Category: Investing
390 posts categorized as "Investing"
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…
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…
Bad Investing 101
August 22, 2014
Content provided by Grant Engelbart, CLS Portfolio Manager Let’s step out of the world of “best practices” and “prudent management” for a second and explore some of the things you should avoid when investing. I may or may not have experienced or committed the following acts in my personal investing, but either way it should…
Money Market Reforms Are Good
August 19, 2014
Content provided by Marc Pfeffer, CLS Senior Portfolio Manager As someone who has managed money market funds over four different decades, I probably have a much more biased opinion as to the benefits they provide to all investors. And, I think some of the stories in the press of late have been a bit sensational…