Articles

Skarbeck: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac roil big investment firms

In 2012, Fannie and Freddie started making money as the housing market rebounded and losses in their mortgage portfolios reversed. By the end of this month, the firms will have returned $203 billion to taxpayers. In the meantime, several hedge funds began acquiring both the preferred shares and common stocks of Fannie and Freddie.

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Kim: Investors must play to win to reach long-term goals

Whether an athletic contest or the “game” of investing, many factors determining whether we win or lose are beyond our control. However, we can control how we approach the game and respond as events unfold, which can be just as important.

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Kim: Buffett’s farmland buy illustrates valued lessons

Warren Buffett’s annual letter to shareholders in Berkshire Hathaway’s annual report always contains timeless advice, useful in good times and bad. He told of two non-stock investments he made decades ago. Though relatively small and insignificant to his net worth, they illustrate important concepts.

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Kim: Sports wagers illustrate concepts of investing

Sports betting wouldn’t be what it is today without an innovation by Charles K. McNeil. McNeil’s strong analytical ability enabled him to earn a living as a professional gambler, or “sharp.” His innovation was the “point spread.”

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KIM: New financial bet involves tickets to Super Bowl

Do you think the Indianapolis Colts will play in Super Bowl XLVIII on Feb. 2? Would you love to join them, but don’t want to shell out thousands of dollars and multiples of face value on StubHub? You can purchase an option granting you the right to purchase a ticket to the Super Bowl at face value, if the Colts qualify.

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