RSSCOMPANIES: INDUSTRIES:
Know Target-Date Fund's Strategy Before Investing
Andrew Leckey
Forget about resting easy. Target-date funds, billed as confidence-building vehicles that gradually shift your holdings into more conservative fixed-rate instruments as their date nears, have caused some sleepless nights. Investors stashed money in these one-stop retirement plans so they didn't have to worry about making their own allocation decisions. But it has become clear they need to better understand the basic
Festive Times for International real estate Funds
Andrew Leckey
Let's get the party started: An overseas run-up in real estate funds is rocking. International real estate funds are up 38 percent in 2009, or about 100 percent above their market bottom in March, according to Lipper Inc. Global real estate funds that also include U.S. companies are up 28 percent this year.
Investing - PIMCO Fund Family Has Excelled During Downturn
Andrew Leckey
The PIMCO fund family gets a gold star for insight and early detection of the housing and mortgage debacles, resulting in strong results throughout many of its funds over the past three years. 'PIMCO and the strength of its bond portfolios has really stood out as a perceived advantage for it during the downturn'
Best Mutual Fund Families
By Katy Marquardt
In a recent survey, more than 3,000 financial advisers weighed in with their picks of the top fund families. Criteria included consistency, ethics, trustworthiness, sophistication, and social consciousness. The survey was commissioned by Horsesmouth, an online adviser community and kasina, a financial services consulting firm. But since straight rankings reveal only so much, We asked a handful of financial advisers which fund families they favor and why.
Mutual Funds Stage a Comeback: Time to Forgive and Forget?
By Katy Marquardt
After spending much of last year in the doghouse, mutual fund managers have now had two quarters in 2009 to regain the faith of investors. Many of last year's losers are now posting solid gains over the S&P 500
Stock Market Roller Coaster Ride
M. Ryder)
The Case Against (Some) ETFs
By Kirk Shinkle
Touted as a revolution in transparency, cost, and access to exotic investments, ETFs are now being slammed for inefficiencies, hidden fees, and opaque structures. Some experts argue that ETFs are just the latest means for investment advisers to hoist flawed products on unsuspecting customers. ...
7 Tips for Picking a Target-Date Fund
Emily Brandon
Many retirement savers think they can put their investment choices on cruise control if they use a target-date fund. These funds offer a mix of stocks, bonds, and cash that the fund manager automatically adjusts to become more conservative over time, based on the retirement date the participant selects. But it's best to take a look under the hood before stashing your nest egg in a target-date fund. Here are some tips for finding a target-date fund that is right for you.
5 Funds That Are Off to a Fast Start in 2009
By Katy Marquardt
Categorywise, large growth, midsized growth, and small growth funds have fared the best so far this year (although small companies have led the rally over the past three months). But not all of the top performing funds fall into one of those categories. Here's a look at some of the front-runners among diversified U.S. stock funds ... But beware ...
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China's Consumer Stock Gems
China as export power is yesterday's story.
Last Chance For Junk
High-yield debt has already had its price run-up. What's left is just some pretty good yields.
Unhealthy Health Savings Accounts
Worried that hidden fund fees are devouring your 401(k)? Your health savings account may be next.
Third-Quarter Fund Update
A solid performance for U.S. and international equity funds in the third quarter extends the gargantuan gains since March.
The Trouble with ETNs
Exchange-traded notes can provide access to oddball assets and cut your tax bill.
Investing in European Funds
Asian markets are bubbly. Consider Europe.
Municipal Bond Mess
Some "municipal" bonds are debts of busted housing developments. Beware.
Beware Funds Pitching Absolute Returns
They appeal to jittery investors but don't live up to hype.
The 401(k) Fee Fiasco
Congress wants to shed light on 401(k) fees. It's about time.
Don't Rush To Value
Value funds are way up for 2009; chasing their returns might be a mistake.
Forbes.com: Mutual Funds News
Mutual Funds News from Forbes.com
Finding Fertile Ground In Oversold ETFs
When selling gets excessive in an issue that's been trending higher, the snapback is usually powerful. Look at financials and biotech.
Hunting Global Growth With ETFs
Exchange-traded funds focused on Australia, Singapore and emerging markets should be in your global growth portfolio.
Riding China's Wake
Here's why you should be long dollars, long commodities and short euros, and here are the ETFs that let you make these bets.
The Sunny Side Of Alternative Energy
Solar stocks are back in the bright spot. Check out these three for bullish plays.
Closed-End Fund Bargains
Yields are nice but they're not the most important factor in choosing a closed-end fund. Check its discount to net asset value.
Aussie ETF Spread Tastier Than Vegemite
Australian bulls play the market rally with ETF options, while technology names get a lot of love from traders.
Option Bulls Charge Into Home Builders, Airlines
Even as share prices slumped, bullish traders lock into a bullish position on home builders, while loading up on Delta calls too.
The Trouble with ETNs
Exchange-traded notes can provide access to oddball assets and cut your tax bill.
Momentum Oil Trade Hits The Skids
Technical indicators can give you a warning of danger ahead for a stock or ETF. The price channel for USO is screaming sell.
Commodity Funds Fuel Growth
ETF investors can profit by buying funds that go up with the prices of commodities that China cannot produce on its own.
Trading Hinges On Friday Jobs Report
As the markets head into September, manufacturing and employment will guide traders.
