2015 may be a year when global diversification is appreciated once again. The world’s economies and central bank policies are diverging, creating conditions for widely varying results. Relative valuations among countries may be a reliable guide to future results. Global Diversification Could be 2015’s Winner. 2015 is likely to be a year when global diversification
The new year has just begun, but analysts are already forecasting a period of higher market volatility in 2015. Ed Easterling of Crestmont Research graphs the present situation and shows what investors can expect in the coming months. At the same time, Research Affiliates advises investors to use the structural “building blocks” approach to better anticipate real returns. And,
Intriguing subject matter relating to retirement was the topic of several sessions at the AICPA Advanced Personal Financial Planning Conference held January 19-21, 2015. This week we share some of the conference’s golden nuggets and more. Retiring in a Low-Return Environment. Investment returns and retirement spending have been based on information drawn from the past.
Intriguing subject matter relating to retirement was the topic of several sessions at the AICPA Advanced Personal Financial Planning Conference held January 19-21, 2015. This week we share some of the conference’s golden nuggets. What makes for a Satisfying Retirement? Although money matters, planning for a lifestyle can be equally important in order to get
Last summer oil prices climbed to $110 per barrel amid an escalating insurgency in Iraq by a group called ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria). “Everybody knew” oil prices would remain elevated during the crisis even if there were no disruptions of supplies. Sometimes conventional wisdom can be wrong. Now, the price of oil
Nearly every day keeps us busy dealing with interesting issues for wonderful clients. Often we are involved in critical and emotional issues at life intersections. Along the way clients teach us (in a good sort of way). Some of those lessons are the subject of this week’s blog. Family grief can reveal unexpected surprises by
Markets were rocked last week due to a dramatic drop in oil prices. This week we discuss what to make of it. The plunge in the price of oil should act like a shot of adrenaline to the world economy. But, there will be winners and losers. Overall, the effect of cheaper oil is clearly
We have been busy the last few weeks helping clients keep more of what they earn and transfer it efficiently to the succeeding generations. This week we discuss some tips to boost wealth. Bracket management. The basic idea is simple—manage income across annual tax brackets to smooth out income, avoiding tax spikes from inopportune realization
Hard career choices have been a recurring theme this year in consultations with clients. We should say anguishing career choices, because these forks-in-the-road involve significant personal trade-offs, and the stakes are high. This week we offer practical input for high achievers making hard career choices. Must Success Cost So Much? Many high achievers find success
What will a new Congress bring? A new level of bipartisanship? More gridlock? What will be the impact to investors? Markets hope the stage is set for a constructive relationship between the parties and pro-growth legislative initiatives, but more gridlock may be in store. That said, people who believe the conventional wisdom about politics may