Author: Azzad Asset Management

Trading Operations Specialist

Location: Falls Church, Virginia (Onsite Required)Employment Type: Full-time About UsAzzad Asset Management is a leader in faith-based, Islamic investing (or halal investing). It specializes in socially responsible strategies that align with Islamic finance principles. Position OverviewWe seek a Trading Operations Specialist to manage and execute portfolio trades and updates using Orion and various brokerage/custodian platforms. […]

Associate Support Advisor

Location: Falls Church, Virginia (Onsite Required)Employment Type: Full-time About UsAzzad Asset Management is a leader in faith-based, Islamic investing (or halal investing). It specializes in socially responsible strategies that align with Islamic finance principles. Position OverviewWe seek an experienced Associate Support Advisor to work closely with the CEO in managing relationships with high-net-worth clients. The […]

Weekly Market Recap – April 7, 2025

Azzad MarketWeek Investors endured another volatile, whipsaw week as ongoing trade talks and White House comments about the economy unsettled investors.  The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 2.27 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 2.43 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 3.07 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock […]

Understanding Tariffs: What They Are and Why They Matter

What Is a Tariff? Countries rely on trade to access resources and goods they cannot produce domestically. However, international trade is not always smooth, as factors like competition, policies, and geopolitics can create friction between trading partners. One tool governments use to manage these trade relationships is the tariff. A tariff is a tax imposed […]

Understanding the New Tariffs: What Investors Need to Know  

The recent announcement of new tariffs by President Donald Trump has raised concerns about trade tensions, inflation, and market volatility. As an investor, you may be wondering how these changes will affect your financial plan and what steps you should take to protect your assets.   How the Markets are Reacting Financial markets have responded […]

Lessons Learned While Training for a Marathon—and How They Apply to Building Financial Security

Marathon running is more than just a test of physical stamina; it’s about strategy, endurance, and careful preparation. The months of training, adapting to changing conditions, and sticking to a structured plan are all key to success. Similarly, building financial security is a long-term journey that requires patience, commitment, and the right guidance. Just as […]

5 Things Every Muslim Investor Should Know

Join us for an informative webinar where we cover 5 essential principles to empower Muslim investors on their path to financial well-being. In this webinar, you’ll learn: And much more! Whether you’re a seasoned Muslim investor or just starting out, this webinar will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to make informed decisions […]

Tax Planning for Self-Employed Muslim Business Owners: What you need to know

What Does It Mean to Be Self-Employed? If you run your own business as a sole proprietor, independent contractor, or a member of a partnership, the IRS considers you self-employed. Even if you have a full-time job, any income from a side business is also classified as self-employment income. To determine if your earnings fall […]

Financial Transparency in Marriage: An Islamic Perspective

Marriage and money: two topics that can either strengthen or strain a relationship. While many couples believe they have a clear understanding of each other’s finances, the reality is often quite different. Despite nearly 90% of couples claiming they communicate well about money and 94% saying they are open and transparent with their partner’s finances, […]

Is a Recession on the Horizon? What Economic Indicators Are Telling Us

Uncertainty surrounding tariff policies has recently dampened consumer and business confidence, fueling speculation about a potential recession. However, economic experts suggest that more reliable indicators—such as consumer spending, business investment, and labor market trends—offer a clearer picture of what lies ahead for the U.S. economy. Consumer Confidence Takes a Hit President Donald Trump’s tariff policies […]

Weekly Market Recap – March 17, 2025

Azzad MarketWeek Investors endured another volatile, whipsaw week as ongoing trade talks and White House comments about the economy unsettled investors.  The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 2.27 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 2.43 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 3.07 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock […]

Why We Follow GIPS® and What It Means for You

At our firm, we understand that trust is key when it comes to your investments. That’s why we adhere to the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS®)—a set of ethical guidelines that ensure transparency, consistency, and accountability in how we report the performance of your investments. And to further back up our commitment, our performance reports are third-party […]

Azzad Wise Capital Fund Wins 2025 Lipper Fund Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FALLS CHURCH, Va. – March 14, 2025 – The Azzad Wise Capital Fund (NASDAQ: WISEX), the first halal fixed-income mutual fund in the United States, has been awarded the 2025 Lipper Fund Award for Best 5-Year International Income Fund. This is the fourth time the Fund has received this award, and the […]

Navigating Market Uncertainty: Strategies for Weathering the Storm

The S&P 500 recently came close to a correction after a three-week selloff, fueled mainly by concerns over President Donald Trump’s tariffs and retaliatory measures from other countries. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq entered correction territory. While tariffs are a significant factor in recent market volatility, the uncertainty around their timing, size, and potential exemptions has heightened […]

Market Drawdowns vs. Total Returns

This table shows the annual performance of the S&P 500 Index from 1950 to 2025 (with 2025 not yet complete). Key Information: Key Takeaways: Taking the historical perspective on market fluctuations, we see that temporary losses are a normal part of investing—and, more importantly, so is the long-term potential for growth. The S&P 500 is […]

Weekly Market Recap – March 10, 2025

Azzad MarketWeek Stocks continued their slide through a volatile week. U.S. trade policy drove much of the market’s movement, broadening investors’ concerns about economic growth and inflation. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 3.10 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 3.45 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 2.37 percent. Tariffs Take Effect […]

Avoiding Tax Surprises with a Backdoor Roth IRA

Roth IRAs can be a powerful tool in your retirement plan. But if you earn too much you can’t contribute directly to them. That’s why high earners turn to Roth conversions to bypass these strict income limits on Roth contributions, especially because there is no limit to how much you can convert to a Roth […]

Understanding New Zakah Calculations for Securities

When calculating zakah on securities, there are different approaches depending on the purpose for which the securities are held. Securities are categorized into three groups: those for trade, those for long-term appreciation, and those for income. Each category has its own zakah calculation method. Zakah for Securities Held for Trade For securities held for trade, […]

Weekly Market Recap – March 5, 2025

Azzad MarketWeek Stocks were mixed last week as investor concerns over inflation and trade policy combined to produce another volatile trading week.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.95 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 0.98 percent. Meanwhile, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index dropped an eye-catching 3.47 percent. Trade Talk The week […]

Azzad Portfolios Take ‘Top Guns’ Designation from Informa Investment Solutions

Three strategies excel across multiple categories and reporting periods Falls Church, Va., 3/4/25– Azzad Asset Management announced today that three of its investment strategies have been awarded “Top Guns” designation by Informa Financial Intelligence’s PSN manager database, North America’s longest running database of investment managers. PSN Top Guns performance rankings are tabulated for thousands of […]

Understanding Zakah on Investments

Join us for Azzad’s 21st annual Zakah webinar! This year we show you how to fulfill your zakah obligations through effective, tax-smart financial planning. Our expert panel covers: The Islamic principles of zakah. How to calculate zakah on various investments including stocks, jewelry, and real estate. Tax-smart strategies for fulfilling your zakah obligations while optimizing […]

DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS

A Sukuk Primer

Does Islamic finance say we can invest in credit card companies?

We all need a reminder every now and then about how halal investing works. Here’s a quick refresher. In a nutshell, halal investing touches on avoiding investment in the following: Interest, or ribaSpeculation (gharar) and uncertainty (maysir)DebtCompanies with unethical lines of business That last point–avoiding companies with unethical lines of business–includes most conventional financial services […]

Weekly Market Recap – February 10, 2025

Azzad MarketWeek Stocks posted modest losses last week as tariff deals, January jobs data, and Q4 corporate reports injected volatility into markets. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slipped 0.24 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index lost 0.53 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.54 percent. Tariffs, Q4 Reports, and Jobs On Monday, stocks opened […]

Weekly Market Recap – February 3, 2025

Azzad MarketWeek Stocks were mixed last week as investors parsed market-moving news nearly every trading day—from an unsettling AI update to White House news to Q4 corporate reports. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.00 percent while the Nasdaq Composite Index slid 1.64 percent. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose, picking up 0.27 […]

2025 State of the Company and Market Outlook

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS1rKGo6v7Q&list=PLPVaHvJXZFYshQklmbkTKQ6BpZmErHz_-&index=2 In this presentation, you’ll learn how the company and markets fared in 2024 as well as how things are shaping up for 2025. The material, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are solely those of the presenter and may not be reflective of those held by Azzad Asset Management. The presentation is provided […]

Weekly Market Recap – January 13, 2025

Azzad MarketWeek Stocks rallied last week as investors reacted positively to a handful of better-than-expected corporate earnings reports and developments out of Washington, D.C. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.74 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 1.65 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.15 percent. Flurry of News Markets surged over the […]

Weekly Market Recap – January 13, 2025

Azzad MarketWeek Stocks fell for the second consecutive week as a round of fresh economic data stoked inflationary fears among investors. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 1.94 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 2.34 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.86 percent. Inflation Stymies Markets Stocks rallied broadly to start the […]

Weekly Market Recap – January 6, 2025

Azzad MarketWeek Stocks edged lower last week despite a powerful end-of-week rally. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 0.48 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index slid 0.51 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.60 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, dropped 0.90 percent. Selling Then Buying Stocks were […]

5 Financial Resolutions to Start 2025 on the Right Foot

The beginning of a new year is a great time to commit toward improving your financial life. Do you have an old 401(k) that’s riddled with haram holdings, but haven’t found the time to correct it? Perhaps you’re busy working hard only to feel like your savings going nowhere. Is your financial life so chaotic […]

Weekly Market Recap – December 30, 2024

Azzad MarketWeek Stocks notched a slight gain over the holiday week. A tech-driven rally in the first half of the week was clawed back in the second half as investors took profits following the market holiday. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 0.67 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 0.76 percent. The Dow […]

Islamic Estate Planning: A Guided Discussion

Discover the importance of Shariah-compliant estate planning and learn how to safeguard your family’s financial future. Join our panelists for a comprehensive webinar that explores the intricacies of Islamic estate planning. Held in conjunction with halal estate planning firm Shariawiz, this webinar will delve into real-world case studies to illustrate how Shariah-compliant principles can be […]

Heads up: Azzad Funds distributions will occur this month

This month, the Azzad Funds will make a capital gains distribution to all fund shareholders. This will mean the net asset value (NAV) – sometimes called the share price – will be lower on distribution day than it was when the market closed the day before. But this NAV drop doesn’t mean that the funds  […]

Weekly Market Recap – December 16, 2024

Azzad MarketWeek Stocks finished the week mixed, bookending losses around midweek gains as investors digested fresh inflation data. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slipped 0.64 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index ticked up 0.34 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.82 percent. Up and Down Week Stocks fell broadly over the first part […]

Weekly Market Recap – December 9, 2024

Azzad MarketWeek Stocks were mixed during the first trading week of December. Technology stocks led, while the widely followed Dow Jones Industrial Average struggled.  The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index picked up 3.34 percent while the Dow Industrials lost 0.60 percent. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index added 0.96 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks […]

All 10 Azzad Portfolios Awarded ‘Top Guns’ Status by Zephyr

Azzad Asset Management is pleased to announce that each of its 10 separately managed account strategies has been awarded the “Top Guns” designation by Informa Financial Intelligence’s Zephyr PSN manager database, a first for the company. The “Top Guns” List is a quarterly ranking of best performing strategies widely used by asset managers and investors […]

Weekly Market Recap – December 2, 2024

Azzad MarketWeek Stocks posted solid gains over a short and busy holiday week as investors parsed fresh economic data, comments on potential future trade policy, and a few Q3 reports from technology companies. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.06 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 1.13 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average […]

Weekly Market Recap – November 25, 2024

Azzad MarketWeek Stocks advanced last week, powering ahead with pre-holiday optimism despite geopolitical tensions and two disappointing Q3 corporate updates.  The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.68 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 1.73 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average led, picking up 1.96 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas […]

Weekly Market Recap – November 18, 2024

Azzad MarketWeek Stocks fell last week as the postelection rally lost momentum amid an inflation uptick and cautious comments from Fed officials. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 2.08 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 3.15 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.24 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas […]

Weekly Market Recap – November 12, 2024

Azzad MarketWeek Stocks surged higher last week, fueled by the Fed’s rate cut decision and post-election enthusiasm as investors looked to future policy impacts of a Republican-controlled Senate and executive branch. (The House of Representatives remains undecided.) The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index spiked 4.65 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 5.74 percent. The […]

Purifying your investments from haram money

We often try to minimize the amount we pay in taxes on our investments, but halal investing requires another type of “tax” in order to make sure you’re not unintentionally benefitting from haram earnings. We’re talking here about purification. And unlike taxes, it’s something many people are happy to give away. Criteria set forth by […]

Azzad Financial Assessment Questionnaire

Understanding taxes on your investment accounts

At this time of year many Americans are starting to think about taxes. We know that figuring out taxes on your investments can be confusing, so here are some things you should know. Uncle Sam takes his cut When you sell a stock or mutual fund at a profit, you will usually get taxed. If […]

7 tasks to complete by the end of 2024

The 2024 year is quickly ending. This means time is running out on various year-end deadlines. You will want to be sure to get the following tasks done sooner rather than later to avoid penalties and missed opportunities: Submit your beneficial ownership information to FinCEN If you own a business or limited liability company (or […]

Weekly Market Recap – October 21, 2024

Azzad MarketWeek Stocks posted modest gains last week, with quarterly earnings season in full swing and the election on the horizon. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index increased 0.85 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 0.80 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 0.96 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock […]

Gain Financial Confidence: A Special Webinar for Muslim Women in Medicine

A recent study found that 94% of women expect to manage their finances eventually, but only 48% feel confident about it.* Even fewer feel empowered enough to act. For many, a lack of knowledge is a serious barrier to investing. Join our conversation as we share practical (and halal) financial strategies you can use to […]

Weekly Market Recap – October 7, 2024

Azzad MarketWeek Stocks were essentially unchanged last week as geopolitical tensions added some volatility to an otherwise quiet trading week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat (+0.09 percent), while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index ticked up 0.22 percent. The Nasdaq Composite also was flat (+0.10 percent). The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed […]

Bridging the gap between expectations and reality in retirement planning

According to the latest Retirement Confidence Survey, workers who said they feel somewhat confident in their ability to afford a comfortable retirement is up from 64% in 2023 to 68% in 2024. Even though their confidence is up, 62% of workers report that preparing for retirement makes them feel stressed. The gap between retiree expectations […]

Healthcare costs in retirement

As you approach retirement, it’s essential to consider one of life’s most significant uncertainties: healthcare costs. And while it’s impossible to predict the exact expenses you’ll incur, understanding the potential impact can help you make informed financial decisions. Why is healthcare so important in retirement planning? We often talk about the importance of investing for […]

Azzad Asset Management named again to CNBC’s Financial Advisor 100 List

FALLS CHURCH, Virginia (October 2, 2024) – Azzad Asset Management announced today that it has once again been named to the CNBC Financial Advisor 100 (FA 100), a ranked list of wealth management firms that offer the most comprehensive planning and financial services to help clients navigate their financial lives. Firm President and CEO Bashar […]

Mastering Financial Literacy: Debunking 20 Myths

This webinar is designed to debunk 20 financial myths that could derail your financial success. In it, we examine popular misconceptions (some of which are about Islamic investing) and explain why they don’t always make sense when you take a closer look. This webinar provides you with valuable insights you can’t afford to miss!

Weekly Market Recap – September 30, 2024

Stocks moved higher last week, continuing to build on the momentum generated after the Federal Reserve decided to cut short-term rates by 0.50 percent. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 0.59 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.95 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.62 percent. Congress Passes Spending Bill Stocks started the […]

Reminder for Small Business Owners: Report Beneficial Owners

Latest update as of March 2, 2025: The Treasury Department announced it will not enforce any penalties or fines associated with the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting rule under the existing regulatory deadlines, and further not enforce any penalties or fines against U.S. citizens or domestic reporting companies or their beneficial owners after the rule […]

Estate planning is more than just writing a will

The term “estate planning” covers a broad set of topics and can be both confusing and overwhelming to anyone who isn’t familiar with the concept. There is a wide variety of estate planning strategies available. Regardless of wealth, everyone should consider establishing a plan for themselves and their families. What is estate planning? Simply put, […]

Weekly Market Recap – September 23, 2024

Stocks moved higher last week after the Federal Reserve’s half-point rate cut, bolstered by multiple data points supporting a cooling but still strong economy and decelerating inflation. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.36 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 1.49 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average moved ahead by 1.62 percent. Fed Cuts […]

Azzad Portfolios Again Achieve ‘Top Guns’ Designation from Informa Investment Solutions

Azzad Asset Management is pleased to announce that its strategies were named to the celebrated PSN Top Guns List of best performing strategies for the second quarter of 2024.  This highly anticipated list, published by Zephyr, remains one of the most important references for investors and asset managers. The Azzad Large Cap Growth, Azzad Small Cap Value, […]

Don’t Send Your Child Off to College Without These Four Tools

Preparing your child for college is an exciting but often hectic time. Between the college applications, housing forms, class registrations and meal plans, there is a lot to manage. One crucial aspect that is often overlooked, but should be included on every parent’s college checklist, is estate planning.   Why it Matters  Once your child reaches […]

How To Reclaim an Inactive 401(k)

Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans have inactive 401(k)s worth thousands of dollars? Don’t let your hard-earned money go to waste! Here’s how to reclaim yours. How to find a lost 401(k): 4. Check the Department of Labor’s abandoned plan database Talk to an Azzad advisor today to discuss your options.

How To Estimate Your Retirement Income Needs

You know how important it is to plan for your retirement, but where do you begin? One of your first steps should be to estimate how much income you’ll need to fund your retirement. That’s not as easy as it sounds, because retirement planning is not an exact science. Your specific needs depend on your […]

Making Best Use of Your Behavioral Biases for Retirement Saving

With some 95% of its activity occurring subconsciously, your brain can be quite tricky. With every spontaneous signal, our cerebral synapses expose us to countless behavioral biases, duping us into making misguided money moves long before our rational resolve kicks in. Since many of our most powerful biases are based on reflexive rather than reflective […]

3 Ways to Apply the 80/20 Rule to Your Financial Pursuits

Ever heard of the 80/20 rule? It suggests 80% of an outcome is often the result of just 20% of the effort you put into it. This doesn’t always work. Sometimes, it’s worth going the extra mile. But often, by prioritizing the 20% of your efforts that makes the biggest splash, you can reduce excess […]

Mid-Year Market Update

Are you curious about the latest trends and forecasts in financial markets? Do you want to gain insights from industry experts to help you navigate the rest of the year with confidence? Then join us for our annual mid-year update webinar. You can expect:

Financial Advisor Magazine names Azzad Asset Management in 2024 RIA Survey and Ranking

Annual ranking of top registered investment advisors includes more than 400 firms FALLS CHURCH, Virginia (July 23, 2024) – Azzad Asset Management has once again been named in Financial Advisor Magazine’s annual ranking of largest registered investment advisors in the United States. This year, Azzad Asset Management was listed as the 236th largest RIA in the country. […]

Halal Investing 101

Join Azzad Asset Management representatives for this valuable webinar designed to provide insight into: Whether you are a seasoned investor or just beginning your financial journey, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge and tools to make informed investment decisions that align with your values. This presentation is intended for the exclusive use of […]

Azzad Named to PSN Top Guns List of Best Performing Strategies for 1Q 2024

Azzad Named to PSN Top Guns List of Best Performing Strategies for 1Q 2024Quarterly PSN Top Guns List published by Zephyr identifies best-in-class separate accounts, managed accounts, and managed ETF strategies. Falls Church, VA—June 3, 2024— Azzad Asset Management is pleased to announce its strategies were named to the celebrated PSN Top Guns List of […]

Behaviors Preventing You from Building Wealth

Discover the key behavioral patterns sabotaging your wealth-building efforts and learn practical strategies to overcome them. From impulsive spending habits to fear-driven investment decisions, we uncover the hidden obstacles hindering your path to prosperity. You get: Don’t let behavioral mistakes derail your financial future any longer. Take control of your wealth journey with this game-changing […]

2024: Where Should My Next Dollar Go?

Retiree Tax Checklist

Working Tax Checklist

2024 Zakah Webinar

Have you ever wondered if you have to pay zakah on a 401(k)? What about non-halal investments in your portfolio? How do you pay zakah on rental properties? Most Muslims are surprised to discover that they are not calculating their zakah correctly. This webinar discusses how to determine your zakah obligations according to the guidelines […]

2024 Tax Planning Video

This presentation is intended for the exclusive use of clients or prospective clients of Azzad Asset Management and the dissemination or distribution to any other person without the prior approval of Azzad Asset Management is strictly prohibited. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, though not independently verified. Any forecasts are hypothetical […]

Azzad Asset Management clients to donate $13.2 million in Ramadan

FALLS CHURCH, Va., March 20, 2024 — Azzad Asset Management announced today that its Muslim clients are expected to donate more than $13 million during the month of Ramadan.   Zakah–sometimes spelled zakat–is an obligation that practicing Muslims pay on assets held for a full lunar year, including investments. Azzad calculates and reports to clients each Ramadan […]

2024 State of the Company Video

In this presentation, you’ll learn how the company and markets fared in 2023-and how things are shaping up for 2024. Specifically, we look at: The material, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are solely those of the presenter and may not be reflective of those held by Azzad Asset Management. The presentation is provided […]

Charitable Planning and You

This presentation is intended for the exclusive use of clients or prospective clients of Azzad Asset Management and the dissemination or distribution to any other person without the prior approval of Azzad Asset Management is strictly prohibited. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, though not independently verified. Any forecasts are hypothetical […]

Azzad Wise Capital Fund wins 2024 Lipper Fund Award

FALLS CHURCH, Va., March 14, 2024 — The Azzad Wise Capital Fund (NASDAQ: WISEX), America’s first halal fixed-income mutual fund, has won a Lipper Fund Award in the 3-Year and 5-Year International Income categories for the period ending 12/31/23. The LSEG Lipper Fund Awards are based on return calculation periods over 36, 60, and 120 […]

Azzad Portfolios Achieve ‘Top Guns’ Designation from Informa Investment Solutions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Azzad Portfolios Achieve ‘Top Guns’ Designation from Informa Investment Solutions Four strategies excel across multiple categories and reporting periods Falls Church, Va., 2/28/24– Azzad Asset Management announced today that four of its investment strategies have been awarded “Top Guns” designation by Informa Financial Intelligence’s PSN manager database, North America’s longest running database […]

Thermo Fisher Scientific commits to end sales of DNA test kits for use by Chinese police in occupied Tibet

Announcement comes after investors join Tibet activists in expressing concern about Thermo Fisher human ID products being used in human rights violations committed by Chinese authorities Tibet rights campaigners are pleased to learn that Boston-based biotech giant Thermo Fisher Scientific has committed to ensuring its DNA kits (human Identification – “HID” – products) will not […]

1st Annual Fireside Chat

In this first of its kind event for Azzad, webinar attendees had the chance to drive the conversation with their questions. Azzad’s financial advisors opined on topics ranging from market goings-on to the top mistakes investors make. Recorded on October 20, 2023. This presentation is the copyright of Azzad Asset Management, Inc. Any unauthorized broadcasting, […]

Financial Advisor Magazine names Azzad in 2023 RIA Survey and Ranking

Annual ranking of registered investment advisors includes more than 500 firms FALLS CHURCH, Virginia (July 25, 2023) – Azzad Asset Management has been named in Financial Advisor magazine’s 2023 RIA Ranking. The report is an annual survey that ranks registered investment advisors (RIAs) based on percentage growth in assets from the previous calendar year and is the […]

Azzad Asset Management Announces Ownership Change

Virginia-based registered investment advisor now ‘100% employee owned’ (Falls Church, VA, July 18, 2023) — Azzad Asset Management announced today that it has concluded an asset sale in which existing non-employee owners of the company agreed to sell and transfer all ownership interests in Azzad to key employees of Azzad. The transaction, which closed on […]

Shareholder Proposal Cites Potential Risks of Chatgpt During 2024 Elections

A group of Microsoft investors has filed a formal shareholder proposal calling on the company’s board to issue a report on the material risks of its generative artificial intelligence technology facilitating misinformation and disinformation, as well as assessing the effectiveness of Microsoft’s efforts to remediate those harms.  The proposal raises concerns that AI tools such […]

Weekly Market Recap – July 10, 2023

Wall Street enjoyed a positive week of returns, with each of the benchmark indexes posting solid gains, despite a marginal downturn at the end of last week.