Forbes.com: ETF News
ETF News from Forbes.com
Friday Roundup: Ask Alice, I Think She Knows
David Fry (ETF Digest) submits:
November 6, 2009
ASK ALICE, I THINK SHE KNOWS
Complete Story »
Friday Roundup: Commodities, Emerging Markets
<< Go to Part I: Ask Alice, I Think She KnowsDavid Fry (ETF Digest) submits:
Complete Story »
Mutual Fund Fee Datapoint of the Day
What happened to mutual-fund fees and expenses in the wake of the financial crisis? Lipper has crunched the numbers, and it seems that the tumble in the stock market didn’t have much effect on expenses: Surprisingly, the median management expense for most asset classes was largely unchanged from 2008 levels; most exhibited changes of +/- a few tenths of a basis point.
Felix Salmon submits:
Complete Story »
XLE: Traders See Energy Sector Holding
By Chris McKhann The XLE energy exchange-traded fund remains 5 percent below its recent highs, but traders are betting that shares will hold current levels.
optionMONSTER submits:
Complete Story »
Emerging Market Rally to Continue, ETF Gurus Agree
Jim Rogers and Nouriel Roubini. Each has been credited with spectacular powers of foresight. Writers happily proclaim that Mr. Rogers predicted the commodities boom in 1999. Few seem to mention that Mr. Rogers failed to see the commodity bust of 2008 that knocked a diversified basket of “stuff” down -50% to -60%.
Gary Gordon submits:
Complete Story »
Following the Trends in Commodity ETFs
Commodity investing has been on the mind of many an investor these days, thanks to a recent run-up in prices and the availability of exchange traded funds (ETFs). One expert says the spot prices don’t matter so much as the long-term trend lines. Does that sound familiar?
Tom Lydon (ETF Trends) submits:
Complete Story »
Leveraged ETF Performance in 2009
After leveraged and inverse ETFs hit mania status in 2008 and early 2009, their star-power has begun to fade as brokerages have begun to put big restrictions on them. But they're still being traded, and below we highlight the best and worst performing leveraged and inverse ETFs in 2009.
Hickey and Walters (Bespoke) submit:
Complete Story »
ETF Deathwatch for November
The number of funds on ETF Deathwatch edged up to 113 this month from 111 in October. The count consists of 78 ETFs and 35 ETNs that failed to generate at least $100,000 in average daily value traded (ADVT) for the past month. E-TRACS CMCI Short Platinum Excess Return (PTD) heads the list again this month. I haven’t checked, but my guess is that PTD holds the record for number of times at the top of the list. PTD saw action on only three days in September and did the same in October, with the other 19 days being zero volume days. However, it did manage to boost trading by 100 shares over September, making for 600 total shares traded last month. Although PTD hasn’t traded in a few days, there are shares available for purchase at $34.02 this morning. If you want to sell, the bid is only $33.62.
Ron Rowland submits: 
Complete Story »
Key ETFs Furthest Above and Below 50-Day Moving Averages
Below we highlight a list of the ETFs that are trading the furthest above and below their 50-day moving averages. As shown, the Internet group ETF (HHH) is the most overbought at +10.49%, followed by Brazil (EWZ), Emerging Market Latin America (GML), Oil (DBO), all of Latin America (ILF), and Gold (IAU) and (GLD). Other notables on the list of most overbought ETFs include China (GXC) and (FXI), Steel (SLX), Russia (RSX), and Silver (SLV). Hickey and Walters (Bespoke) submit:
Complete Story »
Malaysia ETF: Worthwhile Niche Play
It’s easy to think about South Korea. Warren Buffett essentially called Korea’s POSCO the best steelmaker in the world. What’s more, South Koreans have turned a corner on everything from electronics (Samsung) to phones (LG Group) to automobiles (Hyundai). Few investors have failed to express interest in the “China miracle.” Not only is its economy growing at a torrid 9%, but the China 25 Fund’s (FXI) 155% 5-year total return is nearly unmatched by any diversifed equity investment.Gary Gordon submits:
Complete Story »
6 ETF Ideas for New Clean Energy Laws
A group of utility companies have banded together to push for clean energy policies in the United States in response to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s stance on climate laws. They stand to gain from any new policies, which puts some ETF in a position to perform if ideas one day become reality. A group of utility companies have come together to create American Businesses for Clean Energy. Most of the companies joining the group stand to gain from new energy policies in the United States. Keith Johnson for The Wall Street Journal reports that this action comes in response to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s opposition to current legislation.Tom Lydon (ETF Trends) submits:
Complete Story »
Future Looks Brighter for Turkey ETF
After years of being snubbed by the European Union, Turkey has turned to its immediate neighbors for economic enrichment. As a result, Turkey’s economy and ETF could continue to see gains next year. In the last couple of years, Turkey economy has been augmented by increased exports to its Middle East and north African neighbors, extending pipelines for transferring energy, more air traffic and a number of infrastructure projects, according to The Economist.Tom Lydon (ETF Trends) submits:
Complete Story »
ETF Investors Weren’t Spooked in October
October 2009 resulted a much different, and much brighter, picture for the overall ETF industry. The National Stock Exchange reports that the total number of assets in U.S.-listed ETFs and exchange traded notes (ETNs) rose about 44% from October 2008. The number of assets in ETFs totaled $707.4 billion at the end of the month.Tom Lydon (ETF Trends) submits:
Complete Story »
10 Reasons ETF Tracking Error Occurs
Most ETFs track an index, but replication of the underlying index isn’t always perfect. There are 10 common events that can lead to tracking error. While ETFs aim to track their underlying indexes as closely as they can, it’s noted on fact sheets that they “seek to replicate, to the extent possible.” The subtext is that while they try to avoid this scenario, a host of events could prevent this from happening. And while the word “error” can have negative connotations, keep in mind that error can work in your favor.Tom Lydon (ETF Trends) submits:
Complete Story »
ETFs to Cover What Warren Buffett Is Buying
Prominent value investor Warren Buffett made a bet on the future of America with his purchase of Burlington Northern Santa Fe. While few are as rich as Buffett, it doesn’t mean you can’t play along with what he’s buying using ETFs. Warren Buffett’s company Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A) announced this week that it plans to buy Burlington Northern Santa Fe (NYSE: BNI) for $100 a share, writes Jack Hough for SmartMoney. Buffett named rail car loadings as his favorite economic indicator.Tom Lydon (ETF Trends) submits:
Complete Story »
WisdomTree Enters the Inflation ETF Race
WisdomTree has registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission to launch a new ETF that seeks to give investors protection from inflation. The new ETF WisdomTree has in the hopper, the WisdomTree Real Return Fund (NYSEArca: RRF), seeks to give investors long-term returns above the rate of inflation.Tom Lydon (ETF Trends) submits:
Complete Story »
20 Hot ETFs Worth Watching
Below are the 20 hottest ETFs (excluding leveraged funds) at the close November 5th, based on the 6 month performance. Data excludes leveraged ETFs and the data source is FINVIZ.com. For a list including leveraged ETFs please see the right hand side of the page here.
