Latest news with #JohnHancock
Washington Post
2 days ago
- Health
- Washington Post
An AI app told me when I'd die — and I liked it
When a friend mentioned that he'd used a new artificial-intelligence-powered smartphone app called Death Clock AI to learn when his ticker would give out, I wanted to know my end date as well. I had used a rudimentary web-based calculator nearly a decade ago, which said my time would be up in 2031 — now just six years away! I was hoping an app combining AI and statistical modeling to predict my personal life expectancy would buy me more time. It did! I am pleased to report that I won't die until 2042, at age 84. Those early death clocks — or longevity calculators — used only basic information to estimate how much time you had left. (The web-based tool I used previously asked four questions — about birth date, body mass index, smoking and mental health status.) There are, of course, other life expectancy calculators — the Social Security Administration provides one, as do such insurance companies as John Hancock and Northwest Mutual. But Death Clock AI is a giant step ahead with its reliance on artificial intelligence, which is fed by user data and trained on more than 1,200 life expectancy studies, allowing for a more personalized prediction of a death date. As such, the app highlights both the promise and the perils of AI. Although the specific date of death is obviously not intended to be accurate — the app's disclaimer says it's 'for fun only' — it does tie your personal habits to your likelihood of living into old age and tells you what lifestyle changes might buy you more time. Thus Death Clock AI's motto: 'Know your date. Change your fate.' After responding to 29 questions — including how much of the day I spend sitting, whether I get at least seven hours of sleep a night and whether I get all my recommended cancer screenings — I had my answer. A darkly humorous 'Save the Date' card suggested I plan my end-of-life celebration for April 17, 2042, but I also learned the most likely ways I would die: sleep disorders, cardiovascular disease or cancer, in that order. Of course, cancer and heart disease are the two big killers in the United States. But I was surprised by how harmful sleep issues are. I was glad to get 17 more years instead of the measly six, even though I knew the Save the Date stuff is just marketing. Company founder and CEO Brent Franson is candid about the app's real value, which is providing a better understanding of how lifestyle changes can affect our longevity. For instance, I saw that if I ate more fruits and vegetables, slept better and exercised more, I could extend my life expectancy an additional five years for a total of 22. (It's a whole other question as to whether I'd want to live into my 90s, recalling my mother's complaint that to be among the last of her friends and family living is no fun.) Taking up smoking or eating more fast food would mean I'd be planning an earlier farewell. But don't we already know that smoking is bad and that exercise and broccoli are good? Yes, but seeing your own possible expiration date is a powerful in-your-face message that shows you the effect of your habits. I asked Franson, 42, what his own quiz had told him. He learned that he'd die at age 78, which is about the usual life expectancy of a White male in the United States. On the one hand, he said, 'I consider myself pretty healthy. I'm 42 and pretty active. I think I eat pretty well. I mostly don't drink.' But, he added, his A1C, a test that shows the average blood sugar level over the past two to three months, is 'a bit high' and his cholesterol number and blood pressure are also problematically high, suggesting that his heart health could be a concern going forward. The app, he said, 'is making me aware of this in no uncertain terms. … I've got to take that really seriously.' I had a similar reaction. I know how poorly I sleep, and I know how important a good night's sleep is. But when my results showed I'm most likely to die because of a sleep disorder, I had an 'aha' moment. Knowing that improving my sleep would remove my top death threat just might motivate me to do something about it, such as keeping to a regular schedule, avoiding large meals before bedtime, getting rid of screens in my bedroom and limiting naps. I asked Arthur Caplan, a bioethicist at NYU, for his opinion on the Death Clock AI. Caplan, 75, told me the app predicted he has 14 more years. But he cautioned that many other factors also influence lifespan, including our genes, which help determine our risk for certain diseases. In fact, Caplan said, 'the majority of your lifespan is driven by your parents' income, your educational level, whether you have a job, whether you live downstream from polluting chemical refineries or a radioactive plant that's dumping something into your water.' Most of these