Columns

This week marks the first anniversary of Scottrade’s FocusShares, the online brokerage family’s 15 exchange-traded funds that track Morningstar indices. 

Data shows that more than 84% of actively managed U.S. equity funds underperformed their S&P benchmark last year, and nearly 57% have underperformed over the last five years.

The battle among exchange-traded fund providers is heating up as sponsors slash fees to stay competitive.

Although dividend-paying stocks are underperforming the S&P 500 index so far this year, analysts say there’s still room for high-quality stocks.

Actively managed exchange-traded funds are back in the spotlight this week, with the world’s largest bond fund, PIMCO Total Return now available as an ETF. 

Investors are coming off the sidelines in early 2012 after many fled during the market turmoil last year. One particularly hot spot has been ETFs. 

ETFs that offer investors exposure to banks, insurance firms and real estate companies are in the green, showing a significant shift from last year’s poor performance.

Here you go again. Class warfare. Although the country is tired of the divisive speeches you seem to be drawn to, let me help you and the country understand the important point that you fail to bring up in relation to this " discussion".

In order to get our economy growing at a 4-5% GDP rate, we need a total makeover of our economic policy. 

As the battle in Washington continues, I often wonder why there isn't more outrage from all Americans over the debt ceiling debate.

Despite months of campaigning from both sides, the 2012 election comes down to one issue: Who can fix the nation's stagflation problem?

Stagflation is one of the worst economic conditions a country can be in, and the United States may have just entered it.

Ed Butowsky argues that a president with Mitt Romney's skill set is precisely what the country needs. 

From the Front Lines: With our most valuable recovery tool -- lowering rates -- gone, this administration's failed policies have put this country in the worst economic shape in history. 

Could the terrorist network ISIS affect your financial future?

If you had sky-high returns last year, your adviser was guessing. And I’m guessing you didn’t hire him to make guesses. He ignored your need to have downside protection. He wasn’t looking out for you.

Despite what the experts and news headlines say, here’s what’s really been driving the markets.

Right now, as you read this article, the national debt is directly harming Americans, and the government isn't being honest about it. 

In publicly saying he does not desire a balanced budget, the president has in effect said that he will continue to increase our debt  to other countries.

When the president says that the country needs more "investment" it is crucial to note that this is code for more printing of money. What that means is further and significant devaluation of our dollar, which  will disproportionately hurt the middle class.