Scott's Investments submits:
Complete Story »
ETF Market Trends: Major Equity Indexes Correction Winds Down
ETF Market Direction Summary: 11-05-2009 From the opening on Thursday, major U.S. equity indexes started the day on positive momentum and continually added to their intraday gains to close above the 90th percentile of their daily trading range.The DIA, SPY, and QQQQ have ended their corrections and re-established their support levels at the 20, 50, and 200 day moving averages. The only exception is the small-cap IWM which remains in both short and intermediate downtrends. However, the IWM did manage to participate in attaining a new 5 day high along with the other major equity indices.
J Clinton Hill submits:
Complete Story »
Friday Outlook: Wall Street Roulette
November 5, 2009 David Fry (ETF Digest) submits:
WALL STREET ROULETTE
Wow! You can’t make up this much two-way action except with a roulette wheel. For the tourists, Da Boyz got the DJIA back to 10,000 but volume was again relatively light which is mystifying. Once again shorts are squeezed and this two-way action is difficult for most investors to either trade or comprehend. The action today was based on “better than expected” lousy numbers from CSCO and lower Jobless Claims (which, by the way, are still high).
Complete Story »
Friday Outlook: Commodities, Global Markets
<< Return to page 1 - Wall Street RouletteDavid Fry (ETF Digest) submits:
Complete Story »
ETFs News and Commentary from Seeking Alpha
'ETF' Tag RSS Syndication from SeekingAlpha.com
Arendt & Medernach opens office in Hong Kong
Arendt & Medernach, the largest law firm in Luxembourg, has opened a new office in Hong Kong following similar expansions in Brussels, New York, London and Dubai.
Attorney charges 14 defendants with USD20m in insider trading
Preet Bharara, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, has made charges against 14 Wall Street professionals and attorneys arising out of their ongoing investigation of insider trading at hedge funds and stock trading firms.
NYSE Euronext reports lower trading volumes in October
NYSE Euronext says trading volumes for its global cash equities and derivatives exchanges in October 2009 were mostly lower compared to October 2008 levels, during which crisis-level volatility drove record trading volumes.
GLG makes GAAP net loss of USD99m in third quarter
US-listed asset manager GLG Partners made a GAAP net loss attributable to common stockholders of USD99m for the quarter ended 30 September 2009 and a net loss of USD243.7m for the first nine months of fiscal 2009.
MF Global makes GAAP net loss of USD16m
MF Global, an intermediary offering customised solutions in global cash, derivatives and related markets, made a GAAP net loss of USD16.0m or USD0.13 per basic and diluted share in the quarter ended 30 September 2009.
NYSE Liffe to launch two and five year gilt futures
NYSE Liffe, the Europe-based derivatives business of NYSE Euronext, is expanding its long gilt futures contract by launching two and five year gilt futures on 23 November.
GlobeOp launches hosted services for Geneva
GlobeOp has launched hosted services for Advent's portfolio management and fund accounting solution Geneva, offering hedge funds an outsourcing solution that aims to reduce fund time to market and execution risks.
Alternative Investment Group chooses SS&C Fund Services
Alternative Investment Group, an independent investment management firm with USD1.6bn assets under management, has appointed SS&C Fund Services to handle the fund administration and accounting for its funds of hedge funds.
Fraud lawyers and investment professionals to launch asset recovery fund
A team of global commercial fraud lawyers and investment professionals is launching a USD150m investment fund, named Echemus, to underwrite the investigation, seizure and recovery of worldwide assets for victims of fraud.
Weston and Harcourt form incubation joint venture
Weston Capital Management, an independent alternative investment group, has formed a joint venture with Zurich-based Harcourt Investment Consulting, a global provider of alternative investment solutions for institutional investors.