Market Timing Reminder: Just Say No

Should you sell out of the market and go to cash when you’ve got a hunch markets are headed lower? Of course not. While moving to cash might feel good mentally and help you avoid short-term stock market volatility, it is unlikely to be a wise move over the long term. Here’s why: When your […]

Why I became a financial advisor

Ehab Alalfey, Azzad Investment Advisor I have been around the wealth management industry for as long as I can remember. I recall helping my father, an immigrant to this country, with his work as a junior advisor at a practice in Maryland when he was just getting started. I would help him when I was […]

Weekly Market Recap – July 3, 2023

The Markets (second quarter through June 30, 2023) Wall Street proved resilient during the second quarter of the year, despite rising inflation, two interest rate hikes, and concerns about the debt ceiling. The economy remained relatively strong, despite predictions that it may be headed toward a recession. The second quarter saw information technology, communication services, […]

Weekly Market Recap – June 12, 2023

Stocks closed another week higher, with each of the benchmark indexes listed here posting gains. With last week’s advance, the Nasdaq has risen for seven consecutive weeks, while the S&P 500 hit its highest level since August 2022. The S&P 500 is more than 20% above its October 2022 low, putting it in bull territory. […]

Weekly Market Recap – June 5, 2023

The Markets (as of market close June 2, 2023) Stocks began the week on a downturn, but rallied later to end last week higher. Each of the benchmark indexes posted solid weekly gains, led by the Russell 2000, followed by the Nasdaq, the Dow, the S&P 500, and the Global Dow. Investors began the week […]

Azzad Earns ‘Top Guns’ Designations from Informa Investment Solutions

Seven strategies excel again across multiple categories and reporting periods Azzad Asset Management announced today that seven of its investment strategies have again been awarded “Top Guns” designation by Informa Financial Intelligence’s PSN manager database, North America’s longest running database of investment managers. This quarterly ranking is used widely by asset managers and investors. PSN […]

Weekly Market Recap – May 15, 2023

The Markets (as of market close May 12, 2023) Stocks trended lower last week, with only the Nasdaq able to eke out a gain. Investors remained pensive as they await negotiations on the debt ceiling. With roughly 92% of the S&P 500 companies having reported first-quarter earnings thus far, results appear headed down 2.5% from […]

Weekly Market Recap – May 8, 2023

The Markets (as of market close May 5, 2023) Stocks closed last week generally lower, with only the Nasdaq eking out a minimal gain. A rally last Friday wasn’t enough to recoup losses experienced during the week. Investors had quite a bit to digest over the past week. The Federal Reserve hiked the federal funds […]

Behavioral Finance: Why investors make the decisions they do

“The investor’s chief problem – and even his worst enemy – is likely to be himself.” — Benjamin Graham (1894–1976) Legendary economist and investor Benjamin Graham made his timeless observation decades ago, and yet it reflects our enduring belief: Your own behavioral biases are often the greatest threat to your financial well-being. As investors, we […]

Weekly Market Recap – May 1, 2023

The Markets (as of market close April 28, 2023) Stocks ended the week higher as strong corporate earnings data helped offset worries of another round of interest rate hikes, following the Federal Reserve’s meeting this week. Each of the major benchmark indexes posted weekly gains, with the exception of the Russell 2000. Ten-year Treasury yields […]

Weekly Market Recap – April 24, 2023

The Markets (as of market close April 21, 2023) Stocks were relatively listless last week, with only the Russell 2000 posting a gain of 0.6%. The Nasdaq, the Dow, and the Global Dow fell between 0.2% and 0.4%, while the S&P 500 was nearly flat. Energy stocks were among the worst performing, with crude oil […]

Weekly Market Recap – April 10, 2023

The Markets (as of market close April 7, 2023) Last week, most financial markets closed for Good Friday, although bond markets were open until noon. Stocks ended last week with mixed results, with the Dow and the Global Dow adding value, while the Russell 2000, the Nasdaq, and the S&P 500 fell. Wall Street began […]

Weekly Market Recap – April 3, 2023

Equities closed the week and month higher. Stocks posted gains in four of the five sessions last week, with the Global Dow and the Russell 2000 leading the way. The Nasdaq enjoyed robust weekly returns as it has for most of 2023. Investors’ fears of a banking crisis apparently subsided but not enough to prevent […]

Azzad Asset Management clients to donate approximately $10 million in Ramadan

FALLS CHURCH, Va., April 3, 2023 — Azzad Asset Management announced today that its Muslim clients are expected to donate roughly $10 million during the month of Ramadan. In a statement, the firm said: Charity is essential to the proper practice of Islamic investing, and we hold ourselves to the highest standard when it comes to calculating […]

Weekly Market Recap – March 27, 2023

The Markets (as of market close March 24, 2023) Investors were on edge for most of the week, with concerns about banking, rising interest rates, inflation, and volatile stock and bond markets. Treasury yields dipped to their lowest levels since September. Indicative of the bumpy week of trading, the Russell 2000 gained, then fell to […]

Azzad Wise Capital Fund wins 2023 Lipper Fund Award

Azzad CEO Bashar Qasem receives a 2023 Lipper Fund Award on March 23 in New York.

Tax Strategies for 2023

Join Azzad’s Ehab Alalfey as he explains common 2023 tax strategies. This presentation is intended for the exclusive use of clients or prospective clients of Azzad Asset Management and the dissemination or distribution to any other person without the prior approval of Azzad Asset Management is strictly prohibited. Information has been obtained from sources believed […]

Azzad 2023 State of the Company Presentation

In this presentation to clients and supporters, you’ll learn how the company and markets fared in 2022–and how things are shaping up for 2023. Specifically, we look at: The material, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are solely those of the presenter and may not be reflective of those held by Azzad Asset Management. […]

Weekly Market Recap – March 20, 2023

The Markets (as of market close March 17, 2023) Stocks closed mostly higher during a volatile week. The Nasdaq and the S&P 500 led the benchmark indexes, while the Dow, the Russell 2000, and the Global Dow declined in value. Crude oil prices settled at the lowest level since December 2021. Gold prices vaulted up […]

Weekly Market Recap – March 13, 2023

The Markets (as of market close March 10, 2023) Entering last week, investors were poised to review the latest employment data and its potential impact on the course of the Federal Reserve. Instead, last Friday saw financial regulators close Silicon Valley Bank as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) took control of the bank’s assets. […]

Weekly Market Recap – March 7, 2023

The Markets (as of market close March 3, 2023) A late rally sent stocks higher by the end of last week. Each of the major benchmark indexes gained nearly 2.0%, with the Nasdaq climbing 2.6% to lead the way. The large caps of the Dow and S&P 500 also rallied at the end of the […]

Why I became a financial advisor

by Fatima Iqbal, CFP® I’ve always been a planner. My earliest memory of creating a plan was coming home from school in the 2nd grade after a fire escape drill. My family had moved into a new house and I sketched out an escape plan on a sheet of paper, carefully assessing possible emergency scenarios and drawing […]

How to Boost your Retirement Savings

How to Boost your Retirement Savings For many of us, a trip to the grocery store is a constant reminder of how much inflation keeps creeping into our pocketbooks. Add taxes, market volatility, and the rising costs of healthcare and it’s no wonder so many of us are feeling anxious or even overwhelmed when we […]

How to ask your employer for halal 401(K) investment options

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make after accepting a job offer is deciding how you’ll invest your employer plan. These plans are generally funded with pre-tax money and, in many cases, your employer will match your contributions. That’s essentially free money. But most plan providers will offer you a limited menu of […]

Azzad Earns ‘Top Guns’ Designations from Informa Investment Solutions

Five strategies excel again across multiple categories and reporting periods Azzad Asset Management announced today that five of its investment strategies have again been awarded “Top Guns” designation by Informa Financial Intelligence’s PSN manager database, North America’s longest running database of investment managers. This quarterly ranking is used widely by asset managers and investors. PSN […]

Weekly Market Recap – February 27, 2023

Wall Street reacted negatively to hotter-than-expected inflation data at the end of last week. Each of the major benchmark indexes closed lower, with the Nasdaq falling more than 3.3%, while the remaining indexes suffered losses close to 3.0%. The S&P 500 endured its worst week in 2023, while Treasury yields climbed higher, as bond prices […]

What You Should Know About Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

What are RMDs? At some point, the government wants you to start spending your tax-sheltered retirement savings, or at least pay taxes on the income. That’s why it requires you to withdraw minimum payments annually from your traditional IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans after you reach a certain age. These are referred to as RMDs […]

Weekly Market Recap – February 6, 2023

The Markets (as of market close February 10, 2023) Stocks dipped lower last week as investors mulled the direction of the economy as the Federal Reserve continued to increase interest rates, bolstered by January’s strong labor report. With fourth-quarter corporate earnings reporting season nearing a close, fewer companies are topping profit expectations, which may be […]

What you need to know when choosing a beneficiary

When was the last time you reviewed your beneficiary designations? The beneficiaries you name on your financial accounts take precedence over a trust or will. That’s why making sure your beneficiary designations are current is critical. We recommend reviewing your beneficiaries annually, and after major life events like marriage, divorce, a new child, and death. […]

Weekly Market Recap – February 6, 2023

The Markets (as of market close February 3, 2023) Just when investors saw a glimmer of hope that the Fed would soften its rate-hike policy, the January labor figures came out showing a massive job increase coupled with moderated wage growth. The latest employment data is evidence of a labor market that has withstood the […]

Weekly Market Recap – January 30, 2023

The Markets (as of market close January 27, 2023) Wall Street ended last week higher on favorable inflation, economic, and corporate earnings data. Investors now must await the Federal Reserve’s meeting this week to see whether the Fed will soften its policy of aggressive interest-rate hikes. Fourth-quarter corporate earnings season is wide open with roughly […]

Weekly Market Recap – January 23, 2023

The Markets (as of market close January 20, 2023) Last week saw stocks slide lower, despite a rally last Friday. Only the tech-heavy Nasdaq was able to post a gain among the major benchmark indexes. Throughout the week, investors had to balance data that showed inflation was waning with the impact rising interest rates may […]

Shareholder coalition withdraws transparency proposal in light of Apple’s plans

A coalition of investor advocates led by Azzad Asset Management withdrew a shareholder proposal this month after reaching an agreement with Apple Inc. regarding the company’s plan to improve its transparency reports and specifically add clarity around the removal of applications from its app store in response to government requests. The proposal raised concerns about […]

FTX – Lessons Learned from a Lack of Due Diligence

What do a supermodel, Shark Tank star and sovereign wealth fund have in common? They all failed to ask questions before investing their money. The investments were related to the cryptocurrency exchange FTX and its trading arm affiliate, Alameda Research. Here are 4 factors you should consider before you invest in any potential investment. Conflicts […]

Weekly Market Recap – January 9, 2023

The Markets (as of market close January 6, 2023) Last Friday’s rally helped drive stocks higher to end the first full week of January. Investors apparently saw a deceleration in November and December average hourly earnings (see jobs report below) as a sign that the aggressive monetary policy followed by the Federal Reserve may actually […]

SECURE Act 2.0: What You Need to Know

Here is an update on some significant changes designed to help Americans save more for retirement. You may have heard of the SECURE Act 2.0, which Congress passed as part of a larger federal spending bill last week.1 This legislation builds upon the 2019 Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act and includes several provisions […]

Five Most Overlooked Tax Deductions

Who among us wants to pay the IRS more taxes than we have to? While few may raise their hands, Americans regularly overpay because they fail to take tax deductions for which they are eligible. Let’s take a quick look at the five most overlooked opportunities to manage your tax bill. 1. TheBalance.com, 20212. IRS.gov, […]

Weekly Market Recap – December 12, 2022

The Markets (as of market close December 9, 2022) Stocks couldn’t maintain momentum from the previous two weeks, ultimately closing last week in the red. The small caps of the Russell 2000 gave back over 5.0%, while the Nasdaq dropped 4.0%. The S&P 500 fell 3.4%, the Dow declined 2.8%, and the Global Dow dipped […]

How Women Can Prepare for Retirement

When our parents retired, living to 75 amounted to a nice long life, and Social Security was often supplemented by a pension. The Social Security Administration (SSA) estimates that today’s average 65-year-old woman will live to age 86½. Given these projections, it appears that a retirement of 20 years or longer might be in your […]

Azzad Portfolios Recognized as ‘Top Guns’ by Informa Investment Solutions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Azzad Portfolios Recognized as ‘Top Guns’ by Informa Investment Solutions Five strategies excel across multiple categories and reporting periods Falls Church, Va., 11/30/22– Azzad Asset Management announced today that five of its investment strategies have again been awarded ‘Top Guns’ designation by Informa Financial Intelligence’s PSN manager database, North America’s longest running […]

Weekly Market Recap – November 28, 2022

Wall Street ended the Thanksgiving week ahead of where it began, as each of the benchmark indexes listed here posted solid gains during a week of light trading. The Global Dow led the indexes, followed by the Dow, the S&P 500, the Russell 2000, and the Nasdaq. Stocks have been rallying since October and the […]

Planning Opportunities to Consider Before Year-End

Year-end is fast approaching. While the market malaise may be front-and-center on the minds of many, individuals should not overlook year-end planning opportunities which may provide meaningful benefits.  Table of Contents Harvest Losses Given the extent to which bonds and stocks have declined this year, tax loss harvesting can be a practical but meaningful planning […]

Weekly Market Recap – November 21, 2022

The Markets (as of market close November 18, 2022) Stocks fell last week following warnings from several Federal Reserve officials that more policy tightening was to come. Each of the major benchmark indexes closed the week lower after enjoying solid gains the previous week. The Russell 2000 and the Nasdaq fell the furthest, followed by […]

Weekly Market Recap – November 14, 2022

The Markets (as of market close November 11, 2022) Stocks rebounded from a sluggish start to close last week higher. Investors continued to rally behind equities on the hope that last week’s soft inflation data will prompt the Federal Reserve to curtail its interest-rate hikes. The S&P 500 rose to its best week since June, […]

Weekly Market Recap – November 7, 2022

The Markets (as of market close November 4, 2022) Despite a late-week rally, stocks closed lower last week. Investors continued to try to assess the plethora of mixed data and its impact on the economy. Inflation continued to rise, and the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates up another 75.0 basis points, yet the October job […]

Weekly Market Recap – October 31, 2022

The Markets (as of market close October 28, 2022) Wall Street continued its weekly rally last week, with each of the benchmark indexes posting solid gains. Traders focused on positive earnings reports from major megacap technology and communication companies rather than the latest data that showed inflation continuing to rise, opening the door for more […]

Weekly Market Recap – October 24, 2022

The Markets (as of market close October 21, 2022) Wall Street enjoyed a notable surge last week, as investors clung to hopes the Federal Reserve may consider scaling back its aggressive policy stance against rising inflation. A report last Friday indicated that some members of the Fed are willing to debate a smaller interest-rate hike […]

Weekly Market Recap – October 17, 2022

The Markets (as of market close October 14, 2022) Wall Street closed generally lower last week, with only the Dow able to garner a gain. The latest data showed inflation is stubbornly rising, which could lead to more hawkish rate hikes from the Federal Reserve. While some big financial institutions reported solid third-quarter earnings, a […]

Weekly Market Recap – October 10, 2022

The Markets (as of market close October 7, 2022) Market gains early last week were enough to outpace declines later, as stocks enjoyed their best weekly gains in a month. The Russell 2000, the Dow, and the Global Dow paced the benchmark indexes. The S&P 500 climbed higher, while the Nasdaq was able to hold […]

Azzad Asset Management named again to CNBC FA 100 List

FALLS CHURCH, Virginia (October 4, 2022) – Azzad Asset Management announced today that it has once again been named to the CNBC FA 100 a ranked list of wealth management firms that offer the most comprehensive planning and financial services to help clients navigate their financial lives. The firm said in a statement: “Being named […]

Weekly Market Recap – October 3, 2022

The Markets (as of market close September 30, 2022) Wall Street ended a very tepid month of September on a downswing. Each of the benchmark indexes lost value last week, as investors continued to worry about the impact the Federal Reserve policies will have on the economy. The 0.3% increase in the August personal consumption […]

What to do when your income reaches 7 figures

Did you recently add a second comma to your bank balance? Has a recent financial event raised your net worth to the next level? It’s an exciting time, whether it’s the result of your long-term goals (e.g., from the sale of a business), a windfall transfer of wealth, or a key promotion. You’re probably already […]

Have you formalized your charitable giving strategy?

The end of the year is nearly here, which means the season of giving is upon us. Have you determined your charitable giving strategy for 2022? Being intentional in your giving benefits your charities of choice and may help manage your taxable income.  Get started To make the most of your giving strategy, first, you […]

Weekly Market Recap – September 26, 2022

The Markets (as of market close September 23, 2022) Investors endured their second harrowing week in a row as the Federal Reserve continued to raise interest rates aggressively to combat inflation. New signs of slowing global growth and Russia’s threats to escalate the war in Ukraine provided more reasons for selloffs in the stock and […]

Weekly Market Recap – September 19, 2022

The Markets (as of market close September 16, 2022) Inflation is still rising, albeit at a slower pace, according to the latest data out last week. This will likely support further interest-rate increases from the Federal Reserve and worries of a resulting economic recession. Stocks retreated, culminating in the worst week since June. The Nasdaq […]

 Client note on volatility and inflation

If you’ve felt like stock prices have been more volatile in 2022 than in recent years, you’re right on the money. Let’s take a look. Big picture The S&P 500 has posted 81 daily moves of at least 1% through August. Of those moves, 39 have been to the upside and 42 to the downside. […]

Weekly Market Recap – September 12, 2022

The Markets (as of market close September 9, 2022) Are investors accepting the Federal Reserve’s hawkish path to reduce inflation? Last week’s market performance may lend credence to that possibility, as each of the major benchmark indexes posted solid gains, reversing three weeks of losses. A jump in tech shares pushed the Nasdaq up to […]

Revising Estate Planning Strategies

When the rules of the game change, your tactics should follow in response to the new landscape. While estate tax exemptions have ridden an uncertain roller coaster in recent years, the rules appear to be stabilizing after the passing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, prompting many to reconsider estate planning strategies. In 2017, […]

Weekly Market Recap – August 29, 2022

The Markets (as of market close August 26, 2022) Despite evidence that inflation may be slowing, the central bank is committed to fighting inflation, according to last Friday’s speech from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Wall Street may have held out hope that the Fed would scale back its aggressive bent to reel in rising […]

Azzad Portfolios Achieve ‘Top Guns’ Designation from Informa Investment Solutions

Five strategies excel across multiple categories and reporting periods Azzad Asset Management announced today that five of its investment strategies have been awarded “Top Guns” designation by Informa Financial Intelligence’s PSN manager database, North America’s longest running database of investment managers. This quarterly ranking is used widely by asset managers and investors. PSN Top Guns […]

Weekly Market Recap – August 22, 2022

The Markets (as of market close August 19, 2022) The four-week rally for stocks came to an end last week. Investors turned cautious after Fed officials continued to support more interest-rate hikes. Each of the major benchmark indexes lost ground, with the S&P 500 declining for the first time in five weeks. Yields on 10-year […]

Weekly Market Recap – August 1, 2022

Positive economic news and corporate earnings data helped drive stocks higher last week. Although the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates another 75 basis points, investors may expect subsequent rate increases to be no more than 75 basis points, with the possibility of a slowdown in rate hikes in the not-too-distant future. Each of the major […]

Financial Advisor Magazine names Azzad Asset Management in 2022 RIA Survey and Ranking

Financial Advisor Magazine names Azzad Asset Management in 2022 RIA Survey and Ranking Annual ranking of registered investment advisors includes more than 500 firms FALLS CHURCH, Virginia (July 28, 2022) – Azzad Asset Management has been named in Financial Advisor Magazine’s 2022 RIA Ranking. The report is an annual survey that ranks registered investment advisors […]

Weekly Market Recap – July 25, 2022

The Markets (as of market close July 22, 2022) Stocks ended last week in the black, with the market posting its best week in a month. Despite a late-week decline, each of the major benchmark indexes posted solid weekly gains, led by the Russell 2000 and the Nasdaq. Bond prices rose, pulling yields lower. Crude […]

Now Might Be a Good Time for a Roth Conversion

One silver lining in the currently challenging environment for stocks is that this could be a good time to convert assets from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Converted assets are subject to federal income tax in the year of conversion, which might be a substantial tax bill. However, if assets in your traditional […]

Weekly Market Recap – July 18, 2022

The Markets (as of market close July 15, 2022) Despite a late-week rally, stocks ended last week lower. A strong retail sales report for June showed continued economic strength, even in the face of rising inflation and concerns over an economic recession. Investors still aren’t totally sold on risk, however. Each of the major benchmark […]

Weekly Market Recap – July 11, 2022

The Markets (as of market close July 8, 2022) Last Friday’s strong jobs report may have alleviated fears of a recession for the time being, but it also likely supported a more aggressive response from the Federal Reserve as it tries to dampen rising inflation. Stocks started July on a strong note, with each of […]

A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision

“Almost any decision is better than no decision at all.” – Brian Tracy Whether through inertia or trepidation, investors who put off important investment decisions might consider the admonition offered by motivational speaker Brian Tracy who famously said that almost any decision is better than no decision at all. This investment inaction is played out […]

Weekly Market Recap – June 27, 2022

The Markets (as of market close June 24, 2022) The stock and bond markets were closed last Monday to observe the Juneteenth federal holiday. Then, after three weeks of bruising losses, stocks rebounded over the next four days to deliver solid gains. Investors hung on every word during Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s two days of […]

Handling market volatility

Conventional wisdom says that what goes up must come down. But even if you view market volatility as a normal occurrence, it can be tough to handle when your money is at stake. Though there’s no foolproof way to handle the ups and downs of the stock market, the following common-sense tips can help. Don’t […]

The Fed, Inflation, and Volatility

The year 2022 has already heaped loads of uncertainty onto investors and companies, from the invasion of Ukraine to pandemic-driven supply chain disruptions. To top it all off, last month, consumer prices shot up an additional 1 percent compared with April 8.6 percent, according to data released Friday from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as energy, housing […]

The Markets (as of market close June 10, 2022)

U.S. stocks tumbled with their biggest losses in three weeks, and Treasury yields rose by 20 basis points as inflation continued to push higher. Each of the major benchmark indexes declined, led by the Nasdaq and the S&P 500, which dropped by more than 5.0%. Crude oil prices rose marginally, the dollar inched higher, while […]

Azzad Portfolios Achieve ‘Top Guns’ Status from Informa Investment Solutions

Azzad Portfolios Achieve ‘Top Guns’ Status from Informa Investment Solutions Six strategies excel across multiple categories and reporting periods Falls Church, Va., 6/13/22 – Azzad Asset Management today announced that it has been awarded a PSN Top Guns distinction for the first quarter of 2022 by Informa Financial Intelligence’s PSN manager database, North America’s longest […]

Weekly Market Recap – June 6, 2022

The Markets (as of market close June 3, 2022) Investors swallowed modest losses last week as the stock market served up another disappointing performance. Each of the major benchmark indexes lost value, with the S&P 500 declining 1.2%, the Nasdaq pulling back 1.0%, and the Dow falling 0.9%. The Global Dow fell 0.8% and the […]

Holding stocks for the long term

Legendary investor Warren Buffett is famous for his long-term perspective. He has said that he likes to make investments he would be comfortable holding even if the market shut down for 10 years. Investing with an eye toward the long term is particularly important with stocks. Historically, equities have typically outperformed bonds, cash, and inflation, […]

5 ways to keep your portfolio on track

It’s useful to have strategies in place that can help improve your financial and psychological readiness to take a long-term approach to investing in stocks. Here are five tips to help you stick to your plan. 1. Remember that everything’s relative Most of the variance in the returns of different portfolios is based on their […]

Weekly Market Recap – May 23, 2022

The Markets (as of May 20, 2022) In another volatile week of trading, stocks fell for the seventh consecutive week. A late-day surge last Friday kept the S&P 500 out of bear territory, but not enough to keep it out of the red for the week. Disappointing earnings and declining profits from some major retailers […]

Market Outlook Webinar

Investments, including the investments of the Ethical Wrap Program, are not FDIC insured, so you may lose money. For more information please read the firm’s ADV Part 2 and wrap brochure. Please also see Azzad’s Form CRS Relationship Summary. These documents contain more information about the program’s objectives, risks, fees, and performance. Past performance cannot […]

Weekly Market Recap – May 16, 2022

The Markets (as of May 13, 2022) Despite a late-week rally, stocks closed last week lower, extending the market’s streak of losses to six consecutive weeks. In what proved to be a very choppy week of trading, each of the benchmark indexes lost value, led by the Nasdaq, which is down over 24.0% so far […]

Weekly Market Recap – May 9, 2022

The Markets (as of market close May 6, 2022) Stocks ended last week lower, marking the fifth consecutive week of losses. Despite suggestions from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell that the central bank is not likely to raise interest rates by 75 basis points, stubbornly high inflation has set the Fed on a path of […]

How to prepare for a recession

The news that U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) shrank at an annual rate of 1.4% in the first quarter of 2022 has raised recession alarm bells. A recession is defined as a decline in GDP over two successive quarters. Although our portfolio managers concur that the probability of a recession has increased from six months […]

High Inflation: How Long Will It Last?

