By Joel Dresang
As investors, we’re always hearing about buying low and selling high, not putting all our eggs in one basket, making a plan and sticking to it. Apparently, there’s something to be said too for the warning, “Don’t look down,” which individuals are advised when they find themselves atop a lofty perch and an unfamiliar perspective could panic them into a costly misstep. […]
By Kyle Tetting
The year 2018 marked the worst in a decade for broad measures of U.S. stocks. After some late January weakness, stocks had been trending higher for most of the year before succumbing to uncertainty in the fourth quarter. Uncertainty is always part of investing in stock markets – and, long-term, creates opportunity – but the fourth quarter of 2018 was unnerving in its reminder of how quickly trends can turn. […]
By Joel Dresang
I’m waiting my turn to purchase Forever stamps. First-Class postage for a 1-ounce letter rises to 55 cents per stamp beginning Jan. 27, a price increase of a nickel apiece or 10%. Then I consider the value of the stamps and how value often is an overlooked part of investing. […]
Gyrations in the stock market can play havoc with investors’ emotions and lead to impulsive moves. In a MONEY TALK VIDEO, Dave Sandstrom explains why investors should not let short-term market volatility disrupt important retirement decisions but instead rely on balanced investment portfolios and prudent withdrawal plans. […]
Even properly diversified investment assets move in unison sometimes. Investors saw that in October when both stocks and bonds lost value. As Paige Radke explains in a MONEY TALK VIDEO, occasional breakdowns in correlation occur, but they tend to be only temporary, suggesting correlation remains a sound strategy for long-term investors. […]
After a six-month lull, volatility riled the stock market again in October. Prices on the Standard & Poor’s 500 index rose or fell more than 1% in 10 of the month’s 22 trading days. While heightened activity can be disconcerting, it’s par for the course from time to time and reminds investors to balance their portfolios to risk levels they can tolerate. Kyle Tetting explains in a MONEY TALK VIDEO. […]
By Kyle Tetting
Stock market volatility abruptly returned in October after a stretch of 74 trading days without as much as a 1% change in the S&P 500. The CBOE Volatility Index – known as the fear gauge – doubled during the month, suggesting traders believe the wider swings may persist. Big fluctuations and a string of losses can be disconcerting, but it’s important to remember that volatility is the norm – especially this late in an economic expansion that has lasted more than nine years. […]
With widespread changes in federal income taxes in 2018, investors should consider what to expect when they file their tax returns. Dave Sandstrom explains in a MONEY TALK VIDEO. […]
In a nod to the Milwaukee Brewers and their postseason foray, our occasional exploration of the origins of financial expressions takes a swing at a common term that comes from America’s favorite pastime: Ballpark. […]
In a MONEY TALK VIDEO from the annual client seminar, Bob Landaas presents his investment outlook, sharing with hundreds of clients his insightful observations of global economic forces and market trends and what they suggest for long-term investors and near-term retirees. […]
Find out in 10 questions how much you know from the 2018 Investment Outlook Seminar. We include a link to the video from the seminar as well a link to the quiz answers. (We trust you not to peek ahead before you finish the quiz.) […]
By Joel Dresang
Ten years later, I don’t remember feeling desperate. But in a recent survey, 79% of Americans said they suffered setbacks from the financial crisis: 55% said that 10 years later, their finances still have not recovered. Looking back, I notice several factors that cushioned my family and me from the crisis. […]