SKARBECK: After 8-year bull market, it’s time to get cautious
A virtuous circle develops as rising tech stocks continue to attract new buyers and index funds must continue their purchases to maintain their proportion in the index.
Ken Skarbeck
Articles
SKARBECK: Target-date funds aren’t always best 401(k) option
Investors have different financial profiles that might require a more hands-on approach.
SKARBECK: Markets humming along, despite political climate
Considering the contentious political discourse taking place in our country and across the globe, it is remarkable how steady the investment markets have been.
SKARBECK: ‘Fake news’ infects investing world, too
The SEC has announced enforcement actions against 27 individuals for collecting secret compensation on stock promotion schemes that were disguised as unbiased investment research.
SKARBECK: Fiduciary rule accelerates trend toward lower fees
Beginning June 9, the much-debated U.S. Department of Labor fiduciary rule becomes effective for the investment industry, with a phase-in period running through Jan. 1, 2018.
SKARBECK: A business day marked by blizzard of big stories
May 2 was a lollapalooza day in Indiana business, as three companies delivered significant news.
SKARBECK: Annual proxy statements are worth scrutinizing
Just as with political elections, shareholders should take the time to vote their proxies.
SKARBECK: Investors may find bargains among out-of-favor retailers
Nine retailers have filed for bankruptcy in the first three months of 2017, a pace that would exceed the 18 bankruptcies recorded in 2009.
SKARBECK: Unusual Berkshire manual contains pearls of wisdom
Berkshire Hathaway provides its shareholders with an owner’s manual that dictates the managerial guidelines and culture of the company.
SKARBECK: Online brokers chop fees in quest to amass assets
A commission war has broken out among the online brokerage firms.
SKARBECK: Take advantage of Buffett’s free advice on investing
Anyone who is serious about investing and does not take the time to absorb the (free!) advice of his teachings is making a colossal mistake.
SKARBECK: State’s investment strategy for pensions not paying off
Following the trend of diversifying investment types has dampened returns for Indiana’s public pension plan.
SKARBECK: Indiana’s pension system suffering from low returns
The glaring factor that needs attention at INPRS is investment performance—it, like most pension plans, has suffered from poor returns the past decade.
SKARBECK: Young people must harness the power of compounding
The secret to long-term financial success is “living below your means”—i.e. spending less than you earn while saving and investing the difference.
SKARBECK: A memo about investing to my daughters and nieces
In prior generations, women were often in the dark on money matters. Taking an active role from the start to oversee your financial future will benefit you over the long term.
SKARBECK: State has come long way since its founding in 1816
One can argue that 200 years is the blink of an eye in the transcript of history. It’s remarkable to observe the progress that has transpired in Indiana since statehood was achieved in 1816.
SKARBECK: Active managers thrived in 2016’s strong market
In contrast to the trend of the last several years, a significant number of active managers this year will outperform the market.
SKARBECK: Opportunistic investors can profit on deal spreads
Recently, the potential returns on several arbitrage deals have widened, namely because regulators have increased their scrutiny of mergers for antitrust reasons.
SKARBECK: Fiduciary rule to remake rules of brokerage business
Now classified as fiduciaries, brokers and advisers to retirement plans will need to prove they are putting their clients’ interests over themselves.
SKARBECK: Investors lose enthusiasm for actively managed funds
there are just too many funds, and underperforming funds continue to exist as inattentive or apathetic investors let their money linger.