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.
Investing Column
Articles
KIM: Kushners throw spotlight on dubious EB-5 program
Unlike the original aim of EB-5, many projects that qualify would have happened anyway. Access to cheap financing just increases profits of developers.
KIM: We all should heed advice from retired Navy SEAL
Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter. If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right.
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.
KIM: How new owners turned Twinkies into solid gold
The tale of Hostess’ demise and rise from the ashes is a fascinating case study of iconic brands, mismanagement and how private equity/buyout firms can make mind-boggling sums in the blink of an eye.
SKARBECK: Annual proxy statements are worth scrutinizing
Just as with political elections, shareholders should take the time to vote their proxies.
KIM: First quarter of this year a mirror image of 2016
We think smaller-cap stocks are poised to do better, as they tend to have less international exposure and pay higher effective tax rates.
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.
KIM: Are ‘tontines’ from 1653 a fix to retirement crisis?
For a possible solution, let’s turn to Italian banker Lorenzo de Tonti, who in the 1600s proposed a “tontine” to Louis XIV as a way for the French king to finance his wars.
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.
KIM: A cautionary tale we’ll call ‘Lefty and the Gambler’
PGA superstar Phil “Lefty” Mickelson may be called to testify in the insider trading trial of sports-bettor William “Billy” Walters.
SKARBECK: Online brokers chop fees in quest to amass assets
A commission war has broken out among the online brokerage firms.
KIM: Buffett lauds market system, immigrants for U.S. abundance
Fans of Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett eagerly await the last Saturday in February for his annual letter to shareholders to be posted. With U.S. stocks and political divisions running at record levels, Buffett offered some cool-headed historical perspective and timeless investment advice in his 2016 letter. According to Buffett, “One word sums up our […]
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.
KIM: Dow milestones get headlines but don’t reflect overall market
The DJIA is the default, shorthand answer to the question, “What did the market do today?”
KIM: Despise Patriots, but follow their play-to-win approach
Playing to win involves an intensification of effort and continual risk taking. The equivalent for playing not to lose is conservatism and trying to avoid costly mistakes.
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.
KIM: Time in market, not timing, key for millenials’ investing
Compound interest is a powerful lever that can make your financial life better. Or it can kill you.
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.
KIM: Profits, ‘animal spirits’ may drive up stocks in ’17
If the animal spirits of capitalism stir and result in a shift in motivation from safety to profit, the results could be impressive.