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Is Facebook Stock a Good Option for Investors Right Now?
Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) has made a slow but impressive comeback from the pandemic sell-off. The stock closed at $208.47 per share on Wednesday.
Fisher Asset: What Are Kenneth Fisher’s Investing Ideas?
At the end of Q3, Fisher Asset’s total portfolio was worth around $91 billion. We’ll focus on Fisher Asset’s top holdings, buys, and sells.
IBM Rattles Internet Giants as Blockchain Goes Global
IBM’s blockchain innovations are starting to get noticed. Three banks have teamed up with mall owner Scentre Group to test its blockchain platform.
HSBC Cuts Target on Apple, Warns of Dire Consequences of Tariffs
Today, HSBC (HSBC) cut its price target on Apple (AAPL) to $174 from $180.
What Does HSBC’s Downgrade Mean for Apple’s Investors?
This year began on a terrible note for Apple’s investors as its CEO made a downward revision to its fiscal 2019 first-quarter guidance.
LyondellBasell: Analysts’ Views and Recommendations
For LyondellBasell, 30% of the analysts recommended a “buy,” 65% recommended a “hold,” and 5% recommended a “sell.”
A Look into IBM’s Growth Strategy
Consistent growth in the cloud and mainframe systems enabled IBM to post a lower-than-expected fall in its revenues in 3Q17.
Wall Street’s Views and Recommendations for Praxair
About 45.0% of the analysts covering Praxair (PX) stock have recommended a “buy,” and 50.0% have recommended a “hold.”
Understanding PayPal’s Choice Transition
PayPal reported that its payment transaction per active account increased 12.0% year-over-year in 1Q17.
What Wall Street Analysts Recommend for LyondellBasell
The latest analyst consensus indicates LYB’s 12-month target to be at $94.83, implying a potential return of 17.2% from the closing price of $80.89 as of June 26, 2017.
United Kingdom’s Services PMI Was Weaker in May
The United Kingdom’s weaker services PMI was due to slower improvement in new business orders, domestic demand, and export orders in May 2017.
Will the European Central Bank Follow the Fed?
On its own stage across the Atlantic from the US Fed, the ECB (European Central Bank) has had its own quantitative easing program.
How European Equities Compare to US Equities in 2016–2017
European stocks are expected to rise in 2017, but you need to be cautious of unexpected political outcomes in 2017.
Olin’s New $500 Million Debt to Clear Term Loans
On March 6, 2017, Olin (OLN) announced the pricing of its $500.0 million senior notes. It said the notes will be issued at 100.0% par value.
How Do Analysts Rate Emerson Electric Stock ahead of 1Q17 Results?
Of the 25 analysts covering Emerson Electric stock, three analysts gave the company a “buy” rating, 17 analysts gave it a “hold” recommendation, and five analysts recommended it as a “sell.”
Is It Time to Invest in International Funds?
2016 has mostly been about macro trends, thus presenting a different set of challenges for active fund managers who mostly focus on companies rather than economic and sector trends.
How Has the USAA International Fund Performed in 2016?
Consumer staples have been the biggest positive contributors to the USIFX in YTD 2016.
Service Sector’s Contribution Has Been Rising in the UK
Let’s now take a look at specific risks that could arise for businesses as a consequence of Brexit.
Why Are Retail Sales Low in the United Kingdom?
The Office of National Statistics published the retail sales for June at a six-month low. Retail sales fell by 0.9% on a month-over-month basis.
Pound and FTSE Rally as BoE Keeps Interest Rates Unchanged
The Bank of England (or BoE) kept interest rates unchanged on July 14, 2016, in its first monetary policy meeting since the Brexit vote.
Company & Industry Overviews How MACSX’s Stock Picks Have Delivered in 2016
The three-month period ended June 24, 2016, has been challenging for the Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund Investor Class (MACSX).
Bringing You Up to Date on MACSX’s 2016 Portfolio Moves
MACSX’s dual focus on growth and income generation makes it a bit different from the other funds in this review.
Company & Industry Overviews Why 2016 Has Been Forgettable for the BlackRock Pacific Fund
Financials have contributed the lion’s share of the BlackRock Pacific Fund – Investor A Shares’ (MDPCX) poor showing in 2016 YTD.
Ray Dalio’s Bridgewater Associates Has Something Interesting to Say about Brexit
Bridgewater Associates, which is managed by billionaire investor Ray Dalio, has warned its clients that a Brexit win could spread among EU countries.
Which Sectors in the UK Will the ‘Brexit’ Decision Affect Most?
The financial sector has contributed heavily to the UK economy. Financial institutions like HSBC and Barclays will face challenges doing business in the EU.
What Explains an Average YTD 2016 for the USAA International Fund?
