A monthly column on topics that matter.
Investors shouldn’t mistake the market for the economy
For the first time in a long time, optimism is everywhere, and it’s easy to understand why.
Picking a stock benchmark that works for you
Pick a benchmark, any benchmark, for U.S. stocks. Now explain why you chose that one, how it’s built, and why it accurately reflects the market. That suggestion is straightforward enough. The answers? Not nearly as simple.
It’s easy to forget given other noise, but earnings still matter
These days in financial news, politics grab all the headlines, the Fed gets all the credit and coronavirus takes all the blame. With those three subjects dominating the media, nobody seems to have much interest in earnings.
Political theater obscures bigger financial risks
The thing about historic news events is that they grab all the attention for themselves. Rioters storming the U.S. Capitol and a twice-impeached president have understandably been the focus of media — and our country — in the days since.
Extraordinary year offers familiar lessons for investors
No matter how much a global pandemic has changed our lives, some things remain the same.
Resist over-indulging on the hot stock flavor of the moment
With the presidential election now behind us, investors need a new uncertainty to ponder. Fortunately, the markets are seldom short on subject matter.
Why investors should resist the urge to reach for yield
“I can’t remember the last time we reached for yield and it worked out in our favor.”
The Fed helped revive stocks, but its actions created new risks
Whatever it takes. That’s the unofficial policy the Federal Reserve has adopted in its mission to save the U.S. economy from the coronavirus. It’s also (by far) the biggest reason why stock prices have rallied more than 50% in less
The S&P 500 has never been more top heavy
Never before has the S&P 500 been as top-heavy as it is now.