Last week, I wrote about the essential asset class of energy. This week, I want to highlight another essential asset class that has been a solid long-term investment and a significant export driver for the U.S. economy: agriculture. U.S. agriculture exports have grown over 50 percent in the last three years alone as we attempt… Continue reading Agriculture: An Essential Asset
Category: Investing
Why I Like Energy
Only a few asset classes can be defined as essential to human existence. Energy is arguably the most important asset of that essential sub sector. An essential asset doesn’t always take precedence in your underlying portfolio, but by simple default via sheer magnitude, it will always have an impact. The world’s economy might be finally able to… Continue reading Why I Like Energy
Move to Cash? Think Twice!
Lately, investors seem to have several questions about moving to cash. Many feel the market peaked during this cycle, and with the “Fiscal Cliff” escapades in full force, now may be a good time to get out while still ahead. However, CLS generally suggests that investors stay committed to long-term investment goals, unless there is… Continue reading Move to Cash? Think Twice!
Creating a Plan for Re-entering the Market
I firmly believe financial advisors need to be leaders for their clients by helping assess financial needs, creating long-term financial plans, and leading clients toward financial goals with a disciplined approach. However, it seems there is a market downturn at some time each year that tests the advisors’ and clients’ discipline. They often become nervous… Continue reading Creating a Plan for Re-entering the Market
Are You Better Off Today?
It’s been just over five years since the S&P 500 closed at its all-time high on October 9, 2007. Saying “a lot” has happened since then wouldn’t even begin to do justice, but we’ll leave that as it is. Keeping this information in mind, close your eyes (maybe keep one eye open to read) and imagine… Continue reading Are You Better Off Today?
Get to Know: REITs
A real estate investment trust, or REIT, is a real estate company that enjoys special tax treatment by virtue of its legal structure. By law, the REIT must pay out at least 90 percent of its taxable income in order to avoid paying corporate taxes. CLS uses REITs in our Master Manager Strategy and ETF… Continue reading Get to Know: REITs
Your Questions Are Answered
Answers from yesterday’s Trivia Tuesday! post: 1. How did the word “buck” come to mean a dollar? Originally, a buck referred to a deerskin or buckskin, which was commonly used as money. 2. Who coined the term “fiscal cliff”? Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke 3. What was the value of the global bond market in… Continue reading Your Questions Are Answered
Trivia Tuesday!
Test your financial knowledge! 1. How did the word “buck” come to mean a dollar? 2. Who coined the term “fiscal cliff”? 3. What was the value of the global bond market in 2011? 4. What’s the largest privately held company in the U.S.? 5. When was the first debt ceiling established and what was… Continue reading Trivia Tuesday!
Fiscal Cliff Update
The Fiscal Cliff will be a hot topic in the coming weeks, as Congress will be charged with making decisions that will vastly affect our nation’s future. If Congress does not take action to stop them, approximately $600 billion in tax increases and spending cuts will be implemented in January 2013, which could drive the… Continue reading Fiscal Cliff Update
Why Should I Invest Now?
Right now, investors are facing economic headwinds: slowing global growth, disappointing earnings releases, and the infamous approaching fiscal cliff. However, there are plenty of reasons to stay invested or start investing now, even with the fear and uncertainty that surrounds the financial landscape. Reasons to stay invested: Within the next year, uncertainties will dissipate. The fiscal cliff… Continue reading Why Should I Invest Now?