I grew up in rural Oregon. And, like most kids growing up in rural anywhere, I spent a fair amount of time learning how to fish. One of the great things about fishing as a kid is it’s a great way to learn patience. Imagine casting your line and immediately reeling it back in the moment it hits the water.... Read More
Turn Off Your Tv And Ignore The Infotainment “Experts”
I don’t watch a lot of live TV, but when I do, I turn on business news, Jim Cramer is there telling me what stocks to buy. If it’s not Cramer, it’s an analyst explaining what manger she recommends, or some economist is out with his latest forecast. Even if this form of financial “infotainment” is what business TV (CNBC,... Read More
Four reasons to get advice on your 401(k) assets
When it comes to their 401(k) or other retirement assets, too often investors are left to figure things out on their own. This raises common questions like: What funds should I be using? What’s the proper allocation to these funds? And how much risk should I be taking? These questions are perfect for addressing with a financial advisor—and yet, investors... Read More
How Worried Should I Be About Europe?
A few weeks ago we received a question from a concerned client. After reading an article about negative interest rates on many Eurozone government bonds, he wanted to know: “How worried should I be?” But now, with German bonds rebounding from negative or near-zero rates, it highlights what we communicated. The quote below, from Reuters on May 6th, shows just... Read More
Intel’s Target Date Funds: Do They Hit the Mark?
Last week “The Oregonian” ran an article regarding the investment manager change Intel is making to its target date and global diversified funds. Intel has hired AllianceBernstein (AB) as the investment manager for these funds within 401(k), retirement contribution and SERPLUS accounts. As the investment manager, AB will “design, monitor and adjust each fund’s asset mix.” The author reached out... Read More
Q1 Educational Topic – Managed Futures
Key Points: Futures are an agreement to purchase something in the future with the price set today. Managed futures funds typically seek to capture returns by taking advantage of “momentum” in investment prices. Investing in managed futures is not as straight forward as other investments. There are several things to be aware of. Last time on the blog, we reviewed... Read More
Quarterly Investment Review: Q1 2015
1st Quarter Market Performance Key Points: Investments in most areas had positive returns in the first quarter. For the first time in a while, U.S. stocks were not the best place to be. Commodities were down in the quarter, but still serve a role in the portfolio. Investments in most areas (i.e., asset classes) were up in the first quarter... Read More
4 field-tested steps to making better wealth decisions
*Note: This is Part 2 of a two-part series. Click here to read Part 1, where we discussed the magnitude of available options today and their impact on financial decisions. To receive helpful posts like this directly to your inbox, sign up for our free newsletter! Last time on the Cordant Blog, we explored how being overwhelmed by too much... Read More
How options can impact your wealth management decisions
*Note: This is Part 1 of a two-part series (part two here). Come back next time on the Cordant blog, where we’ll reveal four steps to overcoming the psychological barriers associated with too many choices. To receive helpful posts like this directly to your inbox, sign up for our free newsletter! Too much to think about Too much to figure... Read More
The stock market is not the economy
Should we invest based on economic forecasts or the potential growth rates in different countries? Country XYZ is growing really fast right now. Should we increase our allocation to this part of the world? The economy of the ABC region is really terrible right now. Shouldn’t we just avoid it altogether? Here at Cordant, we hear these types of questions... Read More