Tag Archives: investing

A Stock-Picker’s Market?

Posted on February 23, 2012 by Jay Franklin

Of all the nonsensical terms that pervade the financial media, there are few that reach the stupidity level of “a stock-picker’s market.” It is a refrain often heard at the beginning of the year, particularly when the stock-pickers (i.e., active … Continue reading →

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A Sane Explanation for Insane Behavior

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Dan Solin

It seems like no week goes by without another action by the SEC alleging insider trading or other misconduct by members of the securities industry. This week was no exception. According to a litigation release issued Feb. 17, 2012,the SEC … Continue reading →

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Invest With the Silent Minority

Posted on February 18, 2012 by Mark Hebner

by Dan Solin A routine report from Morningstar contains some great advice for investors, if you know how to interpret it. The report notes that passively managed funds (basically index funds) had a net inflow of more than $76 billion in 2011. … Continue reading →

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Morningstar’s Fund Manager of the Year: A Slippery Slope

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Dan Solin

I previously cautioned investors about the perils of relying on various lists of “best fund managers.” One of the most popular of these lists is issued annually by Morningstar, which annually designates a “Fund Manager of the Year” in various … Continue reading →

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Your Broker Has No Clue

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Dan Solin

I am fascinated by the way most people invest, because it is demonstrably wrong. Here’s how you probably pick your mutual funds. Your broker calls and tells you about a mutual fund he believes is right for your portfolio. The … Continue reading →

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A Day Late and a Dollar Short

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Dan Solin

The financial media was all atwitter when Standard and Poor’s downgraded the credit rating of nine European countries on Jan. 13, 2012. France and Austria lost their triple-A rating. CNBC’s reaction was typical. It described this event as “a Black … Continue reading →

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Dirty Tricks Brokers Use to Get Your Business

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Dan Solin

Brokers and advisors like to describe their activities in terms indicating the benefits they bestow upon their clients. “Wealth manager” is one of my favorites, because it conveys the impression that using them is likely to increase your wealth. Using … Continue reading →

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Politics and Investing: A Deadly Mix

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Dan Solin

The views of the Republicans running for office are getting a lot of air time. Whatever the relative merits of these candidates, investors might be misled by some of the spirited dialogue. Two issues stand out as having the potential … Continue reading →

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2011 Winners Can Make You a 2012 Loser

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Dan Solin

Everyone wants to be a stock market winner. There were some big winners in 2011. Investors in US TIPS did great. This index tracks U.S. Treasury inflation-protected securities that have at least one year remaining to maturity, are rated investment … Continue reading →

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Einstein’s Theory… of Investing

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Dan Solin

As legend has it, when Einstein died, he met two men and a woman outside the pearly gates. Always one to strike up a conversation, he asked them about their IQs. The woman said her IQ was 190. Einstein was … Continue reading →

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