In previous years, consumers spent more money when the value of their 401ks and the value of their homes were rising. That goes a long way toward explaining the performance of the third best sub-sector ETF on a rolling 5-year basis. Specifically, SPDR S&P Retail (XRT) annualized at 16.1% over the past 5 years while [...] Continue Reading...
With S&P 500 stocks approaching all-time highs daily, it may be more instructive to look at potential hedges and “diversifiers.” Here are 3 ETFs that are less likely to receive accolades when investors are smitten with Google (GOOG) and Gilead (GILD). 1. iShares Silver Trust (SLV). Over the last year, SLV has served as a fine [...] Continue Reading...
Prior to the 2007-2009 financial meltdown in the U.S., risk-takers thoroughly embraced the idea that emerging markets would regularly trounce the developed economies. At times, this simply meant that emerging market stocks would outperform on the upside. At other times, this referred to the ability of “emergers” to hold on to gains… even if U.S. [...] Continue Reading...
Daily sentiment can change on a “Susan B. Anthony.” For instance, in the time that Prime Minister Mario Monti has held the reins of control in Italy, global markets have felt better about the prospect of the European Union holding itself together. At the start of Monday’s trading, in fact, stock assets around the world [...] Continue Reading...
U.S. stocks (S&P 500) have packed on Olympic-sized gains through the initial eight weeks of 2013. Fed policy uncertainty aside, 6%-plus capital appreciation on low volatility is impressive by any measure. The bulk of the run-up is attributable to industries tied to economic growth and enhancement. Sector ETFs that represent financials, industrials, technology and energy have [...] Continue Reading...
Bullish commentators have been busy admonishing those who might be cautious. Their reasoning? Long-term investors should focus on the signs that point to stable economic growth in the U.S., a recovery in China as well as unwavering stimulus by the Federal Reserve. Besides, with Treasuries offering more risk than reward, where else are you going [...] Continue Reading...
What are the alternatives for an investor when a large majority of assets are fundamentally overvalued and technically overbought? One can wait to participate, of course. Even if there are no obvious reasons for sellers to enter the marketplace, they always do. On the other hand, stock fund managers are being flooded with cash that they [...] Continue Reading...
Lately, I’ve been fielding a great many questions related to automobile companies. Had I seen the 5-year highs on car purchases? Am I aware that autos were the strongest segment in 2012 retail? And what’s the best ETF for capturing the inevitable growth? In truth, I’m not necessarily convinced that the U.S. auto sector will continue [...] Continue Reading...
Seeking Alpha’s Jonathan Liss recently spoke with Gary to find out how he planned to use ETFs – including alternative ETF strategies not frequently found in more typical investor portfolios – to position clients in 2013. Jonathan Liss (JL): How would you describe your investing style/philosophy? Gary Gordon (GG): Information processing is the best way to describe [...] Continue Reading...
Why is the budget battle as monumental an issue as it is? Over the last 50 years, the U.S. federal government has spent an average of 20% of its economic output (GDP). It has only averaged 18% of GDP in tax revenue. In other words, for 50 years, our elected politicians have regularly spent more [...] Continue Reading...
