Korn Ferry: A Merger Boom, An HR Headache

When it comes to mergers, the people in the human-resources department are often among the last to hear. Frequently they’re also the ones hit with an enormous workload. 

A recent report found that 54% of British companies surveyed see M&A activity increasing. That’s generally good news for a national business environment that has been struggling for growth, but it raises the bar for CHROs, who must lead their newly formed firm through a slew of talent-merging issues, as well as determine how to combine different hiring, benefits and pay policies. “HR often gets invited late in the process,” says Grant Duncan, a Korn Ferry senior client partner and sector lead in the firm’s Consumer practice. By then, the corporate decisions may already have been made. “As a result,” Duncan adds, “there is little the HR team can do to help out.” Read more here.

ENGLAND; BAYEUX COMES TO THE UK. @REALCONSTABLE @BATCHELORSHOW

By SIMON CONSTABLE

Myrabella, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

 

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FRANCE; WILDFIRES AT MARSEILLES. @REALCONSTABLE @BATCHELORSHOW

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WSJ FinancialFlashback: 30 YEARS AGO: Nasdaq 1000

  A look back at Wall Street Journal headlines from this month in history

By SIMON CONSTABLE

In July 1995, the Nasdaq Composite Index surpassed the 1000 level for the first time. It took a while for the index to get there, but in hindsight, breaching the 1000 level was a monumental signal that better things were coming. And it did. On average the Nasdaq index has outperformed the S&P 500 for most of the past two decades.

The Nasdaq composite launched in February 1971 with an index level of 100. At the time, Nasdaq was a fledgling stock market that could boast it was the first to be fully electronic. Initially, it was just a quotation system rather than an electronic trading platform. 

Surpassing the Nasdaq 1000 level quickly gave way to an accelerated rally that lasted until Nasdaq breached 5000 in March 2000, according to Nasdaq data. It took until May 2015 to cross the 5100 level. And those levels now look as dated as an old cellphone: The Nasdaq composite as of last week’s close was at five figures: more than 20601.

Read more here.

UK: BACKBENCHERS NIX PM STARMER & CHANCELLOR REEVES. @REALCONSTABLE @BATCHELORSHOW OCCITANIE

 By SIMON CONSTABLE

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FRANCE: BAKE OFF CONTINENTAL EUROPE. @REALCONSTABLE @BATCHELORSHOW OCCITANIE

 By SIMON CONSTABLE

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Kiplinger’s Retirement Report: Hiring a Financial Adviser: 10 Questions to Ask

 By SIMON CONSTABLE

Hiring a financial adviser is a key way to manage your retirement nest egg with less stress. Many people get overwhelmed when tackling retirement planning. Even those with big paychecks and a Wall Street education often seek a financial adviser to help them.

It’s a smart thing to do. You leave the investing work to experts. That gives you time and confidence to focus on important things like family and career. However, deciding which adviser to pick is a big deal. They will be looking after your financial nest egg. You will need to know a lot of things about them before deciding who to choose.

Different types of advisers have different credentials. Any financial adviser selling or recommending certain securities must pass Financial Industry Regulatory Authority exams and may need to register with federal and state regulators. Read more here.

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