Non-cyclical stock sectors (e.g., consumer staples, health care, utilities, etc.) often do well when there are concerns about economic growth. Indeed, exchange-traded funds representing one or more components of the non-cyclical arena have been the key drivers in the broader U.S. market’s run toward all-time records. Nevertheless, it is still a bit surprising that the potential [...] Continue Reading...
What does it mean when we learn that consumer sentiment drops to the lowest level since 12/2011? For the bulls, it means that any setback in consumer “feelings” will be offset by the Federal Reserve’s easy money policy; that is, the Fed will not quit its bond-buying, interest rate lowering until exceptional employment prospects spur [...] 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...
Over several decades, I have produced content for radio, television, magazines and web sites. And one of my longest-standing themes has been the silliness surrounding what constitutes a “bargain” in a stock market. Advocates for employing price-to-earnings ratios (P/Es) debate whether to use trailing 12 months or forward 12 months or trailing 10 years; some even [...] Continue Reading...
In a “Then and Now” piece, the Wall Street Journal published a number of fascinating statistics. “Then” represented October of 2007… the last time that the Dow Jones Industrials Average notched nominal highs. “Now” represents March of 2013… the first time that the price-weighted index ever closed above 14,250. Household income has slipped 5.6% since October [...] 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...
As long as interest rates remain low, excess money eventually moves into riskier areas on the spectrum. Higher yielding bonds, convertibles, preferreds, stocks… they all benefit. Of course, if fewer people buy treasuries because they pursue greater risks, the Federal Reserve must continue to offset waning demand. Is $85 billion per month enough? It better be. Consider [...] 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...
There’s a tendency in the financial media to wrap-up calendar years with a focus on the “winners” and “losers.” Inevitably, a large number of unsophisticated investors will allocate money to the so-called best performers, while avoiding any commitment to the underachievers. Herein lies one of the biggest mistakes that ETF enthusiasts make. Specifically, they view success [...] Continue Reading...
