Investing

Read original commentary on some of the best investing strategies and tools you need to succeed in today’s market.

S&P Testing December Highs

S&P Testing December Highs

“While market sentiment is showing signs of improvement, the biggest hurdle for stocks remains the Fed. There appears to be a disconnect between improving market action and an aggressive Fed that appears determined to keep hiking rates until inflation is finally brought under control. In addition, inverted yield curves continue to predict the likelihood of an economic recession which would be negative for stocks. At such times, technicians need to rely more than ever on market charts to help determine likely market direction. The next big test will come after next week’s Fed meeting. And how stocks react to what the Fed does and says about its future intentions.” – John Murphy
The Week Ahead – January 30, 2023

The Week Ahead – January 30, 2023

The week ahead includes the FOMC meeting, a key OPEC gathering, and a variety of earnings reports. The Federal Reserve is largely anticipated to produce a 25-point rate hike to take the target federal funds rate to 4.50% to 4.75%.
The Week Ahead – December 12, 2022

The Week Ahead – December 12, 2022

Two of the biggest economic events that remain for 2022 hit the calendar this week, with the November CPI report and Federal Reserve meeting having the potential to set the tone for the remaining three weeks of the year.While a mild CPI print is not anticipated to jolt the Fed away from its hawkish stance, a flat reading or surprise to the upside could reset expectations for investors out in front of their skis for betting on an inflation peak. The earnings calendar is razor-thin for the week, however, key events for Yum Brands (NYSE:YUM), Pfizer (NYSE:PFE), J.M. Smucker (SJM), Volkswagen (OTCPK:VWAGY) and Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) will keep investors on their toes.
The Week Ahead – December 06, 2022

The Week Ahead – December 06, 2022

Economists think last Friday’s strong jobs report is likely to generate more calls for a 75 -point hike from some Fed officials at the December meeting. Fed watchers will also key on the upcoming producer price index report next week as an inflation gauge.
Quant Investing – Top 3 Managed Futures Strategies Outperform the Market

Quant Investing – Top 3 Managed Futures Strategies Outperform the Market

Today, we are going to share one of the most successful categories of investing in 2022. Quant investing with managed futures has been one of the hottest trades of 2022.  … Read more
Consumer Confidence Update

Consumer Confidence Update

U.S. consumer confidence fell for the second straight month in November amid ongoing high inflation, rising rates, and corporate layoffs. The Conference Board reported Tuesday that its consumer confidence index fell to 100.2 this month, down from 102.2 in October.
HP Layoffs – Up to 10% of Global Workforce

HP Layoffs – Up to 10% of Global Workforce

Layoffs in the tech sector continue to build. Recently, we learned that HP (HPQ) is planning on making cuts. Management has indicated that it might be a slow, prolonged cut between 4,000 and 6,000 jobs by the end of its 2025 fiscal year. HP had previously reported having a global headcount of some 51,000 employees.
The Week Ahead – November 21, 2022

The Week Ahead – November 21, 2022

Is is a shorted holiday d next week so investors can expect lighter trading volume.The highlight of the economic calendar looks be the release of the minutes of the last FOMC meeting. The meeting took place before the October CPI report, but it’s possible that the market could see a jolt when hawkish tone of members is seen in black and white.Earnings will come in from Best Buy (NYSE:BBY), Dollar Tree (DLTR), and DICK’s Sporting Goods (DKS) from the consumer sector. Be on the lookout for some cautious guidance updates .Citi U.S. equity strategist Scott Chronert has already warned of a “consumer-led recession” in 2023, which could be amplified even more if the retail heavyweights continue to reel in expectations.
Sector Rotation – Remains Bearish

Sector Rotation – Remains Bearish

Energy leadership and technology weakness is usually a bearish sign. So is weakness in economically-sensitive consumer cyclicals. All of this suggests that stocks remain in a bear market.The fact that stocks show no signs of a major bottom also argues for a weaker economy and a likely recession.
The Week Ahead – November 07, 2022

The Week Ahead – November 07, 2022

The U.S. election on November 8 is likely the most newsworthy event this week.The consensus expectation is that a divided government between the White House and Congress will lead to more political gridlock and a potential slowdown of Biden’s Leftist agenda.The stock market has outperformed with a dividend government over the returns generated in the years following the same party controlling the Senate, the House and the Presidency. However, a scenario that could rattle the market would be any lack of clarity with regard to Senate control if results are contested.
Stocks in Latin America – Outperforming in 2022 ?!

Stocks in Latin America – Outperforming in 2022 ?!

