ECNFIN

During the week of May 26–May 30, 2025, the best-performing asset classes were (see Table 1): The worst-performing asset classes for the week were: This week also marked the end of the second quarter of 2025. For the quarter, Bitcoin... Read More ›

During the week of May 12 – May 16, 2025, technology stocks experienced significant positive appreciation, driven in part by relaxed export restrictions and deal-making initiatives by President Trump (see Table 1). Top-Performing Asset Classes: The biggest loser for the... Read More ›

During the week of May 5 – May 9, 2025, the major economic news was that the Federal Reserve maintained its interest rate range between 4.25% and 4.5%. The Fed emphasized that while the current economy appears stable, the future... Read More ›

The Federal Reserve announced today that it will maintain its short-term interest rate within the range of 4.25% to 4.5%. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell described the economic outlook as “highly uncertain” but also noted that the economy remains stable.... Read More ›

Is there a preferred asset allocation that can consistently deliver positive risk-adjusted returns across all market environments? This paper analyzes 20 years of market data to answer that question. In this research paper, I analyze 20 years of stock market... Read More ›

The stock market is informationally efficient. It reflects nearly all available public information in stock prices. You have an opportunity to know about the company and the stock price as much as anybody else can legally. For beginner investors, selecting... Read More ›

The stock market has been highly volatile. As of April 30, 2025, the S&P 500 Index has recovered 62% of its losses from the year’s low, yet remains approximately 9% below its year’s high. With new Gross Domestic Product (GDP)... Read More ›

The financial markets are pretty efficient. High-frequency traders have fiber-optic cables in close proximity to major US stock exchanges. Many trades are done using computer algorithms. These trades are executed near the speed of light. Whenever you hear or see... Read More ›

You may remember a hype around GameStop and stories of investors turning $500 into $200,000. Stories like this can cause the investor to fall victim to the cognitive bias – bandwagon effect. Just because more and more people are buying... Read More ›

At some point, you may want to seek the help of a financial advisor. A financial advisor can provide education, guidance, and personalized strategies to help you reach your financial goals. They can also conduct research, manage your investments, and... Read More ›

From the market close on April 17th to the close on April 25th, the best-performing asset classes and sectors were: The lagging sectors during the same period were: Year-to-Date (YTD) Performance Highlights: On the downside (YTD): Disclosures:The analysis is based... Read More ›

Investing in individual company stocks may provide an attractive potential return, but it comes with both company-specific and market risk combined. Most investors like to brag about the high-performing stock picks they made during cocktail parties; it is very exciting... Read More ›

A diversified portfolio can create a more comfortable environment for investors to weather the ups and downs of the stock market. A well-diversified portfolio typically carries lower risk while maintaining potential upside. Investors are more likely to stay the course... Read More ›

The first step in building an investment portfolio is to understand your true risk tolerance before investing. How much risk can you tolerate both in theory and in practice? It is easy to fall a victim of being a risk... Read More ›

By now, you understand what it takes to build a sizable investment portfolio over time. John began investing $100 per month, with an assumed 12.5% annual return, he was able to accumulate $510,000 by the age of 50. But what... Read More ›

During the week of April 14–17, 2025, U.S. equities lagged, while international stocks, oil, and gold outperformed. The worst-performing categories were: The top-performing categories included: Fixed income held up well, with prices edging higher and yields dipping slightly. Interestingly, despite... Read More ›

You can open an investment account with as little as $100 today. Making regular contributions may significantly enhance your investment returns. Time is one of the most powerful tools in building wealth – early, consistent contributions can have the same... Read More ›

You should allow enough time for your investment strategy to succeed. Assuming your original investment thesis is sound, the longer you stay patient and avoid reacting impulsively to market news, the better your performance may be over time. However, it’s... Read More ›

Investors should keep cash savings in their bank accounts for rainy days. Cash reserves can serve as a hedge against unexpected future expenses (Ivan Sichkar, 2012). This is a prudent risk management strategy that may also enhance overall investment returns.... Read More ›

Selecting the right type of investment account may improve your after-tax investment returns. Most of the time, you will need to choose between taxable, tax-exempt, or tax-deferred account types. In many cases, it may be beneficial to have both taxable... Read More ›