While fear of rising interest rates has clearly been a factor in recent market volatility, there are plenty of other reasons for the sudden jolts that are worrying investors. Doug…
There’s Always Something to Worry About
For investors and economists, there is always something to worry about. When stock prices are high, we worry that they’re going to fall. When they’re low, we worry that they…
Market Drop Was No Big Deal
The stock market has been setting records for years and it set another one last week. This time, though, the record wasn’t for the highest ever Dow Jones Industrial Average.…
The Ghost of Ben Bernanke
“The good news is bad news.” …
Six Social Security Changes Taking Place This Year
The good news for retirees is that they can expect more benefits this year from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The bad news is that the retirement age and earnings…
For Most Retirees, Social Security Is Main Source of Income
We’ve previously documented that the Social Security system is going broke. Fortunately for America’s retirees, Congress, the president and those in the Social Security Administration (SSA) can’t allow that to…
Bitcoin Bites the Dust
When we made predictions for 2018, perhaps the prediction most likely to come true was that the Bitcoin bubble would burst. Bitcoin has already fallen hard. Initially, prices fell as…
Other Options for Reducing Risk
We noted yesterday that alternative investments can provide the diversification needed for downside protection in case the stock and bond markets turn bearish. Two other suggestions for reducing risk were…
Worried About Stocks and Bonds? Consider These Alternatives.
Last week we presented arguments for a continuing bull market and a potential bear market. No one knows, of course, what will happen in 2018, but it’s best to be…
The Case for the Bears
Following yesterday’s case for a continuing bull market, here’s a case for the bears from Martin Feldstein, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors under President Reagan. Feldstein wrote in…