Columns

Don't Forget This Key Data Point

With all the data immediately available to all of us, the importance of some tend to get lost, while other data points that aren't that relevant often get highlighted.

Investors Must Drill Through Headlines

As you watch all the drama unfold about the fiscal cliff, make sure you don't lose sight of the most important statistics, earnings and interest rates.

Investment Moves to Make Right Now

Regardless of whether you wanted President Obama in office another four years, you should take comfort in the clarity his re-election provides for your portfolio.

You Aren't Being Paid to Play

If German Chancellor Andrea Merkel makes the decision to start doling out money to help Europe's bankrupted countries and banking systems or if somehow the economies start to improve on their own, we will see a sharp selloff in the U.S. bond market. 

Your Taxes Have Already Been Raised

The combination of the assault on the dollar along with the fiscal cliff is, and will continue to be, a tax on the middle class for years to come.

Keeping the Faith in Tough Times

Based on the historic low rates on Treasuries, relatively high earnings expectations for public companies and high dividend yields, some could argue very convincingly that stocks are selling at a 35% discount.

Who Forced Anyone To Buy Facebook?

We live in a culture these days that's too quick to blame others for our circumstances. Morgan Stanley's client was Facebook, and the mandate was to offer the shares to the public. They did just that. 

Getting the J.P. Morgan Story Right

Let me make this very clear: what occurred at J.P. Morgan was not prop trading. It is crucial for everyone to know that this was a hedge position and was not trying to make money but to save money.

Are You Losing Power?

Financial advisors often promote themselves as caring and knowledgeable people who always have their client's best interest in mind. So, here is the question you should ask your advisor: how can you do your job properly if you don't truly know what I really need to make each year just to stay even?

No Worries in Stock Market? Not Quite

Enjoy the recent run-up in stocks -- but after 25 years investing money for wealthy individuals, one thing I have learned is that there is usually a reversion back to reality at some point.

Business as Usual in the Oil Pits

The alarmists need to stop with the unsubstantiated claims that the oil market is being manipulated -- it simply can't be done to the level that can impact the price of oil. 

Look Before You Leap

Although consensus earnings forecasts are ticking higher, be careful. Analysts are overly optimistic this time of year in forecasting full-year estimates. 

The Market's Current Trend Isn't Your Friend

The first thing investors need to do is to recognize that a trend doesn't happen day to day, week by week or even month by month. All investors need to take a step back and evaluate the markets from a distance.