Overview The US stock market was on an absolute tear this summer. S&P 500 went up by 7.65% and completed its best 3rd quarter since 2013. Despite the February correction, the US stocks managed to recover from the 10% drop. All major indices reached a series of record highs at the end of August and September. Read more »
Risk management
Market Outlook April 2018
Market Outlook April 2018 After a record high 2017, the volatility has finally returned. Last year the market experienced one of the highest risk-adjusted performances in the recent history. In 2017 there were only 10 trading where the S&P 500 moved by more than 1% in either direction, with not a single trading day when Read more »
Biggest Risks for the Markets in 2018
Biggest Risks for the Markets in 2018 Wall Street is gearing for another record year on the equity market. On January 2nd Nasdaq crossed 7,000. A day later S&P 500 reached 2,700. Dow Jones followed by passing over 25,000. Who can ask for a better start? However, with S&P 500 earning +22% and Nasdaq gaining Read more »
Market Outlook December 2017
Market Outlook December 2017 As we approach 2018, it‘s time to reconcile the past 365 days of 2017. We are sending off a very exciting and tempestuous year. The stock market is at an all-time high. Volatility is at a record low. Consumer spending and confidence have passed pre-recession levels. I would like to wish Read more »
The Rise of Momentum Investing
The Rise of Momentum Investing While the momentum theory has been around for two decades, we had to wait until 2017 to see the rise of momentum investing. The largest momentum ETF (MTUM) is up 35% YTD. And unless something dramatic happens in the remaining few weeks, momentum will crush all major market-cap weighted indices Read more »
6 Saving & Investment Practices All Business Owners Should Follow
In my practice, I often meet with small business owners who have the entire life savings and family fortune tied up to their company. For many of them, their business is the only way out to retirement. With this post, I would like to offer 6 saving & investment practices all business owners should follow. Having Read more »
End of Summer Market Review
End of Summer Market Review Happy Labor Day! Our hearts are with the people of Texas! I wish them to remain strong and resilient against the catastrophic damages of Hurricane Harvey. As someone who experienced Sandy, I can emphasize with their struggles and hope for a swift recovery. I know that this newsletter has Read more »
6 Essential steps to diversify your portfolio
Diversification is often considered the only free lunch in investing. In one of my earlier blog posts, I talked about the practical benefits of diversification. I explained the concept of investing in uncorrelated asset classes and how it reduces the overall risk of the investments. In this article, I will walk you through 6 essential Read more »
15 Mistakes in personal retirement planning
As a fiduciary financial advisor, I help my clients achieve their financial goals and ensure a safe path to retirement. I often encounter issues, which if not resolved on time, can impose serious threats to meeting these life objectives. In this article, I would like to share my experience and guide you through some of Read more »
Top 5 Strategies to Protect Your Portfolio from Inflation
Protecting Your Portfolio from Inflation The 2016 election revived the hopes of some market participants for higher interest rates and higher inflation. Indeed, the 10-year Treasury rate went from 1.45% in July to 2.5% in December before settling at around 2.35-2.40% at the end of February 2017. Simultaneously, the Consumer Price Index, which is one Read more »
4 Steps to determine your target asset allocation
One of the financial advisors’ primary responsibilities is to determine and document their clients’ target asset allocation. The target allocation serves as a starting point and guideline in diversifying the client portfolio and building future wealth. Clients’ unique financial goals, lifestyle, investment horizon, current and expected income and emotional tolerance to market turbulence will impact Read more »
Introduction to portfolio diversification
Introduction Portfolio diversification is one of the main pillars of retirement planning. The old proverb “Never put all your eggs in one basket” applies in full strength to investing. Even the Bible talks about diversification. Ecclesiastes 11:2 says “Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur Read more »