Hedgeweek
Fidelity on International Investing (About Time)
Fidelity is increasing their international exposure. It must be the recent strength in the international markets and the media hoopla about the falling dollar that pushed this fund behemoth to increase their international weightings in their target-date funds to 30% from 20%. But they've done more than just increase weightings in some funds. Fidelity has also posted a "Fidelity Viewpoints" piece on their Web site regarding international investing and diversification, has increased their equity research operation by opening research offices (in London, Hong Kong and Tokyo), and has increased their global stock coverage by 40% since 2006. So, Fidelity, it's good to see that you are on board with global investing, but how about increasing your international investment options (and weightings) in your 529 education savings plans? Related Articles from About.com Mutual Funds: A Primer on the Falling Dollar International Funds and the Falling Dollar Fidelity on International Investing (About Time) originally appeared on About.com Mutual Funds on Saturday, October 31st, 2009 at 11:56:41.
401(k): Good News, Bad News
Contrary to Chicken Little, 401(k) investors don't think the sky is falling. The Investment Company Institute (ICI) released data that showed Americans are still contributing to their 401(k) plans. There was a lot of data in the ICI study. One particular piece of the study found that 401(k) loan activity has been flat for a decade and that hardship withdrawals and contributions are "in line with historical numbers." Popular opinion might believe otherwise; hard times might have forced savers to take loans/withdrawals from their 401(k) plans. ICI's study is just part of the story. The ICI study shows the rosy side of the story; those that are working have remained disciplined. On the other hand, Hewitt Associates found that 46% of employees who left their job last year took a cash distribution from their 401(k). This number, according to Hewitt Associates, surprisingly, hasn't changed since 2005. So, according to these studies, it doesn't appear that 401(k) investors (whether employed or unemployed) have significantly changed their behavior -- whether good or bad. Related Articles: How to Invest in Mutual Funds in Your 401(k) The 401(k) Has Failed. Admit It. 401(k): Good News, Bad News originally appeared on About.com Mutual Funds on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 11:26:22.
Vanguard -- Index vs. Active
I have been blogging about ETFs vs. mutual funds for the last few months. I made the argument that the debate regarding ETFs and mutual funds should first be a debate regarding indexing versus active-management. This argument raised several questions. Readers want to understand more about indexing (and passive management) and active mutual fund management. If you have the same questions, Vanguard's site has a comparison of the two styles or you can start by reading one or more pieces I have written on the topic. See the below links. More on Active vs. Passive Management Index Funds vs. Actively Managed Funds Vanguard -- Index vs. Active originally appeared on About.com Mutual Funds on Friday, October 23rd, 2009 at 10:52:17.
An Emerging Problem for this ETF
There's been so much misguided, hyped information regarding ETFs, that I have enjoyed writing several pieces in the past month on several of the flaws and myths surrounding the investment structure. This past week I read an article that's worthy of pointing out. IndexUniverse.com highlights two ETFs that track the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, but have very different returns. Vanguard's VWO and iShares EEM both track the emerging markets index, but they differ in return by four percentage points. Why the disparity? It turns out that VWO holds all of the stocks in the index (full replication strategy) and EEM holds only a portion of the stocks in the index (optimization strategy). This optimization strategy hasn't worked well for EEM. Optimization strategies are also used by index mutual funds. In some cases, index funds and ETFs may hold a subset of the stocks in an index if the index includes a number of fairly illiquid names or, simply, owns a lot of stocks. The moral of the story is that you need to know what your funds own (whether it's an ETF or a mutual fund), by reading the prospectus. An Emerging Problem for this ETF originally appeared on About.com Mutual Funds on Sunday, October 18th, 2009 at 22:44:31.
Profiting from the Falling Dollar
Budget deficits, interest rate differentials, and diversification of foreign currency reserves are several of the buzzwords and phrases associated with the volatility of the greenback. If you are a reader of the popular press, then you may feel overwhelmed by the proliferation of the aforementioned buzzwords and phrases associated with the falling dollar. Do you think that the future of our beloved dollar is dismal at best? Maybe it's time to learn the basics behind how a US investor profits from the falling dollar. Profiting from the Falling Dollar originally appeared on About.com Mutual Funds on Friday, October 16th, 2009 at 20:50:28.
Vanguard Raises the Yellow Flag
I've posted on the blog and written articles about the perils of choosing mutual funds based on recent performance. It's refreshing to see that a mutual fund company is throwing up the yellow flag on a few of their own funds. Vanguard writes, "Strong 2009 performance warrants yellow flag." They highlight several of their mutual funds that have performed well year-to-date and caution chasing those hot returning funds. In fact, shortly after the article, they closed one of those hot performing funds. Vanguard Capital Value Fund has returned 68.5% year-to-date and is not accepting money from new investors. Read my related article entitled, "Should You Buy Last Year's Top Performing Funds?" Vanguard Raises the Yellow Flag originally appeared on About.com Mutual Funds on Sunday, October 11th, 2009 at 11:02:06.
More on Active vs. Passive Management
I have written a number of blog posts that highlight the debate of actively managed mutual funds versus index funds. Morningstar has another take on this underperformance of active managers. Morningstar's study concludes that actively managed funds fall behind their indexes not only on a return basis, but also on a risk-adjusted performance basis. So, according to Morningstar's findings, not only are investors getting short-changed on the return of their actively managed fund, they are subjected to more volatility. Keep in mind, every study has its shortfall. Active fund managers will surely say that the study is unfair. They might say that they shouldn't be compared to a certain index. In some instances, the fund managers will have a strong case. In others, they will simply be on the defensive. Related Posts: The Active versus Index Debate Goes On More on Active vs. Passive Management originally appeared on About.com Mutual Funds on Saturday, October 10th, 2009 at 10:40:13.
