2010 S&P poised for record low
U.S. stocks tumbled Tuesday, with the S&P 500 Index poised for its lowest finish this year, as U.S. consumer confidence fell more than anticipated in June, adding to worries about a global slowdown. This is all part of the global economy we’re worried about, there just isn’t enough growth around to generate steady job growth [...]How to Swing Trade
Wikipedia defines swing trading as a stock, index, or commodities trading practice whereby the instrument is bought or sold at or near the end of an up or down price swing caused by daily or weekly price volatility. A swing trade position is typically open longer than a day, but shorter than trend following trades [...]Economic Recovery Data
The economy is being boosted by higher retail sales, stronger factory output and a rise in companies’ stockpiles. That picture emerged from reports Friday pointing to an economy that’s improving modestly but steadily after the worst recession in decades. Yet the recovery needs stronger job creation, and it remains under pressure from fears that Europe’s [...]US Stock Market on Shaky Ground
With no quick fix in sight to the sovereign debt issues plaguing Greece and other parts of Europe, the U.S. stock market’s roller coaster ride is unlikely to end in the weeks ahead. Watching Europe is important. They import a lot, and they export a lot, so they have a lot of influence over what’s [...]‘Pay Me’ Stocks
The way to overcome rising taxes, inflation and all the rest of the current and pending threats to your retirement is to have more cash coming in every month. It’s that simple. Of course the real rub is to make sure that your retirement portfolio is not just yielding you more now – but will be [...]ETF Stock watchlist
‘Cautiously bullish’ is the theme du jour. The bears seem to have little ammunition and sell programs have had scant success in turning positive days negative. Another bad sign for the bears is that they can’t use weak volume to their advantage, but it is that weak volume that keeps us being too enthusiastic about the [...]Record-low rates aid struggling economy
Record-low interest rates are still needed to stabilize the economic recovery, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told Congress on Thursday. He cited still-fragile economic conditions, and noted that inflation is low, which gives the government freedom to keep rates at rock-bottom levels. Deciding when to tighten credit is the biggest challenge facing Bernanke, whose second term started [...]Treasury’s Biggest Weekly Loss
Treasury prices posted gains on Friday, but remained headed for a weekly loss as yields on 10-year notes touched the highest levels since June amid heightened concerns about the government’s ability to finance its deficits and as investors turn to seeking out higher yields in other asset classes. Still, U.S. debt yields, which move inversely to [...]China tops USA in Clean energy spending
China is emerging as the world’s clean-energy powerhouse, according to a new study by The Pew Charitable Trusts. Last year, China spent more than any other major country on clean energy, including wind and solar, toppling the U.S. from the top spot for the first time in five years, the Pew report says. The U.S. is [...]How Much Is Needed to Comfortably Retire? Plan Your Retirement Portfolio Strategy Now
This mornings Wall Street Journal Sunday had a compelling yet alarming article ‘Do You Have Enough to Retire? Do the Math‘ that highlights the lack of a retirement portfolio strategy for many of the 80 million baby boomers.
“Just how much are you going to need in order to retire comfortably?” the article challenges each of us to ask ourselves. Surprisingly, “fewer than half workers surveyed, 46%, had tried to calculate how much they would need for a comfortable retirement.” The article then takes you through the steps to help you determine how much is enough. ”Based on assumptions made, you will need to save about 20 times the annual income you need your savings to generate.” WOW! And to be even more secure they recommend 25 times. NOW WHAT?!?
A plan is what!!! First take yourself through the article’s ’simple retirement planning worksheet’ then pick up your phone and schedule an appointment with an investment adviser to jump start investing for retirement. For those comfortable tackling this on your own, consider do-it-yourself investing tools. Make sure to have all your account information in front of you to get a clear picture of your financial landscape. It might also be helpful for you to read up on investment options available today so you are informed of their plus and minuses. Being educated will help you navigate through the conversation as they begin rattling off terms such as ‘diversification….asset allocation….rebalancing”. Make sure you also understand the difference between ETFs, mutual funds and index funds. With the goal to have as much money as possible at retirement, you will want to go the route with the lowest cost yet still provide you with diversification and returns.
Congratulations, you are one step closer to retiring comfortably!