Publications, Insights & News

What captures the attention of investors, the media and the general public is often not what matters for portfolios, saving for retirement or achieving financial security. In the short run, events that involve individual stocks and market dislocations can be more interesting and seemingly more impactful than slow-moving economic progress. And yet, it is this slow smoldering growth, not a flash in the pan, that truly allows everyday investors to achieve financial freedom.

Benjamin Graham, often considered to be the father of value investing, drew a stark distinction between speculating and investing. Understanding the difference is important to developing a diversified portfolio that will help you achieve your long-term financial goals.

The U.S. is beginning to roll out the COVID-19 vaccine just days after it was approved by the FDA. Government officials estimate that 100 million Americans could be vaccinated by the early months of 2021. While this is very positive news, investors should continue to maintain realistic expectations and stay disciplined in the coming months.

The stock market has fallen almost 10% since the beginning of September, so it is understandable that investors may be concerned by a possible market correction. However, in the long run, despite endless causes for concern, investors are usually rewarded for having the fortitude to stay invested.

To say that the past six months have been a rollercoaster ride for investors would be an understatement. Thus, it's no surprise that the price of gold has risen to its highest level since 2011. In this context, it's especially relevant for investors to understand how gold can be an important supporting cast member rather than the center of attention.

If you have turned on the TV over the last month, I’m sure you have heard all about the coronavirus. The virus is impacting lives all across the world, and financial markets haven’t been spared either. Market volatility is very high, and stock prices have shifted downward. However, if you have excess cash above your cash reserves that could be used for retirement or other general long-term investing, this could be a good time to invest for your long-term goals.

Investors and economists have been squarely focused on the spread of the new coronavirus, officially referred to as COVID-19, and its impact on the global economy. Government efforts to contain the spread of the virus have already impacted economic activity in China and other parts of the world, creating significant economic uncertainty. This has resulted in a stock market pullback over the past two weeks that some have referred to as the "coronavirus correction" and "virus volatility." While much ink has already been spilled on the topic, investors naturally still have many questions about what lies ahead from a long-term perspective.

Global stocks have been in the red this year due to fears of the spreading coronavirus and geopolitical instability. The Chinese stock market, at the epicenter of the public health crisis, and emerging markets more broadly, have taken the brunt of the hit. At the same time, U.S. and developed market stocks have swung in both directions on a day-to-day basis. Given this heightened sense of fear from some investors, staying calm and internationally diversified is as important as ever.