Investment Strategies
Get the latest market outlook, as well as news and analysis on mutual funds, ETFs and alternative investments, all designed to help you construct a well-balanced portfolio for your clients
Fed Cuts Discount Rate and U.S. Markets Respond
By Staff WriterThe Federal Reserve Board cut the discount rate from 6.25% to 5.75% before the opening stock market bell on August 17. The Fed announced that...
August 16, 2007
Moody's Lowers Countrywide Debt RatingTwo days after the largest provider of home mortgages in the U.S., Countrywide Financial, announced that a full 1% of its home loans were in foreclosure, the company got more bad news on August 16 from a ratings agency. Moody's Investors Service downgraded the senior debt ratings of Countrywide Financial...
August 15, 2007
New Vehicles Target Munis and Luxury GoodsWhile August is often thought of as a month of lazy vacations, this year it's seen the the introduction of some unique ETFs. Claymore Securities,...
August 10, 2007
A New Name for Wells REITWells Real Estate Investment Trust, the public, nontraded REIT with about $5 billion in assets across the country (mostly class A office buildings) has changed its name to Piedmont Office Realty Trust Inc.
August 10, 2007
Brighter Times for Turkey?Turkey's stocks are appreciating at a rapid clip. Straddling Europe and Asia, Turkey teeters between Western secular democracy and ancient traditional culture. But this vast nation of 73 million has a modern, robust economy and may one day join the European Union.
August 09, 2007
Managed Accounts With a Biblical SlantThe socially responsible investing movement has been picking up steam in recent years as investors have sought to invest in companies whose values mirror their own. In line with that there are also a number of faith-based mutual funds which attempt to line up investments and religious doctrine. Now BridgePortfolio...
August 06, 2007
Spector Leaves Bear StearnsBear Stearns announced on Sunday, August 5, management changes that include the resignation of an Executive Committee and Board of Directors Member, Warren Spector, who was president and co-COO of Bear Stearns Companies Inc.
August 01, 2007
As Spreads Widen, Opportunities BeckonThe term "a rising tide lifts all boats" is especially true in the investment management industry. After years of smooth, steady returns in nearly every asset class, the markets are finally beginning to exhibit some volatility. Although this may be bad for an investor with a decades-long investment horizon, for...