November 2011 Archive

readingglasses

Why to RTFP

Sue may have a penchant for electronic devices that are so intuitive that there is no need for a manual, but investing is far different than technology. When it comes to making investment decisions, Sue explains why it’s important to Read The (Bleep) Prospectus….

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Australia

Assessing Bank Strength Down Under

Australia’s strong banking sector is one reason the country is expected to grow faster than larger developed markets. In this post Russ explains how the country’s “Four Pillars” policy has helped fuel Aussie banks’ strength. …

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eurocoins

The Euro-Recession?

Despite signs that efforts are heating up to help ease Europe’s sovereign debt crisis, Russ explains why one to two quarters of negative growth now represents the best case scenario for Europe….

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100

What’s Your Score? Test Your ETF Knowledge

The proliferation of ETFs has made providing education about the funds more important than ever. That’s why at iShares, we’ve developed a test called “The iShares 100″ to ensure our sales team has the knowledge it needs to educate clients. Do you have what it takes to pass the test? Test yourself with these sample questions….

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grammar

Overcoming the Local Currency Conundrum

From clean to dirty prices, Matt Tucker outlines the complications individual investors face purchasing local currency emerging market bonds, and he explains why ETFs can offer a compelling solution for investors who want exposure to this sector

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europecentralbank

3 Reasons Europe is Failing to Act

It’s not just US politicians who are failing to adequately address sovereign debt problems. European politicians and policy makers are too. Russ provides three reasons why and what this means for investors. …

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globe

The Case for CASSH

Not all developed markets are stuck in a slow-growth environment. Certain smaller developed countries – what Russ is calling the CASSH countries – appear fundamentally stronger than their larger counterparts. Learn which five countries Russ believes are likely to hold up much better in the long term than their larger neighbors. …

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sewerdrain

Municipal Debt: Did My Bonds Go Down the Sewer?

This month, Jefferson County, Alabama became the largest issuer in the municipal bond market to file for bankruptcy. While the headlines may sound alarming, Matt Tucker explains why this bankruptcy filing does not signal an upcoming wave of municipal bankruptcies or bond defaults. …

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craftingcountryviews

Crafting a Country Call

For nearly a year, Russ has made weekly investment calls about markets across the globe. Here’s a quick look at the macroeconomic approach behind his country views and a summary of where his calls now stand. …

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umbrella1028

Getting Granular with Emerging Markets

Changing times call for changing investment strategies, especially when it comes to emerging markets. In today’s more volatile world, Russ Koesterich explains why it may be time to move beyond traditional frameworks and pursue international allocation on a country-by-country basis….

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