Eric Blattner 4/25/24 Eric Blattner 4/25/24

Where Will Interest Rates Go Next?

There was a 50% chance rates would be cut by 1.5% this year, all the way to the 3.50% to 3.75% range.

At the same time, the idea of rates remaining high (or even rising) seemed improbable, to say the least. Fast forward to today. The current odds that the lower end of the Fed Funds target range will be 5.0% or higher by the end of the year is basically a 1-to-1 coin flip.

Consider this another example of just how quickly expectations about interest rates can change.

Eric Blattner 2/16/24 Eric Blattner 2/16/24

Looking Past the S&P 500: Is Everything at All-Time Highs?

If you are reading this, the odds are high that you don’t have 100% of your investable assets in an index fund tracking the S&P 500. You probably own other types of investments. So, what about smaller companies? Or foreign companies? Or other asset classes? Are they also at all-time highs? It turns out other pockets have not participated in this run, at least not to the same degree.

Eric Blattner 1/19/24 Eric Blattner 1/19/24

Bitcoin ETFs: Should You Own One?

Investors have a new way to invest in the cryptocurrency that is regulated, transparent, and relatively accessible. Now what?

Eric Blattner 1/10/24 Eric Blattner 1/10/24

The Best Investments from 2023

Every once in a while, we feel the need to be less serious and write about something that is purely entertaining (well, for us nerds, anyway). This post should be treated as such. Pure entertainment. Nothing actionable. Absolutely no advice. To that end, here are the best investments of 2023.

Eric Blattner 12/6/23 Eric Blattner 12/6/23

Small Companies. Small Returns?

Traditional theory suggests investors should earn higher returns in riskier investments, like small caps. However, small cap stocks have underperformed large caps for more than a decade. And they have even underperformed bigger, more stable stocks since the late 1970s. Which begs the question: why own smaller, riskier companies if we aren’t earning higher returns?

Eric Blattner 7/6/23 Eric Blattner 7/6/23

Is the Market Flashing Caution Signs? Three Observations

Investors in “balanced” portfolios just had their second-best start to a year since 2001. At the same time, cash is cool again for millions of investors. Considering the rebound in stock and bond prices this year, here are three observations for people considering moving from cash back into stocks and bonds.

Eric Blattner 6/14/23 Eric Blattner 6/14/23

Three Things 2023’s Best Stocks Have in Common

The SP 500 is comprised of (roughly) 500 stocks, and it’s up about 15% in 2023. Yet, it would be down this year if not for these 30 companies.

Eric Blattner 5/25/23 Eric Blattner 5/25/23

How Am I Doing? Keep a Long-term Perspective When Evaluating Investment Performance.

Investors often ask, “How am I doing?” The answer may require a little color, and benchmarks can help frame the conversation. Regular review of risks and returns can help keep investment portfolios aimed at achieving long-term goals.

Eric Blattner 5/15/23 Eric Blattner 5/15/23

Why I Had a Tax Surprise, and How I Hope to Avoid it in the Future

Want more control over taxes? Here are some considerations for those investors with significant assets in taxable accounts.

Eric Blattner 5/1/23 Eric Blattner 5/1/23

What Should I Do With My 401(k)?

Target-date funds have grown in popularity for retirement savers. And for good reason. But are they the right answer for everyone? See where it might make sense to consider a more tailored approach to allocating retirement plan assets.

Eric Blattner 4/14/23 Eric Blattner 4/14/23

Are Stocks Ugly?

Are stocks as unappealing today as they have been in 15 years? By one measure, the answer may be yes. Still, stock investors may be well-served to focus on the long-term.