How Do Events in Japan Help or Hurt Your Investments?
In the investing world it helps to pay attention to what is going on throughout the world. When Japan was the economic powerhouse of the 1980s they were buying up properties in the USA and their stock market threatened to eclipse that of the USA. Even after the economic collapse caused by hidden debt and subsequent deflation Japan´s currency has remained a safe haven and events in Japan still affect Asia, Europe and North America. How do events in Japan help or hurt your investments today? Reuters provides a small example after a victory of Prime Minister Abe´s ruling party […]
How Long Will the Economic Sweet Spot Last?
The stock market seems to be overpriced but every times earnings come in they are positive and stocks keep going up. So long as the economy keeps chugging along it supports earnings but how long will the economic sweet spot last? CNBC writes that the economy may soon lose its power to boost stocks. Then what?
Closely followed strategist Jim Paulsen told CNBC on Monday he’s worried that economic data could stop supporting the stock market’s bull run.
“The economy has been doing so good for so long now that even if it continues to do well, it won’t any longer be […]
Should You Be Investing in Defense Contractors?
Every day seems to bring more bad news about possible conflict on the Korean Peninsula. As the dictator of North Korea and the American President trade insults and threats should you be investing in defense contractors? CNBC writes that the specter of war has driven defense stocks up.
On Oct. 1, President Donald Trump once again took to Twitter to attack Kim Jong-un, saying that negotiating with the North Korean chairman is a waste of time. While social media mudslinging may not be the best way to deal with a hostile leader, there’s at least one group who may not mind […]
Is Pension Money Keeping the Rally Alive?
Everyone says that the stock market is overpriced but it keeps going up. One reason is that earnings are pretty strong for the market leaders and nothing seems to scare investors when earnings are good. But there is more to the story. When there is a lot of money to invest it tends to go into the market. Market Watch makes the point that money managers are being forced to buy stocks as pension contributions pour in.
Their point is that while many factors drive the market, forced buying is a real driver when huge pension fund contributions roll in, usually […]
How to Start Investing in the Stock Market
How to start investing in the stock market is to start with basic principles. How much do you have to invest? A good rule of thumb is that you should not invest what you cannot afford to lose. Thus you need to be able to pay your mortgage or your rent and make payments on your car and other expenses. Then you should have a couple of months of expenses in the bank and your credit cards paid off. That is how to start investing in the stock market. While you are getting […]
How a Stronger Dollar Creates Winners and Losers
A strengthening US economy and the prospect of more interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve have helped the US dollar stop its recent slide. But how does a stronger dollar affect the economy and the stock market? Today we look at how a stronger dollar creates winners and losers. CNBC writes that stocks could take a hit as the dollar strengthens.
The U.S. dollar is beginning to enjoy a bullish turnaround after declining for much of this year, and some strategists are watching for how its recent gains will impact equity markets domestically and abroad.
Should this bounce continue, domestic markets […]
Do Events in Countries Like Spain Really Affect Your Investments?
Separatist movements in Europe threaten the stability of the second largest economy in the world, that of the European Union. The most recent issue is a vote for independence from Spain by people in Barcelona and the province of Catalonia. But, do events in countries like Spain really affect your investments? There are two factors here. One is that if you have foreign direct investments in nations like Spain you should pay attention. And if you are invested in European stocks you should care also. But what if your investments are entirely onshore? Then do events in countries like Spain […]
Who Is Right about Tax Cuts, Republicans or Economists?
The same folks who jumped on the stock market bandwagon the day after Trump’s election are excited again. Bloomberg writes that the possibility of tax cuts is making waves in the stock market.
Amid FANG flu and another trash rally, a trade tied to Donald Trump has come quietly back into vogue with U.S. equity investors.
The rally reincarnates a trade that ascended after the November election and then died. Arousing interest is Trump’s focus on one of his signature campaign promises to domestic businesses. He and Republican congressional leaders plan to preview their bill on Wednesday and the president said he […]
Does Following Warren Buffett’s Investments Really Do Any Good?
Every so often we read an article about how you should invest like Warren Buffett in order to achieve success in the stock market. But, does following Warren Buffett’s investments really do any good or is it simply better to imitate his approach? After all when Buffet invests a few billion in a company its price commonly goes up. And, investing just after the stock price goes up is not an especially good idea. The Street just published an article about how to invest like Warren Buffett.
In a letter to his Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A – Get Report) (BRK.B – Get […]