The USAA International Fund (USIFX) is right in the middle of the pack as far as its point-to-point returns for YTD 2016 are concerned—it is placed sixth.
Dell Issued the Most High-Grade Bonds Last Week
Dell Corporation issued Baa3/BBB- rated high-grade bonds worth $20.0 billion via six parts on May 17.
Investment-Grade Corporate Bond Issuance Reaches 10-Week High
Investment-grade corporate bonds worth $51.4 billion were issued in the primary market in the week ending May 20, 2016.
According to HSBC, What’s a Strong Clue for Gold’s Direction?
HSBC analysts have determined that historically, gold has risen for at least 100 trading days after the first hike by the Federal Open Market Committee.
What Impacted Sales for Nokia’s Mobile and Fixed Network Segment?
Europe-based (EFA) Nokia’s (NOK) Ultra Broadband Networks include its mobile and fixed business groups. The gross margin rose by 250 basis points.
China’s Real Estate Bubble: George Soros Shows Why It Will Burst
According to George Soros, the Chinese property and construction bubble can grow and feed itself like in the United States in 2005–06.
Company & Industry Overviews Financials Hurt, Industrials Helped VEURX in 1Q16
The Vanguard European Stock Index Fund – Investor Shares (VEURX) fell 2.4% in 1Q16, which placed it in the middle of the pack of the 12 funds in this review.
What Can Markets Expect from the UK ahead of Brexit Referendum?
Until the referendum, the GBP (Great Britain pound) will continue its volatility. The cross-currency risk is increasing as the referendum is approaching.
Spurred by the Brexit, the Pound’s Implied Volatility Is Rising
The rise in the pound-dollar pair’s implied volatility has been a strong 26% compared to a fall of 10.5% in the euro-dollar exchange rate volatility.
Ericsson and Ozone to Provide Small Cell as a Service to Reliance
Ericsson accounts for 1.1% of the PowerShares BLDR Europe 100 ADR Index Fund (ADRU).
What’s Jamie Dimon’s Outlook for Chinese Banks?
Jamie Dimon, JPMorgan Chase’s (JPM) CEO and chairman, thinks the Chinese economy (FXI) has the potential to house 30% of the world’s largest companies in the next 20–30 years.
Company & Industry Overviews Why You May Want to Consider MACSX
MACSX is invested in the stocks of companies such as Yum! Brands, Japan Tobacco, HSBC Holdings, and Telekomunikasi Indonesia.
An Overview of MACSX
MACSX has existed since September 1994 and has an expense ratio of 1.1%. A minimum of $2,500 is required to invest in this fund.
Company & Industry Overviews Why Nothing Is Right for APJAX
APJAX is invested in stocks of companies such as Rio Tinto, HSBC Holdings, BHP Billiton, PetroChina, and British American Tobacco.
Helpful Facts about APJAX
The Aberdeen Asia-Pacific (ex-Japan) Equity Fund (APJAX) aims to invest 80% of its net assets in equity securities of Asia-Pacific (ex-Japan) companies.
Were International Mutual Funds Beneficial over the Last Year?
International mutual funds are the most convenient way to spread your investment across companies in all major economies.
Why BlackBerry Is Looking to Regulated Industries for Client Wins
BlackBerry also mentioned that it is managing to win client deals in other regulated industries like the legal industry.
A Look at the AMFQX Fund’s Investment Methodology
The AMFQX fund’s investment model is primarily a counter-trend model. It looks to sell short-term overbought levels and buy short-term oversold levels.
High-Yield Bonds and You in 2016
High-yield bonds, also known as Junk bonds, have an iffy repayment ability, even if they are at the higher end of the junk rating scale.
Bank of England Is Expected to Keep Rates Constant
Weakness in the pound will give some respite to the BoE (Bank of England) ahead of its monetary policy review on January 13, 2016.
VWEHX Is a Safe Fund If Liquidity Temporarily Dries Up
VWEHX looks like one of the safest funds to be around in case liquidity dries up temporarily. The fund mainly avoided investing in the deep end of the junk category.
Will the Pound Emulate the US Dollar’s Strength in 2016?
The situation for the pound sterling in 2016 is similar to the US dollar’s situation in 2015. The markets are expecting a rise towards mid-2016.
A Sectoral Holding Analysis of EBSAX
EBSAX holds a major portfolio of fixed income securities such as bonds and notes of various corporations and the federal government.
Pound Rose Even as the Final GDP Revised Down
The pound-US dollar pair was trading on a positive bias on December 23, 2015. The currency pair found resistance at 1.49. It closed the day at 1.4874.
Net Trade Contributed -1.0% to UK Gross Domestic Product
The only negative contribution to UK gross domestic product came from net trade, which contributed -1.0% in 3Q15 compared to an estimated -1.5%.
Is the United Kingdom’s 2017 Referendum Inevitable?
