Clarity. Perspective. Direction.
Spring 2008
Welcome!
John Meunier & Christy White
Cogent Principals
The purpose of Cogent Thoughts is to create a vehicle for sharing the Cogent Research perspective on important industry topics and trends, as well as to provide thought leadership on tools, techniques, and best practices in marketing research. We hope you enjoy our premiere issue of Cogent Thoughts, and we look forward to your feedback and ideas as we continue to improve and enhance this publication.
As an evidence-based consultancy, Cogent Research is dedicated to delivering clarity, perspective, and direction to leading organizations in the wealth management industry. Through a unique blend of syndicated research, industry expertise, advanced analytics and strategic consulting, we are redefining the role and function of marketing research in the areas of product development, brand equity, client experience, and revenue enhancement.
Wealth Management our point of view
As seen in National Underwriter,
Retirement Assets Left in Employer Plans? It’s a Big Opportunity
By Bruce Harrington, Managing Director & Michelle Kingdon, Research Analyst
Take it. Leave it. Roll it. These are the options employees have regarding their employer-sponsored retirement plan (ESRP) assets when they leave one company for another. Each option has consequences, and making the wrong choice could have significant impact on retirement savings goals.
To read the full story in the December issue of National Underwriter, click here.
Market Research Trends
The Role of Emotions in Consumer Choice
By Debbie Cabanday, Chief of Analytics
Marketers are always looking for the best way to position their product or brand so it will be chosen over the competition. But what actually drives a consumer to choose one brand over another? In market research we are always trying to discover the nature of consumer choice. And while we continually refine how we measure consumer choice, most methods employed to date typically fall short of answering all the “whys.”
Click here to read more of this article.
Syndicated Research product line-up
The syndicated research group produces three levels of reports focused on providing meaningful insights and actionable strategies for our clients on current issues facing the financial services marketplace.
COGENT PERSPECTIVE SERIES
• The Advisor Product Forecast™
• Investor Brandscape™
COGENT DISCOVERY SERIES
• Retirement Income Dilemma
• Social Media's Impact on Investment
Behaviors & Brands
COGENT INSIGHT SERIES
• The Female Equation
• The Variable Annuity Conundrum
• More than Equal: The High Performing Female Advisor
• Mind of the RIA
To learn more about Cogent's syndicated research practice, click here.
What our Analysts are Thinking
With A Little Help From My Friends
By Eric Dolan, Project Director
Glued to CNBC watching Cramer? Pouring through The Wall Street Journal? Wondering why you can see what people think of the dishwasher you’re planning to buy at sears.com, but not what others think about the mutual fund where you’re going to park half of your child’s college savings? If only you could get some candid advice, or, better yet, could examine the moves of an investing maven.
Now you can. Click here to read more of this article.
IN THIS ISSUE
COGENT FACT
Did you know that advisors anticipate their allocations to SMAs and ETFs will rise over the next two years while their commitment to open-end mutual funds will decline?
Source: The Advisor Product Forecast™
WHERE WE'RE SPEAKING
Cogent Research will be speaking at the following upcoming conferences:
5th Annual College Savings Plan Summit 529s and Beyond
April 16-17, 2008
The Harvard Club, Boston, MA
Cogent is co-chairing the
Retirement Income Distribution Evolution Summit (RIDES)
April 29-30, 2008
The Harvard Club, Boston, MA
2008 NICCP College Financial
Planning Conference
May 5-7, 2008
South Point Resort,
Las Vegas, NV
WHAT'S NEW AT COGENT
125 CambridgePark Drive Cambridge, MA 02140 PH 617.441.9944 FX: 617.441.9966
www.cogentresearch.com