Investing Guide

In a world where financial literacy is increasingly recognized as a crucial life skill, introducing kids and teens to the world of investing can set them on a path to financial success. According to Fidelity’s 2023 Teens and Money Study, a staggering 91% of teens express a definite interest in investing, with three-quarters of them planning to embark on this financial journey before graduating college or earlier. So, can kids really invest in stocks, and if so, how can parents facilitate this process? Let’s delve into the details. The Power…

Geopolitical Realities and Financial Markets Savvy investors understand that geopolitical tensions and uncertainties can have a profound impact on the financial markets. In this ever-changing landscape, one factor that is gaining prominence is weaponized migration. Recent events on both sides of the Atlantic, from the U.S.-Mexico border crisis to the situation in the Mediterranean, have raised questions about the motivations and implications of this global immigration surge. Weaponized Migration: A Historical Perspective The use of migrants as pawns in geopolitical games is not a new phenomenon. This strategy has been…

Introduction In a world filled with countless daily demands, the idea of having one less thing to think about is truly appealing. Just as inventions like the dishwasher and washing machine revolutionized household chores, automating your saving and investing can revolutionize your financial life, offering you both convenience and potentially significant impacts on your long-term net worth. This blog post delves into the concept of automated investing, highlighting its many benefits and providing insights into how to make it work for you. What is Automated Investing? Automated investing is a…

Introduction In the world of investing, patience is often the difference between success and frustration. Patience, defined as the ability to endure delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset, plays a crucial role in achieving long-term financial goals. In this article, we’ll explore why patience is essential in the world of investing and how it can lead to better financial outcomes. The Frustration of Waiting Investors have undoubtedly faced their fair share of challenges in recent years. Let’s take a look at the S&P 500 and Russell 2000…

Over the past 40 years, investors have experienced the benefits of favorable market trends, marked by an amalgamation of population growth, favorable policy shifts, and increasing productivity. This tapestry, woven together with rising globalization, technology advancements, and regulatory reforms, gave birth to a vibrant economic environment, resulting in fruitful investment returns that surpassed historical norms. However, the investment horizon we gaze upon today is shifting. Fidelity’s Asset Allocation Research Team (AART) now suggests that the tailwinds of yesteryears may be fading, with headwinds of slower growth and geopolitical challenges emerging….

Tax efficiency is essential for investors, and failure to account for it can be detrimental to your portfolio’s performance. In a world where every percentage point counts, being caught unaware by unexpected tax obligations can set you back considerably. If you’re investing in mutual funds, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential for a nasty surprise: the mutual fund tax trap. The Importance of Tax Awareness A comprehensive Morningstar study spanning the years 1926 to 2021 showcased that ignoring taxes in your investment decisions could slash your portfolio returns…

The financial universe of 2023 has been dominated by tales of tech titans and the eye-watering growth of mega-cap stocks. With around ten of these giants responsible for the meteoric rise of the S&P 500® Index in H1 2023, it’s easy to think they’re the only show in town. But beneath the surface of these headline-grabbers lies an intriguing tale of smaller players – the small-cap stocks – preparing to take the lead. Is Narrow Leadership Fading? While mega-cap stocks had their moment in the spotlight, market analysts predict a…

In the vast ocean of investment strategies, value investing has long been an anchor for those looking to buy stocks at prices believed to be below their intrinsic value. But what exactly is value investing, and how can investors harness its principles to make informed decisions in the stock market? Let’s dive deep. The Essence of Value Investing Metric Objective Price-to-book Identify Undervalued Stocks Forward price-to-earnings Find undervalued stocks with strong earnings on a forward-looking basis Enterprise value to cash flow from operations Evaluate stocks using a holistic company view…

Introduction As the world keeps changing, the capital markets reflect this dynamic ebb and flow. In 2023, while the U.S. equity indexes have shown remarkable resilience, there’s an underlying truth that remains unshaken: “Buy protection when you can, not when you’re forced to.” As we step towards the close of 2023, it’s imperative to reevaluate your investment strategy, especially concerning index options. The Cost of Protection: Understanding the Basics In the world of options, the cost of protection is often overlooked when the markets are calm. The catch is that…

In a world where geopolitical tension, supply chain disruptions, and concerns over energy security are increasingly becoming the norm, the globalised order of the last three decades is facing an unprecedented challenge. The evolving landscape of deglobalisation is set to profoundly impact various investment themes, with an emphasis on smart manufacturing, energy transition and climate change, and the circular economy. Riding the Tide of Manufacturing Reshoring Over recent years, we’ve seen a significant shift in manufacturing trends. Manufacturers have been reshoring, or “near shoring”, their production processes to bring them…