Despite some international uncertainty the U.S. economy still appears well-positioned heading into 2015. In an October 9th Wall Street Journal article, “Conditions Ripe for Stronger Growth, WSJ Survey Says”, the results of the Wall Street Journal’s monthly survey of 46 economists were summarized. Some of the positives mentioned in the article were:
Through September of this year, the S&P 500 had a total return of 8.34%. From 1926 through 2013, this widely-regarded US large company index has boasted an average annual total return of just north of 10% according to Morningstar data. CNBC recently highlighted that the S&P posted fourth quarter gains of 2.5%, on average, since 1946 in mid-term election years…which we find ourselves in today. ...
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Like most people, I did not enter adulthood with much Wall Street savvy. I had very limited knowledge of stocks or bonds, let alone more complicated investment vehicles. What I absorbed from my parents example was: work for what you need, spend less than you make, avoid debt, seek value in everything you buy, give regularly, but don’t lend to others with an expectation of seeing any return (it ruins...
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A couple years ago, a friend and leader in our industry,Brent Brodeski, the CEO of Savant Capital Management, suggested I pick up a copy of Simon Sinek’s book, Start with Why. While I am not an avid reader (though the thought is very appealing!), this is a book I couldn’t put down and over the past 36 months, I have referred to it over and over again. The...
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A question we hear frequently from physicians concerns the details around what are commonly known as “alternative” investments. Derivatives, options, hedge funds, gold, master limited partnerships, junk bonds, and the list goes on. Investors are intrigued by the potential reward they believe these investments offer. The marketing stories for these vehicles seem strong and often suggest “can’t-miss” type opportunities; they play on our greed. Another question that ranks near the top...
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