It has been a very challenging year for US stocks and elsewhere around the world. However, a bright spot exists: Latin America is an upside outlier. Yes – Latin America. And this comes after a collapse of more than 70% between early 2008 and the trough at the start of the pandemic. The rally is being driven largely by commodities. ILF – iShares Larin America 40 ETF is up nearly 9% year-to-date. Now, fourteen years after the all-time record was set for the MSCI regional benchmark, the market is finally starting to show signs of life again.
The Week Ahead – October 17, 2022

The Week Ahead – October 17, 2022

The first busy week of the earnings season will feature reports across multiple sectors with Bank of America (BAC), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Netflix (NFLX) and Procter & Gamble (PG) all due. The economic calendar will include updates on industrial production and the Empire manufacturing index. On the global stage, the Communist Party Congress begins in Beijing with President Xi Jinping expected to secure a historic third term.
S&P Testing December Highs

S&P Testing December Highs

“While market sentiment is showing signs of improvement, the biggest hurdle for stocks remains the Fed. There appears to be a disconnect between improving market action and an aggressive Fed that appears determined to keep hiking rates until inflation is finally brought under control. In addition, inverted yield curves continue to predict the likelihood of an economic recession which would be negative for stocks. At such times, technicians need to rely more than ever on market charts to help determine likely market direction. The next big test will come after next week’s Fed meeting. And how stocks react to what the Fed does and says about its future intentions.” – John Murphy
Quant Investing – Top 3 Managed Futures Strategies Outperform the Market

Quant Investing – Top 3 Managed Futures Strategies Outperform the Market

Today, we are going to share one of the most successful categories of investing in 2022. Quant investing with managed futures has been one of the hottest trades of 2022.  … Read more
Sector Rotation – Remains Bearish

Sector Rotation – Remains Bearish

Energy leadership and technology weakness is usually a bearish sign. So is weakness in economically-sensitive consumer cyclicals. All of this suggests that stocks remain in a bear market.The fact that stocks show no signs of a major bottom also argues for a weaker economy and a likely recession.
Stocks in Latin America – Outperforming in 2022 ?!

Stocks in Latin America – Outperforming in 2022 ?!

It has been a very challenging year for US stocks and elsewhere around the world. However, a bright spot exists: Latin America is an upside outlier. Yes – Latin America. And this comes after a collapse of more than 70% between early 2008 and the trough at the start of the pandemic. The rally is being driven largely by commodities. ILF – iShares Larin America 40 ETF is up nearly 9% year-to-date. Now, fourteen years after the all-time record was set for the MSCI regional benchmark, the market is finally starting to show signs of life again.
CEF Connect #1 Resource – Top Tips, Tricks & Hacks

CEF Connect #1 Resource – Top Tips, Tricks & Hacks

CEF Connect is the go-to place for investors looking to research closed-end funds. However, many find the site difficult to navigate. In this article, we share tips to help investors in this space. 
QQQM – A Tech-Focused ETF To Tackle the Selloff

QQQM – A Tech-Focused ETF To Tackle the Selloff

In terms of fundamentals, such as sales, earnings, cash flow, and dividends, QQQM – Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF is the most defensive dividend growth ETF I’ve ever found.
Top Consumer Staples

Top Consumer Staples

A number of Consumer Staples stocks are overvalued and stand to benefit from a bear market or recession. Their fundamentals, attractive valuations, and earnings are driving catalysts in outperforming inflationary levels.
What is a Target Date Fund?

What is a Target Date Fund?

Stated simply, a target date fund is an investment vehicle used to manage investment risk over a long-time horizon.
Is Tesla a Good Long-Term Investment?

Is Tesla a Good Long-Term Investment?

I predict consumers will stay loyal to their existing brands as the market goes full EV in the coming decade. Manufacturers will force the switch. There won’t be an option. What I mean by that is that all new cars being offered will be fully EV at some point. And, at that point, I do not foresee a huge shift of people switching from their existing brand to Tesla. I’m talking about the late adopters, here.
Should I Invest in ARKK?

Should I Invest in ARKK?

The selloff is NOT a long-term problem, however, for the sector. And that’s why ARKK is a great opportunity currently. Now is a great time to invest in ARKK.
Energy ETFs Offer Inflation Protection

Energy ETFs Offer Inflation Protection

Inflation has hit its highest levels in 40 years. And there is one corner of the market that is thriving: energy. The XLE is up more than 26% this year.
3 Hydro Farming and Vertical Farming Stocks – Revolutionizing an Industry

3 Hydro Farming and Vertical Farming Stocks – Revolutionizing an Industry

With mounting pressure to be more environmentally friendly and cost-efficient, vertical farming stocks have begun to offer new opportunities.
Where is the Housing Market Headed?

