Bain & Co., the private equity firm that you might have heard of during the presidential campaign last year, has come out with a fascinating set of projections for the global capital markets...The generality of...the report [is that] the world is awash in money looking for someplace to invest that will earn a return and [that,] over the rest of this decade, the amount of money looking to be invested will grow by about 50%. What does that imply [and how should you therefore invest? This article addresses both issues well.] Words: 1349
Read More »MarketWatch Posts the Most Deceptive and Dangerous Financial Headline – EVER! Here's Why
MarketWatch's headine last Friday read You Have to Play to Win: U.S. stocks' stellar performance so far in 2012 is remarkable in part for the enemic trading volumns that have accompanied Wall Street's rise, and those on the sidelines, as with the lottery, stand no chance. I believe that this may be the single most deceptive and dangerous financial headline I have ever seen published by such an influential provider of financial information. [Let me explain why I think that is the case.] Words: 1232
Read More »Understanding Systematic Risk, Modern Portfolio Theory and the Efficient Frontier (4K Views)
Risk inherent to the entire market or market segment is referred to as systematic risk and modern portfolio theory says that a blend of investments has the potential to increase overall return for a given level of risk, and/or decrease risk for a given return that the investor is trying to achieve. The expected risk/return relationship is known as the efficient frontier. [If you have a portfolio of investments then you need to fully understand what all this really means and how you can apply it to your portfolio makeup to enhance returns under any circumstances. Let me do just that.] Words: 1325
Read More »Asset Allocation: How Sound is the Foundation of Your Portfolio Pyramid? (+2K Views)
Regardless of the size of your financial pyramid, without a core-holding foundation, you are building it on sand. Core holdings are for protection, not for profit. They function as insurance against a catastrophe. [Let me explain.] Words: 754
Read More »Gold and Silver – a Pair of Aces for a Winning Hand!
“Every portfolio should have a 10% core holding of gold and silver as emergency money” was the simple and timeless message in Glen O. Kirsch conveyed 19 years ago in an article entitled: “What’s in Your Core Holdings?” and such a message is even more appropriate today given the unsettling fiscal, economic and investment environment. Words: 692
Read More »A Cynical Guide to Reading Mutual Fund Brochures (+2K Views)
When a fund brochure says: Diversified it really means: We will basically buy the index and go golfing - and 10 other interpretations of fund jargon. Words: 189
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