Why Diversification is Crucial in 2014
Diversification is always a central aspect of a well-constructed investment portfolio. But when the bull market is getting old, stocks are struggling to break even for the year and bonds the most...
View ArticleAdd Energy Sector to Late-cycle Evidence
The energy sector is often a leader among stock funds when the business cycle is entering the late phase. What does this mean and how might you take advantage of it? ...Add Energy Sector to Late-cycle...
View ArticleThink Twice Before You 'Sell in May and Go Away' in 2014
Should you sell in May and go away in 2014? This question is asked every year but the answer remains the same: Every decision, whether it is to buy, sell or hold a particular investment, is best made...
View ArticleBond Funds Performing Better Than Expected
Most stock market observers and financial media pundits were calling for the death of bond mutual funds in 2014 and would have never predicted a positive return by this point in the year. Why are bond...
View ArticleWhat Small-cap Stocks Are 'Telling' Us Now
Small-cap stocks, as measured by the Russell 2000 Index, have declined by more than -2.30% year-to-date, whereas large-cap stocks, as measured by the S&P 500 Index, have risen by 3.85%. Why such a...
View ArticleThink Twice Before Using a Traditional IRA
Is it still a good idea to use a traditional IRA? Even the word 'traditional' implies a lack of modern application. But how might this staple of retirement savings vehicles not be best for you? Believe...
View ArticleVolatility is Low: Quiet Before the Storm?
Many investors employing technical analysis watch the CBOE S&P 500 Volatility Index (aka 'The VIX'), which can provide insights into investor fear and presumably determine how stock prices may move...
View ArticleSell in June But Come Back Soon?
One month ago, I cautioned to think twice before you sell in May and go away. Perhaps investors need a new seasonal rhyme for the Summer months: Sell in June but come back soon. ...Sell in June But...
View ArticleNow is Not the Time to Analyze 5-year Returns
You were told to analyze long-term performance of a mutual fund before you buy shares. But what if a "long-term" period, such as 5 years, represents an environment significantly different than the next...
View ArticleStock and Bond Index Funds Move Forward in May
May is the best m0nth of the 2014 when combining stock and bond index performance. Year-to-date returns also look quite impressive for the key indices. The true test of the market's resilience comes in...
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