In March 2022, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), the most common measure of inflation, rose at an annual rate of 8.5%, the highest level since December 1981.1 It’s not surprising that a Gallup poll at the end of March found that one out of six Americans considers inflation to be the most […]

Smoothing market ups and downs

After the wild ride of 2020, the U.S. stock market was relatively calm in 2021, but there was still plenty of volatility. There were 55 days when the S&P 500 index — generally considered representative of U.S. stocks — closed with a rise or fall of 1% or more from the previous day’s closing price. […]

Weekly Market Recap – April 25, 2022

The Markets (as of market close April 22, 2022) Wall Street closed lower last week as investors weighed mixed earnings data against increased certainty of aggressive interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. It was the third straight week of losses for the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq, while the Dow declined for the fourth […]

Azzad Asset Management clients to donate more than $11 million in Ramadan

FALLS CHURCH, Va., April 21, 2022 — Azzad Asset Management, a socially responsible, faith-based registered investment advisor, announced today it has calculated that the firm’s Muslim clients are to give away more than $11 million in zakah-related charity.  Zakah–sometimes spelled zakat–is an obligation that practicing Muslims pay on assets held for a full lunar year, including investments. […]

Weekly Market Recap – April 11, 2022

The Markets (as of market close April 8, 2022) Stocks lost value last week as each of the major benchmark indexes finished lower. The Nasdaq and the Russell 2000 were hit the hardest, followed by the Global Dow, the S&P 500, and the Dow. Ten-year Treasury yields jumped 34 basis points as bond prices slid […]

Weekly Market Recap – April 4, 2022

The Markets (as of market close April 1, 2022) Stocks closed generally higher last week, with only the Dow failing to post a gain. As has been the case since the end of February, investors have had to weigh the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on the economy in general and inflation in particular. Adding […]

ARK Investment Management LLC

ARK Investment Management LLC (“ARK”) is acronym for “Active, Research and Knowledge.” The company specializes in thematic investing in disruptive innovation with a fresh take on fundamental analysis. Thematic investing is based on broader, macroeconomic topics (i.e., themes) rather than benchmarks, and seeks to capture long-term growth independent of sectors, geographic boundaries, and market-caps. Specifically, […]

Making the Most of Your Income Tax Refund

The IRS issued more than 128 million income tax refunds for the 2020 filing season, putting $355.3 billion into the hands of U.S. consumers.1 For most recipients, such a sudden influx of cash prompts an important question: What’s the best way to use the money if you get a refund? Last year, 27% of consumers said […]

How can your gift benefit you and the charity?

Giving basics You’re free to give almost any type of property to whatever organization you choose. But in order to obtain the tax benefits associated with charitable giving, contributions need to be made to qualifying tax-exempt organizations that have been organized in the United States and meet certain criteria. In addition to common charitable organizations […]

Is your financial advisor guilty of ‘halalwashing’? Ask these 5 questions to find out.

Halalwashing is when a company makes false or misleading claims about their investment’s Shariah compliance. Far too often, we see advisors claiming to invest halal for their clients while being intentionally ambiguous.  Advisors who promise to manage a portfolio in accordance with Islamic investment guidelines, but then lack written policies or procedures designed to ensure […]

Azzad commends Apple shareholders for transparency vote

Investor proposal called for enhanced reporting on App Store takedowns Falls Church, Virginia, March 17, 2022 — Azzad Asset  Management, a leading socially responsible investment firm, today praised Apple shareholders for their strong vote in favor of greater transparency at the tech company’s annual meeting this month. A shareholder resolution filed by Azzad–and supported by […]

Weekly Market Recap – March 14, 2022

The Markets (as of market close March 11, 2022) Each of the major benchmark indexes closed lower for the second straight week. The war in Ukraine continued, with Ukraine’s top diplomat indicating he saw no progress in talks with Russia. Inflation continued to run hot ahead of this week’s Federal Reserve meeting. During the week, […]

How investments are taxed

Note: This article refers to common financial products, including interest-generating investments. They are mentioned here for educational purposes only. As a matter of policy, Azzad avoids these types of financial instruments for its clients. To learn more about reasons to avoid interest income in your portfolios, click here. It’s nice to own stocks, bonds, and […]

401(k) and IRA: A Combined Savings Strategy

Contributing to an employer-sponsored retirement plan or an IRA is a big step on the road to retirement, but contributing to both can significantly boost your retirement assets. A recent study found that, on average, individuals who owned both a 401(k) and an IRA at some point during the six-year period of the study had […]

Weekly Market Recap – February 28, 2022

The Markets (as of market close February 25, 2022) Stocks closed mostly higher last week, despite a tumultuous week with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Of the major benchmark indexes, only the Dow and the Global Dow closed the week in the red. The Russell 2000, the Nasdaq, and the S&P 500 each posted solid […]

There’s Still Time to Contribute to an IRA for 2021

Even though tax filing season is well underway, there’s still time to make a regular IRA contribution for 2021. You have until your tax return due date (not including extensions) to contribute up to $6,000 for 2021 ($7,000 if you were age  50 or older on or before December 31, 2021). For most taxpayers, the contribution […]

Weekly Market Recap – February 14, 2022

The Markets (as of market close February 11, 2022) The major benchmark indexes closed last week lower. Rising tensions over the Russia-Ukraine situation coupled with rising inflation made investors a bit skittish towards stocks. A higher-than-expected jump in the Consumer Price Index added to jitters over an accelerated tightening of the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy. […]

Weekly Market Recap – February 7, 2022

The Markets (as of market close February 4, 2022) Last week was notable for a stronger-than-expected jobs report and mixed fourth-quarter earnings data. Stock values rose and fell throughout the week, ultimately closing higher. Crude oil prices rose for the seventh consecutive week, as prices near an eight-year high. A cold snap in the United […]

Weekly Market Recap – January 31, 2022

The Markets (as of market close January 28, 2022) A very turbulent week, marked by volatility, ended with a robust finish. Last Friday’s gains were enough to push several major benchmark indexes higher by the end of the week. The Dow advanced 1.3% and the S&P 500 gained 0.8%. A late-week tech rally was enough […]

Weekly Market Recap – January 24, 2022

The Markets (as of market close January 21, 2022) Volatility has engulfed the markets this month and is showing no signs of letting up, impacted by a more hawkish Federal Reserve stance, economic disruptions from Omicron, and risks to company profits due to rising costs. Fourth-quarter 2021 corporate earnings season has begun with uneven results […]

Is Naming Retirement Plan Beneficiaries Halal?

We are often asked if Muslim retirement savers can choose beneficiaries outside of Islamic inheritance rules. After all, naming beneficiaries on IRAs and 401(k)s a basic part of keeping accounts in order. Generally, an owner of an employer retirement plan or pension account preselects the beneficiaries of his or her retirement account, which means that […]

Plan Ahead to Help Ease the Burden of Tax Season

Most U.S. taxpayers “completely agree” (68%) or “mostly agree” (26%) that paying their fair share of taxes is a civic duty.1 However, no one wants to pay more than his or her fair share. To help avoid doing so, consider addressing some important priorities before you begin filling out your tax forms. Here are some steps […]

Don’t fall victim to halalwashing

Have you ever wondered about the authenticity of a halal investment? Companies throw around terms like “halal” or “Shariah-compliant” often without defining them. Sometimes, your financial advisor might be claiming adherence to Islamic finance principles without really understanding what they mean–maybe unintentionally, maybe not. This is especially the case when a financial firm offering “halal” […]

Weekly Market Recap – January 10, 2022

The Markets (as of market close January 7, 2022) After beginning the week on a high note, stocks couldn’t maintain that momentum, ending the week in the red. Following a record close on Monday, the S&P 500 ended the week down 1.9%, the worst start to a year since 2016. Some investors may be concerned […]

Weekly Market Recap – January 3, 2022

The Markets (as of market close December 31, 2021) The last week of 2021 saw stocks close generally higher, with only the Nasdaq slipping lower. The Dow ended the week up 1.1%, followed by the S&P 500, the Global Dow, and the Russell 2000. The week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is generally marked […]

Are You a HENRY? Consider These Wealth-Building Strategies

HENRY is a catchy acronym for “high earner, not rich yet.” It describes a demographic made up of young and often highly educated professionals with substantial incomes but little or no savings. HENRYs generally have enviable career prospects, but many of them feel financially stretched or may even live paycheck to paycheck for years, especially […]

Weekly Market Recap – December 27, 2021

The Markets (as of market close December 23, 2021) Wall Street closed the holiday-shortened week at record levels as investors seemed to speculate that the economic recovery could weather the growing number of coronavirus cases. The S&P 500 closed the week at a record high. The Nasdaq and the Russell 2000 ended up over 3.0%. […]

Weekly Market Recap – December 20, 2021

The Markets (as of market close December 17, 2021) Omicron, escalating prices, and the tightening of monetary policy by central banks in the United States and around the world took center stage last week. The prospect of higher interest rates in 2022 could make it less appealing to own riskier investments. All of the stock […]

Azzad Asset Management announces 1st Islamic family trust in United States

‘Waqf’ product created in collaboration with estate planning firm Shariawiz Falls Church, Virginia, Dec. 16, 2021 — Azzad Asset Management announced today the debut of a family trust product specifically designed for American Muslims. The Shariah-compliant family trust, a first in the United States, is also known by the Arabic term waqf and is designed to […]

Weekly Market Recap – December 13, 2021

The Markets (as of market close December 10, 2021) Stocks closed last week higher for the first time in three weeks. The S&P 500 enjoyed its best weekly gain since February. Fears over the effects of the Omicron variant on economic growth seemed to subside somewhat as each of the benchmark indexes recorded notable gains. […]

Weekly Market Recap – December 6, 2021

Wall Street could not maintain its early momentum, closing the week down. Lower-than-expected employment, new reports of Omicron variant cases, and a hawkish stance from the Federal Reserve led to uncertainty in the market. Each of the benchmark indexes ended the week lower, led by the small caps of the Russell 2000 and the tech-heavy […]

Four ways to make charity part of your family’s financial plan

As your family’s wealth grows, you may start to prioritize giving back to your community. Cultivating philanthropic values can help foster responsibility and a sense of purpose among both young and old alike, while fulfilling your financial goals. Charitable donations may be eligible for income tax deductions (if you itemize) and can help reduce capital […]

RMDs are back

Over your lifetime, you may have been focused more on accumulating assets in tax-deferred retirement accounts like 401(K)s and traditional IRAs. However, Uncle Sam will soon come knocking for his portion of the pie that you’ve accumulated, specifically when you turn 72. Here are a few things you should know about required minimum distributions (or […]

Weekly Market Recap – November 29, 2021

Thanksgiving week proved to be a tumultuous one for investors. Each of the major benchmark indexes ended the week in the red following news of a new COVID variant in South Africa. In response, several countries, including the United States, initiated travel bans and tightened border controls. Crude oil prices fell 13.5% in the week […]

Financial Planning – Helping You See the Big Picture

Investments, including the investments of the Ethical Wrap Program, are not FDIC insured, so you may lose money. For more information please read the firm’s ADV Part 2 and wrap brochure. Please also see Azzad’s Form CRS Relationship Summary. These documents contain more information about the program’s objectives, risks, fees, and performance. Past performance cannot […]

Weekly Market Recap – November 22, 2021

The Markets (as of market close November 19, 2021) Stocks closed last week mixed, with the Nasdaq and the S&P 500 posting gains, while the Russell 2000, the Global Dow, and the Dow fell. Another round of strong corporate earnings data was enough to overcome investor concerns that rising inflation might accelerate the withdrawal of […]

Are you wealthy or just rich?

Bashar Qasem, CSAA, President and CEO “If the son of Adam had a valley full of gold, he would like to have two valleys.” – Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) As a financial advisor going on twenty-five years now, I’ve seen and heard a lot. This ranges from inspiring stories of financial success to […]

Weekly Market Recap – November 15, 2021

Azzad MarketWeek Although equities closed last week on a high note, it wasn’t enough to recover from mid-week losses. Each of the benchmark indexes lost ground, with the Russell 2000 falling over 1.0% to lead the pack. Inflation concerns seemed to weigh on investors’ minds during the week. While the Federal Reserve continues to suggest […]

Weekly Market Recap – November 8, 2021

How To Estimate Your Retirement Income Needs

You know how important it is to plan for your retirement, but where do you begin? One of your first steps should be to estimate how much income you’ll need to fund your retirement. That’s not as easy as it sounds, because retirement planning is not an exact science. Your specific needs depend on your […]

Understanding Solo 401(k) Plans

If you’re self-employed, you’ve probably considered establishing a retirement plan. If you’ve done your homework, you likely know about simplified employee pensions (SEP IRAs) and savings incentive match plans for employees (SIMPLE IRAs). These plans typically appeal to small business owners because they don’t require much administration other than simple bookkeeping. What you may not […]

Weekly Market Recap – November 1, 2021

Retirement Investors: This back door may be closing for good

Among the many provisions in the multi-trillion-dollar legislative package being debated in Congress is a provision that would eliminate a strategy that allows high-income investors to pursue tax-free retirement income: the so-called back-door Roth IRA. The next few months may present the last chance to take advantage of this opportunity. Roth IRA Background Since its […]

Weekly Market Recap – October 25, 2021

Weekly Market Recap – October 18, 2021

Weekly Market Recap – October 11, 2021

Azzad Asset Management named to CNBC FA 100

FALLS CHURCH, Virginia (October 6, 2021) – Socially responsible registered investment adviser Azzad Asset Management announced today that it has been named to the CNBC FA 100, a ranked list of advisory firms that offer the most comprehensive planning and financial services to help clients navigate their financial lives. The firm said in a statement: […]

Weekly Market Recap – October 4, 2021

Three signs you may be in a financially abusive marriage and what to do about it

Manal FouzChief Compliance Officer Financial abuse, like emotional abuse, is far too common in many relationships. It’s not unique to any generation, culture, or faith. Seldom discussed, it can make its victims feel anxious, powerless, and resentful. I guarantee that you know at least one couple currently experiencing it. Financial abuse can occur when one […]

Is your old 401(k) serving you as best it can?

It doesn’t matter if you’re still working, recently changed jobs, or approaching retirement; if you have an old 401(k), 403(b), or 457 plan that’s been sitting untouched after you left an employer, you need to ask some critical questions. Should you: Leave it where it is? Move it to your new employer? Roll it over […]

Weekly Market Recap – September 28, 2021

Weekly Market Recap – September 20, 2021

Weekly Market Recap – September 13, 2021

Why 401(k) investing is a good idea

Should you contribute to your 401(k) at work? The short answer is yes. Unless you absolutely cannot afford to set aside any dollars whatsoever, you should contribute to your employer’s 401(k) plan. A 401(k) plan is one of the most powerful tools you can use to save for your retirement. The first benefit is that […]

Mid-Year Market Update

Joe Cortese, Principal at Azzad’s Outsourced Chief Investment Officer Fiducient Advisors, gives us an update on where markets stand–and where they might be headed. (Recorded July 2021)

What Are Appropriate Checklists for Year-End Tax Planning?

Tax planners often develop checklists to guide taxpayers toward year-end strategies that might help reduce taxes. Typically, suggestions are grouped into several different categories, such as “Filing Status” or “Employee Matters,” for ease of reading. Although Azzad Asset Management does not offer tax advice, we are often able to steer clients in the right direction […]

What are year-end investment decisions?

Year-end investment decisions may sometimes result in substantial tax savings. Tax planning may allow you to control the timing and method by which you report your income and claim your deductions and credits. The basic strategy for year-end planning is both to time your income so that it will be taxed at a lower rate, […]

Weekly Market Recap – August 30, 2021

Azzad Portfolios Achieve More ‘Top Guns’ Designations from Informa Investment Solutions

A record-breaking total of eight strategies excel across multiple categories and reporting periods Azzad Asset Management announced today that eight of its investment strategies have been awarded “Top Guns” designation by Informa Financial Intelligence’s PSN manager database, North America’s longest running database of investment managers. This quarterly ranking is used widely by asset managers and […]

Weekly Market Recap – August 23, 2021

Weekly Market Recap – August 16, 2021

Financial Advisor Magazine names Azzad in 2021 RIA Survey and Ranking

Annual ranking of registered investment advisors includes more than 700 firms FALLS CHURCH, Virginia (August 12, 2021) – Azzad Asset Management has been named in Financial Advisor magazine’s 2021 RIA Ranking. The report is an annual survey that ranks registered investment advisors (RIAs) based on percentage growth in assets from the previous calendar year and […]

Weekly Market Recap – August 10, 2021

Tips for Managing an Inheritance

As the beneficiary of an inheritance, you are most likely to be faced with making many important decisions during an emotional time. Short of meeting any required tax or legal deadlines, don’t make any hasty decisions concerning your inheritance. Identify a Team of Trusted Professionals Tax laws and requirements can be complicated. Consult with professionals […]

Weekly Market Recap – August 2, 2021

Weekly Market Recap – July 26, 2021

Weekly Market Recap – July 19, 2021

Weekly Market Recap – July 12, 2021

Reem Hussein, CFP®, Ph.D.

Reem Hussein, CFP®, Ph.D. is associate financial planner with Azzad Asset Management. She graduated from Texas Tech University with a Ph.D. in financial planning as well as a master’s in financial planning. She also holds a Graduate Certificate in Charitable Financial Planning from Texas Tech. After obtaining a masters degree in Business and Finance, Reem […]

Islamic Impact Investing

How you can get a return and do some good at the same time Imagine you’re running a business with tons of potential. You know that it could be profitable — as soon as you have your finished product, you’re able to sell it. The problem is that you don’t have enough capital to buy […]

Azzad commends Alphabet stockholders for second anti-censorship vote

Shareholder proposal called for report on government requests to remove content Azzad Asset Management, a leading socially responsible investment firm, today praised shareholders of Google’s parent company Alphabet for their strong vote in favor of greater transparency. A shareholder resolution sponsored by a consortium of investors led by Azzad–and supported by transparency advocate Open MIC–asked […]

Weekly Market Recap – June 7, 2021

Azzad Portfolios Achieve More ‘Top Guns’ Designations from Informa Investment Solutions

Five strategies excel across multiple categories and reporting periods Azzad Asset Management announced today that five of its investment strategies have been awarded “Top Guns” designation by Informa Financial Intelligence’s PSN manager database, North America’s longest running database of investment managers. This quarterly ranking is used widely by asset managers and investors. This means that the […]

Inflation FAQs

Inflation worries have become headline news after prices rose 4.2% in April from a year earlier, the highest jump since 2008[1]. Many wonder if this is just a temporary spike driven by a recharged economy after a historic pandemic or if it’s part of a worrisome trend that may affect their investment plans. When you […]

Five things to consider before you invest

Zubair Khan, CFA®, CFP® Many investors share a common worry: figuring out the best time to get started.  Their concern often comes from negative news about the markets. But if you waited until the news about markets was all good, you might never take the plunge. Pundits usually seem fixated on telling us either how […]

Market Recap: First Quarter 2021

The first quarter of 2021 was an eventful one. Additional federal stimulus payments lined many pocketbooks; a group of amateur traders banded together through social media to drive shares of video game company GameStop to astronomical heights; interest rates jumped, stoking fears that inflationary pressures were rapidly building; and equities ultimately enjoyed robust returns. Tech […]

Weekly Market Recap – May 17, 2021

Weekly Market Recap – May 3, 2021

Weekly Market Recap – April 26, 2021

Enhanced Child Tax Credit for 2021

If you have qualifying children under the age of 18, you may be able to claim a child tax credit. (You may also be able to claim a partial credit for certain other dependents who are not qualifying children.) The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 makes substantial, temporary improvements to the child tax credit […]

Azzad Asset Management clients to donate nearly $10 million this Ramadan

Firm reports record-high totals for zakah-related charitable giving Falls Church, Virginia, April 20, 2021 — Azzad Asset Management, a socially responsible, faith-based registered investment advisor, announced today that its Muslim clients are expected to donate approximately $10 million in zakah-related charity during the holy month of Ramadan. Zakah–sometimes spelled zakat–is an obligation that practicing Muslims […]

Weekly Market Recap – April 19, 2021

Weekly Market Recap – April 12, 2021

A health savings account (HSA) can deliver triple tax benefits. Is one right for you?