Where is the Housing Market Headed?

On Tuesday, researchers at Goldman Sachs released a paper titled “The Housing Downturn: Further to Fall.” The investment bank now forecasts that activity in the U.S. housing market will end 2022 down across the board. The firm projects sharp declines this year in new home sales (22% drop), existing home sales (17% drop), and housing GDP (8.9% drop). And don’t expect relief in 2023. Goldman Sachs projects further declines next year in new home sales (another 8% drop), existing home sales (another 14% drop), and housing GDP (another 9.2% drop).
Real Estate Essentials – Financial Modeling

Real Estate Essentials – Financial Modeling

There are four tabs that cover the basics of loan sizing, cap rates, a pro forma analysis (calculating levered and unlevered IRR), and the basics of a scenario builder.
203K Rehab Loan – Complete List of Benefits

203K Rehab Loan – Complete List of Benefits

Section 203k loan enables homebuyers and homeowners to finance both the purchase (or refinancing) of a home and the cost of its rehabilitation through a single mortgage or to finance the rehabilitation of their existing home. 
Housing Market Bubble – Pop or Flop?

Housing Market Bubble – Pop or Flop?

Home prices continue to soar to new heights, and we continue to see a decoupling from fundamentals. We’ve been saying this for more than a year now. Critics of a bubble theory say, “Just because home prices are rising doesn’t mean that we are in a bubble.” Fair enough. I understand the economics here – and so do my readers.
Condo vs Apartment – Understand the Difference

Condo vs Apartment – Understand the Difference

Income properties make excellent long-term investments. But as a new investor, should you invest in condos or multifamily?
Modular Homes – Everything You Need to Know

Modular Homes – Everything You Need to Know

Modular homes are a way for new homeowners to say no to the established real estate market. Many are calling them the Teslas of real estate. Find out why…
Is a Housing Market Crash Coming?

Is a Housing Market Crash Coming?

To answer this question, “will the housing market crash,” we need to ascertain whether we are in a bubble. Are we in a bubble? Well… sort of.  
How do Interest Rates Affect REITs from an Investor’s Perspective?

How do Interest Rates Affect REITs from an Investor’s Perspective?

REIT share prices, like the broader market, often react to changes in the outlook for interest rates, including both the short-term rates set by the Fed and the long-term rates that are governed more by market forces.
Real Estate Crowdfunding – Top Platforms Available

Real Estate Crowdfunding – Top Platforms Available

Real estate crowdfunding platforms are helping investors diversify into active real estate projects. Read more about this growing opportunity!
Crypto Update

Crypto Update

Large swings continue to hit Bitcoin as the cryptocurrency struggles to hold above the key $20,000 level. The popular token plunged 15% to $17,787 on Saturday, before rebounding above $20,000 with a surge of similar magnitude on Sunday. Bitcoin is still off about 70% from the all-time high of $67,802 seen in November 2021, which preceded the Fed’s aggressive rate hike cycle.
What is a Crypto Wallet?

What is a Crypto Wallet?

Crypto wallets technically don’t “store” crypto – holdings exist on the blockchain, but can be accessed using a private key. Or to put it more simply, a wallet holds both public and private information needed to carry out various transactions. And different wallets are used for different cryptocurrencies.
Best Cryptocurrency to Invest in 2021

Best Cryptocurrency to Invest in 2021

Cryptocurrency had a breakout year, with many top-performing coins. What was the best cryptocurrency to invest in 2021? Let’s take a look.
Top 10 Cryptocurrencies – A Fundamental Guide

Top 10 Cryptocurrencies – A Fundamental Guide

In this list, we will provide a summary of each of the top cryptocurrencies trading in the markets today.
What is Ripple XRP? – A Deep-Dive

What is Ripple XRP? – A Deep-Dive

XRP can be used for transactions or as an investment. The Ripple network is used to process transactions, like exchanging currencies. 
Non-Fungible Token – NFT – Is it Time For an Intervention?

Non-Fungible Token – NFT – Is it Time For an Intervention?

Theoretically there is no reason why an NFT shouldn’t hold value, but theory is just a simple disjointed mirror of reality.
What is Fintech? Is the Revolution Upon Us?

What is Fintech? Is the Revolution Upon Us?

The fintech revolution that we were promised hasn’t materialized. We still face the same credit card companies offering more of the same.

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