SKARBECK: Lackluster market forecast favors large U.S. stocks
One thing that does stand out is that, on balance, these returns are not exactly going to get investors to sit up and get excited.
Ken Skarbeck
Articles
SKARBECK: Finding a bright spot in dismal housing news
One analyst even declared that, relative to disposable income, housing is more undervalued than at any time in the last 35 years. So it is an attractive time to buy a house if you plan to be a long-term owner.
SKARBECK: Debt-ceiling issue has no easy solutions
The public must understand that the arguing in Washington over raising of the debt ceiling is just political posturing.
SKARBECK: Simple investing strategies no match for ‘infrastructure’
What some call the ”institutional imperative” is deeply engrained, and returning to a simpler investment strategy would put a large part of the infrastructure out of business.
SKARBECK: Microsoft stuck in 1990s when acquiring companies
Microsoft Corp.’s acquisition of Skype for $8.5 billion, announced May 10, continues a long history of a lack of price discipline in Silicon Valley.
SKARBECK: Getting a banker’s thoughts on financial reform efforts
Dimon believes boards and regulators “are more attentive to risk” now—a duty that was sadly trumped by greed and indifference in the years leading up to the credit crisis.
SKARBECK: Inflation a growing concern beyond the United States
when it comes to global inflation, all eyes are on China, where a rapid rise in prices is causing concern.
SKARBECK: Look beyond gold for inflation hedges
gold has been in a 10-year bull market, so today’s investors aren’t exactly discovering the metal at cheap prices.
SKARBECK: Inflation worries growing, and for good reasons
As much as Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke would like to think he can pull in the reins at the right moment, the beast of inflation is difficult to control.
SKARBECK: Fed’s monetary policies drag down bond returns
Inflation is a sinister sort of tax that confiscates wealth. Bonds will lose value in an inflationary environment as interest rates rise.
SKARBECK: Japan’s rebuilding effort offers bargain opportunities
Economically, the next couple of quarters will be tough for Japanese citizens. But we wouldn’t bet against their resolve to rebuild their country.
SKARBECK: Reaching too far for yields may have consequences
Investors eager to capture return are frequently attracted to investments that offer high yields. But before leaping into them, they should remember the useful idiom: “There is no free lunch.”
SKARBECK: Get set for a landslide of social media IPOs
Social media seems to be the talk (or, um, tweet) of the town these days. While hundreds of millions of people are using these tech media to interact with one another, the question investors are trying to answer is, what are these businesses worth?
SKARBECK: If consultants take over, ownership is relinquished
Unfortunately, there are numerous examples of mishap when the investment decision-making process is farmed out.
SKARBECK: Big banks still face issues over soured mortgages
The U.S. banking system continues on its path toward healing—with many thanks to the ongoing generosity of U.S. taxpayers.
SKARBECK: Deficits turn up pressure on unions, politicians
One sure bet this year is that Americans can expect to see a number of high-profile battles across the country between municipal or state governments and public-employee unions.
SKARBECK: Regulators and ‘experts’ failed to stop scammers
Most people find it incomprehensible that there are hundreds of con men around the country who wake up every morning with the objective of looting people who have placed their trust in them.
SKARBECK: Brokerage soft costs under tighter scrutiny
Many investment firms, hedge funds and mutual funds participate in this less-than-desirable industry practice.
SKARBECK: GM’s return to market not your usual IPO
This unusual taxpayer-owned IPO did create some interesting conflicts.
SKARBECK: Benchmarks helpful, but have their problems
Benchmarking has exploded with the industry’s propensity to slice and dice and categorize every segment of the overall investment pie.