Dangers of Dividend Funds

Dividend funds are currently very popular with investors.

In many parts of the world, interest rate yields are quite low on a historical basis. To enhance returns, fixed income investors have turned to riskier investments that may offer higher yields. Such as dividends on preferred shares or dividend paying common shares.

As well, general equity investors are turning to perceived “safer” equity investments. Common shares in large, dividend paying companies. Shares that provide capital gains potential over time, but are back-stopped by a (hopefully) steady stream of dividend income.

Sounds like a good strategy to me. But there are always risks when investing.

Here are a few things to consider when assessing dividend funds (or dividend paying shares).  (more…)

Knight Kiplinger, head of Kiplinger financial media, created a nice asset management video.

8 Keys to Financial Security is exactly that. Tips for protecting your assets and growing wealth.

As per usual, I add my two-cents to Mr. Kiplinger’s wealth management recommendations.  (more…)

Investors Shun Risk

A relationship exists between investment risk and expected return.

The safer the asset, the lower the expected return. The greater the investment risk, the higher the required return. Or it can be a tad more technical if you like.

Investors should take an objective view of investment risk. Unfortunately, investors tend to be emotional creatures and these volatile times lead people to become fearful of investment risk.

So what is happening? And what should you do as an investor? (more…)

Benjamin Graham Investing Principles

I mentioned Benjamin Graham in “Mistakes of Warren Buffett” and recommended his book, “The Intelligent Investor”.

Benjamin Graham mentored Warren Buffet and is considered the founder of value investing.

Today, a quick summary on Benjamin Graham and his three key principles for value investing. While they may not turn you into the next Warren Buffett, these investment tips will make you a better investor.  (more…)

Top 10 Best Things About Mutual Funds

Started reading Morningstar’s “Fund Spy” last night.

A gift from the nice folks at Morningstar, so thanks.

In it, Morningstar produces a chart with the top 10 best things about mutual funds.

An interesting list.  (more…)

Investing Philosophy in 10 Words

Can you summarize your investment philosophy in 10 words or less?

Can anyone?

After all, investing is a complex subject.  (more…)

Emotional Investing Decisions

Investing based on emotions or instincts is a difficult issue.

So challenging that an entire field, Behavioural Finance, examines how investor psychology and emotions affect investment decisions.

Recently I read an article where the author believes that financial planners prefer clients with little investment knowledge. That way, it is easier to sell them whatever you want.

Yes, there are financial planners, brokers, etc., that operate this way. But in my experience, good financial planners would rather deal with well-educated investors.

And often the reason relates directly to emotional investing.  (more…)

Emerging market investments can add value to one’s portfolio.

On the one hand, emerging market assets provide potential diversification benefits that help lower overall portfolio risk.

At the same time, emerging markets offer potentially higher returns than investments in developed markets. This helps enhance overall portfolio expected returns.

Lower portfolio risk, higher expected returns, count me in!

Well, like any investment, there are always a few strings attached.  (more…)

Emerging markets are popular investments for many investors.

Why?

Emerging market investments may aid in reducing portfolio risk through enhanced diversification. At the same time, there is also the potential for higher returns in less developed markets.

Today we look at what constitutes an emerging market.  (more…)

Emotional Investing

Investment markets have resembled roller coasters in recent times.

Up, down, sideways, making many investors sick to their stomaches.

While investing is an emotional experience at any time, this turbulent period makes things even worse for lots of investors.

So what should you do?  (more…)

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