Wednesday, January 13, 2010
"Diversification is more than buying a bunch of global mutual funds"
Conventional investment wisdom is frequently flawed. Over the past decade, we have seen the Canadian dollar strengthen, and stocks around the world floundering. Global equity mutual funds have been hit hard by this double negative. As a result,you may have lost money, especially if you followed the traditional approach of buying a number of global equity funds for diversification. Quite simply, the time has come to recognize that diversification is more than buying a bunch of global mutual funds. If you are wondering if you need a second opinion, give me a call.
Monday, January 11, 2010
The Important Role of Diversification
On Saturday, i discussed the important role of diversification in rebuilding your portfolio. Diversification allows your portfolio to grow through difficult market conditions, and can protect you from the wild swings in equity markets. Many portfolios I review are made up of several equity oriented mutual funds. This is not diversification. Bonds, cash, preferred shares, real estate, and even options all have their place in a well constucted portfolio. If you think that your portfolio needs a second opinion, give me a call.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Time to Rebuild
2009 is over, and with it's end, we have seen the conclusion of one of the worst decades in stock market history. The lost decade has damaged many retirement plans, but there are real, meaningful steps you can take to rebuild your portfolio. I have prepared a series of strategies that are designed to help you get back on track after the gruelling bear markets of the past decades. If you would like to review these unique ideas, give me a call at 519 963 8019.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
10 themes for 2010-recovering from the lost decade
Over the next few weeks,I will be sharing a number of ideas for rebuilding after the last ten years:
1) Diversification means more than just stocks from around the world
2) Move up the balance sheet…consider bonds
3) Learn about convertible debentures as a stock alternative
4) Seg funds make sense to keep you in the market and secure your retirement income
5) Guarantee your principal with a strip bond
6) Look at ETFs as a mutual fund alternative
7) Buy at least one fun or interesting stock this year
8) Use covered calls to generate income
9) Look at a hedge fund for diversification
10) Take a serious look at the cost and performance of your mutual funds
Stay tuned...
1) Diversification means more than just stocks from around the world
2) Move up the balance sheet…consider bonds
3) Learn about convertible debentures as a stock alternative
4) Seg funds make sense to keep you in the market and secure your retirement income
5) Guarantee your principal with a strip bond
6) Look at ETFs as a mutual fund alternative
7) Buy at least one fun or interesting stock this year
8) Use covered calls to generate income
9) Look at a hedge fund for diversification
10) Take a serious look at the cost and performance of your mutual funds
Stay tuned...
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
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.
Monday, December 21, 2009
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.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
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.
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