Outguessing markets is more difficult than many investors might think. While favorable timing is theoretically possible, there isn’t much evidence that it can be done reliably, even by professional investors. The positive news is that investors don’t need to be able to time markets to have a good investment experience.
Read MoreA globally diversified approach can deliver more reliable outcomes over time with less volatility than investing in individual countries. This can help investors stay on track, through all kinds of markets, toward their long-term goals.
Read MoreThe US stock market has delivered an average annual return of around 10% since 1926. But short-term results may vary, and in any given period stock returns can be positive, negative, or flat.
Read MoreThis 2-1/2 minute video explains how security prices are set—and change—based on the collective knowledge of buyers and sellers. Armed with this information, investors can be more confident about the power of investing in financial markets.
Read MoreInvestment fads are nothing new. When selecting strategies for their portfolios, investors are often tempted to seek out the latest and greatest investment opportunities.
Read MoreThere are a host of benefits to practicing the key tenants of the FIRE movement. Saving aggressively in your 20s, 30s and 40s combined with tax savviness can lead to tremendous wealth creation. And with the creation of wealth comes the ability to choose where, how, if and when you work, which is why you should begin playing with FIRE.
Read MoreAs of 2019 approaches, and with US stocks outperforming non-US stocks in recent years, some investors have again turned their attention towards the role that global diversification plays in their portfolios.
Read MoreIt’s almost Election Day in the US once again. While the outcomes of the elections are uncertain, one thing we can count on is that plenty of opinions and prognostications will be floated in the days to come. In financial circles, this will almost assuredly include any potential for perceived impact on markets. But should long-term investors focus on midterm elections?
Read MoreWith school back in session in most of the country, many parents are likely thinking about how best to prepare for their children’s future college expenses.
Read MoreIn recent years, “liquid alternatives” have increased in popularity considerably. This sub-category of alternatives consists of mutual funds that may start from the same building blocks as the global stock and bond market but then select, weight, and even short securities in an attempt to deliver positive returns that differ from the stock and bond markets.
Read MoreAs investors, we should consider whether we want to use the price we observe or look for a better price. A recent study from Dimensional Fund Advisors shows that over the 15-year period ending December 2017, only 14% of investment managers that attempted to outguess the market survived and beat benchmarks.*
Read MoreWhile a positive value premium is never guaranteed, the premium has historically had a greater chance of being positive the longer the time horizon observed. Even with long-term positive results though, periods of extended underperformance can happen from time to time.
Read MoreAnyone searching for investment advice is undoubtedly confronted with many choices of service providers operating under titles such as certified financial planner, financial consultant, registered investment advisor, stockbroker, and insurance agent.
Read MoreCosts matter. Whether you’re buying a car or selecting an investment strategy, the costs you expect to pay are likely to be an important factor in making any major financial decision.
Read MoreFor investors, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the relentless stream of news about markets. Being bombarded with data and headlines presented as impactful to your financial well-being can evoke strong emotional responses from even the most experienced investors.
Read MoreGrowing interest in the impact of fossil fuels on the global climate may spark questions about whether individuals can integrate their values around sustainability with their investment goals and, if so, how.
Read MoreWhat sort of competition do I face as an investor? What are my chances of picking an investment fund that survives and outperforms? If I choose a fund because of strong past performance, does that mean it will do well in the future? Do I have to outsmart the market to be a successful investor?
Read MoreAfter a period of relative calm in the markets, in recent weeks the increase in volatility in the stock market has resulted in renewed anxiety for many investors. From February 1–5, the US market (as measured by the Russell 3000 Index) fell almost 6%, resulting in many investors wondering what the future holds and if they should make changes to their portfolios.
Read MoreBitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are receiving intense media coverage, prompting many investors to wonder whether these new types of electronic money deserve a place in their portfolios.
Read MoreUnderstanding how much financial planners cost, and how they are paid, can be complicated and murky territory if you don’t have a higher degree in wealth management. But how much you pay a financial planner comes down to the type of financial planner you choose, as this is what drives the planner’s cost and ultimately determines the services you receive.
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