One of the most attractive advantages of the exchange-traded fund industry is the ability for investors to easily tap into foreign equity markets. Prior to ETFs, mutual funds were the only vehicles available for individual investors to gain broad, diversified exposure to stocks outside of the U.S.. Thankfully, there are now plenty of low-cost ETF options that offer investors access to not only particular regions, but also to specific countries. [click to continue…]
Since the financial crisis of 2008, the global economy has faced several significant headwinds. Though the U.S. has showed signs of economic progress–as exemplified by the Fed’s decision to begin tapering–the eurozone continues to recover from its debt-crisis. In 2013, however, the eurozone finally managed to log in its first positive GDP reading after 18 months of […]
Since the inception of the legendary S&P 500 ETF over two decades ago, the ETF industry has certainly come a long way with issuers filling the product pipelines with some of the most unique products on the market. And though the industry continues to grow rapidly, investors still embrace these investment vehicles for three primary […]
Over the past few years, the world economy has undeniably struggled against significant headwinds after the unprecedented financial crisis rocked the markets in 2008. But while the U.S. has seemingly stayed on track to economic recovery, the eurozone has struggled to overcome its debt burdens. Until recently, most investors have remained understandably bearish on the […]
To put it mildly, European stocks have had a rough couple of years, as the eurozone sovereign-debt crisis continues to plague the continent. And with many economies in the eurozone continuing to teeter on the edge of default (or forced bailouts), investors around the globe have remained understandably leery of any investments made within the shaky […]
The financial crash of 2008 has forever changed the way investors approach the market. After seeing bottom-line returns crumble before their eyes, many are now understandably wary of particularly risky asset classes. Portfolio allocation strategies have now become a game of musical chairs, as investors shift their assets to and from various sectors trying to park […]
As many economies in the Euro zone continue to teeter on the edge of default (or forced bailouts), investors around the globe remain understandably leery of any investments made within the shaky economy. After several years of painstaking measures and efforts made towards stabilizing the region, central bankers are still forced to piece together massive […]
The ETF industry has grown by leaps and bounds over the last five years and innovation across products has brought forth a multitude of previously inaccessible investment strategies to mainstream investors. Aside from the vast expansion in the exchange-traded product universe, the last five years have been nothing short of a roller coaster ride. Global […]
Financial worries at home surrounding the debt-ceiling coupled with a downgrade of Ireland’s credit quality into junk territory overshadowed the start of corporate earnings seasons on Wall Street. Uncertainty and general pessimism pushed investors into the “safer” corner of the market and gold emerged strongest. The yellow precious metal hit record highs on Thursday as […]
Wall Street started the week in red territory as European debt woes stole the headlines and put investors in a gloomy mood. Investors are very fearful that Italy’s financial health is seriously deteriorating, and if no grand solutions are conceived in a timely manner, then it might be too late to bail out the country […]
Domestic equities were shaky last week to say the least, managing to rally on Thursday and immediately sell-off on Friday following a very dismal employment report. Gold emerged as the strongest asset class, while crude oil futures fluctuated wildly much like equity markets across the globe. Earnings season officially starts this week and we are […]