CLS Blog
From Europe, With Love
November 5, 2014
Content provided by Kostya Etus – Research/Portfolio Analyst I recently took a tour of Europe with my wife. We started in London, then traveled to Paris, Lucerne, Venice, Florence, and finally Rome. Two significant observations became very apparent to me: Every city was very different when compared to the others (as well as to the…
Returns by Time Horizon
October 30, 2014
Content provided by Sierra Morris – Jr. Investment Research Analyst The recent sell-off has been alarming for investors. However, is this move over a short period of time warranted in causing so much concern? We consistently tell investors to focus on the long term when looking at their investment portfolios, so let’s take a look…
CLS’s Top 10 ETF Holdings
October 28, 2014
Content provided by Sierra Morris, Jr. Investment Research Analyst Below are our top 10 holdings as of September 30, 2014 1. VIG: Vanguard Dividend Appreciation (5.8%) This fund identifies domestic firms that have increased their dividends for at least 10 years and uses screens to avoid companies that are likely to cut dividends in…
Hedge the Euro? Not So Fast!
October 22, 2014
Content provided by Paula Wieck, CLS Manager of Investment Research While CLS still thinks Europe looks attractive, what about the euro? Clearly by increasing our European exposure, we are increasing our exposure to the euro as well. Despite the fact that the dollar has been on a tear lately, the euro has fallen considerably since…
Move Over Buck, Bartering Is Back!
October 17, 2014
Content provided by Nate Wattier, Client Services Manager In Spain, where the European financial crisis is hitting hardest, unemployment is at a staggeringly high level: 26% overall, and nearly double that figure for young persons. Spaniards are getting creative in order to meet their daily needs. With the euro scarce, alternatives to currency are popping…
A New Type of 529 Plan
October 3, 2014
Content provided by Mike Forker, CLS Chief Compliance Officer There is a bill making its way through Congress that would allow states to create 529 savings plans for those with long-term disabilities. Similar to the 529 education savings plans, the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act would allow individuals to establish tax exempt savings…
Here’s Your Sign
September 5, 2014
Content provided by Michele Prell, New Business Manager I recently completed my annual review of insurance products with my insurance agent. I consider my insurance agent to have a “crossover” profession—he insures my house, my car, and my life but can also be an outlet for investments and possible future/retirement planning. Having this crossover ability…
The Kinder Morgan Deal & its Impact on Income Investors
September 3, 2014
Content provided by Josh Jenkins, CLS Investment Research Analyst Early last month Kinder Morgan shook the energy industry when it announced that it would be consolidating its four affiliated energy businesses into a single company. This transaction comes in light of recent underperformance of Kinder Morgan and its affiliated businesses, relative to the rest of…
Global Growth Status Update
August 28, 2014
Content provided by Kostya Etus- Research/Portfolio Analyst In order to evaluate global growth, CLS will be looking at PMI* figures. Overall, the global manufacturing PMI was relatively unchanged in July at a level of 52.5 (ticking down 0.1 but still in expansionary territory). Growth expanded in three-fourths of the world and 61% of PMIs rose…
No Time Like the Present
August 27, 2014
Content provided by Sierra Morris, CLS Junior Investment Research Analyst Looking at today’s top stories with headlines about tapering, interest rates rising, geopolitical turmoil, and stretched valuations, you may be tempted to ask yourself if investing is really worth it right now. However, looking back at history, it is evident that there has never been…