An HSA has 3 tax benefits, not found in any other account type. First, contributions are tax-deductible. Second, there is no taxation on funds while they are growing in the account, and third, distributions taken for qualified medical expenses are tax-free. That’s a sweet deal! An HSA essentially offers you the tax-deduction and tax-deferral of […]

Weekly Market Recap – April 5, 2021

10 lessons every investor should have learned from last year

Ehab AlalfeyAzzad Investment Advisor It’s been more than a year since the coronavirus pandemic began. While there remain many unknowns, let’s reflect on 10 lessons investors should have learned from 2020. If we could have somehow warned you that a pandemic was going to trigger a steep economic decline, including a stock market crash last […]

Weekly Market Recap – March 22, 2021

Weekly Market Recap – March 15, 2021

Weekly Market Recap – March 8, 2021

Delaware Funds by Macquarie

Delaware Funds by Macquarie provides investment sub-advisory services, including portfolio management, investment research and analysis, to registered investment companies. It is a subsidiary, and subject to the ultimate control, of Macquarie Group Limited (“Macquarie”). Macquarie is a Sydney, Australia-headquartered global provider of banking, financial, advisory, investment and funds management services. As of December 31, 2020, […]

Weekly Market Recap – March 1, 2021

Azzad Portfolios Achieve ‘Top Guns’ Status from Informa Investment Solutions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Azzad Portfolios Achieve ‘Top Guns’ Status from Informa Investment Solutions Five strategies excel across multiple categories and reporting periods Falls Church, Va., 2/22/21 – Azzad Asset Management today announced that it has been awarded a PSN Top Guns distinction by Informa Financial Intelligence’s PSN manager database, North America’s longest running database of […]

Azzad Wise Capital Fund implements fee reduction

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Azzad Wise Capital Fund implements fee reduction First halal fixed income fund in U.S. offers socially responsible alternative to bond funds Falls Church, Va., 2/22/21 – Azzad Asset Management, Inc. (“Azzad”), investment adviser to the Azzad Funds, today announced that its flagship fixed income product, the Azzad Wise Capital Fund (the “Fund”) […]

Weekly Market Recap – February 22, 2021

An Islamic perspective on short selling

“Sell not what you do not own.” – Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) We have been fielding some questions from clients regarding GameStop and other extreme market action in recent weeks. Here’s our list of frequently asked questions on the subject. It’s designed to help our clients through these strange times. Azzad’s portfolio managers […]

Market Outlook 2021

After a wild 2020, what may be in store for markets in 2021? We asked a few of the investment professionals who manage money for our clients to offer their thoughts on the prospects for new year. In this video, we get the broader perspective from Azzad’s outsourced CIO, along with previews of the fixed […]

Weekly Market Recap – February 8, 2021

GameStop FAQs

Here’s a quick guide to the market frenzy you’ve seen in the headlines. What is GameStop and why does everyone care? GameStop is a brick-and-mortar video game chain that hit hard times in the pandemic. Like many distressed companies, it was targeted by short sellers betting that the stock’s price would go down.1 Basically, short […]

Azzad Asset Management launches Shariah-compliant disruptive innovation portfolio

Endeavor with ARK Investment Management to offer thematic investing strategy through public markets Falls Church, Virginia, Feb. 2, 2021 — Registered investment advisor Azzad Asset Management announced today a new investment portfolio aimed at capitalizing on macro trends in disruptive technology. Giving clients “venture capital-like” exposure to innovative investments, the strategy, a first in the […]

Weekly Market Recap – February 1, 2021

Halal Investing 101: Back to Basics

The complex world of investing can be daunting for American Muslim investors. To make it more accessible, let’s look at some investing basics through the lens of Islamic finance and go over the halal options available in the United States. Stocks and bonds  There are many kinds of investments available in the U.S., a number […]

Quarterly Azzad Funds Shareholder Letter

April 15, 2021 Dear Azzad Funds Shareholder, The first quarter of 2021 was an eventful one. Additional federal stimulus payments lined many pocketbooks; a group of amateur traders banded together through social media to drive shares of video game company GameStop to astronomical heights; interest rates jumped, stoking fears that inflationary pressures were rapidly building; […]

Market Recap: Fourth Quarter 2020

During a period marked by a resurgent pandemic and political uncertainty, the fourth quarter of 2020 was a robust one for stocks, with each of the major indexes posting double-digit gains. Despite the turmoil and early-year losses, all major benchmark indexes closed 2020 well ahead of their 2019 closing marks. On the last day of […]

Azzad joins investor coalition to push for social media controls

Earlier this week, Azzad helped draft letters to Alphabet, Facebook and Twitter calling on their boards to take all necessary steps to address their role in enabling and facilitating violence at the U.S. Capitol and at state houses across the country in the run-up to inauguration day. Boards bear responsibility for ensuring that the enormous […]

Weekly Market Recap – January 11, 2021

Consolidated Appropriations Act Provides Relief to Individuals and Businesses

On Sunday, December 27, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA 2021) was signed into law. A $900 billion emergency relief package is included as part of this omnibus spending bill. It is intended to assist individuals and businesses during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and accompanying economic crisis. Major relief provisions are summarized here, as […]

Weekly Market Recap – January 4, 2021

Weekly Market Recap – December 21, 2020

Weekly Market Recap – December 14, 2020

Azzad Asset Management reaches $1 billion in assets under management

Faith-based investment adviser encourages charitable giving during ongoing economic crisis Falls Church, Virginia, Dec. 14, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Azzad Asset Management, a socially responsible, faith-based registered investment advisor, announced today that firmwide assets topped $1 billion earlier this month.   “We are grateful to God, our clients, and the larger community that has propelled us […]

Weekly Market Recap – December 7, 2020

Evaluating Year-end Planning Opportunities Amid Tax Reform Uncertainty

Year-end 2020 represents a unique window to contemplate planning opportunities, as taxpayers face a dilemma: act now in 2020 to lock in potential tax savings or wait until 2021 to see whether President-elect Joe Biden’s tax proposals1 will gain traction in Congress. The risk is future tax reform could potentially be applied retroactively to January […]

Understanding Donor Advised Funds

𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞? A donor advised fund (DAF) offers an easy way for a donor to make significant charitable gifts over a long period of time and enjoys greater tax advantages than a private foundation. Join Azzad’s Senior Investment Strategist Fatima Iqbal, CFP, and the American Muslim Community Foundation’s Muhi […]

Top Year-End Investing Tips

Just what you need, right? One more time-consuming task to be taken care of between now and the end of the year. But taking a little time to make some strategic saving and investing decisions before December 31 can affect not only your long-term ability to meet your financial goals but also the amount of […]

Is Your Portfolio as Vulnerable Now as it Was in 1999?

Probably not, but caution is still warranted. In your role as a retirement Plan Sponsor – or plan participant for that matter – it’s likely you benefited from the sharp rally stocks experienced since March. You know probably stand distinctly in one of two camps: A. You feel confident stocks will continue to perform well, […]

Weekly Market Recap – November 30, 2020

Weekly Market Recap – November 23, 2020

Azzad Portfolios Achieve ‘Top Guns’ Status from Informa Investment Solutions

Six strategies excel across multiple categories and reporting periods Falls Church, Virginia, Nov. 20, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Azzad Asset Management today announced that it has been awarded a PSN Top Guns distinction by Informa Financial Intelligence’s PSN manager database, North America’s longest running database of investment managers. This quarterly ranking is used widely by […]

Weekly Market Recap – November 16, 2020

Weekly Market Recap – November 9, 2020

Market Recap: Third Quarter 2020

The third quarter of 2020 produced the second consecutive quarter of notable market gains, with volatility (as measured by the CBOE Volatility Index or “VIX”) decreasing consistently throughout the quarter. Behind the headline numbers, however, there was still cause for concern. Three large themes emerged during the quarter, especially during the latter half. First, U.S. […]

Weekly Market Recap – November 2, 2020

FAQs: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for the 2021-2022 year opened on October 1, 2020. The FAFSA is a prerequisite for federal student loans, grants, and work-study. In addition, colleges typically require the FAFSA before distributing their own need-based aid and, in some cases, merit-based aid. Students must submit the FAFSA every year […]

Don’t be a victim of cybercrime

These days, most everyone pays attention to the increasingly growing tech sector, which comprises approximately 27 percent of the widely tracked S&P 500 index. As the technology sector continually crops up in the news, it serves as a reminder of the speed at which technology infuses our lives, saturating our daily routines with regular video […]

Weekly Market Recap – October 26, 2020

On the passing of Sheikh Dr. Abdulsattar Abughuddah

Truly, we belong to God and to Him we shall return. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reportedly said that Allah does not take away knowledge by removing it from the hearts of people, but rather, He takes it away through the death of scholars. Last week, the world lost an ocean of knowledge. […]

Weekly Market Recap – October 19, 2020

Weekly Market Recap – October 12, 2020

Weekly Market Recap – October 5, 2020

Weekly Market Recap – September 28, 2020

Should you invest in Bitcoin?

Backgrounder Bitcoin is a new kind of global payment network that many consider to be a currency as valid as a dollars, euros, and yen. Bitcoin is meant to be a quicker, cheaper, and more reliable form of payment than money that’s tied to individual countries. In addition, it’s the only form of money users […]

How a Biden victory might impact your portfolio

Democratic contender Joe Biden maintains a lead against President Donald Trump in opinion polls. Granted, plenty can change in the days leading up to next month’s vote, but how might your portfolio perform if the polls are right and Biden wins on November 3rd? A Biden victory would undercut the lower-tax, lower-regulation era installed by […]

Weekly Market Recap – September 21, 2020

Student Loan Relief Extended Through End of Year

In March 2020, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provided a six-month automatic payment suspension on federal student loans through September 30, 2020. In August, the president signed a memorandum to extend federal student loan relief through December 31, 2020. What does this mean for student loan borrowers? All […]

Weekly Market Recap – September 14, 2020

How charitable giving will change in 2020

The United States has been the most generous country in the world over the past decade, according to the World Giving Index measure of 128 countries. With all this economic uncertainty, high unemployment and market volatility, what will happen to charitable giving in 2020? Upon evaluation of COVID-19’s impact on charitable donations, we must consider […]

Introducing the Waqf of Al Khammash

After months of investigation, research, and translation, we are thrilled to share the waqf (endowment) document of Sheikh Abdul Wahed Efendi Al Khammash (may Allah have mercy on him), great great grandfather of Azzad’s founder and CEO Bashar Qasem. Sheikh Abdul Wahed was the grand judge of the city of Nablus, Palestine in the 1850s. […]

Weekly Market Recap – August 31, 2020

Weekly Market Recap – August 24, 2020

Azzad Portfolios Achieve ‘Top Guns’ Status from Informa Investment Solutions

Six strategies excel across multiple categories and reporting periods Falls Church, Va., 8/20/20 – Azzad Asset Management today announced that it has been awarded a PSN Top Guns distinction by Informa Financial Intelligence’s PSN manager database, North America’s longest running database of investment managers. This quarterly ranking is used widely by asset managers and investors. “Congratulations […]

Why you need a financial advisor in times like these

Conventional wisdom says investors should hang tough and ride out market declines. But a big plunge always drives plenty of people to the sidelines. That happened in March, when investors pulled a net $326 billion from mutual funds and other pooled investments, according to data provider Morningstar. Much of that money is still on the […]

Bear Markets and Recoveries

Equity markets have experienced an extraordinary rebound since their drop in March. Yet economic data continues to lag. So the question investors are asking is: Have markets gone too far? The material, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are solely those of the presenter and may not be reflective of those held by Azzad […]

Weekly Market Recap – August 17, 2020

Market Recap: Second Quarter 2020

The second quarter of 2020 posted the best quarterly performance for stocks since 1998, with major benchmark indexes making sizeable gains over their historically poor first-quarter tallies. Much of the second-quarter growth in the stock market and economy was a bounce back from a dismal March and April when pandemic-related lockdowns and restrictions virtually shut […]

Financial Advisor Magazine names Azzad in 2020 RIA Survey and Ranking

FALLS CHURCH, Virginia (August 18, 2020) – Azzad Asset Management has been named in Financial Advisor magazine’s 2020 RIA Ranking. The report is an annual survey that ranks registered investment advisors (RIAs) based on percentage growth in assets from the previous calendar year and is the premier industry ranking of independent RIA growth. FA’s RIA Ranking is […]

Fab five stocks are driving this market

Did you know that the five largest stocks in the S&P 500 now account for 22 percent of the index’s market capitalization? That’s the latest report at last check, according to Goldman Sachs. The soaring share prices of Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Microsoft — which all set new highs in recent weeks — has […]

Azzad remembers the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

This month, the world commemorates the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombings of the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As we see in the headlines, nuclear weapons still pose a grave threat to humanity. The world’s nine nuclear-armed nations are modernizing their arsenals, key arms control agreements are being abandoned, and nuclear know-how is pursued […]

CARES Act offers relief to retirement savers

Learn how the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act affects retirement investing in 2020. The material, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are solely those of the presenter and may not be reflective of those held by Azzad Asset Management. Forward-looking statements are subject to uncertainties that could cause actual developments and […]

Bashar Qasem, CSAA

Bashar Qasem, CSAA is the founder and CEO of Azzad Asset Management. Mr. Qasem is one of the leaders and foremost experts on halal investing in the United States. Coverage of him and Azzad has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Reuters, the Chicago Tribune, CBS News, Voice of America, and many others. […]

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PRIVACY POLICY

APPENDIX 1 (WRAP BROCHURE)

FORM ADV PART 2A

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Think twice before speculating on a COVID-19 cure

Headline-induced price swings suggest that investors are making investment decisions driven by hopes and fears, and possibly based on limited information. As hundreds of companies race to develop vaccines and drug therapies that could help end the COVID-19 pandemic, news reports on successful or failed trials affect individual stock prices and can trigger swings in […]

Azzad commends Alphabet stockholders for anti-censorship vote

Shareholder proposal asks Google parent to report on government requests to remove content FALLS CHURCH, Va., Jun 10, 2020 — Azzad Asset Management, a leading socially responsible investment firm, today praised Alphabet shareholders following a strong vote in favor of greater transparency at subsidiary Google. A shareholder resolution sponsored by Azzad and the Missionary Oblates of […]

The stock market and the economy are NOT the same thing

In April, the Dow Jones Industrial Average staged its best two-week performance since the 1930s, a dramatic rebound that illustrates a bizarre reality about the stock market these days: markets can go up even when the economic news is terrible. Dramatic rallies are a sign that many investors are positioning themselves for the United States […]

Why going 100% cash is stupid

Your investment portfolio is like a bar of soap. The more you touch it, the smaller it will get. Let’s be real: Some of our clients are skittish. Like many people, when they see negative headlines, their first instinct is to sell their stock holdings and head for the perceived safety of cash. This is […]

Statement of Solidarity with Black America

Justice for all through collective action “Whoever recommends and helps a good cause becomes a partner therein, and whoever recommends and helps an evil cause shares in its burden; and Allah has power over all things.” – Holy Qur’an (4:85) Azzad Asset Management stands in solidarity with the Black American community. As a socially responsible, faith-based […]

Weekly Market Recap – June 1, 2020

Financial Aid 101

When saving for college, a good rule of thumb is to save at least 50% of the expected cost. That’s because the remaining cost will most likely come from financial aid. This is money distributed primarily by the federal government and colleges in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work-study jobs. The majority of […]

Informa Investment Solutions Names Five Azzad Portfolios to ‘Top Guns’ Status

FALLS CHURCH, Virginia, 5/19/20 — Azzad Asset Management today announced that five of its investment portfolios have been recognized as “Top Guns” by Informa Investment Solutions, a leading financial data provider. The firm’s Small Cap Growth, Small Cap Value, Mid Cap Growth, Mid Cap Value, and Dividend strategies were each named to Informa Investment Solutions’ PSN […]

Beware of these coronavirus scams

Fraudsters and scam artists are always looking for new ways to prey on consumers. Now they are using the same tactics to take advantage of consumers’ heightened financial and health concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. Federal, state, and local law enforcement have begun issuing warnings on the surge of coronavirus scams and how consumers can […]

Azzad clients to donate $6.7 million in charity from investment accounts this Ramadan

Firm encourages giving zakah to non-profit organizations hurt by coronavirus pandemic FALLS CHURCH, Virginia, 5/5/20 — Azzad Asset Management, a socially responsible, faith-based registered investment advisor, announced today that its Muslim clients are expected to donate approximately $6.7 million in zakah-related charity during the holy month of Ramadan. Zakah–sometimes spelled zakat–is an obligation that practicing […]

Message from our CEO (excerpted from April 2020 newsletter)

” … Sufficient for us is Allah, and the best Disposer of affairs.” – Surah Al-Imran 3:173 “None (among the believers) remains patient in a land in which plague has broken out and considers that nothing will befall him except what Allah has ordained for him, but that Allah will grant him a reward similar […]

Market Recap: First Quarter 2020

Despite a strong start to the year 2020, the tale of the quarter was one of creeping dread, as coronavirus news crowded out other headlines. The emergence of COVID-19 in the United States, as well as the subsequent measures to stem the spread of the virus, sparked a rapid deterioration in markets and the economy […]

Frequently Asked Questions: Coronavirus and Markets

In order to help clients navigate the extreme market volatility related to the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve put together the list of FAQs below. Check back often as this list will be updated. For more information and assistance, please contact your Azzad advisor at 888.86.AZZAD. We will continue to monitor developments of COVID-19 and its impacts […]

Azzad response to COVID-19

We want you to know that we’re still hard at work for our clients while working remotely The COVID-19 pandemic has created uncertainty in both financial markets and the business community. But Azzad Asset Management is taking the necessary steps to maintain operations during these trying times. In order to best serve our clients and […]

Helping doctors prevent burnout

Let’s talk about something that can affect each of us at one stage or another in our careers: burnout. Burnout is often described as long-term, unresolved, work-related stress that leads to cynicism, detachment, exhaustion, and a lack of a sense of personal accomplishment. There’s really no career that’s immune from the problem, but rates of […]

Coronavirus infects financial markets

Recent news about the coronavirus outbreak is tragic, with unimaginable and unmeasurable implications for the many affected. As we attempt to discern incoming economic data, our goal is not to diminish the harsh realities faced by those affected, but to keep in mind that there are economic impacts on investors and to make sense of […]

Seven Azzad Portfolios Achieve ‘Top Guns’ Status from Informa Investment Solutions

Record number of strategies excel across multiple categories and reporting periods FALLS CHURCH, Virginia, 2/20/20 — Azzad Asset Management today announced that it has been awarded a PSN Top Guns distinction by Informa Financial Intelligence’s PSN manager database, North America’s longest running database of investment managers. This is a highly anticipated quarterly ranking that is […]

Azzad’s 2020 Investment Outlook Webinar

Last month, Azzad Ethical Fund portfolio manager Christian Greiner, CFA®, presented Azzad’s 2020 Investment Outlook webinar. The full recording can be watched here, but here’s a look at three of the most interesting slides in the presentation. 1) Slow and steady economic growth With this slide, Christian showed that the economy is still positive, despite […]

Azzad announces DiMeo Schneider as new OCIO

Falls Church, Va., 1/31/20 — Azzad Asset Management announced today the selection of DiMeo Schneider, a nationwide investment consulting firm, as the firm’s first outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO). “We are thrilled to partner with Azzad and supplement its existing investment research efforts,” said DiMeo Schneider’s Joe Cortese, Principal and Senior Consultant. “Our platform allows […]

Coronavirus fears are not a reason to sell in this market

Last week, global markets added the word “coronavirus” to their collective vocabulary. And with that, the calm that had settled over financial markets in recent months was shattered. Emerging markets and Asian equities bore the brunt of the blast, while in the United States, concerns about the virus were evident on Wall Street on Friday, […]

2020 Investment Outlook webinar

Azzad Ethical Fund portfolio manager Christian Greiner, CFA® discuss trends and opportunities in the new year. Markets hit multiple highs in 2019. With some of the best returns in recent years, investors are wondering if markets are ready for a return to normal. No one knows how long the bull market will continue. But markets […]

The single best move to make money in stocks

Stocks closed out 2019 in stellar fashion. That should be cause for celebration. But there’s one group that has missed out on much of the market’s gains–millennials. Just 49% of millennials in the United States (those ages 23 to 39) held stock at any given time in the last two years. Because a much larger […]

How the SECURE Act could impact your retirement and your taxes

After languishing for several months in bureaucratic limbo, the SECURE Act (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement) was signed into law on December 20, 2019; it went into effect on January 1, 2020. With an alarming percentage of Americans not saving enough for retirement, the changes in the SECURE Act are intended to help. […]

Are you ready for the great wealth transfer?

Around $60 trillion will be passed down by baby boomers to their beneficiaries between now and 2061, according to projections. For those of us in the financial planning industry, that’s an indication there’s a lot of work to be done. For those of you saving and investing, that should be a wake-up call to talk […]

Are your shoes made with forced labor?

Are your shoes being made with forced labor? That’s what we want to find out by asking apparel and footwear maker Skechers to adopt a human rights policy and figure out exactly where it’s sourcing materials. Across the world, an estimated 25 million people are victims of forced labor. The majority of them are exploited […]

Don’t fear stock market all-time highs

As we reach the end of autumn, let’s look back on a momentous event that occurred 70 years ago this fall — the 1929 stock market crash that ushered in the Great Depression. After that crash, stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial Average did not return to their earlier 1929 levels until 1954; that’s more […]

Four year-end tax strategies to consider

It’s hard to believe we’re fast approaching the end of 2019, but it’s true. Here are four things to consider as you weigh potential tax moves between now and the end of the year. 1. Be smart about your charitable giving If you’re already inclined to donate to charity, then consider donating appreciated securities rather […]

Informa Investment Solutions Names Five Azzad Portfolios to ‘Top Guns’ Status

Strategies excel across multiple categories and reporting periods in the PSN manager database Falls Church, Va., 11/22/19 – Azzad Asset Management today announced that five of its investment portfolios have been recognized as “Top Guns” for time periods ending September 30, 2019. The firm’s large cap growth, small cap growth, small cap value, real estate […]

Why did the price of my mutual fund drop in December?

For 2019: The Azzad Ethical Fund (ADJEX) will distribute capital gains to its shareholders on December 18, 2019. Shareholders may see the fund’s share price drop for a couple of days while the capital gains are processed and distributed. The post below should help explain this standard procedure of capital gains distributions for mutual funds […]

Azzad clients get more than investments

We’ve been talking at the office recently about how to explain to our clients the full range of what we at Azzad can do for them. I’ve found that sometimes it’s easier to do this with a quick story, so I’d like to share with you a few snapshots of the types of clients we’ve […]

Market volatility: Don’t just do something; stand there

We often talk about market volatility in the midst of surprise drops, but it’s useful to consider during calmer moments what behavior could be best for your accounts. When markets are in turmoil and account balances start to fall, many people feel a strong temptation to do something to “stop the bleeding” and cut their […]

Azzad participates in 14th Annual AAOIFI-World Bank conference on Islamic finance

Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, 11/6/19 — Representatives from Azzad Asset Management joined leading scholars and senior officials from central banks, financial institutions, and regulators for an annual gathering on Islamic finance hosted by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI). Organized in cooperation with the World Bank and under the auspices of […]

Real estate investing

Are you interested in owning real estate? Have you ever looked at real estate investment trusts, or REITs? Learn about this efficient way of owning multiple properties through the public markets, all without the liquidity and transaction cost constraints typically encountered when dealing in physical property.

Majority of ultra-wealthy expect recession next year

Fifty-five percent of the super-rich around the world are already preparing for a recession. That’s according to a survey by Swiss wealth management company UBS of 360 global family offices with an average family wealth of $1.2 billion. Results showed 55% of family offices see a recession by 2020, and to mitigate risks, 45% are […]

Would stocks crash with a Trump impeachment?

President Donald Trump warned in a tweet last month amid the Ukraine whistleblower inquiry that his impeachment would cause “the markets crash.” Trump’s tweet came a day after the release of a rough summary of a July 25 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The summary showed Trump asked Zelensky to investigate former Vice […]

What to look for in a financial advisor

With all the different financial planners, advisors, and services available today, finding and choosing a trusted professional who can help you meet your financial goals can be confusing. If you’re looking for broad-based financial advice, consider hiring a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, or CFP®, which is considered the highest standard in the industry. CFPs must act […]

Business is changing; responsible investors are part of the reason

Last month the Business Roundtable, which represents some of the largest companies in the United States, released a new statement of corporate purpose. The old one, which came out in 1997 and put shareholders above all other corporate stakeholders, was the product of a new outmoded way of thinking about the world, a notion that […]

Azzad’s updated proxy voting guidelines

Azzad engages in shareholder advocacy on behalf of our clients including proxy voting and filing resolutions and sending investor letters. Corporations have a role to play in some of the most significant challenges in the United States – from income inequality to climate change. In pursuing a fiduciary responsibility to shareholders, they can become detached […]

Steps to take in a jittery market

It’s difficult (if not impossible) to say what stocks will do in the near term. And well-meaning investors who are trying to do the right thing by not being too hands-on with their portfolios (see this market timing article) can end up, inadvertently, with an investment mix that’s too risky, simply because they’ve been letting […]

Lessons from yield curve history

Stocks were under pressure for much of August as U.S.-China trade tensions escalated, with Washington and Beijing announcing escalating rounds of tariff increases. Worries over the economic outlook rose, highlighted by a Treasury rally that sank yields and resulted in an inversion of the main measure of the U.S. yield curve, with the 10-year yield […]

Market timing can cost you money

Over the past year and for periods of five, 10, 20 and 30 years, the average mutual fund investor has underperformed the markets for both stocks and bonds, according to research firm Dalbar. The Dalbar data leads to the inescapable conclusion that most investors are really terrible at investing. They panic and sell at the […]

Financial planning in a nutshell

You may have noticed in last month’s newsletter that Azzad was named in Financial Advisor magazine’s 2019 RIA Ranking. It’s a premier industry ranking of investment advisors based on assets under management. Azzad moved up the list from last year, which is great news. More important than that, however, are the relationships that our advisors […]

Informa Investment Solutions Names Four Azzad Portfolios to ‘Top Guns’ Status

Strategies excel across multiple categories and reporting periods in the PSN manager database Falls Church, Va., 8/19/19 – Azzad Asset Management today announced that four of its investment portfolios have been recognized as “Top Guns” for time periods ending June 30, 2019. The firm’s large cap growth, small cap growth, small cap value, and international […]

Staring down the yield curve

For the time being, uncertainty will probably hang around like a dark cloud over markets. But that doesn’t mean you should head for the hills. The global economy has started to stagger. Earlier this week, the U.S. stock market tumbled after a historically reliable predictor of recessions flashed a warning signal. Some of the world’s […]

How the new tax law affects individuals and small business owners for 2019

Learn how the the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will affect individuals and small business owners in 2019, with a special emphasis on retirement planning.

Getting ready for the next recession

It’s only natural to talk about what might be ahead for markets and the economy. We’re currently living through one of the longest economic expansions on record (120 months and counting). This means looking ahead to the next recession. A recession, sometimes called a “contraction,” refers to a decline in economic activity and is, unfortunately, […]

High income? You may still be unprepared for retirement.