The United Kingdom will hold a referendum by the end of 2017. It will decide whether to stay in or leave the EU. The referendum is a nationwide voting system.
Inflation and Economic Growth Forecasts Drive Monetary Policy
Policymakers feel that the ECB monetary policy actions have been effective and have contributed towards their objective.
Could Investing in AQMIX Benefit Your Portfolio?
AQMIX gave a total YTD return of 4.1% to its investors. It’s better than the market S&P 500’s (SPY) YTD return of 3.5%. AQMIX is an alternative mutual fund.
How Did AQMIX Perform Compared to the Market?
The AQR Managed Futures Strategy Fund STR I (AQMIX) uses the modern alternative hedge fund strategy “Managed Futures” for investment purposes.
Alternative Mutual Funds: A Structural Analysis of AQMIX
AQMIX is an alternative mutual fund that invests in long and short positions across global equities, fixed income, currencies, and commodities.
British Pound Recedes due to Disappointing Construction PMI
The British pound fell sharply against the US dollar on December 2, 2015, due to negative manufacturing and construction PMIs for the month of November.
Rise in Household Spending Provided Respite for UK Economic Growth
With household spending gathering pace, it could be an important growth driver for the United Kingdom’s economic growth.
Pound Moves On Third Quarter GDP Estimates
The pound sterling ended on a lower note versus the US dollar on November 27, 2015, as GDP growth in the third quarter slowed in line with expectations.
Pound Sterling Rose Slightly Due to the Sustained Euro Sell-Off
The pound sterling ended on a slightly positive note against the US dollar on November 17, even though the inflation levels fell on an annual basis in October.
UK Services PMI, Draghi’s Reassurance Lifted EWU by 0.06%
Mario Draghi, president of the European Central Bank, reaffirmed the ECB’s plan to provide a fresh monetary stimulus in December to boost inflation in the region if needed.
Understanding Deutsche Bank’s Segments
Deutsche Bank operates under five segments. Corporate Banking & Securities contributes 50% to Deutsche Bank’s revenues.
Portfolio Composition of China-Focused Mutual Funds: USCOX and ACOCX
The financial sector dominates both the US Global Investors China Region Fund Investor Class (USCOX) and the AC One China Fund Investor Class (ACOCX).
Aberdeen Asset Management Leads While UK Stock Market Slides
Aberdeen Asset Management, the fund management group, was among the few finance stocks to make it to the positive territory of returns on October 26.
Why Apple Could Provide a Robust Outlook for the Holiday Quarter
From this earning announcement, investors will also keenly watch for the outlook that Apple provides for fiscal 1Q16, the holiday quarter this year.
Intercontinental Hotels Group Rose by 6.9%
On October 20, Intercontinental Hotels Group traded at 2,471 pounds. It was well above its respective 20-day and 50-day moving averages.
Household Disposable Income Rose and Helped Economic Growth
The Household and Non-Profit Institutions Serving Households saving ratio was estimated to be 4.70% in the second quarter—compared to 4% in the first quarter.
Understanding the Phenomenal Growth of ASEAN Nations
The growth of the ASEAN member nations has been extraordinary, to say the least. The GDP for the region expanded at a whopping 313% between 2001 and 2013.
SABMiller Rises 1.30% on Proposed Takeover Bid by Anheuser-Busch
SABMiller (SAB) gained 1.30% and topped the iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU) on September 28.
Anticipation of Quantitative Easing Extension May Lift German Bonds
Arm Holdings (ARMH) was the top gainer of the iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU) on September 25 with returns of 5.99%.
Oracle Made another Marketing Cloud Acquisition: Maxymiser
On August 20, 2015, Oracle (ORCL) announced the acquisition of Maxymiser. The financial details of the deal weren’t disclosed.
Fall in UK Inflation Could Boost Consumer Spending
The fall in the United Kingdom’s inflation back to zero could boost consumer spending, especially in the consumer discretionary sector.
China, with the World’s Largest Forex, Decreases Its Reserves in the World Economy
In June 2014, China’s FX reserves were around $4 trillion. China’s FX reserves went down by $93.9 billion in August, leaving it with only $3.56 trillion.
EWU Rises as Bank of England Holds Firm on Interest Rates
The Bank of England’s MPC voted to hold interest rates at 0.5%, which strengthened the pound sterling against the euro and dollar. The EWU rose by 0.89%.
Investment-Grade Bond Funds See 6 Successive Weeks of Outflows
Investment-grade bond funds witnessed outflows for the week ended September 2—marking their sixth successive week of outflows.
August 2015’s Top High-Grade Bond Issuers
US corporates were the highest issuers of high-grade bonds in August 2015, making up 35.4% of all issues. Yankee bond issuers came in second.
