Washington’s Hawks Have Usurped the Huntsmen

My Comments: If you are unsure what is meant by the headline above, you are not alone. However, a reading of the comments that appeared in the Financial Times tends to reinforce in my mind the discomfort all of us should feel about the US Government agency known as NSA or the National Security Agency …

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The Tolling Bells of Complacency

My Comments: Not too many years ago, the idea of stability in the markets was divine. Now, not so much. That’s partly because with new technology and tactical opportunities from Guggenheim Partners, volatility increases your chance to outperform and watch your accounts grow. Of course, it also increases your chance to lose money if you …

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‘Trust me, I am a financial adviser’ is Not Good Enough

My Comments: There are those in the financial services industry that do not have to be accountable for what they say and do with respect to clients and their best interest. They claim to, but if push comes to shove, it’s buyer beware. Of course, with today’s instant media, if you are on the wrong …

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World Weather Gone Haywire – Effects On… CRB Index and The Economy

My Comments: No, we are not doomed. But I can’t recall this much rain every day, some of it at night, when there wasn’t a hurricane. I’m sure it happened, but I don’t remember. Does it have an effect on the economy? Experts agree last winters’ storms had an effect. So it’s worth paying attention …

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US Economy: Misaligned Policies to Blame, Not Structural Flaws

My Comments: More than once a week, I have conversations with a client, or prospect or someone I run into, who are gloomy to the point of absurd. There is a pervasive expectation that life will be miserable going forward. I suppose it’s a natural phenomenon, but I don’t share it. That it will be …

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The Outlook for Yields

My Comments: Guggenheim Partners has recently been sending periodic macro insights about investments and opportunities for investors. Good stuff, so if investments interest you, I encourage you to grasp as much of it as you can. Global CIO Commentary by Scott Minerd of Guggenheim Partners - July 03, 2014 As U.S. economic growth gathers pace, …

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According to the Supreme Court…

Corporations Have More Religious Freedom Than Taxpayers My Comments: My initial reaction to the Hobby Lobby issue was to commit to never stepping foot in any of their stores. Beyond that, my reaction was pretty typical of those to the left of center in American politics. But I've not become truly engaged in this issue as …

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Short Selling Drops to Lowest Level Since Lehman

My Comments: Last Tuesday, I referenced an article with a compelling reason to think the current stock market move upward would soon go the other way. The author asserted the collapse was already under way. Here is an equally compelling article that suggests it’s not going to collapse, instead is going to continue going up.  …

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What is an ILIT? Why Doctors and Business Owners Should Consider Having One

My Comments: A disclaimer here: I’m not an attorney. But Ike Devji is and I’ve followed him for some time and his writings are relevant and make sense. I’ve recently been involved in some discussions with physicians and business owners about life insurance. Their questions and criticisms almost universally reflect an ignorance about the topic …

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Buckle Up! The New Bear Market Has Begun!

My Comments: The writer has a powerful message to send. He was right about this back in 2008 but that doesn't mean he's right this time. I have clients and prospective clients asking when the next downturn is going to begin. And yet there are many articles that suggest it’s still a long way off. …

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