Bob's Journal
Found 587 Articles.
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International Markets Still Set the Pace
U.S. stocks beat most international markets recently, but non-U.S. stocks are likely to resume the outperformance they delivered for most of the last 18 months. U.S. stock indexes have been setting record highs all year and are on pace to establish a record for most new highs recorded in a calendar year. The S&P 500 […]
The Dollar Bounces Back
The reversal in the U.S. dollar is the big news in the markets. The dollar soared after the election but began a steady decline in January that didn’t stop until recently. At one point, the dollar was down almost 10% for the year against a basket of major currencies. That was its longest and steepest […]
Whipsawed by Economic Surprises
This year has been a case study in the dangers of adjusting one’s outlook and portfolio based on the latest economic data. Most economic data are what the statisticians call “noisy.” It is based on estimates and incomplete information. Also, short-term factors can influence a month’s data. The data often are subject to later revisions, […]
The Stock Market Rotation
There have been sharp changes in the stock markets. Those who focus only on the headlines and indexes missed those moves. September unquestionably has been full of surprises for investors. First, September is supposed to be the worst month of the year for stocks. Yet, we have a gain of more than 1% in the […]
The Fed Makes another Historic Move
The markets are hoping and expecting that the Fed’s next moves will be boring. Investment markets largely were controlled by central banks from the time the Fed began its “extraordinary measures” in 2009 until it ended quantitative easing in 2014. In quantitative easing, the Fed purchased securities in the open market to inject cash into […]
Reviewing History’s Most Hated Bull Market
Here’s a big “thank you” to all of you who voted for “The New Rules of Retirement” as the best retirement book. Seniorhomes.com informed me that we were successful. Thanks to you, Seniorhomes.com named my book the winner. As a further thank you, I am providing what I hope is a highly useful weekly update. […]
Hurricane Harvey and the Economy
First, I’d like you to know there’s a little time left to make my book an award winner. The revised edition of “The New Rules of Retirement” is nominated for Best Retirement Book by Senior Homes. The highest online vote-getter will be the winner, and right now I’m in third place and need additional votes. […]
The Recent Turmoil in Master Limited Partnerships
Please help make my book an award winner. The revised edition of “The New Rules of Retirement” is nominated for Best Retirement Book by Senior Homes. The highest online vote-getter will be the winner. To vote, click here. Then, scroll down the page until you see “The New Rules of Retirement.” Click the “Vote” bar […]