A New ETF: Stupid Investment of the Week
About 10 years ago, I saw Harry Dent, Jr. speak about the US equity market and its relation to demographics. Remember Harry Dent, Jr.? The issue was that of the aging baby boomer and the prediction that at some point they would shift their portfolios from growth to income. In other words, as the baby boomers began to retire, it was predicted (by Harry Dent) that they would sell equities and buy bonds. A classic case of supply and demand would bring the equity markets to its knees -- beginning in 2008 (or so it was said). He predicted that the Dow would hit 40,000 and drop back to 10,000 by 2008. He was pretty close on the 10,000, but the Dow didn't quite make it to 40,000. For the unfortunate investors that bought into the theory through the AIM Dent Demographic Trends Fund, they have another chance to buy into a Dent strategy. Chuck Jaffe outlines Harry Dent Jr.'s new ETF of ETFs in his Stupid Investment of the Week column at MarketWatch.com. A New ETF: Stupid Investment of the Week originally appeared on About.com Mutual Funds on Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 at 10:22:08.
ETFs Challenging Mutual Funds?
I was reading the recently released Deloitte study regarding ETFs versus mutual funds. Good work, Deloitte. But I am still searching for something on the subject that is better than good. It's a good read if you are just beginning to look at the subject. The study walks through the creation-redemption process, the role of the authorized participant and three different structures of ETFs. The piece falls short -- just as every other piece I have read -- when taking a fair look at why an investor would buy ETFs rather than mutual funds (or vice versa). If you are making a decision to invest in either a mutual fund or ETF, the first step is to understand active versus passive investing. If you are a believer in active management over passive management (i.e., you think there is value to someone choosing stocks over buying a broad-based index), then you will buy a mutual fund (yes, there are several actively-managed ETFs, but not enough to choose from at this point). If you believe in passively-managed investing (for simplicity lets say this is indexing), then you should compare ETFs versus index mutual funds. In other words, dont get caught in the trap that ETFs are cheaper, more tax-efficient, and so on and on and on. The fact of the matter is that ETFs that track broad-based indexes are comparable to index mutual funds (in cost and tax-efficiency). The product pushers should be honest and educate the public on the true differences of the products. Okay, it would be fair for someone to comment that I must not be objective on the subject. After all, I write about mutual funds, I have an axe to grind. Wrong. The job description at About.com didnt say that I must present mutual funds in a positive light, push mutual funds at all costs, convince readers to buy mutual funds -- well, you get the picture. In fact, as I have mentioned in previous posts, I own both ETFs and mutual funds. Im curious how many readers understand the differences between ETFs and mutual funds. Take the poll and let us know what you know.
ETFs Challenging Mutual Funds? originally appeared on About.com Mutual Funds on Saturday, September 26th, 2009 at 09:33:58.
To Float or Not to Float
Vanguard is going with the float. The mutual fund behemoth has decided to use float-adjusted bond benchmarks for their bond index funds. Morningstar has a write-up of the details including specific bond funds that are affected, but how does this affect the shareholders of these funds? The press release states: "The new benchmarks better represent actual liquidity in the marketplace and should help insulate Vanguard's bond index funds from securities whose prices may be distorted by significant reduction in supply as a result of Federal Reserve buybacks. The term "float" refers to the amount of a given security available for public trading; it excludes amounts such as those held by company insiders, affiliates, or governments." My guess (my educated guess -- I would like to think) is that the need to adjust for the float has not historically been an issue with bond benchmarks. In fact, the Barclay's benchmarks (formerly known as the Lehman benchmarks) recently developed the float-adjusted editions. These adjustments were no doubt in response to the massive purchases of mortgage-backed securities by the Federal Reserve. To Float or Not to Float originally appeared on About.com Mutual Funds on Monday, September 21st, 2009 at 22:59:29.
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FundWatch: Supreme Court may set tougher fund fee standards
The Supreme Court may soon issue a ruling that puts more pressure on mutual-funds to justify their fees.
Mutual Funds Weekly: Emotions get in the way of investment success
A finance professor and his student were walking across campus one afternoon, discussing whether or not the stock market is rational and efficient. The professor argued that indeed, stocks are priced efficiently and that any random mispricing is quickly eliminated by eagle-eyed traders.
ETF Investing: Investors need to do homework when picking ETFs
A quiclkly changing landscape means that even more care is needed in checking out each potential investment.
ETF Investing: Schwab enters ETF business; clients trade for free
Charles Schwab Corp. launches its first exchange-traded funds, a move that could alter the landscape of the fastest-growing segment of the asset-management business.
FundWatch: Treasury funds' best days may be done
Treasury bonds are typically seen as a safe and unspectacular part of the market, a safety-first asset class with negligible returns. So the 5.2% annualized gain enjoyed by the average Treasury bond mutual-fund over the past decade may surprise many investors.
Jonathan Burton's Life Savings: A muni-bond strategy to build your nest egg
Municipal bonds are no longer cheap keys to the cities but they can still show investors around town.
Lawrence G. McMillan: Still room for a rally amid low volatility
One of the big surprises of this fall has not only been the fact that the broad stock market has increased during most of September and October, but also the fact that the CBOE’s Volatility Index has continued to decline for most of that time.
Bulls should start playing defense
Investors who are perplexed with the optimism surrounding the current stock market rally need not feel they are alone.
Jim Lowell: Market tricks and treats
After several months of market treats, it’s hard to make the case that we aren’t overdue for a few tricks.
Coming around again
What a difference seven months makes to investors.
MarketWatch.com - Mutual Funds
MarketWatch, a leading publisher of business and financial news, offers users up-to-the minute news, investment tools, and subscription products.
