Bear Market Provides Boost to a Little-Known Strategy; a Record Low Hurdle Rate

By Mike Spector

Financial advisers say that's important because the estate tax is likely to remain under a Democratic White House and Congress. The current basic federal estate-tax exemption for 2009 is $3.5 million, with a top rate of 45%.

The tax is scheduled to vanish next year and then return in 2011 with a $1 million exemption and a top rate of 55%. But President Barack Obama said during the presidential campaign that he favors extending the current $3.5 million per-person exemption and 45% top rate into future years.