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.
Investing Column
Articles
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?
SKARBECK: Giant H-P’s recent missteps a valuable lesson for us all
The Hewlett-Packard saga portrays the huge importance the capital-allocation function plays in deciding ultimate shareholder wealth.
KIM: Let Indiana help you pay for gift of college education
If there’s one absolute truth in investing, it’s that there is no such thing as a sure thing. However, for Indiana residents who want to help children, grandchildren or other loved ones save for college, there is the next best thing.
SKARBECK: Long-term investments make solid tax shelters
This is the season many investors review their year-to-date gains and losses and scan their portfolios for any other year-end tax maneuvers.
KIM: Consider value proposition of various college choices
Two-thirds of bachelor’s degree recipients borrow to attend college. The average debt is $26,500, but some is much higher.
SKARBECK: Use caution with ventures turning to crowd for cash
When social media meets finance, society births a technique for small business to raise capital called “crowdfunding.”
KIM: Election may not sway markets like expected
With election rhetoric reaching a fever pitch, investors are curious about what an Obama re-election or Romney win will mean for the stock market.
SKARBECK: Stocks climb as markets look past looming issues
Considering the issues to be faced in just the next few months—a heated election and the fiscal cliff—how in the world can stocks be going up?
KIM: Disrespecting bull market can be costly to investors
What a difference a year makes. Last October, we wrote of the U.S. stock market’s dismal third-quarter performance.
SKARBECK: Debt, deficit need work even if crisis is averted
Just what is this so-called “fiscal cliff” that is regularly injected into discussions as the political season heats up?
KIM: Don’t let ‘urgent’ tasks trump what’s truly important
Deep down, we know we need to make important life decisions, like updating investment portfolios, creating estate plans, or crafting a college savings strategy. All of these are hard work, take time and are nobody’s idea of fun.
ALTOM: What employees need to know in today’s office
I’m willing to irritate my colleagues in human resources and bet that they aren’t asking all the questions they should ask of candidates.
SKARBECK: Use facts, not feelings to choose investments
Our “big-picture” views can be shaped and influenced by experiences, reading, television and other external media. We can even be persuaded by the opinions of others.
KIM: Investors can find treasure in ‘discarded’ businesses
Our experience has been that corporate restructuring often creates market inefficiencies, allowing us to buy at a significant discount.
SKARBECK: Are equities really dead? Depends on whom you ask
References to the infamous 1979 Business Week article “The Death of Equities” have resurfaced in the media.
KIM: Why the Libor lie matters to the man on the street
Libor, the London interbank offered rate, certainly sounds like an obscure, technical bit of financial jargon. However, Libor directly affects the pricing of more than $800 trillion in securities and loans.
SKARBECK: High-quality stocks perform as well as alternative options
Most hedge funds have failed to outperform index funds since the credit crisis.
KIM: Is high-frequency trading ‘Knightmare’ on Wall Street?
Much like the fictional Skynet in the “Terminator” movies, firms engaging in “high-frequency trading” have unleashed a torrent of unbridled technological firepower that seems to have overwhelmed its human makers’ ability to control.