Skarbeck: Mutual funds’ rate of return paints misleading picture
The calendar can provide the investment industry the sleight of hand needed to grab investors’ attention when advertising investment performance.
Investing Column
Articles
Kim: Investors must steer clear of the narcissistic CEO
A number of academic studies have concluded narcissistic CEOs make poor choices that can cause the company and your investment to perish.
Skarbeck: Stockman ‘rant’ draws welcomed responses
A lengthy New York Times opinion piece by David Stockman has set off a firestorm of response from a variety of sources who editorialize about stock markets and politics.
KIM: Discipline in the short term required for long-term gain
Investors fret about the stock market. The market has more than doubled from its low four years ago. Am I too late? There is still so much uncertainty, here and abroad. Are stocks too risky?
SKARBECK: Alternative investments not worth their high costs
When it comes to choosing the products or services offered by the investment industry, the evidence suggests that when investors pay less, they often get more.
KIM: Buffett to worried CEOs: ‘Let us unburden you’
Veteran investing fans like me eagerly await the release of Warren Buffett’s annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders.
SKARBECK: Don’t get overly excited about new index records
The frenzy surrounding a new market high tends to raise the blood pressure in investors. It seems to stimulate a feeling that they need to “do something.”
KIM: Mutual fund choices influenced by conflicts
Have you ever wondered how and why the mutual funds your brokerage firm recommends or those that appear on your 401(k) plan’s menu of investment options were chosen?
SKARBECK: SEC enforcement powers important but limited
The SEC’s reputation had taken a hit when an internal investigation found that senior employees were surfing pornographic websites during the financial crisis.
KIM: Protect yourself when buying mutual fund shares
While the concept of a mutual fund is beautiful in its simplicity, actually investing in one can be complicated.
SKARBECK: Weakening currencies spur economic growth or inflation
The value of a currency can be influenced by all sorts of variables—including politics, monetary policy and interest rates.
KIM: Disciplined approach key to ’13 investing success
Investors who heeded FDR’s advice—“When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on”—were amply rewarded for staying the course.
SKARBECK: Now’s the time to reflect on investment results, costs
With 2012 now in the books, it is a great time to undertake an analysis of your financial results.
KIM: Look for ways to invest without following the herd
We don’t waste time trying to anticipate events that are uncontrollable. Still, some highly experienced and skilled investors make unconventional predictions I think are worth noting.
SKARBECK: Value investors tempted by HHGregg valuations
A fascinating case study can be found in the divergent fortunes of locally based HHGregg and Texas-based Conn’s Inc.
KIM: Turn off TV and heed this timeless investment advice
In today’s era of 24/7 media bombardment, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by all the “expert” opinions out there.
SKARBECK: Investors’ dour mindset costing them money
Every day, U.S. investors are bombarded with a lack of action from inept politicians who can’t seem to take one positive step toward solving our fiscal crisis.
KIM: Buffett believes philanthropy is our investment in society
In June 2010, Buffett joined Bill and Melinda Gates to announce the Giving Pledge—their effort to persuade the richest Americans to donate at least half their wealth to charity.
SKARBECK: Even glass-half-empty Grant has positive long-term view
An Indiana University grad and author of five books, Jim Grant possesses deep knowledge on the role central banks have played throughout history and the cumulative results of their monetary policy decisions.
KIM: Don’t be fooled by ‘hot hand’ fantasy in hoops or investing
With basketball a metaphor for life for many passionate fans, what lessons hold true both on and off the court?