factors are impossible to alter, so the app doesn't ask about them. The point, Franson said, is 'to ask about things that people can change.' Other experts agree that there are concerns about an app offering up a death date, including harmful effects on mental health and financial planning. Ryan Zabrowski, a financial planner, said: 'One of the greatest concerns for retirees is the risk of outliving their money. A tool like a Death Clock AI could empower people to make smarter, more informed financial decisions.' Unless, of course, the prediction is wrong. Still, getting a reminder that we have some control over our health in a way that may affect longevity is important. Experts caution that anyone entering personal data into an app should be careful. The final, optional step in the Death Clock AI app is a free trial of its Longevity Plan ($39 a year), which will allow you to upload lots of your personal health data for customized help. But the app's privacy policy says the information you provide could be shared with business partners (security consultants, analytics providers, payment processors) and with advertisers, marketers and data brokers. Franson says his company is not selling the data and is instead focused on the subscription business model. He added, 'I think ultimately the business model needs to evolve because some people don't like paying for subscriptions,' suggesting the company might develop partnerships to market such recommended products as vitamins or sleep trackers, which is a common practice. Still, when it comes to privacy, the devil can be in the details. The company's privacy policy reads in part: 'All of your Personal Data that we collect may be transferred to a third party if we undergo a merger, acquisition, bankruptcy … in which that third party assumes control of our business (in whole or part).' So buyer beware. As I was finishing up this column, I was curious what the Social Security Administration's tool, which uses two questions (age and sex), would say about my life expectancy. It was basically the same as Death Clock AI — I've got 17 years left. But who really knows. I'll try to live with no regrets, as though each day could be my last.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Is JHancock Regional Bank A (FRBAX) a Strong Mutual Fund Pick Right Now?
If you've been stuck searching for Sector - Finance funds, consider JHancock Regional Bank A (FRBAX) as a possibility. FRBAX carries a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), which is based on various forecasting factors like size, cost, and past performance. FRBAX is part of the Sector - Finance section, which boasts an array of other possible selections. Sector - Finance funds offer a stable, diversified approach to investing that focuses on the financial industry, an infamously large, complex, and heavily-regulated space. Funds here can include insurance companies and exchanges, as well as banks and investment giants. Investors should note that interest rates may also impact players in this market. John Hancock is based in Boston, MA, and is the manager of FRBAX. JHancock Regional Bank A made its debut in January of 1992, and since then, FRBAX has accumulated about $538.90 million in assets, per the most up-to-date date available. The fund is currently managed by Susan Curry who has been in charge of the fund since May of 2006. Of course, investors look for strong performance in funds. This fund carries a 5-year annualized total return of 13.3%, and it sits in the bottom third among its category peers. But if you are looking for a shorter time frame, it is also worth looking at its 3-year annualized total return of 2.95%, which places it in the bottom third during this time-frame. It is important to note that the product's returns may not reflect all its expenses. Any fees not reflected would lower the returns. Total returns do not reflect the fund's [%] sale charge. If sales charges were included, total returns would have been lower. When looking at a fund's performance, it is also important to note the standard deviation of the returns. The lower the standard deviation, the less volatility the fund experiences. The standard deviation of FRBAX over the past three years is 29.81% compared to the category average of 16.16%. The fund's standard deviation over the past 5 years is 27.41% compared to the category average of 15.74%. This makes the fund more volatile than its peers over the past half-decade. With a 5-year beta of 0.85, the fund is likely to be less volatile than the market average. Another factor to consider is alpha, as it reflects a portfolio's performance on a risk-adjusted basis relative to a benchmark-in this case, the S&P 500. The fund has produced a positive alpha over the past 5 years of 2.29, which shows that managers in this portfolio are skilled in picking securities that generate