Wednesday, 21 December 2016
The close of each calendar year brings with it a chance to look forward to the year ahead.
By the end of each year investors are likely to be bombarded with predictions about what the future, and specifically the next year, may hold for their portfolios. These outlooks are typically accompanied by recommended investment strategies and actions that are aimed at trying to avoid the next crisis or missing out on the next “great” opportunity. When faced with recommendations of this sort, it would be wise to remember that investors are better served by sticking with a long-term plan rather than changing course in reaction to predictions and short-term calls.
Thursday, 15 December 2016
Factor-based investing and the benefits of working with a financial advisor in the DFA network
For years it has been assumed that you have to be either an active or a passive investor. It is also assumed (depending on which camp you’re in) that one is better than the other. In our opinion, the argument about active vs passive management can be put squarely to bed--and the answer to which investing strategy we use is…Both. This is called factor-based investing and it is a strategy used by a company whose funds we use a great deal---Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA).
By Jay Pluimer, AIF® CIMA®
Monday, 10 October 2016
When the markets are relatively stable with no crisis on the horizon, whatever is the financial media to do? It comes up with headlines like: "It's Getting Scarily Quiet in the Stock Market" and "The Stock Market Is Quiet. Too Quiet".
Even when the stock market is humming along nicely (as it was in August), there's still pressure to act - often in a way that's contrary to your best interests. Although the fear of losing what you already have is real, successful investing requires discipline in good times and in bad times.
Friday, 24 June 2016
In its perpetual quest to feed the insatiable 24/7 news cycle, the financial media has once again latched onto the uncertainty over next steps for the Federal Reserve as it evaluates potential interest rate increases. Reminiscent of late last year, when the Federal Reserve raised the fed funds target rate for the first time since 2006, dire predictions abound for investors should the Fed make a policy misstep. While we agree that Fed policy does have important implications for investors, and uncertainty about the Fed's next move could be contributing to market volatility, we want to take a step back and provide a balanced assessment of the situation.
By Jay Pluimer, AIF® CIMA®
Thursday, 09 June 2016
Markets around the globe overnight and today are responding to Britain's decision via referendum to begin the process of exiting the European Union. Though the decision has seen widespread shock and some volatility in the market, we recommend taking a long view and not reacting to immediate market behavior.