Even if you are nearing retirement and have a large 401(k) or IRA balance, you may not have as much money as you think. Lots of people don’t realize that they owe taxes on their accumulations. You have benefited throughout your investing years by not having to pay taxes on contributions into traditional 401(k) plans […]

Financial Advisor Magazine names Azzad in 2019 RIA Survey and Ranking

FALLS CHURCH, Virginia (July 18, 2019) – Azzad Asset Management has been named in Financial Advisor magazine’s 2019 RIA Ranking. The report is an annual survey that ranks registered investment advisors (RIAs) based on percentage growth in assets from the previous calendar year and is the premier industry ranking of independent RIA growth. FA’s RIA […]

Investing in the age of trade wars

A trade war between the United States and China broke out earlier this year, and markets responded with sometimes dramatic results. Rising tensions between the two largest economies in the world has led some to suggest that investors are about see the end of a decade-long bull market in stocks. Watch to hear portfolio managers […]

Preparing for the next recession

We’ve been talking a lot around the office lately about the next recession and how to prepare our clients for that eventuality. It’s part of our job at Azzad, making sure we’re looking ahead to the next big thing or market-moving event. And it’s only natural to talk about what might be ahead because we’re […]

Qualified Retirement Plans

Small business owners and sole proprietors have many needs, and one of the biggest needs is retirement. Studies show that many Americans are likely not saving enough. They’re also paying more in taxes than they would if they used a qualified retirement plan.

How to avoid this common IRA rollover mistake

The once-per-year limit on IRA-to-IRA rollovers is a terrible trap for unwary taxpayers. It’s easy to fall into, but also easy to avoid. Here is the rule: If you receive a distribution from an IRA, you cannot roll that distribution over into any IRA if the distribution is received by you less than 12 months […]

Top three reasons to hold a vacation home in an LLC

If you’re in the market for a vacation home, an LLC could be a smart way to own that property. An LLC, or limited liability company, provides the tax planning and ownership flexibility of a partnership along with the liability protection of a corporation. In most states an LLC can be formed for non-business purposes, […]

Setting up a Child IRA

It’s normal for parents to worry about their kids. Although young children’s retirement isn’t an immediate concern, smart parents can help their kids get a head start on saving for retirement by setting up a Child IRA. Here’s why it’s a good idea. There’s no lower age limit when it comes to starting an IRA. A […]

Mid-Cap Value Portfolio Fact Sheet

How to start—and stick to—a budget

Deciding to make a budget is an important step in taking control of your finances. The next step is figuring out how to make a budget that’s right for you. These four steps can help you create a budget that you can stick to. 1) Figure out how much you’re currently spending Without knowing this […]

Azzad clients to give away $6.7 million in zakah this Ramadan

Falls Church, Va., May 20, 2019 — Azzad Asset Management, a socially responsible, faith-based registered investment advisor, announced today that its Muslim clients are expected to donate approximately $6.7 million in charity during the holy month of Ramadan. Azzad reports Islamically mandated charitable totals, or zakah, to clients in an annual statement issued during the month of […]

Ziegler Capital Management

Ziegler manages Azzad’s large-cap growth model.

Tributary Capital Management

Tributary Capital Management’s parent company has a rich history dating back to the mid-1800s. They are a wholly owned subsidiary of First National Bank of Omaha, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of First National of Nebraska, the largest privately held financial services company in the United States. Firm equity assets, including model portfolios, wrap […]

SKBA Capital Management

SKBA Capital Management manages Azzad’s large-cap value model

Federated Investment Management Company

Federated’s team serves as the subadviser to the Azzad Wise Capital Fund (WISEX), which represents the program’s fixed-income (short-term bond) asset category.

Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management

Kayne Anderson Rudnick manages the model portfolio for Azzad’s small cap growth strategy

D.F. Dent and Company, Inc.

D.F. Dent manages Azzad’s mid-cap growth model.

Zakah webinar 2019 with Q&A

This is a recording of Azzad Asset Management’s annual webinar on zakah. We explained which assets are eligible for zakah and how to calculate zakah on assets like retirement accounts, rental properties, real estate, jewelry, and more. We also gave a brief explanation of four tax-smart planned charitable giving strategies. After the main presentation, attendees […]

Jamal Elbarmil

Jamal Elbarmil has served as the vice president of Azzad Asset Management since 2000 and as portfolio manager for the Azzad Funds since 2008. He is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Azzad Funds’ portfolios aided by a team of equity analysts. He also sits on the Investment Committee at Azzad Asset Management. Mr. […]

Fatima Iqbal, CFP®

Fatima Iqbal, CFP® is an investment advisor and senior financial planner with Azzad Asset Management. She graduated from Cornell University with a degree in applied economics and management and earned a master’s in finance from the Rochester Institute of Technology. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and has extensive training on issues pertaining to halal investing and […]

Google employees, Alphabet shareholders push for accountability

Mountain View, CA, May 16, 2019: Ahead of Google’s annual shareholder meeting on June 19, Google employees, shareholders, and community stakeholders today launched a joint effort to push for corporate accountability on major concerns regarding harassment and discrimination, human rights, corporate governance, and diversity and inclusion. This year, a record number of shareholders of Google’s […]

Azzad Portfolios Achieve ‘Top Guns’ Status from Informa Investment Solutions

Large and small growth strategies excel across multiple categories and reporting periods Falls Church, Virginia, May 16, 2019 — Azzad Asset Management today announced that two of its investment portfolios have been recognized as “Top Guns” performers for time periods ending March 31, 2019. The firm’s large cap growth and small cap growth strategies received […]

Joshua Brockwell, CSRIC™

Joshua Brockwell CSRICTM is the Director of Investment Communications at Azzad. He manages client-facing communications for the Azzad Funds and the Azzad Ethical Wrap Program. He has more than a decade of experience in the financial services field, including positions with T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. and the boutique cooperative mutual fund company, Homestead Funds. […]

Manal Fouz

Manal Fouz serves as the Chief Compliance Officer. She has her bachelor’s degree in communications specialized in journalism from George Mason University, 1996. She has served as Operations Manager for Azzad since 2003 and Chief Compliance Officer since 2007. She has attended and completed numerous compliance training seminars and conferences hosted by the SEC, Investment […]

Maha Ahmed

Maha is a Qualified Plan Financial Consultant with Azzad Asset Management. She works primarily with plan sponsors (employers) and participants servicing a full range of small business retirement plans. She also serves as liaison between plan sponsors and their third party administrators, actuaries and tax professionals. Maha graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in […]

Amneh Carranza

Amneh Carranza is the financial administrative assistant at Azzad Asset Management. She provides support to the financial advisors with administrative tasks. She also supports clients in answering basic questions and setting up meetings with their advisors. She manages client information, including preparing forms, maintaining records and following up on paperwork. Amneh previously worked in the […]

Atta Khan

Atta Khan is a Financial Analyst and Associate at Azzad Asset Management. He provides support to clients including preparing materials for client meetings with their financial advisor, following up after advisor meetings, responding to client inquiries, and maintaining day-to-day operations. Atta has previously worked in the mutual fund industry, equity research, and journalism. He has […]

Deborah Klein, CFP®

Deborah Klein, CFP® is an Associate Financial Planner with Azzad Asset Management. Deb holds the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification. She was raised in San Diego and graduated from California State University, Chico in Northern California with a Bachelor of Science degree in business and economics. She worked for many years in the financial industry in […]

Ramzey Adel

Ramzey Adel is a client service associate at Azzad Asset Management. He provides support to clients including preparing materials for clients’ meetings with their financial advisor, following up after advisor meetings, responding to client inquiries, and maintaining day-to-day operations. Ramzey has previously worked in the investment management industry and has the goal of becoming an […]

Ayman Khalil

Ayman Khalil is an investment advisor with Azzad Asset Management. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and economics from Linkoping University, Sweden, and the State University of New York, Albany, NY. He holds a master’s degree from Purdue University. Prior to joining Azzad, he was a registered investment advisor for First Investors. Ayman enjoys […]

Shaza Farawati

Shaza is an investment analyst at Azzad Asset Management. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration (BBA) and a Master of Science degree in finance (MSF) from American University – Washington D.C. She started her career in finance at Dubai Islamic Bank as a personal finance advisor. During that time, she discovered her passion […]

Investing in the age of trade wars

Financial markets showed signs of stabilizing on Tuesday, a day after China’s announcement of retaliatory tariffs on 5,140 imports from the United States touched off Wall Street’s worst day since January 3. Are things back to normal, or is a global economic slowdown just around the corner? Nobody really knows what’s going to happen, but […]

Ehab Alalfey

Ehab Alalfey is an investment advisor with Azzad Asset Management. His goal is to help his clients through each stage of their financial lives by providing sound advice and clear communication and by building lasting relationships. Ehab began his financial services career in 2005 with Ameriprise Financial, where he served as a paraplanner and an […]

Ibtasam (Raj) Mahmood, CFP® CRPC®

Ibtasam (Raj) Mahmood, CFP® CRPC® is an investment advisor with Azzad Asset Management. He graduated from George Mason University with a degree in decision science and management of information systems. Raj started a career in finance in 2005 and has gained extensive knowledge in financial planning through his work at PFS Investments, TD Ameritrade, and […]

Azzad participates in 17th annual AAOIFI conference

  Azzad Asset Management joined senior officials, scholars, and industry leaders in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, for an international conference on setting the rules of the Islamic economy organized by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI). Held under the auspices of the Central Bank of Bahrain, the April event featured 33 experts […]

Azzad commends Chevron’s work on Myanmar

Activist investors withdraw human rights shareholder resolution following ‘constructive dialogue’ Falls Church, Virginia, April 11, 2019 — A coalition of socially responsible investors led by Azzad Asset Management announced today that it has withdrawn a shareholder resolution filed with Chevron Corporation. The proposal pushed the energy giant to evaluate its business with governments engaged in conflict areas. […]

Stocks versus real estate

A lot of people contact us asking about buying real estate. “It’s a hard asset and they’re not making any more of it,” they say. When we’re asked this question, we try to explain the advantages of owning stocks instead of or in addition to real estate. One way we do this is explaining how […]

Azzad signs letter endorsing database of business activities in Israeli settlements

Following a decision by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights not to release a UN database cataloging business activities in illegal settlements built in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Azzad has joined a group of more than 90 investors calling on the organization to make the listings public. Addressed to UN High Commissioner for Human […]

Azzad joins Farm Animal Investment Risk and Return (FAIRR) Initiative

$12 trillion initiative seeks to help members understand risks of factory farming (Falls Church, Va., April 5, 2019) — Azzad Asset Management announced today that it has joined other socially responsible asset managers in an effort to better understand the risks of factory farming. Launched in 2015 by the Jeremy Coller Foundation, the Farm Animal […]

Getting ready to file your taxes

2018 was an important one for individual and business taxpayers, most of whom had to adjust to big changes in the law. As April 15 approaches, are you ready to prepare your return? This webinar is intended to help investors gather the information they’ll need to do their taxes. The material, views and opinions expressed […]

JPMorgan stopped bankrolling private prisons. Individual investors should, too.

On March 8, JPMorgan Chase & Co. announced that the firm will no longer finance private, for-profit prison operators, including those who run detention facilities along the border between the United States and Mexico. Although this is welcome news, the move could be simply symbolic if banks and other groups do not continue to call […]

Personal deduction planning 

Paying taxes is part of the responsibility of living in the United States. But most people understandably don’t want to pay more than they have to. An important part of minimizing your federal income tax liability is to understand the rules and make the most of your tax planning opportunities. Personal deduction planning is one […]

Choosing an income tax filing status

Selecting a filing status is one of the first decisions you’ll make when you fill out your federal income tax return, so it’s important to know the rules. And because you may have more than one option, you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of each. Making the right decision about your filing status […]

Tax planning for the self-employed

Self-employment is the opportunity to be your own boss, to come and go as you please, and oh yes, to establish a lifelong bond with your accountant. If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to pay your own FICA taxes and take charge of your own retirement plan, among other things. Here are some planning tips. Understand […]

Shareholders tell Google to rethink China search product

Shareholders tell Google to rethink China search product and prioritize human rights (Falls Church, Va., Feb. 27, 2019) — A coalition of Google shareholders has filed a resolution asking the company to publish a human rights impact assessment for a controversial censored search product — called “Dragonfly” — that Google is reportedly developing for use […]

Azzad Portfolios Achieve ‘Top Guns’ Status from Informa Investment Solutions

Small cap growth, small cap value strategies excel across multiple categories  Falls Church, Va., 2/21/19 – Azzad Asset Management today announced that two of its investment portfolios have been recognized as “Top Guns” for time periods ending December 31, 2018. The firm’s small cap growth and small cap value strategies received the distinction from Informa […]

Are you a risk taker? If you invest, the answer is yes.

For each individual, the word “risk” evokes a different image or experience. A person’s perception of risk can be shaped by past experiences, recent stories in the media, the latest investment-related study, and incidents recounted by friends and associates. Too often, it’s these factors and not actual probabilities that shape an individual’s expectations for the […]

What to do if you miss taking an RMD

People don’t often think of the IRS as their friend. But there is at least one taxpayer-friendly thing the IRS is known for: its process for people who miss taking their required minimum distributions, or RMDs, from a retirement account. If you don’t go about it the right way, though, it can cost you 50% […]

Halal investing 101: A refresher to remind yourself of the basics

We all need a reminder every now and then about how halal investing works. In a nutshell, halal investing touches on the following four issue areas: Refraining from the giving and taking of riba Avoiding speculation (gharar) and uncertainty (maysir) Not transacting in the buying and selling of debt Abstaining from investing in companies with […]

Five things that make Azzad unique

At Azzad, we believe that an investment has moral as well as financial implications. “Do no mischief on the earth after it has been set in order; but call on Him with fear and longing (in your hearts) for the Mercy of Allah is (always) near to those who good.” (Surah Al-A’raf, Ayah 56) To […]

Riba explained: Understanding ‘interest’ in Islamic finance

What do we really mean when we use the Arabic term riba? The literal translation of the word is “increase, addition or growth,” though it is often translated as “usury.” English speakers typically understand usury as the charging of an exploitative interest rate. But riba refers to any excess value in transactions that our Sacred […]

2019 Investment Outlook

Wow, last year was a real kick in the gut for investors. Things were looking great until October when the wheels fell off and several indices entered bear market territory. Should we expect more of the same in 2019? Here’s our conversation with Azzad Ethical Fund portfolio manager Christian Greiner, CFA® on January 15, 2019. […]

Have you heard of a Roth 401(k)?

You’re probably familiar with traditional 401(k) plans, and we hope you know about Roth IRAs as well. (If not, check out these 5 things you should know about Roth IRAs). But did you know there’s also a Roth 401(k)? Basically, a Roth 401(k) is a 401(k) account to which you can contribute either pre-tax dollars, […]

Please stop worrying about the Dow. You’re not invested in it.

For more than 122 years, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has been viewed as America’s leading stock market index. Retail investors sitting in front of their computers to seasoned Wall Street veterans rely on the Dow to provide a glimpse of the health of the U.S. economy and the strength of its stock market. The […]

How to double your investment return every six years

Does the idea of doubling your money sound like a get-rich-quick scam? Well, maybe it’s not quick, but there is a method that will show you how long it should take you to double your money with your investment return. It’s called the rule of 72, and it can be applied to any type of […]

The Bitcoin bust of 2018

If you thought investing in stocks was bad in 2018, be glad you stayed away from Bitcoin. While stock market investors are still nursing their wounds from a down year in 2018, Bitcoin investors were devastated. The cryptocurrency has fallen considerably from the dizzying heights it reached in December 2017. As of this writing, Bitcoin […]

What should you do now that the Fed has raised rates again?

In mid-December, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates again, contributing to some of the whipsaw volatility we saw at the end of the year. As an investor, you may be wondering what you should do now. Consider these three things: Review your portfolio Does your asset allocation still match your time horizon, risk tolerance, and […]

What to make of last quarter’s market volatility

Recent market volatility is a reminder that there are risks to investing. Given that markets has risen over the past 10 years without a major pullback, a downturn is a normal and healthy part of market movements. Without corrections, markets can become overvalued and bubbles can form. Concerns about an economic recession, however, are still […]

5 tips for tax-smart charitable giving in 2018

U.S. tax law has changed since you filed your federal taxes for 2017; the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act takes effect for 2018 tax filings. Since charitable giving is one of the few deductions that wasn’t eliminated or capped, donations to registered nonprofits are one of the best ways to reduce tax payments for taxpayers […]

GCC nations, Islamic debt assets to receive billions as region diversifies from oil

Debt markets in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have historically been unable to qualify for inclusion in emerging-market fixed income indexes or any other major fixed income index, which has resulted in lost investment in the region. But that’s all about to change. Next year, GCC countries are slated for inclusion in the prominent J.P. […]

Three RMD to-do’s before the end of the year

The end of the year is full of deadlines for your financial matters. Here are three of the most important to-do items when it comes to taking your required minimum distribution (RMD) from a retirement account. If you’re at least 70 years old and have a retirement account, you should read over this list and […]

Why you don’t need life insurance for your kids

Buying life insurance for kids is one of the big mistakes people make when it comes to their finances. Here’s the simple reason they don’t need it: they’re kids! One of the biggest reasons you buy life insurance is to replace income in case you aren’t around to produce it, especially if people you are […]

Azzad Portfolios Again Achieve ‘Top Guns’ Status from Informa Investment Solutions

Falls Church, Virginia, Nov. 20, 2018 — Azzad Asset Management announced today that three of its investment portfolios have been recognized as PSN Top Guns for time periods ending September 30, 2018. The firm’s small cap growth, small cap value, and REIT (real estate investment trust) strategies received the distinction from Informa Investment Solutions’ PSN […]

Year-end investment tips

Just what you need, right? One more time-consuming task to be taken care of between now and the end of the year. But taking a little time to make some strategic saving and investing decisions before December 31 can affect not only your long-term ability to meet your financial goals but also the amount of […]

How safe are your retirement savings in a bankruptcy?

How safe are your retirement savings in a bankruptcy? Are they at risk if you roll over a 401(k) to an IRA? In most cases, your 401(k) funds qualify for creditor protection under a federal law known as ERISA. ERISA contains a special clause that basically blocks your 401(k) money from the reach of most […]

IRA do’s and don’ts for 2019

The end of the year will be here before you know it. Consider making the following IRA tips into New Year’s resolutions and start 2019 on the right foot. NOTE: If you’re interested in starting a traditional 401(k), profit-sharing, or pension plan for year 2018, Azzad’s deadline is December 1). Check IRA and employer plan […]

Quiz: What’s your risk number?

Over the past two days, we watched markets drop as they haven’t done since February: the Dow is down 1,400 points, and the NASDAQ is near correction territory. If you’re feeling anxious about it, there’s a decent chance it can be traced to one of two things: missing context or misaligned risk appetite. CONTEXT Over […]

Pop quiz: When did the Dow last drop as much as it did today?

Short answer: Who cares? You’re not selling today, so don’t fret. Longer answer: The last time was eight months ago, but let’s put things in context. The Dow dropped by more than 800 points today — an amount that definitely catches attention. But in the grand scheme of things, it’s just a blip on the […]

Is it time for a reckoning in stocks?

Is it time for stocks to sell off? In light of the 10th anniversary of the collapse of Lehman Brothers last month, we should remember that it’s a mistake to be complacent about what could happen in markets. Extreme economic and financial events are far more likely to occur than we like to believe. But […]

Should you save for a child’s education in your name or theirs?

There are three potential drawbacks to saving money for a child’s education under his or her own name: the kiddie tax, federal financial aid rules, and control issues. First, the kiddie tax. At one time, saving money for college in a child’s name was recommended because of the tax saving opportunities that resulted when children […]

Understanding capital gains in light of new tax laws

The U.S. stock market this year has given total returns so far of close to 10 percent, which is a good thing for investors. But with the exception of savings in retirement accounts such as 401(k)s and individual retirement accounts (IRAs), Uncle Sam will probably take a cut of your newfound wealth in capital gains tax. […]

People debating Nike’s Kaepernick ads are missing an opportunity: Using shareholder activism to make their voices heard.

Sportswear company Nike has received both praise and condemnation for its decision to make former NFL quarterback and racial justice advocate Colin Kaepernick the face of its 30th anniversary “Just Do It” campaign. Many astute commentators have already noted that Nike, as a giant, publicly traded corporation, is laser-focused on making profits and maximizing value […]

Fatima Iqbal: Reflecting on 10 years with Azzad

Ten years ago, Fatima Iqbal joined Azzad as a financial advisor and the company’s first CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. She joined while the Global Financial Crisis was unfolding, just a few weeks before Lehman Brothers declared bankruptcy and a couple of months before President Bush signed into law the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, which […]

Living wills and trusts: Here’s what you need to know

Estate planning isn’t the most exciting thing to do, but it’s one of the most important–both for yourself and your family. If you have minor children and some assets, you probably need an estate plan regardless of your tax situation. Why you need a will or living trust If you die without a will (intestate), […]

Too much of a good thing is a good thing. Why eight portfolio managers are better than one.  

Are you concerned about the risks associated with keeping all your money in one place? We hope this will help put you at ease. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. This simple piece of commonsense wisdom has helped generations of people minimize their chances of losing everything. The idea of not concentrating all […]

U.S. fiscal issues loom: How larger deficits can hurt the economy

According to the most recent Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projection, the federal budget deficit for fiscal year 2018 (which ends on September 30) will reach $793 billion, or 3.9% of gross domestic product (GDP). This figure is $230 billion more than the CBO had previously estimated in June 2017, largely because legislation enacted since then […]

Whether you’re Muslim or not, annuities are a bad idea

We talk with a lot of people who come to us seeking advice about using annuities. We get why annuities can be attractive: they’re usually presented as being low-risk, reliable sources of retirement income. In the not-too-distant past, people had pensions through their employers — monthly income they knew they could count on when they […]

Everything you’ve always wanted to know about Roth IRA conversions, but were afraid to ask

With the lure of tax-free distributions, Roth IRAs have become popular retirement savings vehicles. According to the 2017 Investment Company Fact Book, about 17.4% of U.S. households owned Roth IRAs in 2016. One way to fund a Roth IRA is to convert some or all of your traditional IRA or other retirement plan money to […]

Turkish markets in turmoil: Anything but a delight for investors

Joshua Brockwell is Investment Communications Director at Azzad Asset Management. He can be reached at joshua@azzadfunds.com A selloff in Turkish markets over the last few days has reverberated around the globe, prompting investor flight to safe havens like U.S. Treasuries, the Swiss franc, and the Japanese yen. Turkey’s inability to prop up its tumbling lira, […]

Understand your net worth

Do you know how much you’re worth financially? Knowing your net worth can help you to better plan for your future and set savings goals. To calculate your net worth, add up the value of everything you own and subtract from that amount everything you owe. In other words, your assets minus your debt equals your […]

Azzad staff boost retirement plan expertise

On June 28, our qualified retirement plan consultant, Maha Ahmed, attended a special retirement plan symposium sponsored by Federated Investors. Led by an attorney team from Morgan Lewis, the panel discussed ways in which plan sponsors (employers who offer retirement plans) can defend themselves against allegations of fiduciary breach. The panel stressed that retirement plan […]

Portfolio Manager Spotlight: Federated Investment Management

In the past three months, we’ve seen bond markets struggle against a backdrop of rising rates and geopolitical tensions. Here’s how Azzad’s fixed-income portfolio manager, Federated Investment Management Company, handles the challenge. In the second quarter of 2018, many bond funds struggled as rates increased. The Federal Reserve raised rates two times in the first […]

Don’t be a DIY investor

Are you a DIY investor? Do-it-yourself (DIY) investors are always on the lookout for stock tips and asking their financial advisor to make lots of moves into and out of the stock market. And even though they have a professional financial advisor, they likely have another account on the side that they use to make […]

How to take advantage of long-term capital gains rates

Did you know that you or your heirs might be eligible for a 0% rate on long-term capital gains and dividends? The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) signed into law late last year kept the three federal income tax rates on long-term gains (0%, 15%, and 20%). But unlike the old rules, these rates […]

Financial Advisor Magazine names Azzad in 2018 RIA Survey and Ranking

FALLS CHURCH, Virginia (July 25, 2018) – Azzad Asset Management has been named in Financial Advisor magazine’s 2018 RIA Ranking. The report is an annual survey that ranks registered investment advisors (RIAs) based on percentage growth in assets from the previous calendar year and is the premier industry ranking of independent RIA growth. FA’s RIA […]

Time to max out your 401(k)

Only 13% of retirement savers maxed out their 401(k) contributions last year. Were you one of them? One great thing about saving for retirement in a 401(k) compared to an IRA is that you can contribute much more to the 401(k) account, regardless of your age. This year, you can contribute up to $18,500 if […]

Why stocks still look cheaper than bonds

Recent U.S. equity market weakness and volatility likely has some investors wondering if they should cut their exposure to stocks in favor of fixed income/bonds. But by at least one metric, such a move could be premature. Stocks remain inexpensive relative to bonds, and while the premium they offer has been steadily dropping for years, […]

Portfolio Manager Spotlight: Tributary Capital Management

Omaha, Nebraska is famous for being the home of one of the world’s most renowned investors, Warren Buffett. Indeed, the Oracle of Omaha, as he’s known, put the city on the map in the 1980s, causing bigger and more popular financial hubs like New York City and Chicago to sit up and take notice. These […]

Naming someone other than your spouse as the beneficiary for your IRA

Naming a beneficiary for your traditional IRA or employer-sponsored retirement plan may be one of the most important financial decisions you ever make. The beneficiary (or beneficiaries) you name will receive the funds remaining in your IRA or plan after you die, so consider your loved ones’ future needs. However, choosing the right beneficiary is […]

Investors really should care about immigration. Do you?