3 reasons not to ditch Dodge & Cox International
Last fall Dodge & Cox International made big bets in the emerging markets and in economically sensitive stocks it considered undervalued, such as financials. By the end of 2008 the portfolio had sunk 47%, making it one of the worst-performing foreign large-value funds last year.
Why you should buy health care stocks now
With health care stocks cheap compared to the rest of the market, Tom Forester thinks that a bad-case scenario health care bill is already priced into the sector.
How to be an emotionless investor
It's one of the truths of mutual fund investing: You buy the manager as much as the prospectus. So it pays to have someone you trust.
Living on Chinese stocks
Third Ave. Value Fund: (TAVFX) Manager: Marty Whitman Return since 12/01/08: 56%
A fund battles back: up 45% this year
Longleaf Partners Fund: (LLPFX) Managers: Mason Hawkins and Staley Cates Return since 12/01: 70%
What you can learn from a closed fund
Vanguard Primecap Core: (VPCCX) Return since 12/01/08: 47%
Hunting for bargain-bin value stocks
Fairholme Fund: (FAIRX) Manager: Bruce Berkowitz Return since 12/01/08: 53%
Funds that are way up: Osterweis
Even great fund managers have bad years.
Strategies for a slow-go market
Chances are, your 401(k) is looking a lot healthier these days, now that stocks have soared more than 40% in just the past six months. But don't get too used to investing in the fast lane.
Investing in the 'new normal'
Money manager Ron Muhlenkamp gets a lot of credit for his bold, macro-driven investing style, and he deserves it: His namesake fund has returned 9% annually over the last 15 years, 2% better than the S&P 500.
What's next? Ask the bond market
When it comes time to plot out your investment strategy, you probably focus most of your attention on how equities are doing and pay scant attention to the inner workings of bonds. But ignore the fixed-income market at your peril.
Fidelity Contrafund open for business
Over the past decade, Fidelity Contrafund manager Will Danoff did something the stock market couldn't: He made money, returning 2.3% a year. His fund also beat 95% of the portfolios that invest in large, fast-growing companies.
Nothing absolute about 'absolute return' funds
After two of the worst bear markets in history, you're probably craving reassurance. Well, the mutual fund industry is hungering to give it to you.
Adventurous mutual funds for uncertain times
Today's market is particularly tough for individual investors. Stocks have been wildly volatile, bonds offer low yields, and the experts caution that even when the economy recovers, growth will be weak and inflation a threat.
Sweetening the dividend deal
You know that you're supposed to invest with your head and not your heart. But the truth is, a thriving stock market requires a lot of faith - in the economy, in corporate America, and in the promise that your investments will make you money in the long run.
Make fear and greed work for you
Fear and greed.
Betting it all on emerging markets
After being shell-shocked by nearly two years of brutal losses, investors are finally emerging from their T-bill and CD foxholes, looking for bigger returns. And high up on their wish list are emerging-stock funds.
Bill Miller bounces back
Last year it looked as if the era of the celebrity fund manager was finally, definitively over. The best and brightest had not only failed to avoid the financial meltdown but did worse than the market as a whole. Now some are staging a comeback.
The ultimate mutual fund portfolio
Our collection of five funds and five ETFs provides broad diversification and leaves the hard work to some of the savviest managers in the business.
Mutual fund advice and news - CNNMoney.com
From CNN and Money magazine, CNNMoney.com combines business news and in-depth market analysis with practical advice and answers to personal finance questions.
FundWatch: Supreme Court may set tougher fund fee standards
The Supreme Court may soon issue a ruling that puts more pressure on mutual-funds to justify their fees.
Mutual Funds Weekly: Emotions get in the way of investment success
A finance professor and his student were walking across campus one afternoon, discussing whether or not the stock market is rational and efficient. The professor argued that indeed, stocks are priced efficiently and that any random mispricing is quickly eliminated by eagle-eyed traders.
ETF Investing: Investors need to do homework when picking ETFs
A quiclkly changing landscape means that even more care is needed in checking out each potential investment.
ETF Investing: Schwab enters ETF business; clients trade for free
Charles Schwab Corp. launches its first exchange-traded funds, a move that could alter the landscape of the fastest-growing segment of the asset-management business.
FundWatch: Treasury funds' best days may be done
Treasury bonds are typically seen as a safe and unspectacular part of the market, a safety-first asset class with negligible returns. So the 5.2% annualized gain enjoyed by the average Treasury bond mutual-fund over the past decade may surprise many investors.
Jonathan Burton's Life Savings: A muni-bond strategy to build your nest egg
Municipal bonds are no longer cheap keys to the cities but they can still show investors around town.
Lawrence G. McMillan: Still room for a rally amid low volatility
One of the big surprises of this fall has not only been the fact that the broad stock market has increased during most of September and October, but also the fact that the CBOE’s Volatility Index has continued to decline for most of that time.
Bulls should start playing defense
Investors who are perplexed with the optimism surrounding the current stock market rally need not feel they are alone.
Jim Lowell: Market tricks and treats
After several months of market treats, it’s hard to make the case that we aren’t overdue for a few tricks.
Coming around again
What a difference seven months makes to investors.
MarketWatch.com - Mutual Funds
MarketWatch, a leading publisher of business and financial news, offers users up-to-the minute news, investment tools, and subscription products.
