Bond yields change as markets digest news and events around the world, which also causes yield curves to move and change shape over time. What is a yield curve, and why are stock investors interested in its shape? A yield curve gives a snapshot of how yields vary across bonds of similar credit quality, but different maturities, at a specific point in time. For example, the US Treasury yield curve indicates the yields of US Treasury bonds across a range of maturities. Bond yields change as … [Read more...] about The Flat-Out Truth
Midterm Elections: What Do They Mean for Markets?
While surprises can and do happen in elections, the surprises don't always lead to clear-cut outcomes for investors. It's almost Election Day in the US once again. For those who need a brief civics refresher, every two years the full US House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate are up for reelection. While the outcomes of the elections are uncertain, one thing we can count on is that plenty of opinions and prognostications will be floated in the days to come. In financial circles, … [Read more...] about Midterm Elections: What Do They Mean for Markets?
A Question of Equilibrium
"Sellers were out in force on the market today after negative news on the economy." It's a common line in TV finance reports. But have you ever wondered who is buying if so many people are selling? Click HERE to read "A Question of Equilibrium", by Dimensional Fund Advisors Vice President Jim Parker. … [Read more...] about A Question of Equilibrium
Total Cost of Ownership
Mutual funds have many costs, all of which affect the net return to investors. Costs matter. Whether you're buying a car or selecting an investment strategy, the costs you expect to pay are likely to be an important factor in making any major financial decision. People rely on a lot of different information about costs to help inform these decisions. When you buy a car, for example, the sticker price indicates approximately how much you can expect to pay for the car itself. But the costs of … [Read more...] about Total Cost of Ownership
The Happiness Equation
As an investor, your happiness depends on having realistic expectations about returns and viewing market events in proper context. These two factors can drive your sense of financial well-being and influence your financial outcome. Click HERE to read "The Happiness Equation", by Dimensional Fund Advisors Vice President Brad Steiman. … [Read more...] about The Happiness Equation
From Dimensional: Do Mutual Funds Outperform Benchmarks?
Dimensional Fund Advisors's 2018 analysis of US-based mutual funds shows that only a small percentage of funds have outperformed industry benchmarks after costs—and among top-ranked funds based on past results, only a small percentage have repeated their past success. … [Read more...] about From Dimensional: Do Mutual Funds Outperform Benchmarks?