Recent upticks in Brazilian stocks have intrigued investors into revisiting this Latin American powerhouse. Unlike other recovering stock markets, the real fundamentals behind Brazil are strong. Since 2008, Brazil has shown the world it is worthy of investment, posting stock market growth of an emerging market country, but the prudence of a developed nation in [...]
4 Reasons Bonds are No Longer “Safe”
When investors think of “risk aversion,” typically treasury bonds, corporate bonds and municipal debt rank highly on the list. In today’s economic climate, however, it appears there may be more risk in low yielding debt than there is in stocks themselves, which are generally considered to be the most risky.
The Flee to Bonds
With deflation concerns [...]
Why China Has Everything to Gain in Climate Change Legislation
As world dignitaries converged for a United Nations summit to address keynote issues such as global warming, one nation, China, is fully set to explode in economic growth should measures in the developing world find their way to law.
The Green Debate
A cap and trade measure is the type of law most likely to be found [...]
Why “Absolute Return” Funds Absolutely Underperform
Billions of dollars tumbled into absolute return funds in the wake of the financial downturn. Although these funds may guarantee absolute returns, they’re more likely to under-perform.
The Basis of the Business
Unlike other mutual funds and even exchange-traded funds, an absolute return fund has more in common with insurance policies than it does investments. The goal [...]
Commodities: The Key to Predicting the Next Market Movement
Commodities and equities are very different investment vehicles. One represents ownership in a company or business, while another represents ownership in one of the most basic units of production. While they aren’t interchangeable, commodities typically lead any stock market rebound.
The Basis for Correcting Recessions
The Federal Reserve and Congress both spend significant amounts of energy and [...]
What a Tariff Means for the Tire Industry - And Your Portfolio
Trade relations between the United States and China became threatened last week when President Obama enacted a new tariff of 35% on Chinese made automotive tires. The tariff, which has increased by nearly 800% from 4% to 35%, could bring about a wave of protectionism in what has so far been a relatively “friendly” recession.
The [...]
2010 Brings Lower 401k Contribution Limits - What You Can Do Now
Whether you’re just getting started in your retirement planning or you’ve been a lifelong saver, important and expected news is coming for your 401k program. Chances are high that in 2010, the federal government may actually lower the annual contribution limits of your 401k due in part to nonexistent inflation statistics.
How Will I Be Affected?
Without [...]
How Golden is Your Retirement Plan?
As gold reaches $1000 per ounce and silver pushes its pre-bubble highs, investors have an increasingly vested interest in precious metals. Once ignored for their below-average returns, metals and retirement portfolios are becoming a tried-and-true mix.
Why Buy Metals?
Of all the “speculative” investments, gold and silver are some of the least volatile. The term “speculative” is [...]
How to Profit from Inflation: Think Emerging Markets
It’s par for the course that emerging market economies are flush with inflation. The root generally stems from vast government subsidies and legislative measures intended to help businesses compete in international trade. Although inflation is often considered a terrible stain on any portfolio, the good news is that with emerging markets, it may just make [...]
Risen Dragon: China’s Magnified Economic Influence
The emerging market train from the 1990s has turned into a worldwide super power. Just recently, China took a bold step to establish itself as an economic superpower by purchasing $50 billion in IMF bonds. The move will help China further establish itself in economic trade, as well as produce new outlets for its exports, [...]