Why for-profit immigration detention facilities need to be excluded from socially responsible portfolios If you’re anything like me, you’ve watched with heartbreak the countless images flooding the news these days of asylum seekers in cages and children separated from their parents. You may have also wondered what you can do, short of heading to the […]

Azzad Client Portal Tutorial

A quick tutorial of the Azzad Client Portal – your one stop for performance, reports, and more.

Active management shines in a time of indexing

Passive management, or buying stocks that track an index, has caught on over the last several years. But changes in the economy and markets have made it easier for active managers to now show their worth, too. Active managers, those who pick stocks with the intent to beat an index and not just match its […]

American Muslim investors to donate $5.6 million to charity in Ramadan

Falls Church, Virginia, June 6, 2018 – Azzad Asset Management, a socially responsible, faith-based registered investment advisor, announced today that its Muslim clients are expected to donate approximately $5.6 million to charity during the holy month of Ramadan. The figure is the highest since Azzad began providing this calculation in 2005. In a statement, Azzad said: […]

SEC initiatives that could affect financial advisors

On April 12, 2018, our chief compliance officer (CCO), Ms. Manal Fouz, attended the Compliance Outreach Program in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The conference is designed to promote better communication between securities regulators and compliance officers. A limited number of CCOs from registered investment advisory firms nationwide are […]

Azzad zakah workshop 2018

Questions answered include: On what kinds of assets should I pay zakah? Do I owe zakah on my 401(k) and IRAs? Should I calculate zakah the same way for real estate and rental properties? Can I deduct my mortgage and other debt before I pay zakah? Learn how to calculate zakah on modern assets following […]

Chevron shareholders vote on cutting business ties with genocide-complicit governments

Chevron shareholders voted today on a resolution to evaluate a policy of cutting business ties with governments engaged in genocide or crimes against humanity. Filed by seven socially responsible investing organizations, the proposal cites specifically the nation of Myanmar, whose military stands accused of committing atrocities against the Rohingya ethnic minority. Chevron is the largest […]

Portfolio manager spotlight: Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management

Although the stocks of large companies like Amazon and Alphabet have been among the market leaders since last year, in recent months they’ve started to lose some of their luster. In their place, small company stocks have assumed the top spot for outsized performance. The reasons some of the market’s biggest returns have come from […]

Understanding Zakah

“They were enjoined only to worship God, sincere in their faith in Him alone—and of upright religion—and to establish prayer and to give zakah. Such is the upright religion. (Quran 98:5)

Does your toddler have a credit card?

They shouldn’t. But a new report shows that children are a more lucrative target for identity thieves than adults. On average, fraudsters are able to steal $2,303 by exploiting the identity of a minor, which is more than twice the average amount for adult victims. That’s according to a new report from Javelin Strategy & […]

Asset Allocation and You

Understanding how to balance stocks, fixed income, and cash.

Are you paying fees on top of fees?

Would you be willing to give up 40% per year in investment return? While most people would balk at the thought of losing that much money, they may be doing so unknowingly if they’re paying both advisor fees and mutual fund fees. A no-frills investment advisor would likely charge around 1% per year (this figure […]

Stocks vs. real estate

A lot of folks contact us asking about buying real estate. “They’re not making any more of it. And it’s a hard asset,” they say. When we’re asked this question, we try to explain the advantages of owning stocks instead of or in addition to real estate. One way we do this is explaining how our […]

Azzad Wealth Management Solution

Azzad CEO participates in AAOIFI conference on Islamic finance

Falls Church, Va., 4/26/2018 — Azzad Asset Management President and CEO Bashar Qasem joined senior officials, scholars, and industry leaders in Bahrain for an international conference on Islamic finance organized by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI). Held in conjunction with the Central Bank of Bahrain, the event took place in […]

FAQ about zakah and how Azzad calculates it

Here is some background info on zakah and purification, how Azzad calculates it, and the answers to a few frequently asked questions. Zakah is a financial obligation that every Muslim must pay if they own certain assets that are worth more than a certain amount, called the nisab, if they have owned those assets for […]

Five facts about Roth IRAs

By Ehab Alalfey Azzad Investment Advisor Fresh off a trip to an IRA conference organized by consumer advocate and IRA expert Ed Slott, Azzad’s Ehab Alalfey shares with you five facts about Roth IRAs that you may not know. Do you have a Roth IRA? Do you know how it’s different from a traditional IRA? […]

Repeal of investment expense deduction

You can be forgiven if you didn’t read all of the 600-page tax bill that Congress passed last year. Most members of Congress probably didn’t read it all either. But there were provisions buried in there that matter to some investors. One of those provisions relates to the investment expense deduction for separate accounts like […]

How do you know we won’t run off with your money?

What do a ticket reselling scheme featuring the Broadway hit “Hamilton,” a luxury real estate developer, and an Indian cryptocurrency ploy have in common? They were all Ponzi schemes whose fraudsters swindled millions of dollars from their unsuspecting victims last year. Sadly, Ponzi schemes are alive and thriving. In a Ponzi scheme, the fraudster uses […]

Indonesia is the first sovereign green bond issuer in Asia, but probably not the last

Green sukuk could fill a void in institutional investor portfolios Last month, Indonesia became the first sovereign green bond issuer in Asia, raising $1.25 billion in a five-year offering. In addition to the distinction of being the first sovereign issuer, Indonesia also made headlines because the product was a sukuk, or Islamic bond. The country’s […]

Changes with the new tax law

A brief summary of some of the biggest changes for individuals in the new tax law for 2018. This video discusses the new tax brackets, deduction amounts, Child Tax Credit changes, mortgage deductions, the individual mandate for health insurance, and more. This video is for informational purposes only. You should consult a tax professional for […]

Do you passively invest in assault weapons?

If you own an index fund, you may profit from the gun industry. Here’s why you shouldn’t. As they were grieving the tragic loss of life in the Parkland shooting, Florida teachers learned that they had been financially supporting the firearms industry through their state pensions. According to Bloomberg, at the end of last year the […]

Azzad Portfolios Achieve ‘Top Guns’ Status from Informa Investment Solutions

Large cap growth, small cap growth, and real estate strategies excel across multiple categories and reporting periods Falls Church, Va., 2/20/18 – Azzad Asset Management today announced that three of its investment strategies have been recognized as “Top Guns” for time periods ending December, 2017. The firm’s large cap growth, small cap growth, and REIT […]

Tax filing help for investors

What you need to know for your federal return. For tax information specific to your situation, consult a tax professional.

Azzad announces tech solution to help clients cope with volatility

Riskalyze is designed to calculate investor ‘comfort zone’ with a Risk Number® We are pleased to announce that Azzad has implemented Riskalyze, the world’s first risk alignment platform, to address our clients’ concerns about market volatility. Built on a Nobel Prize-winning framework, Riskalyze quantifies investors’ risk tolerance with the Risk Number®, a number between 1 […]

Volatility strikes back

If you’re a little taken aback by the whipsaws in markets lately, you’re not alone. Though jarring, what we’re experiencing is a perfectly normal return to volatility following two years of unusually smooth sailing. The surprise was that markets ran ahead so far so fast without any appreciable pullback. Last year, we saw six of […]

Why you shouldn’t invest like the head of the CDC

Brenda Fitzgerald, a medical doctor and former head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), resigned in January following reports that she had bought stock in a tobacco company after taking office in 2017. Disclosure forms indicated that Fitzgerald’s financial advisor purchased stock in Japan Tobacco, one of the largest tobacco companies in […]

Keep calm and buy when there’s blood in the streets

Financial markets are characterized by long cycles with many ups and downs. Successful investors block out fear and sensationalism and recognize that these market cycles are part of investing. In practically every bull market of the last 40 years, the U.S. stock market has experienced a correction during its rise. The Dow posted its worst […]

Dow drops: Are you ready for the stock market roller coaster?

Stocks markets took a break from their meteoric rise of the last several months. The Dow dropped 2.5%, and the S&P 500 fell 2.1% on Friday, capping their biggest weekly decline in more than two years. Although frustrating to some, today’s losses are likely a good thing. The market was in need of a pullback. […]

Azzad joins Investor Alliance for Human Rights

New initiative will press corporations to uphold human rights Falls Church, Va., February 1, 2018 — Azzad Asset Management announced today that it has joined faith-based investing colleagues in an alliance to oppose rollbacks on regulations and to encourage policies for corporations that protect human rights. Launched by the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, the […]

Investors ask companies to stay the course on Bangladesh factory safety accord

A group of 147 investors representing $3.7 trillion has asked signatories of the Accord on Fire and Building Safety to recommit to the landmark agreement signed in 2013. The Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh is a five-year independent, legally binding agreement between global brands and retailers and trade unions designed to build […]

2018 Market Outlook

The Dow at 25,000. A new tax regime. Is it morning in America? Stock markets hit multiple records throughout 2017. With double-digit returns for the Dow and S&P 500, investors are wondering if markets have the potential to reach even higher highs in the New Year. No one knows how long the bull market will […]

SMAs versus mutual funds

Which should you use for your financial goals? Mutual funds have been long been the choice for investors seeking professional money management. When you buy shares of a mutual fund, your assets are pooled with those of other fund shareholders, lowering costs and taking advantage of economies of scale. You gain professional money management, but […]

Why your mutual fund dropped on a day the market was up

On Monday, December 18, the Azzad Ethical Fund (ADJEX) made a capital gains distribution to all shareholders, which resulted in an adjusted net asset value (share price) that is lower than it was as of market close on Friday. This is something that all mutual funds do. ADJEX didn’t “tank,” so there’s no need to […]

Shareholders press Chevron to assess feasibility of policy change in light of Rohingya crisis

Burma-focused proposal asks Chevron to evaluate a policy of not doing business with governments engaging in genocide or crimes against humanity Falls Church, Va., Dec 18, 2017 –  A group of investors has filed for the second time a shareholder resolution with Chevron Corporation focused on the persecuted Rohingya minority in Burma (Myanmar). The proposal asks […]

Investors say executive pay packages at pharma may incentivize drug pricing risks

In resolutions at five U.S. drug makers, investors request a review of compensation policies that may drive senior execs to ignore the long-term business risks of skyrocketing drug costs. Falls Church, Va., 12/14/17 – Investors today announced they have filed resolutions at five major pharmaceutical companies asking for information about how well executive pay incentives mitigate […]

Make your money work for you

If at age 25 you deposit $100 a month into a mutual fund with an annualized return of 10% a year, you’ll have about $640,000 when you’re 65. You’ll have deposited a total of $48,000 of your own money. On the other hand, if you procrastinate and wait until you’re 40 to start saving, you’ll […]

Understanding Charitable Lead Trusts

Looking for a smarter way to give? The charitable lead trust may be right for you. This video explains the advantages of setting up a CLT to benefit a preferred non-profit organization. NOTE: Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

10 year-end tax tips for 2017

Here are 10 things to consider as you weigh potential tax moves between now and the end of the year. 1. Set aside time to plan Effective planning requires that you have a good understanding of your current tax situation, as well as a reasonable estimate of how your circumstances might change next year. There’s […]

Stakeholders press energy companies doing business with Myanmar to address Rohingya crisis

Investors with more than $53 billion in assets sign letters calling for an end to ‘business as usual’ in light of military crackdown Falls Church, Va., 10/23/17 — A group of investors and stakeholders has called on energy companies doing business in Myanmar/Burma to reassess their dealings in light of that country’s brutal military crackdown […]

Health care investing in a ‘post-Obamacare’ world

President Trump announced on October 16 that the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, is “dead.” How should investors interpret this new level of uncertainty introduced into the health care system? First, it’s important to clarify that Obamacare is still the law of the land and that taxpayers will pay a penalty if they […]

Understanding Riba

Riba is a fundamental and often misunderstood term in Islamic finance. This video will help you learn what it is, where it is found, and how to avoid it.

How to respond to fraud or a data breach

Time is of the essence, whether your personal data has been compromised as part of a larger targeted cyberattack or you are the victim of fraud or an individual cybercrime. You’ll need to take immediate action to minimize the impacts. These are steps you should take within specified time frames after discovering your data has […]

How to stay protected after the Equifax hack

Did you know that someone’s identity is stolen every 2-3 seconds? Or that the average loss per identity theft is around $5,000? How about the fact that it takes an average of 600 hours to recover from identity theft? Fraud and identify theft are a growth industry. As evidenced by the recent Equifax hack exposing […]

Three strategies to reduce your RMDs

Nothing lasts forever, not even the tax deferral on your IRA. When you turn 70½, the government will require that you withdraw money from your IRA; those withdrawals are known as required minimum distributions, or RMDs. But what if you don’t need the money? What if you want to avoid a tax hit? Here are […]

What the Lehman Brothers anniversary teaches us about Islamic finance

Nine years ago this month, Lehman Brothers investment bank filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, triggering a global financial crisis in earnest as millions of families lost their homes, savings, and jobs. Though most of the world has since recovered from the crisis, it benefits us all to consider measures to prevent similar problems in the […]

Investor coalition asks Chevron to press Myanmar government for resolution to Rohingya crisis

Groups representing more than $30 billion in assets say ‘business as usual’ must end following government escalation of violence against minority population Falls Church, Va., 8/31/17 — Shareholders and other investor organizations delivered a letter to energy giant Chevron Corporation today, asking the company to use its leverage with the Myanmar government to end military […]

Azzad Portfolios Achieve ‘Top Guns’ Status from Informa Investment Solutions

Large cap growth, small cap growth, and real estate strategies excel across multiple categories and reporting periods Falls Church, Va., 8/21/17 – Azzad Asset Management today announced that three of its investment portfolios have been recognized as “Top Guns” for time periods ending June 30, 2017. The firm’s large cap growth, small cap growth, and […]

Do you want barakah in your wealth?

Excerpted from the August 2017 Azzad newsletter I want to talk about barakah. The term itself is something that Muslims the world over use in various forms throughout the day. Phrases like “asalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu,” “eid mubarak,” and “barakAllah feekum” are commonly heard in our Muslim communities. People often ask God to […]

What happens when you withdraw money early from a retirement account?

When money gets tight, you might start thinking about raiding your retirement nest egg. Before you do, we urge you to consider how much it will truly cost you. By comparing different options, you’ll be able to figure out if withdrawing that money makes financial sense for you. With few exceptions, withdrawing money early from […]

Charles Schwab goes halal

Azzad has been working with Charles Schwab to make the portfolios in the Azzad Ethical Wrap Program available in its retirement plans. If your employer retirement plan is on the Schwab platform and it allows for a Schwab Personal Choice Retirement Account® (PCRA), you can now access Azzad’s full complement of halal investment portfolios through […]

Rolling over your traditional 401(k) to a Roth IRA

Do you have a 401(k)? Ever wondered if you could roll over that account into a Roth IRA? You might be surprised to hear that it’s possible. You can make a direct or 60-day rollover from a 401(k) plan (or other qualified plan, 403(b) plan, or governmental 457(b) plan) to a Roth IRA, as long […]

Not Islamic enough? Why a sukuk issuer now claims its ‘Islamic bond’ isn’t worthy of the name

When are Islamic bonds not really Islamic? If you’re Sharjah-based energy company Dana Gas, the answer is: whenever the company says so. In June, the company announced that it no longer considered its two Islamic bonds, issued in 2013 and valued at $700 million, to be Shariah compliant under United Arab Emirates law. After Dana […]

How to calculate your rate of return

Measuring your rate of return (ROR) is not always straightforward. There are many types of ROR, and investors are not usually aware of their differences. There are three measures of return that are frequently used: simple rate of return (SRR), internal rate of return (IRR), and time-weighted return (TWR). These measures all calculate performance differently. […]

American Muslim investors donate $4.6 million to charity for Ramadan

Azzad calculates zakah amounts for clients to meet Islamic investing requirements Falls Church, Va., June 14, 2017 — Azzad Asset Management, a socially responsible, faith-based investment firm, announced today that its Muslim clients are expected to donate a record amount of money this year in order to fulfill their religious obligation of giving in charity a certain […]

Despite Qatar blockade, investors still bullish

Crisis could be subdued with traders fasting for Ramadan On June 5, the nation of Qatar received news that a bloc of Arab countries led by Saudi Arabia would cut air, sea, and land links with the peninsular monarchy. In Doha, worried residents emptied store shelves knowing that Qatar depends on sea routes and its […]

Chevron shareholders vote on business with genocide-complicit governments

Falls Church, Va., 5/31/17 — Shareholders of energy giant Chevron voted today on a proposal for the company to evaluate a policy of no longer doing business with countries believed to be complicit in genocide. The proposal focuses on the nation of Myanmar/Burma, whose military is accused of committing atrocities against the Rohingya ethnic minority. […]

Top five cybersecurity tips

Last month, a widespread ransomware attack, known as WannaCry, rapidly affected numerous organizations across over one hundred countries. As cyber threats continue to evolve, we must work together to ensure these criminals can’t access your personal data or accounts. Here are 5 protective measures you can take to avoid becoming a victim. 1. Keep your […]

Calculating zakah (2017) with pop quiz

Ever wondered if you have to pay zakah on a 401(k)? What about bonds in your portfolio? This webinar will explain the consensus opinion on how to calculate zakah according to the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI). Learn how to calculate what you may owe on retirement accounts, investment accounts, real […]

Azzad Again Named ‘Top Guns Manager’ by Informa Investment Solutions

Four socially responsible strategies receive top honors for first quarter 2017 Falls Church, Va., 5/17/17 – A leading faith-based asset manager has been recognized with Top Guns status by Informa Investment Solutions’ PSN manager database. Three of Azzad Asset Management’s strategies were among the top 10 performers within peer groups reporting to PSN, the longest-running investment […]

Azzad Ethical Fund becomes first halal enhanced index fund in U.S.

(Falls Church, VA, May 15, 2017) — Investment advisor Azzad Asset Management has announced a new investment strategy for its mid-cap growth Azzad Ethical Fund (ticker: ADJEX) that makes it the first halal mid-cap enhanced index fund in the United States. Launched in 2000, ADJEX is an ethically screened mid-cap growth mutual fund sub-advised by […]

Azzad joins interfaith investor group seeking worker protections in Bangladesh factories

Shareholder advocates continue call for garment industry safety regulations on 4th anniversary of Rana Plaza disaster FALLS CHURCH, VA, April 25, 2017 – Socially responsible investment firm Azzad Asset Management yesterday marked the fourth anniversary of the largest garment factory accident in history, renewing an interfaith appeal to apparel makers to enact meaningful change in […]

Understanding the roots of Islamic social activism: The Pact of Chivalry

“Even if red camels were offered to me in exchange for the Pact of Chivalry, I would not accept them.” – Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) Azzad has taken on a leading role in financial activism and social justice of late. This is inspired in part by an instance in the life of Prophet […]

The cost of not tracking your IRA contributions

Do you know how much you’re allowed to contribute to your IRA each year? Are you periodically tracking your deposits? Contributing more than the permitted amount can result in costly penalties. Fortunately, there are ways to fix it. How can it happen?  Let’s look at a hypothetical example. In 2016, Ahmad, age 51, set up […]

Shareholder Advocacy – How to file proxy resolutions and why it should matter to you

Do you want to be the change you seek in the world? Consider putting your money to work through shareholder advocacy. Shareholder advocacy refers to actions taken by stockholders to ask the companies they own to change their behavior for the public good. Think of asking an energy company to report on its carbon footprint […]

Azzad joins interfaith coalition asking SEC to reassess pay ratio rule

(Falls Church, Virginia, 3/22/17) — Azzad Asset Management has joined other faith-based organizations in signing a letter to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) calling for the continuation of a rule requiring companies to disclose how much CEOs make compared to their employees. The pay ratio provision is part of the 2010 Dodd-Frank […]

Private prisons: Wrong at any price

By Fatima Iqbal, CFP® In late February, Attorney General Jeff Sessions reversed a Department of Justice (DOJ) plan to phase out the use of for-profit prisons. This boosted the stock prices of the two publicly traded for-profit prison companies in the U.S., Geo Group and CoreCivic (formerly known as Corrections Corporation of America), which had […]

Impact of Islamic Investment Criteria

An analysis of US and Global Portfolios

Top 5 Required Minimum Distribution Questions

1) What are required minimum distributions (RMDs)? Required minimum distributions, often referred to as RMDs, are amounts that the government requires you to withdraw annually from IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans after you reach age 70½. You can always withdraw more than the minimum amount from your IRA or plan in any year, but if […]

How halal investing can impact your bottom line

Did you know that Azzad’s portfolio managers start with a smaller investable universe than most conventional money managers? That’s because we apply halal investing or Islamic investment screens to the investable universe before each manager even begins his or her investment process. This screening eliminates nearly all financial and utilities stocks. It also eliminates companies […]

Why you should think about diversifying

Different types of investments perform better in different market conditions. Investing in a variety of assets like stocks, fixed income, and real estate can result in better diversification and help reduce the risk for your overall investment portfolio. In fact, one study found that how you diversify your portfolio can account for more than 90% […]

Fighting global inequality with Islamic finance

A January 2017 report issued by Oxfam found that the eight richest individuals in the world have a net wealth of $426 billion–equivalent to the total amount of wealth held by the poorest 50% of the global population (some 3.7 billion people). That same report found that the world’s 10 largest corporations together have revenue […]

Understanding Risk

Risk is an everyday part of investing. But it shouldn’t prevent you from participating in the market — because investing in stocks is one of the best ways to accumulate and grow wealth. Azzad Financial Advisor Ehab Alalfey explains what to look for when investing and offers some practical advice for pros and novices alike.

Azzad joins coalition asking CEOs to oppose Pres. Trump’s refugee and immigrant ban

(Falls Church, Va., 2/2/17) — Azzad Asset Management has joined other socially responsible investment institutions in signing a coalition letter to the 19 CEOs who are members of President Trump’s Strategic and Policy Forum, asking them to exercise their influence to oppose the president’s recent executive order barring refugees and certain immigrants from seven majority-Muslim […]

2017 Investment Outlook

The Dow at 20,000. Trumponomics. A stronger U.S. dollar. Stock markets surprised to the upside in 2016 following a rocky start to the year. With strong returns for the Dow and S&P 500, investors are optimistic that markets are poised for even higher highs. No one knows how long the bull market will last or […]

Bridging the wealth gap: What to do about global inequality

A January 2017 report issued by Oxfam found that the eight richest individuals in the world have a net wealth of $426 billion–equivalent to the total amount of wealth held by the poorest 50% of the global population (some 3.7 billion people). That same report found that the world’s 10 largest corporations together have revenue […]

Azzad asks Alphabet to adopt Holy Land Principles

Falls Church, Va., 1/5/16 – Azzad Asset Management and a nonprofit organization focused on workers’ rights have filed shareholder resolutions with Alphabet (formerly Google), calling on the company to implement fair hiring practices with respect to the Arab Palestinian population working at its offices in Israel. Azzad co-filed in support of the lead filer, The […]

Education Savings

How to manage cost, investment strategy, and goals

Retirement Savings

How to get started today

Our stock market predictions for 2017

by Ehab Alalfey, Azzad financial advisor The most common question clients ask me is: “What do you think the future holds for the stock markets?” I’m new here at Azzad, but it’s the same question clients asked when I was at Raymond James. My answer is always the same: no one really knows. But if […]

Buy stock. Save the world.

