Simon examines the current market backdrop and how stocks have moved past geopolitical tensions to focus on continued US consumer strength. He talks about earnings trends and how where risk and opportunity reside may shift. He also continues last week's discussion of some basic market and investing rules that are easy to forget amidst all the daily "noise". He then drills down and makes the case for owning C and the defense companies, NOC and LHX. 

Simon reflects back on the past decade and the performance of stocks, bonds, and commodities. He discusses the sharp contrast with the 2000s in terms of what asset classes did well and how we might expect a potentially similar shift going forward. He also highlights some basic market rules we should all remember when faced with so much daily "noise". 

Simon discusses the "pros" and cons" of the SECURE Act, which is now almost certain to be in effect as of 2020. He stresses the increased need going forward for cooperation between one's financial professional team: financial advisors, estate attorneys, and CPAs. He also talks about how millennials may be ill-equipped to handle the faster distribution of inherited retirement assets and how they need customized investment and planning solutions. 

This week we put the year in perspective and look at the odds of the rally continuing for another year. Then, we break with convention and talk about the bear case for Berkshire Hathaway. Is it time to sell Warren Buffett? Also, reviews of Booking Holdings and Occidental Petroleum.

Simon discusses how in the current era of free trading investors should be aware of hidden costs. Given some misperceptions about costs and investor overconfidence in what has been a great market, many could be overly discounting the merits of paying for financial advice. He also looks at the market backdrop and that we need to balance a positive base case with too much investor exuberance in the short-term.

There is plenty to be cautious about, but Simon makes the case that risks for 2020 are still skewed to the upside given the tailwinds of Fed policy and thawing trade tensions. He also talks about what it means to consider a company a "quality" investment. He updates the thesis on FDX, LHX, and MPC. 

It is not inconceivable to have a more thorough grasp of the concept of risk.  In this episode of the Wise Investor Show podcast, financial planner, Matt Anderson attempts to clarify the definition of risk by discussing 3 important concepts: Unsystematic vs. Systematic Risk, Asset Allocation and Time Horizon.

Greg provides year-end ideas for ways you can keep more of your money in your pocket.  Different ways to be charitable can make a big difference to your bottom line, both in tax savings, as well as if you're paying Medicare Part B premiums.  Greg also describes how to determine the benefits of realizing gains and/or losses.  Enjoy and happy holidays!

Providing a financial loan for a child to buy a house can create complexities in family dynamics. If you are looking for ways to extend a helping hand and get your children into their first home, David shares where to start. 

Simon discusses how an optimistic take is often considered superficial or naive, whereas critics come off as deep thinkers. This is certainly not apt and he provides a "laundry list" of reasons to feel good about the equity markets in 2020. He also examines the backdrop with respect to the trade war with China and how, while a muddle-through economic scenario should be tolerable, politicians will be highly motivated to get a deal done. He also talks about the influence of corporate fundamentals over the past ten years and makes the case for CVX and AMZN.