raymond james investment central is the investment research division of Raymond James, a leading full-service investment firm in the United States. It provides individual investors and financial advisors with market insights, investment recommendations, and analytical tools across various asset classes.
With over 700 research analysts and economists, raymond james investment central leverages both internal and external research to generate actionable investment ideas and market commentary. Its research covers stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, fixed income, commodities, and real estate.
Some of the key offerings of raymond james investment central include tear sheets, rating lists, model portfolios, market updates, charts of the day, and continuing education courses. These resources aim to help investors make more informed investment decisions aligned with their financial goals and risk tolerance.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the different investment research offerings from raymond james investment central and how they can benefit investors.
Equity research and stock ratings
Equity research is a core focus area of raymond james investment central. Its large team of equity analysts conducts fundamental research on stocks across different sectors like technology, healthcare, consumer, industrials, and energy.
Analysts utilize financial modeling, management interviews, and industry analysis to evaluate stocks. They issue recommendations like buy, hold or sell based on their assessment of valuation and growth prospects.
Raymond James ranks its stock coverage universe using a standardized rating system:
– Strong Buy – Expected to appreciate over 15% in next 12 months and outperform the S&P 500
– Outperform – Expected to appreciate over 5-15% in next 12 months and outperform the S&P 500
– Market Perform – Expected to perform in line with the broader market over next 12 months
– Underperform – Expected to underperform the broader market over next 12 months
In addition to ratings, equity research reports contain detailed financial models, growth assumptions, risk assessments, and target price objectives. Investors can leverage the stock research to pick investments and construct diversified portfolios.
Model portfolios for guidance
raymond james investment central publishes various model portfolios that advisors can use to guide clients. These portfolios are constructed by the firm’s asset allocation committee and portfolio strategists.
There are model portfolios for both equities like the U.S. Opportunities Portfolio and for fixed income like the Income Portfolio. The portfolios utilize Raymond James top-rated securities and follow a defined investment mandate for goals like income, growth or tax efficiency.
The model portfolios are regularly rebalanced and updated to adjust to changing market conditions. Investors can choose a suitable model aligned with their risk appetite as a starting point and customize further based on individual preferences.
Following model portfolios allows investors to leverage the expertise of raymond james investment central rather than building portfolios from scratch. It simplifies investing and saves time spent on security selection and asset allocation.
ETF and mutual fund selection
With thousands of ETFs and mutual funds in the market, identifying the right ones for client portfolios is challenging. raymond james investment central conducts rigorous evaluation of funds to provide easy-to-use recommendations.
Its mutual fund and ETF coverage extends across categories like U.S. equity, international, taxable and tax-exempt fixed income. Analysts consider factors like past performance, expenses, portfolio characteristics, manager skill and fund company resources.
They assign qualitative ratings like Preferred, Approved or Not Approved to each analyzed fund. Recommended Preferred funds have consistently outperformed relevant benchmarks and peer groups. These high-conviction ideas are valuable for advisors constructing client portfolios.
raymond james investment central also publishes focused ETF and mutual fund lists like the Analyst Current Favorites list. These curated lists contain timely recommendations selected by analysts based on current market outlook.
Fixed income and macro research
raymond james investment central offers extensive coverage of the fixed income market. Its fixed income strategists provide macro analysis of economic trends, Federal Reserve policy, interest rate environment, and fiscal dynamics.
The firm’s credit analysts evaluate and rate various types of bonds like U.S. Governments, municipals, and corporates. This analysis aids advisors in making appropriate fixed income allocation and security selection decisions.
raymond james investment central also publishes regular fixed income commentaries and weekly updates. Resources like the Income Portfolio help construct diversified bond portfolios. The municipal bond ratings enable advisors to identify bonds offering attractive tax-exempt income.
Beyond plain vanilla bonds, raymond james investment central also covers other fixed income assets including mortgage-backed securities, international bonds, and preferred stocks.
Continuing education
Ongoing advisor education is a key focus area for raymond james investment central. It organizes seminars, webcasts, and courses to help advisors stay updated on markets, financial planning strategies, and latest products & tools.
Some popular programs include quarterly calls, investment strategy symposiums, practice management forums, and the Advisor Mastery Series. raymond james investment central leverages its network of research analysts and product experts to deliver insightful training content.
The continuing education program enhances advisors’ competency and ability to provide suitable investment guidance aligned with client goals. Given the dynamic nature of markets and regulations, ongoing learning is essential for advisors.
raymond james investment central aims to not just deliver investment research but also ensure advisors have the requisite knowledge to effectively apply it and add client value.
raymond james investment central provides individual investors and independent advisors with institutional-grade research and insights across multiple asset classes. Its offerings ranging from equity ratings to model portfolios help construct diversified portfolios aligned with client risk profiles and return objectives. Ongoing education initiatives also enhance advisors’ competency and ability to apply the research ideas. raymond james investment central is a valuable knowledge resource for navigating investment markets and making informed decisions.