Why the Eurozone May Need More Monetary Stimulus
GDP (gross domestic product) growth was expected to rise in Q2 on the back of the monetary stimulus from the ECB to boost economic activity.
British Pound Rallies on Strong Inflation Numbers
On August 18, the annualized CPI showed an increase of 0.1% and beat the forecasts. The clothing and footwear sector drove the increase in inflation.
Investment-Grade Bond Funds Record Back-to-Back Outflows
Flows into investment-grade bond funds were negative for the week ended August 12—marking the third consecutive week of outflows.
Expectations Rose for the Eurozone, Fell for Germany in August
All major US exchange-traded funds tracking Eurozone equity fell on August 11 as the ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment came out for August.
Investment-Grade Bond Funds See a Second Week of Outflows
Flows into investment-grade bond funds were negative for the week ended August 5—marking a second successive week of outflows.
Hedged Equity ETFs and Macro Influences
The fluctuations in the WisdomTree Europe Hedged Equity ETF (HEDJ) and the Deutsche X-trackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF (DBEU) have been narrower…
HEDJ and DBEU: A Must-Read Investment Comparison
The holdings in the WisdomTree Europe Hedged Equity ETF (HEDJ) total 133, whereas the total is 451 for the Deutsche X-trackers MSCI Europe Hedged Equity ETF (DBEU).
UK Construction PMI Disappoints: Currency Impact
Construction PMI for the United Kingdom, published by Markit, fell to a reading of 57.1 for July 2015, below estimates of 58.4 and a June reading of 58.1.
UK GDP for 2Q15 Accelerates for 10th Consecutive Quarter
UK GDP improved 2.6% at the end of the second quarter. According to economists in a Bloomberg survey, UK GDP is expected to rise by 2.5% in 2015 and 2.3% in 2016.
Assessing the Risk-Adjusted Returns of European Mutual Funds
All investment vehicles come with a certain amount of risk attached. The Sharpe ratio is one measure to assess risk-adjusted returns.
Eurozone Economic Sentiment Declines, Third Month in a Row
For July 2015, the downward trend in the ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment continued for Germany as well as the Eurozone.
Are Emerging Markets Cracking or Crashing on Greece Woes?
Chinese shares contributed significantly to the downfall of emerging market funds, as the iShares MSCI China Index ETF sank 2.84% on Monday.
UK Records 2.7% Wage Growth in April—EWU Up 0.63%
Wage growth, the spotlight of the report, experienced a 2.7% rise in April. Wage growth came in at 2.3% in March, and expected growth for April had been 2.1%.
Eurozone Free of Deflation yet Weighed Down by Grexit Concerns
According to the latest reports, the Eurozone’s inflation rate was 0.3% in May. Gains in the Eurozone inflation rate are being led by services, food, alcohol, and tobacco.
Mixed Economic Results from China Add to Sluggishness in Oil
China is one of the largest consumers of oil in the world. Its economic growth is vital for a boost in the global demand for oil. PMI came in at 49.2 in May, below the critical value of 50.
Emerging Market Equities See Valuations Decline in May
Currently, emerging market equities are trading at 12.7x on a one-year forward earnings basis. Valuations declined by 2.50% in the week ending May 29, 2015.
Emerging Market Equities Decline on Slowing Growth in China
In the past, major emerging market equities, including China and India, have increased on the basis of reforms intended to help growth.
Snapshot of the UK Economy and Its Prospects
The UK economy thrives on its robust financial sector, which is boosted by revenues generated from the North Sea, a region rich in energy resources.
Valuations of Emerging Market Equities Were Flat Last Week
Emerging market equities are currently trading at 11.5x on a one-year forward earning basis.
Emerging Market Equities Post Marginal Gains
The iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (EEM) extended its gains from early April into last week ended on April 17, 2015.
Emerging Market ETFs Enjoy Positive Flows in Early April
Emerging market ETF options have increased over the past few years. Net flows are likely to rise for ETFs associated with performing economies.
Ally Financial and Whiting Petroleum: The Biggest Debt Issuers
Ally Financial (ALLY) provided financial services and products to auto dealers in the US. It issued $1.25 billion in BB+ rated senior notes in two tranches.
High-Grade Corporate Issuers Have Returned to the Market
When the rate does rise, it will mean an increasing interest rate environment, where corporate issuers may be required to pay more interest to creditors.
Financials How fiscal policy in the Eurozone can work with monetary policy
Increasing output in the Eurozone economy is a positive for exchange-traded funds like the iShares MSCI EAFE, the iShares MSCI EMU, and the Vanguard FTSE Europe.
Financials What must the ECB do to repair the Eurozone’s financial sector?
Much of financial intermediation in Europe, about 80%, takes place through banks. Bank lending is also key to the small and medium-term enterprises sector.