The closest thing to bipartisanship in the presidency of Barrack Obama may have come a few weeks ago. Eight prominent Senators — four Democrats and four Republicans — have been crafting an immigration reform bill that many believe could eventually become law. However, finding common ground on economic issues has eluded members of Congress for years. [...] [...more]
Standard & Poor’s infamously downgraded U.S. treasuries. Ever since, investors have been richly rewarded for purchasing bonds of the downgraded, AA-quality debt. Now Moody’s downgraded French banks for their exposure to the sovereign debt of the PIGS (Portugal, Italy, Greece, Spain). And yet, iShares MSCI France (EWQ) rose more than 3% shortly after the announcement. Of course, these are two very [...] [...more]
Many financial commentators believed that the stock market would continue managing the realities of record price depreciation in U.S. property, new lows in consumer confidence as well as ongoing debt uncertainty in Europe. Who could blame them for thinking that way? After all, didn’t the stock market surge 1% across-the-board on the last day of May? It’s not that the market’s resilience [...] [...more]
Tom Lydon proposed that defense cuts by the U.S. government could actually help positions like the Aerospace and Defense ETF (ITA). If you agree that budget cuts will actually help Aerospace and Defense ETFs, should you bolster your exposure to the sector? Or, should you first get a look at ETFs that may determine the overall direction of U.S. stock assets? Defense Budget [...] [...more]
Most of the conversation has been centered around the inevitability of rates going higher… much, much higher. Yet every time that the 10-year treasury yield works its way towards 4%, bond buyers have been stepping forward. With Intel confirming strength in semis… and perhaps the broader economy at large… is 4% about to break altogether? If [...] [...more]
Tom Cruise knew what it was like to be “the best of the best” in the 80s classic, “Top Gun.” But which Defense ETF is the Ace of Aerospace? In a separate sector vein, some folks are giving Utility ETFs a serious look. Is Utility ETF underperformance since the Lehman bankruptcy a good enough reason to rotate over? The Best Of The Best [...] [...more]
According to the Wall Street Journal, metals were the best performing commodities in 2009. Many investors believe that a recovering world economy will further boost metal mania well into the New Year. Does the “Metal Rally” still have momentum? You may also wish to look at positions that could be used for diversification within the sector. Metal Rally Has [...] [...more]
After a pullback in the last week of October, the start of November has been equally unsettling. Should you be getting defensive with your ETF investing? How might the Consumer Staples sector benefit your portfolio? Find out how you may or may not be affected by Vanguard’s recent rate hike announcement. Also, we look at one person’s thoughts on [...] [...more]
