Embarking on a financial plan is like sailing around the world. The voyage won't always go to plan, and there'll be rough seas. But the odds of reaching your destination increase greatly if you are prepared, flexible, patient, and well-advised. Click HERE to read "Sailing with the Tides", Dimensional Vice President Jim Parker's latest piece in his Outside the Flags series. … [Read more...] about Sailing with the Tides
A Transformed Investor’s View of Market Uncertainty
Markets have been up and down this year, which can be hard for many investors to live with. During periods like these, hearing stories about how other people deal with uncertainty can be helpful. Meet Dave Goetsch, an executive producer of The Big Bang Theory. Even though he and the other writers on the show make common sense out of complicated science for a living, Dave used to respond to market fluctuations with panic rather than logic. But his point of view changed fundamentally when he … [Read more...] about A Transformed Investor’s View of Market Uncertainty
Dimensional On: Recent Market Volatility
Jake DeKinder, Head of Advisor Communication at Dimensional Fund Advisors, explains why investors should view recent market declines as part of the nature of investing. … [Read more...] about Dimensional On: Recent Market Volatility
Recent Market Volatility
While it may be difficult to remain calm during a substantial market decline, it is important to remember that volatility is a normal part of investing. After a period of relative calm in the markets, in recent days the increase in volatility in the stock market has resulted in renewed anxiety for many investors. From February 1-5, the US market (as measured by the Russell 3000 Index) fell almost 6%, resulting in many investors wondering what the future holds and if they should make changes to … [Read more...] about Recent Market Volatility
New Year, New Market Highs
Every day stocks have a positive expected return regardless of whether markets are at an all-time high or not. Throughout 2017, the S&P 500 Index recorded 62 new closing highs in 251 days of trading. In the first three weeks of January 2018 alone, the index crossed 10 new record closing highs in 13 days of trading. With stock indices continuing to set new highs, does this mean negative returns for stocks are on the horizon? When addressing this question, it is helpful to keep the following … [Read more...] about New Year, New Market Highs
As Goes January, So Goes the Year?
As investors ring in the new year, some may see the occasional headline about the "January Indicator" or "January Barometer." This theory suggests that the price movement of the S&P 500 during the month of January may signal whether that index will rise or fall during the remainder of the year. In other words, if the return of the S&P 500 in January is negative, this would supposedly foreshadow a fall for the stock market for the remainder of the year, and vice versa if returns in … [Read more...] about As Goes January, So Goes the Year?