It was with great interest that I read an article by Christine Birkner in the American Marketing Association’s magazine, Marketing News entitled; “Trust Management.”  The article dealt with financial services marketing and the state of consumer confidence.  

There has been much consternation in the markets this summer.  First as it related to the potential for a Greek market default, then the possibility of the contagion spreading to the Euro Zone and finally as it relates to the debate taking place within the U.S. government regarding a debt limit compromise.  There has been much conjecture from experts and pundits alike over the potential impact of these events on global markets.  From an individual investor’s perspective, these events and the uncertainty surrounding the potential ramifications of the decisions being made at a macro level can be quite unsettling.  So here’s the question; “What have you done to calm the nerves of your clients?”  Anything?  Or have you been silent, perhaps speaking with concerned clients when they call, but not taking a proactive approach to keeping your customer base informed? 

The following article from Registered Rep entitled; “The Myth of the Vanishing Investor” provides an intriguing look at the issue of the number and composition of financial advisors in practice today and its impact on the financial services industry and its needs going forward.