…United States markets may be more concerned for now with economic and political developments in larger trading partners such as Mexico, China and Germany. With Brexit, the financial markets have been more likely to view the United Kingdom on a stand-alone basis, with less likelihood…
After creating relatively little concern for the financial markets over the past decade, the “I” word, or inflation, has recently been escalated to headline status. There has been wide agreement that the world’s economies have experienced a low rate of inflation over the past 10…
…a ballerina. However, in the past two decades, Black Swan has also become a financial buzzword. A Black Swan in financial markets was a term popularized by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, a finance professor, writer and former Wall Street trader. According to Taleb, a Black Swan…
“What’s ahead for the US Financial Markets and the Economy for 2018: the changing landscape and the potential bear markets in US equities and bonds. First a brief Report card: Predictions for 2017 The changing investment landscape: The explosive growth of ETFs, Bitcoin, and the…
A blog by Frederic Slade, CFA, Assistant Vice President and Senior Director, Investments, Pentegra Retirement Services – January 17, 2017 When projecting what the main drivers of the capital markets and the world economies will be in the upcoming year, I am reminded of the…
…may be necessary if the equity markets do not continue their run. How will Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) Premiums Be Managed? Flat rate PBGC premiums will rise from $69 to $74 per participant in 2018 while variable rate premiums for underfunded plans will increase…
“Highlighting five trends in the capital markets and retirement industry which are expected to impact pension sponsors and retirees this year. Tax Reform Interest Rates PBGC Premiums The DOL Fiduciary Rule Exchange traded funds (ETFs) “…
“The Financial Markets and the Economy: What to Look for in 2017 The Importance of Asset Allocation ―How to position portfolios for the long term ―What our correlational studies and valuations are telling us ―Where are we looking to put our investment dollars right now…
…Unlike the United States market decline in 2008, the US economy and capital markets do not need to correct for a 30-year long housing bubble. Nor, as in 2000, do the markets need to address a bubble in “dot.com” stocks valued at 60 times revenue….
A blog by Frederic P. Slade, CFA, Assistant Vice President, Senior Director of Investments – January 20, 2015 Why do investors look to Wall Street financial experts to predict the direction of the markets– when it is impossible to predict the future? One answer is…
As we head into 2020, below are five questions relating to current trends and topics which are expected to impact retirement plans, financial markets and savings next year: Will the 2019 U.S. equity rally continue into 2020 or will “fundamentals” take hold? After declining by…
…contribution design to complex contribution design – with and without a calculator – with our back of the napkin approach. We’ll talk strategies on which clients might be the best fit for a cash balance plan and provide some talking points for your client meetings.”…