We live in uncertain times. While the current health crisis is novel, we have survived other crises and market traumas. I'm reminded of the advice from my parents: This, too, shall pass. That doesn't make it any easier though. And when trying to manage client portfolios all the logic in the world may not temper investor emotions. In light of the crisis, I wanted to share my thinking in these ... Read More
Investment Advice
Bear Markets Are Painful but Markets Rise Over Time
While it's hard to watch the day-to-day meltdown in every major global market, we must remember that we've been here before. Yes, today's markets, economies, and social order have been disrupted in an unprecedented way because of a virus pandemic. And we have, by many measures, fallen into bear market territory after erasing many years of gains. We must remember this: Bear markets are painful but ... Read More
When Will We Hit Bottom?
With successive thousand-plus point drops in major indexes hitting us day after day like a champion prizefighter’s punch to the gut, it’s hard to watch and harder not to wonder “when will it stop?” When will we hit bottom? Watch the stock market's 'fear index' Stock market sell-offs often coincide with sharp spikes in the level of a popular Wall Street “fear gauge” or "fear index" known as the ... Read More
Meltdown: Know When to Hold Them
Here we are three weeks or so into the meltdown of the US and global stock markets. What's an investor to do after watching years of gains evaporate and, like a time machine, return to levels where we were three years ago? Perhaps we should take a lesson from "The Gambler" in the Kenny Rogers song. It all comes down to you need to know when to hold them and know when to fold them. And know when to ... Read More
What To Do When the Sky is Falling
As stocks have a bit of a meltdown today, there have been frenzied calls about what to do and what will happen next. Here are some thoughts on what to do when the sky is falling. Will the markets go up? Will they go down? Short answer: Yes. What should you do? Not panic. What to Do When the Sky is Falling This is not the first time that the market has given us pause. And it won't be ... Read More
Should You Borrow to Invest in Dividend-Paying Stocks?
Recently, I received a question from a prospective investor: Should you borrow to invest in dividend-paying stocks? As a professional with a clear bias for dividend-paying stocks, I'm always happy when someone shares my investment approach. But sometimes investors can get carried away. Should You Borrow to Invest in Dividend-Paying Stocks? With a seemingly never-ending climb of stock market ... Read More
7 New Year’s Eve Resolutions Inspired by Millionaires
It’s that of year time again. Whether we vow to eat less, exercise more, or live in the moment – it all comes down to the same thing: we all want to be happier, get healthier and do better in the new year. Looking for some ideas? Here are 7 New Year’s Eve Resolutions inspired by millionaires. New Year, New You ... If you plan For those who are considering resolutions that can impact your wallet, ... Read More
Growing Your Nest Egg in Retirement
Approaching retirement? How should you allocate your investments so that you can protect what you have while also growing your nest egg in retirement? This is a common question with a complicated answer. There really is no single allocation that is best for someone. It really will depend on your risk tolerance, risk capacity, and retirement income needs. While there are some 'rules of the road' to ... Read More
Can Daylight Savings Time Mess with Investments?
Ever wonder if Daylight Savings Time can mess with your investments? Well, your nagging feeling may be correct. If you dread Daylight Savings Time and the biannual confusion it unleashes, you’re not alone. Many of us stumble around under the cover of darkness this time of year, griping about our sleep cycles. But DST is not just a passing annoyance, it can hit you where it really counts – your ... Read More
Confessions of a Portfolio Strategist: Alternatives
Over the past eight years, US stock market prices have continued to climb to heights never before seen. While I don't want to jinx it, I do wonder how long it can continue. And when trying to design an investment strategy I'm confronted with lots of choices and information. In a world of low interest rates and high stock prices, what's an investor to do to protect a nest egg? Here is the latest in ... Read More
