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Market Insights You Can Act On

I'm Chris Hyzy, Chief Investment Officer. In today's complex world, the ability to achieve goals, dreams, and objectives has never been more important.

Our industry, for many, many years, has used things like benchmarks. We've worried about the stock market direction, where bond yields are going to go to. That whole dynamic has changed. What's most important is, "What are the goals, the objectives, the dreams of clients at any wealth level?"

You start with research at the front end. You move into portfolio construction and rebalancing, asset allocation, and then ultimately portfolio management, utilizing a number of different solutions. And then wrap around all of that in oversight every step of the way, risk management every step of the way, and done through a governance process that's independent, called the Investment Strategy Committee.

Having the ability to have a pulse on what's going on around the world is absolutely critical. There's a difference between insights and information. Insights into asset classes, into economies, into markets, into various solutions. To put it together in the investment process is the only way, in our opinion, to be able to match and hopefully exceed client expectations.

The essence of insights is critical. Professionals that you have from a third party or an expert network basis outside of our firm mixed with the powerful franchise of over 600-plus analysts that we have inside our firm.

Having an investment process that has the ability to completely be customized every step of the way, which allows insights all around the world into the investment process that's flexible enough, but yet disciplined, to be able to match client goals and dreams, is absolutely imperative in today's environment.

Important Information 
Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

The opinions expressed are those of the Global Wealth & Investment Management Chief Investment Office (GWIM CIO) only and are subject to change. While some of the information included draws upon research published by BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research, this information is neither reviewed nor approved by BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research. This information and any discussion should not be construed as a personalized and individual recommendation, which should be based on your investment objectives, risk tolerance, and financial situation and needs.

This information and any discussion also is not intended as a specific offer by Merrill Lynch, its affiliates, or any related entity to sell or provide, or a specific invitation for a consumer to apply for, any particular retail financial product or service. Investments and opinions are subject to change due to market conditions and the opinions and guidance may not be profitable or realized. Any information presented in connection with BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research is general in nature and is not intended to provide personal investment advice. The information does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any specific person who may receive it. Investors should understand that statements regarding future prospects may not be realized.

No investment program is risk-free, and a systematic investing plan does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss in declining markets. Any investment plan should be subject to periodic review for changes in your individual circumstances, including changes in market conditions and your financial ability to continue purchases. Asset allocation and diversification do not assure a profit or protect against a loss during declining markets.

Some of the risks involved with equities include the possibility that the value of the stocks may fluctuate in response to events specific to the companies or markets, as well as economic, political or social events in the U.S. or abroad. Bonds are subject to interest rate, inflation and credit risks. Investments in high-yield bonds may be subject to greater market fluctuations and risk of loss of income and principal than securities in higher rated categories. Investments in foreign securities involve special risks, including foreign currency risk and the possibility of substantial volatility due to adverse political, economic or other developments. These risks are magnified for investments made in emerging markets. Investments in a certain industry or sector may pose additional risk due to lack of diversification and sector concentration. Income from investing in municipal bonds is generally exempt from federal and state taxes for residents of the issuing state. While the interest income is tax exempt, any capital gains distributed are taxable to the investor. Income for some investors may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT).

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Asset allocation and diversification do not assure a profit or protect against a loss during declining markets. Asset allocation cannot eliminate the risk of fluctuating prices and uncertain returns.

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Investment products: 

Are Not FDIC Insured    Are Not Bank Guaranteed    May Lose Value  

Our Chief Investment Office takes a unique, integrated approach to help you along every step of your investment journey. It's a process that provides our advisors with the tools to keep you aligned to your long-term strategy, the flexibility to address your individual needs, and the responsiveness to address short-term opportunities. The aim is to provide another advantage as your advisor helps you pursue your goals.

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