SKARBECK: After stumbles, hedge funds fall out of favor with investors
The bloom has come off the rose of the decade-long investor stampede into hedge funds.
Investing Column
Articles
KIM: The NFL draft exposes behavioral-finance truths
The NFL draft is rife with false beliefs and destructive decision-making. The same could be said of investing.
SKARBECK: Adviser rule is compromise but could protect investors
The goal of the Department of Labor’s fiduciary rule is to have less-conflicted advisers and lower costs for retirement accounts.
SKARBECK: Beware of growing use of ‘adjusted’ earnings
While it’s perfectly legal to present non-GAAP earnings alongside GAAP figures, lately the list of excluded items has expanded to where the difference between the two figures is sometimes substantial.
KIM: Beware of crowdfunding investment opportunities
Come May 16, 2016, companies seeking capital and speculators looking for the proverbial pot of gold will have a new way to meet when rules created by the SEC’s “Regulation Crowdfunding” take effect.
SKARBECK: Investors can participate in new era of space travel
America is embarking on the next great era of space exploration, and investors in both private and public companies will play a big role.
KIM: Map to financial freedom can fit on an index card
Instead of being a calm, careful financial steward following a plan, do you find yourself constantly fretting about money and getting caught up in a losing game of financial Whac-A-Mole? If so, you’re not alone.
SKARBECK: Big banks worth a look at today’s cheap prices
it is easy to see why investors are concerned about bank stocks. Yet, barring a broad economic downturn, which doesn’t seem to be in the cards, there are reasons to like U.S. bank stocks at these lower prices.
KIM: We’re in a bull market for apocalyptic forecasts
There is no shortage of market pundits and others whose modus operandi is to play/prey on investors’ fears by painting a picture of impending doom and gloom, whether supported by the facts or, in most cases, not.
SKARBECK: World’s bankers pulling out all the tricks to spur growth
Around the world, central bankers are using unconventional strategies in an attempt to stimulate their economies.
KIM: Herd mentality dangerous for coaches and investors
Investors are often reluctant to act on their own information and go against the comfort of the herd, fearing damage to their reputations as sound decision-makers.
SKARBECK: As gloom-and-doomers fret, the wise go bargain hunting
The S&P 500 has fallen 10 percent in the first 11 trading days of 2016. It’s as if someone flipped the sell switch on Jan. 4 and left it on. Predictably, the gloom-and-doomers are out in force.
KIM: Big stocks’ strength masked weakness of overall market
The major stock market indexes showed flattish performance in 2015, but only because the largest-capitalization stocks did well.
SKARBECK: Long term outlook? Illiquid options work well
Investors who have long-term outlooks and the temperament to hold less-liquid securities, can take advantage of the opportunities presented in illiquid markets by scooping up stocks and bonds at discount prices.
KIM: Woes at investment firm highlight need for liquidity
The SEC has been concerned about exactly this scenario caused by the mismatch between a fund offering its shareholders daily access to their money while a significant proportion of its assets are illiquid (i.e. cannot be sold quickly without affecting price).
KIM: Facebook founder rocks world of philanthropy
Modern billionaires approach charitable giving in unconventional ways.
SKARBECK: Increasing number of cars complicates climate talks
The challenge for investors becomes how to analyze the future of industries that produce and rely on fossil fuels, along with assessing the viability of renewable energy sources.
KIM: Trump’s bankruptcies hold important investor lessons
In a typical Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization, all parties suffer (except the lawyers). Creditors take a significant “haircut” on the amount owed and the owners’ investment is effectively wiped out.
SKARBECK: High-flying private firms might be about to tumble
According to CB Insights, there are 143 unicorns with a combined value of $508 billion. Lately, observers have become concerned there might be a “valuation adjustment” similar to the bursting of the dot-com bubble in these private tech companies.
KIM: Forget the door busters; give the gift of education
Skip buying “Star Wars” gear and instead establish or make a gift to a young person’s 529 College Savings Plan account.