better-than-benchmark returns. As competition heats up in the mutual fund market, costs become increasingly important. Compared to its otherwise identical counterpart, a low-cost product will be an outperformer, all other things being equal. Thus, taking a closer look at cost-related metrics is vital for investors. In terms of fees, FRBAX is a load fund. It has an expense ratio of 1.22% compared to the category average of 1.03%. So, FRBAX is actually more expensive than its peers from a cost perspective. This fund requires a minimum initial investment of $1,000, while there is no minimum for each subsequent investment. Fees charged by investment advisors have not been taken into considiration. Returns would be less if those were included. Overall, even with its comparatively weak performance, worse downside risk, and higher fees, JHancock Regional Bank A ( FRBAX ) has a high Zacks Mutual Fund rank, and therefore looks a good potential choice for investors right now. For additional information on the Sector - Finance area of the mutual fund world, make sure to check out There, you can see more about the ranking process, and dive even deeper into FRBAX too for additional information. Want to learn even more? We have a full suite of tools on stocks that you can use to find the best choices for your portfolio too, no matter what kind of investor you are. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Get Your Free (FRBAX): Fund Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Boston Globe
6 days ago
- General
- Boston Globe
Secretary Galvin, Park Service announce Battle of Bunker Hill 250th anniversary events
Advertisement Although the Regulars took the hill that day and burned most of Charlestown down, the Patriots inflicted over 1,000 casualties on the British, including more than 200 killed. The British suffered more than twice the American losses, proving to both King and colonies that the fight for independence would be long and bloody, but winnable for the Americans. 'It unified the colonies in the belief that they had to take a stand to be independent, culminating just a year later on July 4, 1776, with the Declaration of Independence,' Galvin said. 'So in a very real way, the blood that was spilled here set the scene for the founding of the United States.' The new additions to the 'Upon Such Ground' exhibit, which opened in March at the Commonwealth Museum, 220 Morrissey Blvd., in Dorchester, will include original documents relating to the Battle of Bunker Hill, such as pay records for veterans, an 1823 petition to erect the monument that now towers above the site, and a list of survivors who returned for the battle's 50th anniversary in 1825. Advertisement The exhibit's title comes from a June 18, 1775, In addition to the extended exhibit, Galvin announced the return of the Commonwealth Museum's Fourth of July display of Massachusetts' original copy of the Declaration of Independence, signed by John Hancock. That same day, the crypt at the United First Parish Church in Quincy — final resting place of Presidents John and John Quincy Adams and their wives — will also be open to the public. Offered in partnership with the National Park Service and funded by the Massachusetts Historical Commission, the special opening marks the 199th anniversary of John Adams's death, exactly 50 years after he signed the Declaration of Independence. Simeon Monteleone, superintendent of the National Parks of Boston, said the Park Service is prepared for increased visitation to the Bunker Hill Monument leading up to and during 'This monument continues to serve as a vital commemorative space, rallying point, and inspiration to veterans, community members, and visitors alike,' Monteleone said. Advertisement While the Park Service has Asked why no full battle reenactment would take place in Charlestown itself, officials cited logistical and environmental constraints. 'This is an urban environment,' Galvin said. 'The hills have been filled with houses now. I don't think it could be a faithful reenactment.' He added that reenactments planned elsewhere — including in Gloucester — could better replicate the topography and scale of the original battle. The 250th anniversary As Massachusetts marks the Revolution it helped ignite, Galvin suggested the anniversary carries added weight in light of recent federal actions that have rattled institutions and residents across the state. 'I don't think it's political to say that democracy is under threat,' he said. 'If these commemorations provide some additional inspiration now and in the future, it's the importance of recognizing that it's our turn — as it was theirs back then — to protect and preserve democracy.' Nathan Metcalf can be reached at
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Should John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF (JHMM) Be on Your Investing Radar?
