Investment Planning
Exploring the World of Cryptocurrency Through New ETF Offerings
If the idea of engaging with an asset class that exhibits approximately four times the volatility of the S&P 500 index intrigues you, then the recent launch of 11 new Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) might capture your attention. These ETFs, introduced by a mix of established financial giants such as Franklin Templeton, Invesco, Fidelity, Blackrock, and […]
What to expect after reaching all-time market highs
In the realm of investing, recent headlines have been ablaze with the news that the stock market has surged to unprecedented levels, marking a milestone that remained elusive throughout 2023. For many investors, especially those prone to cautious or pessimistic outlooks, such landmarks signal alarm bells, suggesting an imminent reversal. The prevailing sentiment among this […]
Positive vs. Negative Debt; what it really means
The distinction between what constitutes “positive” and “negative” debt is a topic of significant importance in personal finance discussions. Understanding this difference is crucial for making informed borrowing decisions that can either pave the way to financial prosperity or lead to economic hardship.
Positive debt, or what is often termed “good” debt, is characterized by borrowing […]
Growing Costs of Healthcare
When financial planners assess the sustainability of an individual’s retirement assets, one significant uncertainty looms large: the cost of long-term care. These expenses are not covered by Medicare and should not be underestimated. According to SeniorLiving.org, the median monthly cost of a private room exceeds $9,500, with an annual cost of over $50,000 for a […]
Understanding the latest Trends in the Economy
With a backdrop of diminishing stock returns and looming recession speculations, one might wonder: what’s the real state of the U.S. economy?
The economic indicators present a mosaic of insights. A rise in the unemployment rate from 3.5% to 3.8% in August might raise eyebrows. However, the silver lining appears when observing the labor force participation […]
Seizing Opportunities Amid Market Slumps
We may not have the foresight to predict market slumps, but it’s always wise to be prepared for them. Given the recent stagnation in the market, such preparation might soon prove beneficial.
A market decline often presents a myriad of strategic avenues, albeit temporary, for astute investors. One prominent strategy is loss harvesting. In this approach, […]
Rise of the Digital Dollar
Is the U.S. Federal Reserve getting ready to adopt Bitcoin because they’re exploring digital currency options? The straightforward answer is no. However, the Federal Reserve and some major players in the banking sector are indeed intrigued by the potential of digital currencies. Over a three-month period, the Innovation Center at the New York Fed conducted […]
Intricacies of Bond Investments
At a glance, bond investing seems straightforward. You purchase a bond, effectively lending its face value to an entity—be it a corporation, a municipal organization, or the U.S. government. They, in turn, pay you a predetermined interest at set intervals throughout the bond’s term. Once the term concludes, your original investment is returned.
Seems simple, doesn’t […]
Dwindling Dividends
There is no shortage of online articles promising great success for retirees who buy into stocks and live off the dividends. However, there is often little, or no, historical information provided.
Consider this – in 1873, a basket of large-cap stocks (like the S&P 500) paid a dividend yield of 7.5%. Receiving $7.5 […]
Global Stock Market Valuations
A common measure of stock market valuation is the price / earnings (P/E) ratio. The calculation takes a company’s price and divides it by its earnings per share. The resulting ratio can be compared throughout history or to other countries.
As of December 31, the P/E ratio of large U.S. stocks (using […]