DNP Select Income Fund Inc. Section 19(a) Notice
CHICAGO, Nov. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Alliance Financial Corporation Announces Withdrawal of $25 Million Offensive Common Stock Offering
SYRACUSE, N.Y., Nov. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alliance Financial Corporation ("Alliance", or the "Company") (Nasdaq: ALNC), the holding company for Alliance Bank, N.A., today announced that it has withdrawn its public offering of approximately $25 million in common stock due to market conditions.
DNP Select Income Fund Declares Dividends
CHICAGO, Nov. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Board of Directors of DNP Select Income Fund Inc. (NYSE: DNP) today declared dividends of 6.5 cents per share on its common stock, payable on January 11, 2010, February 10, 2010 and March 10, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 31, 2009, January 29, 2010 and February 26, 2010, respectively.
S&P: Past Performance Really Isn't Indicative of Future Results
NEW YORK, Nov. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The old adage "past performance is not indicative of future results" rings true loud and clear in today's market. This premise, which appears in much mutual fund marketing, is why Standard & Poor's Equity Research uses a quantitative holdings-based, holistic ranking approach in ranking mutual funds. For investors seeking a mutual fund positioned to recover following the bear market of 2008 and early 2009, a backward looking ranking approach to investing in mutual funds brings with it added challenges.
RESEND: SENOMYX ANNOUNCES CORPORATE UPDATE AND THIRD QUARTER 2009 FINANCIAL RESULTS
SAN DIEGO, CA, November 5, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Senomyx, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNMX), a company focused on using proprietary taste receptor-based technologies to discover novel flavor ingredients for the food, beverage, and ingredient supply industries, today provided a corporate update and reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2009. Revenues were $4.2 million for the third quarter of 2009, compared to $4.0 million for the third quarter of 2008, an increase of 3%. As of September 30, 2009, the Company had cash, cash equivalents, and short term investments of approximately $33 million. Subsequent to the quarter end Senomyx achieved a major goal with the receipt of a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) regulatory designation for S6973, an enhancer of sucrose (table sugar) that has demonstrated the ability to reduce up to 50% of the sugar in diverse products while maintaining the taste of natural sugar. The GRAS status allows S6973 to be incorporated into specified products in the U.S. and in numerous other countries.
Eaton Vance Corp. Scheduled to Present at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Banking and Financial Services Conference
BOSTON, Nov. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Eaton Vance Corp. (NYSE: EV) announced that Thomas E. Faust, Chief Executive Officer, is scheduled to speak at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Banking and Financial Services Conference on November 11, 2009.
Eaton Vance Short Duration Diversified Income Fund Special Meeting of Shareholders
BOSTON, Nov. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- At a Special Meeting of Shareholders held Friday, October 23, 2009, shareholders of Eaton Vance Short Duration Diversified Income Fund (NYSE: EVG) (the "Fund"), a closed-end investment company, authorized the Fund to invest in commodities-related investments to the extent permitted by law. To qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, 90% of the Fund's income must be from certain qualified sources. Direct investment in many commodities investments generates income that is not from a qualified source for purposes of meeting this 90% test. Absent a revenue ruling or other guidance from the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"), the Fund intends to seek a private letter ruling from the IRS that (i) income from commodity-linked notes or (ii) income earned by the Fund from the ownership of one or more offshore subsidiaries that hold commodities or commodities-related investments is income from a qualified source for purposes of the 90% test. The Fund will not invest in commodity-related investments until it obtains such a private letter ruling.
First Mercantile Adds Grant Boucek to National Sales Team
MEMPHIS, Tenn., Nov. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Grant Boucek has joined First Mercantile's national sales team effective October 12, 2009, as regional sales director for its new Mid-South region.
Quarter-End Portfolio Data Now Available for ING Closed-End Funds
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Nov. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- ING Funds Distributor, LLC today announced that quarterly commentary as of September 30, 2009 is now available for the following closed-end management funds: ING Asia Pacific High Dividend Equity Income Fund (NYSE: IAE), ING Global Advantage and Premium Opportunity Fund (NYSE: IGA), ING Global Equity Dividend and Premium Opportunity Fund (NYSE: IGD), ING International High Dividend Equity Income Fund (NYSE: IID), ING Risk Managed Natural Resources Fund (NYSE: IRR) and ING Prime Rate Trust (NYSE: PPR).
Genstar Names Hal Strong Operating Executive
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Genstar Capital, LLC, a middle market private equity firm that focuses on investments in selected segments of the life sciences, healthcare services, software & software services, financial & business services, and industrial technology industries, today announced the appointment of Hal Strong, former Vice Chairman of Russell Investments, as an Operating Executive.
Virtus Investment Partners Reports Third Quarter Results
HARTFORD, Conn., Nov. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRTS), which operates a multi-manager asset management business, today reported operating income, as adjusted, of $3.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, a sequential improvement of $2.4 million from the previous quarter. The improvement resulted from top-line revenue growth of 12 percent and benefits from the company's ongoing cost management program. The company recorded a 16 percent increase in gross inflows and a second consecutive quarter of positive net flows that contributed to a 10 percent growth in assets under management to $24.6 billion from $22.4 billion at the end of the second quarter.
American Capital Announces Q3 2009 Results
BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Capital ("ACAS" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: ACAS) announced net operating income ("NOI") for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 of $32 million, or $0.12 per diluted share. Net income (loss) less appreciation and depreciation ("Realized (Loss) Earnings") for the quarter was $(34) million, or $(0.13) per diluted share. For the quarter ended September 30, 2009, the Company reported net income of $77 million, or $0.30 per diluted share.
