Presidential election years tend to be strong for markets, the incumbent has shown great interest in the stock market’s progress and the Fed seems supportive. This podcast (6:33), suggests that the biggest apparent risk right now is the coronavirus, which will surely adversely affect one if not two quarters of global GDP. And yet that delay in the resumption of economic growth could lead to a big pop in consumer spending, bolstering the economy in 2020, barring unexpected exogenous shocks.
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A new survey by AgeUp finds that people don’t know much about their parents’ finances and are worried they may have to kick in their own funds to sustain them during retirement. This podcast (6:33) takes a look at the MassMutual unit’s re-packaging of deferred income annuities as a solution for this very contemporary worry, noting that DIAs can be a more cost-effective way to guarantee income because of the long lead time for saving and fewer years to cover.
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Mike Hennessy of Harbor Crest Wealth Advisors argues that, of the many risks faced by fixed-income investors, three in particular are not adequately understood. In this podcast (9:58), Hennessy shows how investment-grade bonds could quickly turn into junk in a downturn, why liquidity in the ETF market may be overpromised and how a return of inflation could force the Fed to hike rates, adversely impacting borrowers, corporations and governments.
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The World Economic Forum posted a video about what it calls “the global pensions time bomb,” noting that the already large gap between resources and retirement is rapidly accelerating. This podcast (7:48) suggests that the approach taken by Denmark is right for our times, more so than the Chilean model, and discusses other U.S. retirement-system vulnerabilities.
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A recent Barron’s analysis makes a compelling case that The Kraft Heinz Company (KHC) might be ready to exit the bargain basement, especially if it can obtain decent prices for assets it sells. This podcast (7:03) argues that of greater importance than the assets it sells is the investment it makes in the assets it keeps. A new marketing-oriented CEO and favorable timing in the macro-economy may aid in this effort.
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Which cognitive bias most speaks to today’s retirement challenges? Visual Capitalist offers 50 for you. This podcast (5:06) suggests that the multiplying list of cognitive behavioral biases fail to capture the essential problems as well as Benjamin Franklin’s aphorisms, which are rooted in character issues and poetically expressed.
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Independent analyst Ian Bezek of Ian’s Insider Corner explains his quality-first approach to stock selection, with Hormel being a shining example. In this podcast (19:19), the Latin America-based analyst explains why oil and natural gas aren’t going away; discusses the appeal of consumer staples stocks; and offers his perspective on the Chilean market, Latin America investing and expat retirement.
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In a video interview with Les Brown, the motivational speaker make three relevant points for advisors: that negativity keeps people from progressing; that people need to step out of their comfort zones; and that people need guidance. This podcast (6:11) suggests that it is useful for advisors to adopt a professional self-image as people who see the potential of their clients, and who help them to realize that potential.
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Amidst so much market commentary offering just a nano-second of value, I was more impressed with a silly video from a California-based pizza parlor titled “What Happens When A Cordon Bleu Trained Chef Tries Shakey’s Pepperoni Pizza?” This podcast (5:31) suggests that the distance between Cordon Blue and Shakey’s really isn’t that far when less money is sloshing around, as will eventually be the case, and argues that now is the time to look to accumulate shares of the slow, steady earners that people cling to in meaner times.
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A 58-year-old man with no retirement savings asks a USA Today financial-advice columnist for help, noting he was embarrassed to consult with a financial planner. This podcast (6:32) suggests that many of the people advisors meet with, specifically prospective clients, are not receiving the peace-of-mind benefits enjoyed by clients who have a relationship with an advisor and a framework within which to tackle what may be the No. 1 stressor, financial stress.
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