How the New DOL Fiduciary Rules May Help Investors — or Not
For many months, Wall Street brokers have been complaining about how badly they would be hurt by potential new rules that would require them to at least sometimes work just a little more in the best interest of their clients. Naturally, when the Department of Labor recently announced the new rules, it did so with […]
Read ArticleCalmer Waters Are Welcome
Probably the simplest reasons anyone invests in stocks are to make money (capital gains), generate income (dividends), or some combination of the two. Of course, that really is putting it in the simplest of terms. Many of you have chosen to follow our recommendations to place a portion of your nest egg in a diversified […]
Read ArticleHow to Lose at Investing: Follow Your Gut
Financial Planning magazine reported that its “perceived risk-tolerance level” barometer had dropped 7 points from January to 27.9 in February — the lowest level since its inception. This barometer seeks to measure clients’ (or self-directed investors’) appetite for risk. In looking at the readings over the last 12 months, it’s very easy to understand why […]
Read ArticleAgainst The Wind
Recession or no recession Recently, the focus for investors has been all over the map: Oil prices Corporate earnings The global economy China’s economy China’s currency (the yuan) Anxieties about banks (especially in Europe) The Federal Reserve’s next move Global central banks that may be running out of ammunition to counter economic weakness Emerging market […]
Read ArticleThe January Barometer
“As January goes, so goes the year.” At least that is the case according to the old adage made popular by the Stock Trader’s Almanac. This phenomenon is also known as the “January Barometer.” It simply means that January’s market’s performance, as measured by the S&P 500 Index, is a harbinger of how the market […]
Read ArticleThe Morgan Report 2015 Q4: How Not To Be Worried
This title was inspired by a book called “How Not To Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking”. I was tempted to title this article the same, but most investors are ruled by their emotions so “How Not To Be Worried” is most definitely apropos given the current market volatility. There’s a difference between rational […]
Read ArticleVolatile Year Ends With A Whimper
The Dow Jones Industrial Average is made up of 30 large, well-known companies. It is the best known and oldest of the many yardsticks that measure stock market performance. While not necessarily a household name, the S&P 500 Index—as its name implies—is made up of 500 larger U.S. companies. It captures about 80% of the […]
Read ArticleConor McGregor: “Mystic Mac” And Market Forecasters
Conor McGregor, the recently crowned UFC Featherweight champion has taken the world by storm after his 13 second knockout of Jose Aldo who had successfully defended his belt for years and seemed unbeatable. The uber confident McGregor from Ireland is notorious for having his pre fight predictions outside of the ring coming true inside the […]
Read Article10 Smart Year End Planning Moves
The end of the year is fast approaching, and now is the perfect time to review items you might want to consider as you get set to enter 2016. Investment and financial planning Review your income or portfolio strategy. Are you reaching a milestone in your life such as retirement or a change in […]
Read ArticleMarket Trends
Market Commentary Let’s not forget that the biggest determinate of the success of bullish strategies (buying stocks, ETFs, mutual funds) is the market itself. Most things trend with the market. Markets always move around — but a series of higher highs and higher lows is a sign of a strong trend. #1 shows us the last […]
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