A solid end to a dreadful decade

Stock markets around the world have continued to rally overnight. The traditional Santa Claus rally is well underway. Even with this rally, which has lasted for nine months, few investors will miss this decade. The new decade may be the perfect opportunity to explore a new approach with your nmoney. As Christmas of 2009 approaches, may you and you family have a safe and healthy holiday season, and a prosperous New Year.

New Approach in the New Year

Markets around the world look set to move higher, as the traditional Santa Claus rally may be ready to begin. Markets are likey to be pretty quiet over the next few weeks, but the holidays are a great time to prepare for next year. Be sure you have done any tax loss selling you might need completed by year end, then relax and enjoy the holidays. As the new year begins, resolve to take a new approach with your money, and see if therer are better alternatives for you than traditional mutual funds. A new year and a new decade are the perfect opportunity to review your investment strategy.

pay attention to today's Fed announcement

After a pretty weak day yesterday on North American markets, European markets have started this morning broadly higher. North American markets look poised to rise when they open. Investors should be watching carefully as the US Federal Reserve releases its decision on interest rates. Everyone recognizes that interest rates must eventually turn higher, but today's meeting may give us a sense if the rate increases will occur quickly, or off in the distant future. This could have a meaningful impact on your portfolio, so pay attention to today's Fed announcement.