KIM: Is new Greek bond deal deja vu all over again?
With bailout support and shackles both expiring next August, I’m afraid we’ve seen this movie before.
Investing Column
Articles
SKARBECK: After scandal, LIBOR begins five-year phaseout
Small changes in the level of LIBOR had significant effects on the profitability of large banks’ loan portfolios. This sowed the seeds of the LIBOR scandal.
KIM: Recognize role luck plays in success in investing, life
Even the hardest workers and best decision makers among us will fail to succeed consistently without luck.
SKARBECK: Target-date funds aren’t always best 401(k) option
Investors have different financial profiles that might require a more hands-on approach.
KIM: Passive indexing boom might turn into bust
My colleagues and I at Kirr Marbach & Co. see parallels between now and the technology stock mania of the late 1990s.
SKARBECK: Markets humming along, despite political climate
Considering the contentious political discourse taking place in our country and across the globe, it is remarkable how steady the investment markets have been.
KIM: Amazon’s relentless march collects more casualties
Amazon forever changed the way America shops, to the detriment of traditional brick-and-mortar retailers.
SKARBECK: ‘Fake news’ infects investing world, too
The SEC has announced enforcement actions against 27 individuals for collecting secret compensation on stock promotion schemes that were disguised as unbiased investment research.
KIM: Fiduciary rule or not, be on guard for conflicts
Now that the Department of Labor’s fiduciary rule is effective, does that mean you can relax your vetting process? Absolutely not, as it’s been proven time and again it’s impossible to legislate ethical behavior.
SKARBECK: Fiduciary rule accelerates trend toward lower fees
Beginning June 9, the much-debated U.S. Department of Labor fiduciary rule becomes effective for the investment industry, with a phase-in period running through Jan. 1, 2018.
KIM: Kushners throw spotlight on dubious EB-5 program
Unlike the original aim of EB-5, many projects that qualify would have happened anyway. Access to cheap financing just increases profits of developers.
KIM: We all should heed advice from retired Navy SEAL
Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter. If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right.
SKARBECK: A business day marked by blizzard of big stories
May 2 was a lollapalooza day in Indiana business, as three companies delivered significant news.
KIM: How new owners turned Twinkies into solid gold
The tale of Hostess’ demise and rise from the ashes is a fascinating case study of iconic brands, mismanagement and how private equity/buyout firms can make mind-boggling sums in the blink of an eye.
SKARBECK: Annual proxy statements are worth scrutinizing
Just as with political elections, shareholders should take the time to vote their proxies.
KIM: First quarter of this year a mirror image of 2016
We think smaller-cap stocks are poised to do better, as they tend to have less international exposure and pay higher effective tax rates.
SKARBECK: Investors may find bargains among out-of-favor retailers
Nine retailers have filed for bankruptcy in the first three months of 2017, a pace that would exceed the 18 bankruptcies recorded in 2009.
KIM: Are ‘tontines’ from 1653 a fix to retirement crisis?
For a possible solution, let’s turn to Italian banker Lorenzo de Tonti, who in the 1600s proposed a “tontine” to Louis XIV as a way for the French king to finance his wars.
SKARBECK: Unusual Berkshire manual contains pearls of wisdom
Berkshire Hathaway provides its shareholders with an owner’s manual that dictates the managerial guidelines and culture of the company.
KIM: A cautionary tale we’ll call ‘Lefty and the Gambler’
PGA superstar Phil “Lefty” Mickelson may be called to testify in the insider trading trial of sports-bettor William “Billy” Walters.