American Capital Announces Agreement in Principle with Bank Group
BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Capital Ltd. (Nasdaq: ACAS) announced today that it has reached an agreement in principle with a steering committee of lenders to restructure its revolving line of credit facility. The Company will be presenting the terms of the proposed restructuring to all of the lenders in its revolving line of credit facility and to the holders of its privately placed term notes and publicly issued bonds for approval. The terms of the agreement in principle are nonbinding and subject to further negotiations, various conditions and final agreements. The Company hopes to complete the restructuring by year end.
Corporate Plan Sponsors Rate Equity Compensation Plan Administration Service Providers
PRINCETON, N.J., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Group Five, a corporate services research company, today announced results of its annual study of plan sponsor opinions of services provided by commercial equity compensation plan administrators and commercial plan administration systems. The study had 567 plan sponsors participating -- representing 1,582 equity compensation plans including stock options, restricted stock, stock purchase, performance shares, and stock appreciation rights. The study is the only independent forum for corporate clients to make their opinions and priorities known to service providers. The annual study included the largest providers of outsourced plan administration services and commercial systems for internal plan administration. The highest rated plan administrator was Bank of America Merrill Lynch with an overall satisfaction rate of 77% favorable for full service plan administration and the highest rated commercial system was Transcentive's Express Options with a 69% favorable rating. E*TRADE received a 94% satisfaction rating for their co-sourced plan administration, the highest for partial outsourced administration services. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney received the highest loyalty rating with 86% of their clients willing to recommend MSSB as a plan administrator.
Fund.com Retains Stern & Co. To Provide Media Relations/Public Relations Counsel
NEW YORK, Nov. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Fund.com (OTC Bulletin Board: FNDM), a growing financial services company that creates actively managed ETFs, announced today that it has retained Stern & Co. to provide media relations/public relations counsel. Founded in 1993, Stern & Co. is a leading New York-based communications firm that designs and implements media and public relations campaigns for publicly traded companies, private companies and financial institutions. The firm's West Coast office is located in Los Angeles.
Life Settlement Financial's CEO Testifies before SEC Life Settlement Task Force
WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Peter Mazonas, Life Settlement Financial (LSF) CEO testified today before the SEC Life Settlement Task Force in support of the use of accounting standards to enforce consistency in the valuation of securitized pools of life settlements. As investment banks ramp up their efforts to create new investment opportunities, the SEC Life Settlement Task Force is studying how this can be done in ways that protect investors in this emerging market. Hoping to avoid the catastrophic events brought about by misvalued mortgage pools, the SEC heard from an industry leader who described new methods of individual life settlement evaluation.
Dividend Declaration: Delaware Investments(R) Global Dividend and Income Fund, Inc. Announces Dividends
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today, Delaware Investments Global Dividend and Income Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), a New York Stock Exchange-listed closed-end fund trading under the symbol "DGF," declares a monthly dividend of $0.0575 per share. This dividend is payable November 27, 2009, to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 13, 2009. The ex-dividend date will be November 10, 2009.
Dividend Declarations: Delaware Investments(R) Municipal Income Funds Announce Dividends
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today, the following four Delaware Investments municipal income funds, all closed-end management investment companies, declare their monthly income dividends: Delaware Investments Arizona Municipal Income Fund, Inc., Delaware Investments Colorado Municipal Income Fund, Inc., Delaware Investments National Municipal Income Fund, and Delaware Investments Minnesota Municipal Income Fund II, Inc. (together, the "Funds"). The investment objective of each Fund, other than Delaware Investments National Municipal Income Fund, is to provide current income exempt from federal income tax and from the personal income tax of its state, if any, consistent with the preservation of capital. The investment objective of Delaware Investments National Municipal Income Fund is to provide current income exempt from regular federal income tax consistent with the preservation of capital. In addition, each Fund has the ability to utilize leveraging techniques in an attempt to obtain a higher return for the Fund. At present, the Funds do not have any outstanding leverage.
John Hancock Closed-End Funds Declare Monthly Distributions
BOSTON, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Five John Hancock closed-end funds declared their monthly distributions today as follows:
Trustees of Eaton Vance Closed-End Insured Municipal Bond Funds Approve Changes in Investment Policy; Announce Special Shareholder Meetings
BOSTON, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Trustees of the following Eaton Vance closed-end funds have approved changes to the Funds' investment policies related to investments in insured obligations:
Mutual Funds
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The splashy consumerism that marked the beginning of this decade may be a permanent thing of the past.
Betting with Buffett
Several data points all suggest huge medium- to long-term potential for the U.S. economy from today's levels.
U.S. Recovery Gains 'Votes'
For now, the market's voting machine is favoring the bulls.
Stocks End Shaky Session Higher, Unemployment in Focus
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Financial Reform Puzzle Taking Shape
A look at the upsides and downsides for individual investors, advisors, and planners as reform measures wend through Washington.
Stocks Seek Direction After Jobs Data, Highest Unemployment in 26 Years
Read full story for details.
Tapping Consistent Income Streams in Retirement
Baird CIO Mary Ellen Stanek answers our questions about building a consistent income stream in retirement, inflation protection, and the economic recovery.
Have Your Primecap-Run Vanguard Fund and Eat It Too
New investors can't buy Vanguard's Primecap-run funds anymore, but they can still buy Primecap.
Dollar Contrarians Move Too Fast for the SEC
This ETF hiccup doesn't have us too concerned.
Funds on Warren's Wavelength
Funds that benefited the most from Berkshire's purchase of Burlington Northern, and more.
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