We’ve been talking a lot about shareholder advocacy at Azzad recently–and about how it’s a largely untapped way for concerned citizens to take action on issues we care about. For those who aren’t familiar with it, shareholder advocacy refers to actions taken by stock investors (shareholders) to ask the companies whose stock they own to […]

Top 5 investor mistakes

We talk a lot about investor behavior at Azzad. Unlike the ups and downs of markets, it’s one of the few variables investors can control. Successful investing is hard, but it doesn’t require genius. Often, success simply means identifying your own psychological weaknesses and changing some behaviors in response. Azzad’s investment advisors have identified five […]

First shareholder resolution on Rohingya presses Chevron on business ties to Burma government

Resolution asks oil giant to halt business with regimes engaged in genocide or crimes against humanity Falls Church, Va., 12/12/16 – A socially responsible investment firm and a Roman Catholic international religious congregation announced today that they have filed the first shareholder resolution focused on the persecuted Burmese Rohingya minority, calling on California-based Chevron Corporation […]

Azzad asks pharma companies to reassess drug pricing

Socially responsible investment firm joins interfaith coalition to make health care more affordable Falls Church, Va., 12/5/16 – Azzad Asset Management, investment advisor to the Azzad Funds, announced today that it has submitted drug pricing proposals to Merck & Co. and Gilead Sciences, two major pharmaceutical companies that manufacture some of America’s most popular prescription […]

2016 Year-End Financial Planning Basics

As we end the year, it’s time for some housekeeping tasks such as updating your beneficiary information for retirement accounts or other investment accounts. Plus, the window of opportunity for many tax-saving measures ends on December 31. There’s still time to affect your bottom line for the 2016 tax year, but you need to act […]

Azzad Signs Statements in Support of Environmental Safeguards

Investor statements appeal to private and public sectors to combat climate change Azzad recently joined two initiatives targeting climate change. The first is a business and investor statement to President-elect Donald Trump in support of U.S. participation in the Paris Climate Agreement. Organized by Ceres, a coalition of sustainability-focused groups, the statement is intended to […]

Investor Behavior: Principles of Investing

Do you have basic questions about investing but don’t know where to get started? This video is right for you.

Azzad stock portfolio earns ‘Top Guns’ status from Informa Investment Solutions

Falls Church, Va., 11/17/16 – Azzad Asset Management today announced that one of its investment portfolios has again been recognized with one of the asset management industry’s highest honors. The firm’s small-cap growth stock strategy was awarded “Top Guns” distinction from Informa Investment Solutions’ PSN manager ranking database for the 1-year period ending September 30, […]

Make investing great again

Why a Muslim investment company thinks shareholder activism is what this country needs right now As President-elect Trump goes about the task of putting his administration and cabinet in order, one thing looks certain: corporate lobbyists are setting their sights on the political novice and his team. I read with great concern a recent article […]

Markets react to a Trump surprise

Azzad Special Election Comment Early this morning, Dow futures dropped 750 points in the wake of Donald Trump’s electoral victory. In fact, the news sent a shock wave through global markets, with most selling off over fears of what a Trump win means for the status quo. Although the U.S. stock market has posted gains […]

Azzad increases investor activism, files first corporate shareholder resolution

Shareholder activism is an important part of Azzad’s ethical investing philosophy. In recent months, we have elevated our involvement in advocacy efforts by engaging corporations on matters of policy, in addition to our longstanding practice of proxy voting in accordance with our ethical guidelines. As part of our move into more active shareholder advocacy, Azzad […]

Azzad participates in 11th Annual AAOIFI-World Bank conference on Islamic finance

Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, November 7, 2016 — Representatives from Azzad Asset Management joined leading scholars and senior officials from central banks, financial institutions, and regulators for an annual gathering on Islamic finance hosted by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI). Organized in cooperation with the World Bank and under the auspices […]

Election 2016 commentary: How markets may fare in a Trump administration

Note: At Azzad, we do not position our portfolios in anticipation of any singular event. Rather, we focus on factors that we believe allow our clients to increase their chances for a positive investment outcome across all market environments over the long term. For more detail, watch Azzad’s video on the pitfalls of a short-term […]

Azzad signs statement calling for reforms in Bangladesh manufacturing sector

Investor statement comes after September factory fire kills 35 workers FALLS CHURCH, VA – (October 27, 2016) – Azzad Asset Management, investment advisor to the Azzad Funds, announced today that it has joined a coalition of investors calling on multinational corporations to enact greater protections for factory workers in Bangladesh. This follows a September 10 boiler […]

Investor Behavior: Short-Term Focus

Many investors talk long term, but act short term. Those with a short-term focus are often overly sensitive to volatility regardless of time horizon. That’s a mistake that can put you at a disadvantage when it comes to achieving your investment goals.

Why sub-zero interest rates are good for Asian debt

The BOJ effect Why sub-zero interest rates are good for Asian debt Despite warnings that outflows following the 2013 “taper tantrum” would continue into this year, investor interest in emerging market (EM) debt — specifically Asian — has made a comeback. July’s asset inflows for EM debt funds, for example, stood at $13.3 billion globally, […]

Investor Behavior: Hot Hand Fallacy

When an investor suffers from hot hand fallacy, he or she tends to wrongly attribute a string of successes to skill instead of chance. This can be damaging to the long-term success of a portfolio.

Azzad participates in World Bank Islamic finance event

Representatives from Azzad Asset Management, investment advisor to the Azzad Funds, joined senior officials from central banks, financial institutions, and regulators in Washington, DC for a symposium on Islamic finance organized by the World Bank and the Islamic Financial  Services Board. Held in conjunction with the annual International Monetary Fund and World Bank governors meeting, the […]

Azzad welcomes Dr. Mohamad Alzuhili to Shariah advisory board

(Falls Church, Virginia, 10/5/16) — Azzad Asset Management, investment advisor to the halal, socially responsible Azzad Funds, announced today that Dr. Mohamad Alzuhili has joined its Shariah advisory board. The board is an advisory body focused on best practices in the Islamic finance industry. “We are so fortunate to have Dr. Alzuhili join our board,” […]

Five ways to protect against a cybersecurity attack

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month and practicing good cyber security habits is critical in today’s interconnected world. Here are five ways you can protect yourself and your family from a cyber security attack: #1: Install and update security software. The best defense against viruses, malware, and other online threats is a security software program. […]

In yield-starved world, emerging market debt attracts assets

When Moody’s downgraded Turkey’s credit rating to below investment grade on Friday, September 23, few were surprised when the country’s debt and equity markets sold off the following Monday. More surprising, however, were the results of an auction of new government 10-year notes: the debt offering received the most bids in nearly two years. Turkey’s […]

Lehman Brothers eight years later

Eight years ago this month, Lehman Brothers filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. With that, the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) kicked off in earnest, and millions of families lost their homes, savings, and jobs. Concepts from Islamic finance can offer simple yet effective guidelines to help us avoid the worst of financial crises. With the Lehman […]

When should you take Social Security?

Many people assume that they have to begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits as soon as they retire and stop working, but that’s not the case. Retiring and claiming Social Security benefits are different. You have options, and learning about them may help you make a well-informed decision about when to start receiving your benefits. […]

Azzad joins call for food industry to end use of antibiotics on livestock

FALLS CHURCH, VA, September 19, 2016 — Azzad Asset Management, investment advisor to the Azzad Funds, announced today that it has joined a consortium of responsible investors and shareholder advocacy groups in support of a United Nations’ call to end antibiotic use in global food supply chains. Organized by the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility […]

Why the Dakota Access Pipeline could mean trouble for banks

In North Dakota, thousands of tribal leaders and activists are camped along the Cannonball River by the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation to resist the construction of the $3.8 billion Dakota Access pipeline (DAPL). Once complete, the pipeline is expected to carry 570,000 barrels of oil per day from the Bakken and Three Forks oil fields […]

Investor Behavior: Overconfidence

Many investors talk long term, but act short term. Those with a short-term focus are often overly sensitive to volatility regardless of time horizon. That’s a mistake that can put you at a disadvantage when it comes to achieving your investment goals.

First U.S. halal fixed income fund passes $100 million in net assets

FALLS CHURCH, VA, August 31, 2016) – Azzad Asset Management today announced that its flagship mutual fund — the first halal fixed income fund in the United States — crossed the $100 million threshold in August. A socially responsible, interest-free alternative to bond funds, the Azzad Wise Capital Fund (NASDAQ: WISEX) was launched in 2010. […]

How to make your portfolio “fracking-free”

As the 2016 presidential campaign gets into full swing, voters across the country have an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates on important issues. Neither of the two major political parties has taken a coherent, ethically rigorous stance on hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.” But there are other ways for the ecologically conscious to make […]

Why Azzad didn’t invest in private prisons

When the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it would stop contracting with for-profit prison operators, Azzad’s investment team remembered why we chose not to invest in private prisons. At Azzad, we follow internationally accepted criteria for Islamic investing: avoiding interest, leverage, alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and pork products. We also implement selected additional social […]

Azzad recognized again as ‘Top Guns Manager’ by Informa Investment Solutions

Falls Church, Va., 8/18/16 – Azzad Asset Management today announced that it has been recognized with Top Guns status by Informa Investment Solutions’ PSN manager database. Four of the firm’s strategies were among the top 10 performers within one or more peer groups reporting to PSN, the longest-running investment manager database in North America. “We […]

Sukuk bonds: Where the smart money is headed?

In today’s upside-down economic environment, tepid stock markets and negative interest rates in parts of Europe and Asia mean that neither equities nor bonds has provided the kind of performance many would like. Where can one look for an acceptable return? The answer may be sukuk bonds. Global dollar sales of sukuk climbed to $14 […]

Turkey’s failed coup creates an unlikely winner: Islamic banking

As the Turkish people pick up the pieces following the attempted military takeover of their government on June 15, speculation about the country’s economic future is rampant. From a slump in capital and credit markets to a downgrade in the country’s sovereign credit rating, many pundits are bearish about the long-term prospects for the republic. […]

Grow Your Advisory Firm with the American Muslim Investor

Grow Your Advisory Firm with the American Muslim Investor Are you interested in tapping into a market with above average levels of education and income? According to recent studies analyzing the American Muslim market: American Muslims have more than $100 billion in discretionary income. (Dinar Standard) Ninety-eight percent of Muslim consumers feel American brands “don’t […]

Azzad announces completion of independent Islamic audit

(Falls Church, Virginia, 7/12/16) — A leader in Islamic finance in the United States announced today the successful completion of an external Shariah audit and verification of its policies and procedures. Azzad Asset Management, investment advisor to the Azzad Funds, became the first firm in the United States to obtain such a verification with a […]

Avoid this fatal IRA rollover error

The IRS allows you to correct most errors. However, there is one error you cannot fix that could seriously harm your retirement funds. It’s a relatively new rule (became effective Jan. 1, 2015), and if you aren’t aware of it, it can cost you dearly. The rule: An individual can only do one 60-day IRA-to-IRA […]

Investing in a post-Brexit world

The United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, or “Brexit,” became official yesterday with 52% of the vote. As expected, markets are reeling from the resulting uncertainty. Even though there is no precedent for what’s to come, we know a couple of things for sure. First, it will take two years to formally withdraw from […]

Turn lemons into lemonade during periods of volatility

Staying focused on the bright side is admittedly hard to do when the markets are volatile. Fortunately, there are always some silver linings amid market volatility. For investors who feel the urge to do something in response to the markets, here are four things you can do to help minimize your tax exposure without altering […]

Azzad clients to donate more than $4 million in charity this Ramadan

FALLS CHURCH, Va., June 21, 2016 — Azzad Asset Management, a socially responsible, faith-based investment firm, announced today that its Muslim clients are expected to donate a record amount of money this year in order to fulfill their religious obligation of giving in charity a certain percentage of their wealth. The company calculates that its clients will […]

The facts and fiction behind self-directed IRAs

Not long ago, the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) issued a warning to investors about custodians who handle self-directed individual retirement accounts (IRAs). A self-directed IRA holds nontraditional investments like real estate, metals, or limited partnerships. These accounts have been the subject of growing regulatory scrutiny and punitive action. Before investing in a self-directed […]

Three questions to ask when shopping for an investment

Investors who pay attention only to a fund’s return are missing out on valuable information. Determining how a fund achieved its returns can be just as important as analyzing the returns themselves. Evaluating a fund properly not only helps you compare it with other funds; it lets you see whether a fund matches your investing […]

Calculating Zakah on Modern Financial Assets (2016)

Calculating Zakah on Modern Financial Assets Zakah refers to the act of purifying one’s wealth by giving a portion of it to those in need. When calculating zakah, many questions can arise: Do I owe zakah on my IRA? How about on my 401(k) plan at work? What if interest-bearing bonds are part of the […]

Financial Times names Azzad a top registered investment adviser for 2016

FALLS CHURCH, Virginia (June 16, 2016) – Socially responsible registered investment adviser Azzad Asset Management announced today that it has been named one of the Financial Times’s 300 Top Registered Investment Advisers. The list recognizes top independent RIA firms across the U.S. The firm said in a statement: “Azzad Asset Management is honored to receive […]

Five questions to ask before investing

Sometimes we get calls from clients asking us to research certain investments they’ve heard of that promise income without risk. Putting aside the question of whether or not such investments are halal, investors may be unknowingly falling for a potential Ponzi or pyramid scheme. Keep in mind that such a scheme could go undiscovered for […]

New DOL rules for businesses with employees earning $47,476 or less

If you don’t currently track the number of hours your salaried employees work, you may want to begin doing so now. That’s because salaried employees earning $47,476 or less will no longer be exempt from overtime pay. Regulations passed last month by the Department of Labor increased the salary threshold for overtime exemption from $23,600 […]

Investment basics

Are you invested in the right mix of stocks, Islamic bonds, and cash? Azzad teaches you the basics.

Dr. Abdulbari Mashal joins Azzad Shariah advisory board

(Falls Church, Virginia, 5/24/16) — Azzad Asset Management, investment advisor to the halal, socially responsible Azzad Funds, announced today the addition of Dr. Abdulbari Mashal to its Shariah advisory board. The board is an advisory body focused on best practices in the Islamic finance industry. In a statement, Azzad President and CEO Bashar Qasem said: […]

Two Azzad portfolios achieve ‘Top Guns’ status from Informa Investment Solutions

Falls Church, Va., 5/19/16 – Azzad Asset Management today announced that its investment portfolios have been recognized with one of the asset management industry’s highest honors. The firm’s REIT (real estate investment trust) strategy and small-cap growth stock strategy were awarded “Top Guns” distinction from Informa Investment Solutions’ PSN manager ranking database for the first […]

How to calculate your actual investment performance

A question we’re often asked is: What is my performance? If you’re like most people and you calculate your returns by dividing your account’s end value by its initial value, a method called simple rate of return (SRR), then you could be off, way off. Using SRR may be appropriate only if you deposited a […]

When 401(k) plans go bad: avoiding disqualification

By Maha Ahmed, Azzad qualified plan financial consultant Business owners who sponsor 401(k) plans understand the favorable tax benefits these plans can provide. But the benefits come at a cost. Employers must follow strict Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Department of Labor rules. Those who don’t can find themselves in hot water. A 401(k) plan […]

Azzad participates in 25th anniversary AAOIFI conference

MADINAH, Saudi Arabia, May 6, 2016 — Azzad Asset Management, investment advisor to the Azzad Funds, joined senior officials, scholars, and industry leaders in Saudi Arabia for an international conference on promoting the Islamic economy organized by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI). Held in conjunction with the Saudi Capital Market Authority, the […]

Momentum vs Valuation: Making Sense of Markets

Momentum vs Valuation: Making Sense of Markets Price momentum is the concept that stocks that have moved higher in the recent past will continue to move higher in the future. It is one of the most common drivers of investment returns. In 2015, the argument over price momentum versus traditional methods of stock valuation took […]

Global warming’s best friend: the megabank

Most of us are aware of the existential threat that climate change poses to our species. The immediate impacts of a warmer planet range from melting polar ice caps to drought, famine, and extreme weather events globally. Google the phrase “Kiribati climate change” to read more about the people whose country is expected to be […]

New rules affect retirement savings advice

On April 6, 2016, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued new “conflict of interest” rules regarding financial advice as it relates to retirement plans and IRAs. The new DOL rules generally hold financial professionals to a fiduciary standard if they receive compensation for providing investment advice to retirement plan participants or IRA owners, which means […]

Azzad renews appeal to apparel makers to protect worker rights

FALLS CHURCH, VA, April 25, 2016 — Azzad Asset Management, a faith-based socially responsible investment firm and investment advisor to the Azzad Funds, reiterated today its call for ongoing reforms in the Bangladesh garment sector, three years after an eight-story factory collapsed in the capital of Dhaka killing more than 1,100 workers and injuring 2,500. […]

Azzad joins call to investigate ExxonMobil over climate change

FALLS CHURCH, VA, April 6, 2016 — Azzad Asset Management, investment advisor to the Azzad Funds, announced today that it has added its voice to a growing campaign to investigate whether Exxon Mobil Corp. intentionally misled the public and its shareholders about the risks of climate change. In April, a group of socially responsible investment […]

A lesson in nonviolent activism

Earlier this month, a Palestinian schoolteacher from the West Bank named Hanan Al Hroub was awarded the 2016 Global Teacher Prize for her innovative approach to helping children suffering from trauma recover and learn nonviolence through play. Pope Francis awarded the prize in a video recorded in Rome, and messages of support were sent from […]

Azzad calls for DOL to reinforce shareholder rights for pension plans

FALLS CHURCH, Va., March 22, 2016 — Azzad Asset Management, investment advisor to the Azzad Funds, announced today that it has joined a coalition of socially responsible financial firms in calling for the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to rescind a bulletin that undermines the exercise of shareholder rights by fiduciaries. Organized by the Forum for […]

Ethically Screening Your Investments

Ethically Screening Your Investments Recent research indicates that over the long term, certain ethical screening tools may be able to help you achieve your investment goals with only moderate levels of risk. But which screens should you use? Learn about Azzad Asset Management’s approach to ethical, halal investing—one that avoids leveraged companies and other impermissible […]

Get out the (proxy) vote!

With the 2016 elections still months away, the wall-to-wall media coverage may leave you itching to cast your vote early. Consider putting that energy to good use by making your voice heard on corporate issues. Today, corporations make most decisions of consequence in our society. As the owner or shareholder of a stock or shares […]

Be prepared for an audit of your business retirement plan

As you prepare your tax returns, it’s easy to see why a retirement plan is one of the best tax deductions you can get. Contributions to a qualified plan can potentially get you a big tax break — as big as $53,000 with a defined contribution plan or even $100,000 or more with a pension […]

The Case for Alternative Investments in Volatile Markets

The Case for Alternative Investments in Volatile Markets Volatility has gripped markets in recent months. A slowdown in China, Federal Reserve policy, and deteriorating US economic data have all been blamed. Regardless of the reason, investors and financial advisors alike are left wondering how to play this market. Join us for a discussion with Federated’s […]

Azzad Wise Capital Fund increases social impact with trade finance investments

(FALLS CHURCH, Va., February 23, 2016) – Azzad Asset Management today announced that it has further magnified the social impact of its flagship mutual fund by adding investments in ethical trade finance deals. These investments may provide returns for investors while helping underserved populations in Asia and Africa obtain reasonable financing to grow businesses and […]

Don’t break up the big banks. Give Islamic banking a try.

Recently appointed Minneapolis Federal Reserve President Neel Kashkari stunned the banking industry after a recent speech in which he advocated breaking up “too big to fail” banks. In remarks at the Brookings Institution in mid-February, Kashkari said the “biggest banks are still too big to fail and continue to pose a significant, ongoing risk to […]

Global Community Investing as an Asset Class

Global Community Investing as an Asset Class In this encore presentation originally given at the 2015 SRI Conference, Azzad’s Joshua Brockwell and Amina Rubin explain how ethical trade finance investments can help both individual investors and small businesses in the developing world.

Azzad real estate strategy ranked #1 again

Falls Church, Va., 2/17/16 – Azzad Asset Management today announced that it has again been recognized with one of the institutional asset management industry’s highest honors. The firm’s REIT (real estate investment trust) strategy was awarded “Top Guns” distinction from Informa Investment Solutions’ PSN manager ranking database for the fourth quarter, 1-year, and 3-year periods […]

3 common 401(k) mistakes employers and employees should avoid

For most people, saving in a 401(k) retirement plan is vital for their future financial health. Trying to save for retirement in a taxable account is not only challenging, but it’s nearly impossible to duplicate the same tax deferred compounding you get from a tax deferred (and often tax deductible) retirement account. Therefore, employers and […]

Halal Investing for College and Retirement

This January 2016 presentation given by Azzad’s Fatima Iqbal, CFP, at Chicago’s Muslim Community Center offers ways to save and invest for college and retirement.

Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility welcomes Azzad to winter conference

NEW YORK, Feb. 3, 2016 — Azzad Asset Management, investment advisor to the Azzad Funds, joined representatives from Christian, Jewish, and other faith traditions this week for the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility’s (ICCR) Winter Conference. Organized by ICCR to discuss shareholder advocacy efforts in the coming year, the event was held at the Interchurch […]

10 frequently asked questions about IRAs

1-      When is my IRA contribution due? Your traditional and Roth IRA contribution must be made no later than April 18. If you make your contributions in year 2016, make sure your financial institution reports the deposit for year 2015. Your SEP IRA contribution for year 2015 isn’t due until you file your tax return […]

Promoting peace through trade

In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly on countering violent extremism, President Barack Obama quoted Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah, founder of the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies, as saying, “We must declare war on war so the outcome will be peace upon peace.” This noble sentiment is certainly worth pursuing, but […]

Ask yourself these two questions in volatile markets

This has been the worst ever start to a year for the stock market, and stocks tanked again today. But that’s not all. Investors are seeking the security of government bonds. Oil continues to trade below $30 a barrel. Netflix is raising its prices. A massive snowstorm threatens the Mid-Atlantic. The new Star Wars movie […]

Answering your questions about market volatility

Stocks sold off today, continuing their up and down ride to start the year. Azzad clients are usually savvy enough to know that these types of events are prime opportunities to rebalance their portfolios or to buy stocks while they’re selling at a discount. But even the best of us find ourselves questioning our financial […]

Three best practices for remitting 401(k) contributions

By Maha Ahmed Qualified Plan Financial Consultant Sponsoring a business retirement plan like a 401(k) can be a smart way to save big on taxes, maximize retirement savings, and attract and retain qualified employees. As sponsors, employers have certain responsibilities under the plan; the most important is properly managing plan contributions. Failure to comply with […]

Azzad finalizes gun-free investing policy

FALLS CHURCH, Virginia, Dec. 8, 2015 – Azzad Asset Management, investment advisor to the Azzad Funds, announced today that it will formally refrain from investing in companies that manufacture the weapons that have been used in mass shootings and other gun violence in the United States. The firm’s investment committee identified three companies in particular that […]

Azzad participates in AAOIFI-World Bank conference on Islamic banking

MANAMA, Bahrain, Dec. 8, 2015 — A representative of Azzad Asset Management joined senior representatives from central banks, financial institutions, and regulators in the Kingdom of Bahrain for the annual Islamic banking and finance conference organized by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI). Held in conjunction with the World Bank and under the […]

Understanding Market Volatility

As an investor, you might feel nervous about market volatility, especially when the trend seems to be heading downward. But reacting emotionally is never a good investment strategy. It may be helpful to consider the reasons behind recent market swings and maintain a long-term perspective.

