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Consulting Group

At a Glance

Consulting Group at a Glance

Programs: Because the goals of every investor are unique, Consulting Group has developed an array of programs designed to provide the right level of service to each client. These include programs tailored for the special needs of pension funds and other large institutions, and programs that allow individual investors to build diversified portfolios from a selection of separately managed accounts or mutual funds.

Resources: Our services are delivered by advisors in offices around the country. They are supported by a network of Consulting Group analysts and technical professionals based at regional centers in the United States and at selected international locations. Financial Advisors Advisors also can draw on the research capabilities and other resources, a full-service securities firm with offices throughout the country.**

Research: One of the most critical aspects of Consulting Group's work is our analysis and evaluation of investment managers. To ensure consistency and comparability, we apply a common research-evaluation framework to all the investment products that we evaluate, which include separate accounts, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and alternative investments. We look beyond historical performance and focus on a set of qualitative and quantitative criteria that we believe influence an investment product's quality. Our research system is proprietary and is accessed by advisors for the benefit of our clients.

Fee Structure: Most Consulting Group clients are billed a single quarterly fee, expressed as a percentage of assets under management. Fees vary according to the level of service and the size, structure and asset mix of each account.

Services Provided

Depending upon the program you choose, you may be provided some or all of the following services:

Consulting Services

  • Assistance in development of written investment objectives
  • Assistance in development of written investment policy statements
  • Database screening for appropriate investment manager candidates
  • Assistance in investment manager evaluation and selection
  • Periodic review of performance against benchmarks
  • Development of ongoing asset allocation recommendations
  • Quarterly economic analysis and market commentary

Account Services

  • Trade executions as instructed by your investment manager
  • Custody/securities safekeeping
  • Automatic investment of cash balances
  • Account protection*

Communications

  • Comprehensive quarterly reports summarizing account performance and portfolio activity
  • Monthly account valuations
  • Trade confirmations of every transaction
  • Annual review of investment objectives

* Morgan Stanley Smith Barney is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). SIPC protects the cash and securities on deposit in" street name" in your securities accounts for a maximum of $500,000, of which $100,000 may be cash. Additional insurance is available for accounts which exceed this level. This coverage does not protect changes in market value. Conditions, limitations and an explanatory brochure are available upon request by contacting your Financial Advisor advisor.

** As of November 3, 2008.

Consulting Group, a business of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, provides advisors with investment advisor research and capital markets analysis to assist in planning your personal investment strategy. This site describes asset management services provided to U.S. persons and entities by firms that are registered as investment advisers under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. This site is not a solicitation on the part of Consulting Group or any asset management firm recommended by Consulting Group to provide asset management services to non-US persons and entities. This site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute either investment advice or recommendations on the part of Consulting Group or any asset management firms described herein.

For more information, please contact your Financial Advisor.

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