TD Ameritrade to determine investors' perception of Securities and Exchange (SEC) Rule 202 in the U.S. Unawareness that stockbrokers and investment advisers offer different levels of investor protection; Percentage of the respondents who did not believe that the SEC disclosure requirement sufficiently informs clients of the level of protection provided by brokerages; Belief that the SEC rule does not make brokerages responsible enough for ensuring that clients are aware of brokers' conflicts of interest.

Interviews Andrea Bullard, a financial service executive based in Boston, Massachusetts. Information on her book "Turn Key Office Systems"; Tips to financial planners having hard time to meet and develop clients; Professional experience of Bullard; Views on the difference between successful people and less successful people.

Presents information on the survey conducted by Northern Trust which explores the investment behavior and attitudes of high-net-worth investors in the U.S. Highlights on the major finding of the survey; Efforts of the financial services industry to address the needs of retiring baby boomers; Lack of trust of high-net-worth investors on U.S. equities.

Predicts the changes facing the financial services industry in the U.S. Implications of the blurring distinction between the various players in the industry; Competition among fund managers, asset managers, insurers and custodians will drive the market towards a new definition of performance; Explanation that assets are increasingly flowing into less traditional outcome-oriented products.

Highlights the results of a survey on the daily challenges facing professionals in the financial planning industry in the U.S., commissioned by ING Advisor Network. Number of financial advisers who participated in the survey; Percentage of the respondents who ranked consumer fear as a top challenge; Remarks from ING President Valerie Brown.

Presents a comprehensive report on the state of the 401(k) industry in the U.S., released by Fidelity Investments. Major findings of the report; Highlights of the report.

The article discusses the survey "The RIA Industry: Positioned for Continued Growth," which is about registered investment advisers (RIA), conducted by Maya Ivanova for Rydex in the United States. According to the survey, industry revenues reached only $1 billion in 2004. The statistics of the survey reveal that RIA who spend more time with clients are more profitable than the rest of the industry.

The article reports on the decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia which dismissed the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) lawsuit against the Financial Planning Association. The ruling enabled broker-dealers to be exempted from the fiduciary requirements of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, which was disapproved by the Financial Planning Association. The decision indicates that all fee-based accounts are subject to the Investment Advisers Act.