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
To Bit or Not to Bit: What Should Investors Make of Bitcoin Mania?
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are receiving intense media coverage, prompting many investors to wonder whether these new types of electronic money deserve a place in their portfolios. Cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin emerged only in the past decade. Unlike traditional money, no paper notes or metal coins are involved. No central bank issues the currency, and no regulator or nation state stands behind it. Instead, cryptocurrencies are a form of code made by computers and stored in a … [Read more...] about To Bit or Not to Bit: What Should Investors Make of Bitcoin Mania?
Key Questions for the Long-Term Investor
Focusing on what you can control can lead to a better investment experience. Whether you've been investing for decades or are just getting started, at some point on your investment journey you'll likely ask yourself some of the questions below. Trying to answer these questions may be intimidating, but know that you're not alone. Your financial advisor is here to help. While this is not intended to be an exhaustive list it will hopefully shed light on a few key principles, using data and … [Read more...] about Key Questions for the Long-Term Investor
When Rates Go Up, Do Stocks Go Down?
Unlike bond prices, which tend to go down when yields go up, stock prices might rise or fall with changes in interest rates. Should stock investors worry about changes in interest rates? Research shows that, like stock prices, changes in interest rates and bond prices are largely unpredictable.[1] It follows that an investment strategy based upon attempting to exploit these sorts of changes isn't likely to be a fruitful endeavor. Despite the unpredictable nature of interest rate changes, … [Read more...] about When Rates Go Up, Do Stocks Go Down?
Rising Above the Noise
Some investment professionals work hard to make their work confusing. They believe they have a vested interest in creating investor confusion. They use jargon that can intimidate and make it difficult for you to understand relatively straightforward concepts. But investing is actually not that complicated. We'll explore three different methods that investors use to make decisions about their money, and we'll talk about where you should be with your own approach to your portfolio. Exhibit 1 … [Read more...] about Rising Above the Noise