It’s October, and investors don’t seem overly worried about ghosts in the stock market. But just in case, they are increasingly taking a peek overseas where valuations might be more friendly. In the third quarter, U.S. stocks and stock funds rose once again on the back of solid corporate earnings and hope for a tax overhaul in Washington. It is far from a frenzy—instead, trading has been slow and relatively calm. The average diversified U.S.-stock fund had a total return…

Should stock investors worry about changes in interest rates? Research shows that, like stock prices, changes in interest rates and bond prices are largely unpredictable. It follows that an investment strategy based upon attempting to exploit these sorts of changes isn’t likely to be a fruitful endeavor. Despite the unpredictable nature of interest rate changes, investors may still be curious about what might happen to stocks if interest rates go up. Read our 2017 2Q Newsletter

Ever ridden in a car with worn-out shock absorbers? Every bump is jarring, every corner stomach-churning, and every red light an excuse to assume the brace position. Owning an undiversified portfolio can trigger similar reactions. Read our 2017 1Q Newsletter  

In 2016, the US market reached new highs and stocks in a majority of developed and emerging market countries delivered positive returns. The year began with anxiety over China’s stock market and economy, falling oil prices, a potential US recession, and negative interest rates in Japan. US equity markets were in steep decline and had the worst start of any year on record. The markets began improving in mid-February through midyear. Investors also faced uncertainty from the Brexit vote in…