As global equity markets plummeted in the final quarter of 2008 and first two months of 2009, many investors watched in horror as gains that were accrued over several years slipped away in a matter of months. With many major benchmarks falling by 50% or more, countless investors began to recalibrate retirement plans and risk tolerance while wondering what went wrong. Many wondered if their portfolios would ever come close to levels touched before the terms like “subprime mortgage” and “credit-default swaps” entered the American lexicon. [click to continue…]
The ETF industry continues to demonstrate impressive growth, both in assets and number of products. Already in 2010 more than 60 new ETFs have hit the market, putting this year on pace to shatter last year’s product development record. This surge in product offerings has led some to lament that the industry has reached (or [...]
The much anticipated Apple iPad tablet computer was released today across the country. The device, which has been hailed as revolutionary by many and useless by a few, could have a huge impact on the technology and consumer electronics sectors. If successful, the product could open up a whole new market for content producers who [...]
Two months into 2010, hopes for a smooth, steady year for equity markets have already been dashed. After stumbling out of the gates as worries about the euro zone and the sustainability of China’s impressive growth, most equity markets bounced back in February, as rounds of solid economic data sparked renewed optimism in the U.S. [...]
The reasons for the rise of the ETF industry are numerous: intraday liquidity, (potentially) superior tax efficiency, and enhanced transparency relative to traditional actively-managed mutual funds have all contributed to the billions of dollars of inflows that these funds have seen in recent years. But the real attraction for most ETF investors is the reduced [...]
by Andy H on November 5, 2009 | Updated June 24, 2010
As the stock market continues to rise, seemingly running ahead of fundamentals, more and more investors are becoming concerned that the stocks are becoming overvalued, and that a downward correction may be just around the corner. While safe haven investments such as the U.S. dollar and gold are popular picks for investors looking to profit [...]
Earnings seasons are always hectic times on Wall Street, but this time around it seems to come with added importance. We’ve seen signs and heard whisperings that the recession has ended and a recovery is underway, but investors are anxious for confirmation from corporate America. Last week’s reports gave mixed results, with positive surprises from [...]
by Eric Dutram on October 15, 2009 | Updated October 16, 2009
After a strong earnings report from Intel on Tuesday (the company beat the Street’s estimates by seven cents) all eyes will now be on IBM and Google to see if they carry the positive momentum into the fourth quarter. Confirmation of a recovery by these two bellwethers will add further confidence to those who believe [...]
Many analysts are building up the coming weeks as one of the most important earnings seasons in recent memory, a report card on the strength and sustainability of the economic recovery in the U.S. So far, the grades have been stellar. Intel revenue and profits declined from a year ago, but the chip maker managed [...]
by Jimmy A on September 9, 2009 | Updated September 10, 2009
Earlier today, ETF Database Senior Analyst Michael Johnston appeared on Business News Network’s The Close program to discuss ETF plays on Apple’s news regarding Steve Jobs, the new iPhone OS, the new iTunes, and more. Johnston analyzes IYW, QQQQ, and XLK in the live TV interview from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Watch the full interview [...]
Later today, Apple has an invitation only event scheduled at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater in San Francisco (10 am Pacific time). Apple has confirmed that the meeting will have a music theme, but beyond that it’s anyone’s guess as to what will transpire at the much anticipated event (some believe the [...]