Four year-end tax strategies to consider

It’s hard to believe we’re fast approaching the end of 2015, but it’s time to start thinking about the 2015 tax season. Here are four simple yet effective tax minimization strategies to consider before the end of the year: 1.     Harvest capital losses. While the recent market volatility has been frustrating, it does provide opportunities […]

Income with Real Estate

Understanding Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

Azzad’s real estate strategy ranked #1

We’d like to share some good news we received recently about one of the strategies in the Azzad Ethical Wrap Program. Last week, Azzad’s real estate investment trust (REIT) strategy was ranked #1 out of 52 REIT products for performance in the one-year period ending September 30, 2015. Informa Investment Solutions, the longest running investment […]

Understanding real estate investment trusts (REITs)

A real estate investment trust is a company that buys, sells, develops, and manages real estate such as office buildings, apartment complexes, shopping malls, self-storage units, and housing developments. Rather than investing directly in a piece of real estate, investors in REITs put their money into a professionally managed portfolio of properties. REITs make money […]

Azzad’s REIT strategy achieves ‘Top Gun’ rating

Falls Church, Va., 11/19/15 – Azzad Asset Management’s REIT (real estate investment trust) strategy was awarded the prestigious “Top Guns” distinction from Informa Investment Solutions’ PSN manager ranking database for the 3rd quarter, 1-year, and 3-year periods ended September 30, 2015. Achieving the Top Gun distinction means the Azzad REIT strategy is among the top […]

The lost art of saving: A four-step plan

According to government data out this quarter, student loan debt, which has doubled over the past 8 years, stood at $1.8 trillion as of June 30. About 11.5 percent of student debt was delinquent or in default for at least 90 days in the quarter that ended in June, up from 11.1 percent in the […]

Pope Francis and Islamic finance

Next week, Pope Francis is expected to arrive in Washington, D.C., to kick off his first visit to the United States, giving an anticipated 18 speeches. Although we don’t yet know the content of those talks, it shouldn’t surprise anyone if, when talking about social justice from his own faith perspective, he describes the basics […]

Azzad participates in US-Saudi investment forum

WASHINGTON, Sept. 4, 2015 — A delegation from Azzad Asset Management joined representatives from the Saudi Arabian and U.S. business communities in Washington, D.C., for a conference designed to foster trade ties between the two nations. Azzad, a leader in socially responsible halal investing in the United States, has investments in Saudi Arabia through its […]

Markets continue the roller coaster ride

Investors kicked off September by fleeing stocks, extending the losses suffered in August. This market is being driven by emotion, rather than a substantial change in the fundamentals of the economy. Although data have indicated a slowdown in developed markets, we have seen nothing to indicate a recessionary trend here in the United States. And […]

Five ways to deal with market volatility

US markets turned in their worst returns in years this August. So, as an investor, what should you do about it, if anything? Research shows that emotional selling, or bailing out of investments because things are scary, is all too common. This is bad because investor behavior and poor decision-making can adversely affect returns. A […]

Comment on recent market volatility

This week, US markets suffered their worst weekly performance of 2015, leaving the S&P 500 Index in negative territory for the year after being up nearly 6% during its mid-July peak. So, as an investor, what should you do about it, if anything? Research shows that emotional selling, or bailing out of investments because things […]

What Dodd-Frank can learn from Islamic finance

Five years ago last month, Congress took a step toward reining in elements of a troubled financial system when it passed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The move was touted as an end to the laissez-faire principles embodied in the repeal of Glass-Steagall, which had previously protected against many of the […]

Socially responsible investment firm announces independent Islamic audit

(Falls Church, Virginia, 8/4/15) — Azzad Asset Management today announced the successful completion of an independent, external Shari’ah audit and verification of its policies and procedures. Azzad is the first investment firm in the United States to obtain such a verification. Conducted by the UK-based Islamic Finance Advisory and Assurance Services (IFAAS), a leading specialist […]

Azzad clients to give $3.7 million in charity

FALLS CHURCH, Va., July 8, 2015 — Azzad Asset Management, advisor to the Azzad Funds and sponsor of the Azzad Ethical Wrap Program, announced today that its Muslim clients are expected to donate a record amount of money this year in order to fulfill their religious obligation of Zakah, or giving in charity a certain percentage […]

Azzad CEO Bashar Qasem takes part in 14th annual AAOIFI conference

Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, April 7, 2015 — Bashar Qasem, President and CEO of Azzad Asset Management, joined leading scholars and representatives from global financial institutions in Bahrain last month for a two-day conference focused on the application of Islamic principles to international financial products and services. The event, which was held March 22-23 in […]

Dividend investing, the Azzad way

Dividends are one way in which companies “share the wealth” generated from running the business. They are usually a cash payment, often drawn from earnings, paid to the investors of a company – the shareholders. These are paid on an annual or, more commonly, a quarterly basis. The companies that pay them are usually more […]

Active vs. Passive Investing – Who’s Right?

Active vs. Passive Investing — Who’s Right? Over the past several years, investor sentiment has shifted from active stock picking to passive indexing. Should you do the same for your portfolio? The answer is more complicated than you might think. Both active and passive investing are subject to cyclical performance. And to make things more […]

Azzad welcomes pope’s encyclical on the environment, social justice

(Falls Church, Va., 6/18/15) — Azzad Asset Management today welcomed Pope Francis’ encyclical calling for swift worldwide action to combat climate change, protect the environment, and move toward economic equality. In the encyclical released today, Laudato Si, the pope issues “an urgent invitation” to people of all faiths to reduce their consumption of resources and […]

The least we can do this Ramadan

Last month, I was privileged to join the Hagerstown community at the Islamic Society of Western Maryland for a weekly halaqah, or study circle. After the imam presented the Qur’anic lesson, he turned it over to me to offer a summary of a lesson from Imam al-Ghazzali on the importance of wara, or caution, in […]

Preparing your finances for Ramadan

This month, Muslims worldwide will embark on a personal journey of self discipline and spiritual renewal. They will abstain from food and drink, give charity to the needy and attempt to recite the Qur’an in its entirety before month’s end. In addition to these rituals, many will use the holy month of Ramadan as an […]

Key indicators of economic rebound

It’s been six years since the end of the Great Recession. Are we moving in the right direction? Azzad’s Fatima Iqbal, CFP, explains how key economic indicators on jobs, consumer confidence, and housing show that the U.S. economy is advancing.

Seven ways to handle a market correction

Now that we stand six years removed from the Financial Crisis that preceded the current bull market in stocks, let’s understand how to react when a “correction” eventually occurs. Financial markets are characterized by long cycles with many ups and downs. The successful investor blocks out fear and sensationalism and recognizes that these market cycles […]

Q&A: Shareholder activism and proxy voting

Today, corporations make most decisions of consequence in our society. As the owner or shareholder of a stock or shares of a mutual fund, you are part owner of a corporation. That means you have both rights and responsibilities. You have the right to sit with management, be an insider and work for change through […]

Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility welcomes 1st Islamic financial firm to its shareholder coalition

(New York, NY, 4/9/15) – Representatives from the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) and Azzad Asset Management announced today that Azzad will join ICCR as its newest member—the first Islamic firm to be affiliated with the group. As the premier member organization focused on corporate social responsibility and environmental advocacy, ICCR leverages the influence […]

Understanding Riba in Islamic Finance

SUMMARY Riba is one of the most often misunderstood terms in Islamic finance. More education on this fundamental concept is not only necessary for the preservation of a halal livelihood; it is also important for the preservation of the proper practice of Islam. Riba is prohibited by the Qur’an, Sunnah (Prophetic example), and consensus of […]

Calculating Zakah on Financial Assets

Zakah refers to the act of purifying one’s wealth by giving a portion of it to those in need. When calculating zakah, many questions can arise: Do I owe zakah on my IRA? How about my 401(k) plan at work? What if interest-bearing bonds are part of the default investment option in my 401(k)? This […]

Charitable Lead Trusts

A Smarter Way to Give

Donor-Advised Funds

Making charitable giving convenient and efficient

Azzad participates in AAOIFI-World Bank conference on Islamic finance

Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, November 25, 2014 — Representatives from Azzad Asset Management joined leading scholars and senior representatives from central banks, financial institutions, and regulators from over 35 countries this month in the Kingdom of Bahrain for an annual conference on Islamic finance organized by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI). […]

Azzad participates in 4th annual Responsible Investor conference

(Falls Church, Virginia, 10/22/14) – Azzad Asset Management, investment advisor to the Azzad Funds and sponsor of the Azzad Ethical Wrap Program, spoke at the 4th annual “ESG in Manager Selection and Monitoring” conference on October 21st. Held at the SUNY Global Center in New York City, the event brought together portfolio managers, analysts, investment […]

Goldman Sachs gets back in the sukuk business

In a landmark offering made on the 16th September 2014, Goldman Sachs became the first US bank to issue sukuk. Sources say the New York-based lender attracted bids for three times the US$500 million of sukuk it sold. The five-year sukuk was priced to yield 90 basis points, or 0.9 percentage point, over the benchmark […]

New white paper outlines performance of Islamic investment strategies

(Falls Church, Virginia, 9/16/14) – Azzad Asset Management today announced the release of a white paper detailing the impact of halal investing guidelines on investment performance. Examining historical data over the last two decades, the white paper offers evidence that Shari’ah-screened indices, which favor industries like information technology and health care and exclude financial services, […]

Women and Investing

Did you know that women generally earn notably less than their male counterparts? Or that married women are likely to outlive their husbands? Watch as Azzad’s Fatima Iqbal, CFP® explains how to deal with these financial predicaments.

Purification calculator helps investors avoid unethical profits

(Falls Church, Virginia, 8/13/14) – Azzad Asset Management today announced the launch of an online tool intended to help American Muslims observe halal investing guidelines. Using input provided by shareholders of the Azzad Mutual Funds, an online purification calculator will provide a user-specific dollar amount that represents unintentional earnings that were potentially derived from religiously […]

Zakah and Purification: Forgotten Pillars of Islamic Finance?

Most people know the basics of Islamic finance: avoid interest, stay away from prohibited lines of business, and make sure your advisory board has the right credentials. But it’s not every day that people talk about zakah and purification. Both concepts are inseparable from Islamic finance but are regularly omitted from the conversation. Let’s look […]

Azzad clients expected to donate a record $3 million to charity this Ramadan

(Falls Church, Virginia, 7/10/14) – Azzad Asset Management announced today that it has mailed annual Zakah and purification totals to clients. Observant Muslims will use the calculated figures to fulfill their charitable giving obligations for the year. Assuming clients donate the amounts reported on their statements, Azzad representatives say that approximately $3 million will be […]

LPL Financial adds Azzad Funds to mutual fund platform

(Falls Church, Virginia, 7/2/14) – Two no-load, socially responsible mutual funds that observe Islamic investing criteria can now be purchased through the LPL Financial mutual fund brokerage and wrap platforms. The Azzad Funds, known for their rigorous adherence to halal investing guidelines, were added to the platform in June, giving affiliated financial advisors access to […]

Press conference with Federated

These are short excerpts from the press conference in 2014 when Azzad announced that Federated Investment Management Company would serve as sub-advisor to the Azzad Wise Capital Fund.

Federated to sub-advise first US halal fixed-income fund

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 17, 2014 — Azzad Asset Management announced today the selection of Federated Investment Management Company, a subsidiary of Federated Investors, Inc., as sub-advisor for the Azzad Wise Capital Fund (NASDAQ: WISEX), America’s first halal, socially responsible fixed-income mutual fund. “We understand the trust given to us as managers of this unique portfolio,” […]

The strategic investor: Using fixed income to meet your financial goals

When evaluating investment performance, investors should consider both return and risk.  Unfortunately, many investors stress the importance of the former and neglect the latter. This is particularly true when the markets are recording new highs like we’ve seen lately. The reverse is true when the markets are recording new lows. Investors start to exaggerate their risk […]

Azzad Wise Capital Fund wins 2014 Lipper Fund Award

FALLS CHURCH, Va., June 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — The Azzad Wise Capital Fund (NASDAQ: WISEX), America’s first halal, socially responsible fixed-income mutual fund, has won the 2014 Lipper Fund Award in the Global Bond (Sukuk) category for the one-year period ending 12/31/13. The Fund’s investment advisor, Azzad Asset Management, made the announcement at their offices […]

Azzad Ethical Wrap Program

Learn about the Azzad Ethical Wrap Program, our comprehensive wealth management program offering diversified portfolios managed by experienced institutional managers for each asset class.

Diversification, the Azzad way

What is diversification? Azzad investment advisor Omar El-Sayed, CFP® explains why this concept should matter to you.

Investing Basics

A Practical Guide

Why can’t I invest in insurance companies?

“Why don’t you invest in health insurers like Humana?” That’s a question I’ve heard recently. The short answer is that insurers of all types, whether they’re property, life or medical, do not meet the threshold requirements for investment as outlined by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI). The long answer takes […]

Azzad participates in 11th Harvard University Forum on Islamic Finance

Cambridge, Mass., April 30, 2014 — Representatives from Azzad Asset Management joined more than 300 scholars, practitioners, and regulators on the campus of Harvard University April 25-27 for a dialogue on Islamic finance in America. Held at the university’s law school, the 11th Forum on Islamic Finance focused on practical methods to introduce risk-sharing financial solutions, including […]

Participating in an IPO

The Halal Perspective

First US halal fixed-income mutual fund celebrates 4th anniversary

Shariah-compliant Azzad Wise Capital Fund lets American Muslims ‘invest with faith’ FALLS CHURCH, Va., April 21, 2014 — The Azzad Wise Capital Fund (NASDAQ: WISEX), America’s first halal, socially responsible fixed-income mutual fund turned four years old this month. Falls Church, Virginia-based Azzad Asset Management launched the interest-free fund in 2010. “It wasn’t easy to […]

Purifying Impermissible Assets

ABSTRACT Purifying non-halal conventional investments in a savings vehicle like a 401(k) plan and rendering them halal is a difficult subject. This issue is often raised by Shari’ah-sensitive investors who have resolved to make the transition to Halal in their financial affairs. The desire to more fully follow the principles of Islam is in itself […]

The benefits of tax planning

Taxes can take a big bite out of your total investment returns, so it’s helpful to look for tax- advantaged strategies when building your portfolio. You don’t want to pay any more in tax than you have to. That means taking advantage of every strategy, deduction, and credit that you are entitled to. Tax-deferred and […]

Retirement Planning

Why does saving for retirement matter? How do you get started? Let us walk you through some basics.

About the Azzad Funds

Azzad meets with US, Arab diplomats at 2nd annual State Department ambassadors forum

One-on-one talks focus on Islamic finance, investment between US and MENA region (Washington, DC, 3/17/14) – On Thursday, March 13, 2014, representatives from Azzad Asset Management met with a delegation of US and Arab ambassadors at State Department offices in downtown Washington, D.C. Sponsored by the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC) and the U.S. […]

Johns Hopkins event promotes Islamic finance, SRI

On Tuesday, February 25, a group of government officials, academics, professionals, and students crowded into Rome Auditorium at 6:00 pm on the Washington, DC campus of Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies. They were there to hear panelists explore the interplay between Islamic finance and socially responsible investing, or SRI. The event, sponsored […]

Will you be ready when the DOL comes knocking?

Deferring taxes can be a powerful investment decision. Qualified retirement plans such as 401(k) plans allow you to defer significant amounts of money. Moreover, combining tax free contributions with tax-deferred growth can be a sound long term investment. The dollars that would have gone to pay taxes remain in your account. It’s more money working […]

Reviving the Waqf

Creating an Islamic Waqf in the Modern American System

ISFA in less than 90 seconds

Learn about the Investment Screening/Filtering Application (ISFA), Azzad’s proprietary software application for halal and ethical screening of stocks.

Azzad background, philosophy, and process

Setting up a special needs trust

If you have a child or other loved one with special needs, you may want to establish a special needs trust. A special needs trust is an estate planning tool that can help you provide for the needs of an individual who is disabled without jeopardizing his or her eligibility for government benefits. A qualified attorney can help […]

Finding the right halal contract

NOTE: Although we do not offer Islamic mortgage contracts at Azzad Asset Management—focusing instead on halal investments like the Azzad Ethical Wrap Program and the Azzad Funds—our financial planners want to make sure clients understand the depth and scope of financial products in the marketplace. As fiduciaries, we put the interests of our clients first […]

Year-end charitable giving

As the end of the year approaches, charitable giving often comes to mind. Charitable giving can be enhanced using income tax deductions, and so it can be much more effective when it is included as part of your year-end tax planning. Example(s):   Assume you are considering making a charitable gift equal to the sum of […]

Azzad analysis featured in 2014 Thomson Reuters Sukuk Report

Paper focuses on challenges and opportunities of investing in global Islamic bonds (Falls Church, Virginia, 12/3/13) – An analysis of the international sukuk market prepared by Azzad Asset Management has been published in the 2014 Thomson Reuters Sukuk Perceptions and Forecast Study. The research paper, which focuses on sukuk investing from a practitioner’s perspective, was […]

Twitter IPO: To invest or not to invest?

It’s official. The bird began trading on Wall Street last week with its IPO surging over 70% bringing the company’s value to more than $25 billion. According to Wall Street’s valuation, each Twitter user is worth around $110. At its peak, shares were trading at 45.8 times revenue over the past 12 months (compared to […]

Azzad Commercial

The United States: An undiscovered market for Islamic finance?

Is the United States an undiscovered market for Islamic finance? That’s the question a group of industry professionals convened to answer on November 4 at the inaugural Islamic Finance Conference in Washington, DC. The event, whose program included sessions exploring everything from how to source Islamic capital in the United States to the relationship between socially […]

A slice of sukuk from the Big Apple?

On the heels of Prime Minister David Cameron’s announcement that the UK will issue a sovereign sukuk, a New York state senator is passionately making the case that New York needs to be in the sukuk business. “New York is open for business,” said state Senator Kevin Parker, a Democrat from Brooklyn. “I want to […]

Azzad Wise Capital Fund Celebrates 3rd Anniversary

FALLS CHURCH, Va., April 23, 2013 — The Azzad Wise Capital Fund (NASDAQ: WISEX), America’s first fixed-income mutual fund that invests in sukuk, turned three years old in April. It is categorized as a short-term bond fund and is designed for capital preservation and income. “We’re pleased to see continued interest in our socially responsible […]

Islamic inheritance: Myth versus fact

Myth:  I live in America where there are no Islamic courts.  Islamic inheritance is too complicated to be enforced in the United States. Since I have to live by the law of the land, I can’t plan for an Islamic inheritance. Fact: In the United States, you can plan your inheritance through a last will […]

What a government shutdown could mean for markets

Markets are under pressure as a budget battle in Washington threatens the first government shutdown in 17 years. The inability of lawmakers to compromise on fiscal matters and their tendency to squabble right up to key deadlines has investors on edge once again, causing volatility to spike. So, what might this mean for your portfolio? […]

Azzad launches Islamic estate planning campaign

(Falls Church, Virginia, 9/23/13) – Azzad Asset Management announced today the launch of a series of estate planning seminars across the United States aimed at helping congregants at mosques and Islamic centers create inheritance plans that comply with both U.S. and Islamic law. In addition to providing wealth management services and operating as investment advisor […]

Obamacare and physician salaries

Relative to the general population, doctors have higher salaries. Think of this as repayment for taking on six-figure student loan debt, spending eight years in school, working upwards of 100 hours a week for another half dozen years, and making less than the median national income during residency. But will high physician salaries become a […]

Top 5 mistakes employees make with 401(k)s

The results are in, and our advisors have agreed that these are the five most common mistakes employees make with their 401(k) plans: 1.       Not participating: The biggest mistake you can make is not contributing to a 401(k) if you are eligible, especially if your employer matches your contributions.  Start out with small contributions and […]

Azzad named ‘Best Islamic Asset Management Company in the Americas’

(Falls Church, Virginia, 8/28/13) – Azzad Asset Management has been named “Best Asset Management Company in the Americas” for the second year in a row by Islamic Finance News (IFN), according to the results of the 2013 Islamic Investor Poll. The poll is a comprehensive survey of the global Islamic asset management industry, asking institutional […]

Azzad representative to speak at 50th annual ISNA Convention

(Falls Church, Virginia, 8/27/13) – On Sunday, September 1, Azzad investment advisor Fatima Iqbal, CFP® will present at a panel on Islamic finance as part of the 50th annual Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) Convention in Washington, DC. Her session will focus on the Islamic understanding of endowments and how trustees can position legacy […]

ObamaCare and your pocketbook

For the millions of people who have individual health insurance, the impending implementation in 2014 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), popularly known as ObamaCare, is of great concern. The focal  points of this landmark legislation  is the mandate which requires every American to have health insurance and prohibits health insurance providers […]

Kayne Anderson Rudnick to manage strategy for Azzad Ethical Wrap Program

(Falls Church, Virginia, 8/14/13) — Azzad Asset Management today announced an agreement with Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management (KAR) to add the Los Angeles-based company to its lineup of institutional money managers. KAR serves as portfolio manager for the small-cap growth strategy in the Azzad Ethical Wrap Program effective August 1. The firm’s selection of […]

Overview of Azzad

Meet members of the Azzad team as we provide an extended overview of Azzad’s services, investment philosophy, and what sets us apart.

Debt and Interest — Rethinking the Pillars of Borrowing and Lending

Rethinking the Pillars of Borrowing and Lending

Ethical mid-cap growth fund

The Azzad Ethical Fund only invests in companies that meet our stringent screens for social responsibility. With a focus on mid-sized companies, the fund may be an excellent way to diversify your stock portfolio.

Halal fixed income fund

Learn about the first U.S. income seeking mutual fund to provide income from investments that are interest-free and based on more equitable borrowing arrangements.

Azzad meets with South African ambassador about Islamic finance

  (Falls Church, Virginia, 7/24/13) – Representatives from Azzad Asset Management met today with His Excellency Ebrahim Rasool, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the United States, at his offices in Washington, D.C. Azzad requested the meeting to discuss potential investment in South Africa as part of the portfolio held by the Azzad […]

Azzad issues annual zakah and purification statements to American Muslim clients

(Falls Church, Virginia, 7/24/13) – Azzad Asset Management, advisor to the Azzad Funds and sponsor of the Ethical Wrap Program, announced today that it has completed annual Zakah and purification calculations for investors. Statements have been delivered to clients, who will use the calculated figures to determine their required charitable giving for the year. Assuming […]

What to do with your required minimum distributions (RMDs)

Required minimum distributions, better known as “RMDs,” refer to the amount of money that is required to be distributed from pre-tax retirement accounts, like IRAs, after age 70.5. If the amount is not withdrawn, a 50% penalty may be assessed. While some retirees might take the RMD for necessary personal expenses, there are other options […]

How the Fed impacts your portfolio

Since September of last year, the Federal Reserve has been buying $85 billion in bonds every month, aiming to lower long-term interest rates and boost economic growth. Overall, the U.S. central bank has bought more than $2 trillion of government bonds, private debts, agency housing debts and other bond instruments dating back to the Financial Crisis. […]

Azzad Welcomes Greiner as Lead Portfolio Manager for Azzad Ethical Fund

(Falls Church, Virginia, 6/5/13) Azzad Asset Management, advisor to the Azzad Funds and sponsor of the Ethical Wrap Program, announced that Christian Greiner has assumed day-to-day portfolio manager duties for the Azzad Ethical Fund (NASDAQ: ADJEX). Greiner’s promotion to lead portfolio manager comes after former manager Joseph Pappo retired from the fund’s sub-advisory firm, Ziegler […]

Azzad Wise Capital Fund Now on Schwab’s Mutual Fund OneSource® Platform

(Falls Church, Virginia, 5/30/13) – The Azzad Wise Capital Fund (NASDAQ: WISEX), America’s first halal, socially responsible fixed-income mutual fund is now available to investors through the Mutual Fund OneSource® program offered by Charles Schwab and Co., Inc. The fund invests in sukuk, or asset-backed Islamic bonds, as well as deposits and notes from Islamic […]

Azzad creates opportunities by cutting through red tape

Opening up new markets to investors isn’t easy. If you don’t believe me, just ask Jamal Elbarmil. “No one is willing to cut through all the red tape to invest in Islamic banks,” says the longtime Azzad Wise Capital Fund portfolio manager. “No one except Azzad.” Elbarmil starts his Tuesday with a cup of coffee […]

Azzad representative to speak about Islamic finance on May 26

(Falls Church, Virginia, 5/22/13) – This Sunday, May 26th, Fatima Iqbal, CFP®, an investment advisor with Azzad Asset Management, will present at a panel on Islamic finance as part of the 38th annual ICNA-MAS Convention in Hartford, Connecticut. Her session will focus on the innovation of halal fixed-income investing in the United States and how […]

Azzad Hosts Leader in Turkish Finance

(Falls Church, Virginia, 5/6/13) – Azzad Asset Management recently hosted Dr. Mehmet Yesilyaprak of Turkiye Finans Bank at its headquarters in suburban Washington, D.C. Yesilyaprak gave the Azzad staff an update on the banking sector in Turkey and met afterwards with Azzad management to discuss areas of future collaboration. The Azzad Wise Capital Fund (NASDAQ: […]