Looking for broad exposure to the Mid Cap Blend segment of the US equity market? You should consider the John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF (JHMM), a passively managed exchange traded fund launched on 09/28/2015. The fund is sponsored by John Hancock. It has amassed assets over $3.96 billion, making it one of the larger ETFs attempting to match the Mid Cap Blend segment of the US equity market. Mid cap companies have market capitalization between $2 billion and $10 billion. They usually have higher growth prospects than large cap companies and are less volatile than small cap companies. These types of companies, then, have a good balance of stability and growth potential. Typically holding a combination of both growth and value stocks, blend ETFs also demonstrate qualities seen in value and growth investments. Investors should also pay attention to an ETF's expense ratio. Lower cost products will produce better results than those with a higher cost, assuming all other metrics remain the same. Annual operating expenses for this ETF are 0.42%, putting it on par with most peer products in the space. It has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.04%. It is important to delve into an ETF's holdings before investing despite the many upsides to these kinds of funds like diversified exposure, which minimizes single stock risk. And, most ETFs are very transparent products that disclose their holdings on a daily basis. This ETF has heaviest allocation to the Industrials sector--about 20.10% of the portfolio. Financials and Information Technology round out the top three. Looking at individual holdings, United Rentals Inc (URI) accounts for about 0.56% of total assets, followed by Vistra Corp (VST) and Hartford Insurance Group Inc (HIG). The top 10 holdings account for about 4.75% of total assets under management. JHMM seeks to match the performance of the John Hancock Dimensional Mid Cap Index before fees and expenses. The John Hancock Dimensional Mid Cap Index comprises of a subset of securities in the U.S. Universe issued by companies whose market capitalizations are between the 200th and 951st largest U.S. company. The ETF has lost about -2.08% so far this year and it's up approximately 5.42% in the last one year (as of 05/27/2025). In the past 52-week period, it has traded between $50.32 and $64.80. The ETF has a beta of 1.04 and standard deviation of 19% for the trailing three-year period, making it a medium risk choice in the space. With about 664 holdings, it effectively diversifies company-specific risk. John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), which is based on expected asset class return, expense ratio, and momentum, among other factors. Thus, JHMM is a sufficient option for those seeking exposure to the Style Box - Mid Cap Blend area of the market. Investors might also want to consider some other ETF options in the space. The Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) and the iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH) track a similar index. While Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF has $78.13 billion in assets, iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF has $91.20 billion. VO has an expense ratio of 0.04% and IJH charges 0.05%. While an excellent vehicle for long term investors, passively managed ETFs are a popular choice among institutional and retail investors due to their low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency. To learn more about this product and other ETFs, screen for products that match your investment objectives and read articles on latest developments in the ETF investing universe, please visit Zacks ETF Center. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF (JHMM): ETF Research Reports The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc. (HIG) : Free Stock Analysis Report United Rentals, Inc. (URI) : Free Stock Analysis Report iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH): ETF Research Reports Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO): ETF Research Reports Vistra Corp. (VST) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Bloomberg
23-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Bloomberg Surveillance: Equity Pullback
Watch Tom and Paul LIVE every day on YouTube: Bloomberg Surveillance hosted by Tom Keene & Paul Sweeney May 23rd, 2025 Featuring: 1) Sebastien Page, head of Global Multi-Asset and Chair of the Asset Allocation Steering Committee at T. Rowe Price, joins for an extended discussion on whipsawing markets and where money managers are allocating their money in an increasingly uncertain economic environment. The S&P 500 remains on course for its worst weekly performance since the selloff following President Donald Trump's tariff announcements at the beginning of the April. 2) Barry Eichengreen, professor at University of California-Berkeley, talks about the Trump administration's international economic policies and whether they serve both global and domestic interests. It comes as US businesses are the most worried about the impact of President Donald Trump's shifting tariff policies on their revenues, with more than half projecting a hit of at least 25% to their revenue, according to a survey by HSBC. 3) Emily Roland, Co-Chief Investment Strategist at John Hancock Investment Management, talks about continued signals from global bonds about US debt and whether it's just another warning signal that will pass. Many investors believe Trump has learned his lesson and will implement a more modest tariff plan, which is why they are no longer worried about the impact of tariffs on the market, but the market is still susceptible to macro shocks, and investors are now focusing on fundamentals. 4) Joe Lavorgna, Chief Economist at SMBC Nikko Securities, joins to discuss President Trump's tweets on tariffs that would affect Apple and the EU. 5) Lisa Mateo joins with the latest headlines in newspapers across the US, including a WSJ story on expensive mocktails and a Bloomberg News story on Tom Cruise receiving an aircraft carrier for one of his missions.
