Insights on markets, emergent trends, history, innovation, risk management, global economics, strategy, policy, and other topics that catch our attention. Inspired by ongoing research, conversations and events. Written and edited by Osbon Capital Management and published every Thursday morning.
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Too much time is spent talking about price. Fundamentals are ultimately what drive equity prices higher over time. To say this another way, a company’s stock price can’t continue to rise unless it continues to be successful. The famous quote by Warren Buffett is, “In the short run, the market is a voting machine, but in the long run (...)
3 Costly Biases and How to Beat Them
Have you ever made a big money decision that you regret? It happens to all of us. Like it or not, we come preloaded with a variety of biases, brain glitches that lead to bad decisions about money and other important issues. So how do we defend ourselves from ourselves? Start with this list of three cognitive bias traps. Once you recognize them…
The 6 U’s Of Exceptional Service
When we buy products or pay for services we expect the best. When it comes to your money manager how do you know he/she is constantly striving to deliver the best for you, namely, value well in excess of cost? Are you getting everything you expect and deserve? Consider these six service situations as a test. Uncompromising standards Here’s how…
Picassos In The Pileup?
Gold wants love, but gets none. Japan is dying for affection, but gets none. In recent weeks we’ve discussed these lonely asset classes and why they still belong in most portfolios. What’s next – and last – on the wallflower roster? Are there valuable assets here waiting to be scooped up while no one cares? Read on. Ugly ducklings Emerging markets…
Market Plunge Exposes Your 6 Portfolio Danger Signs
Face it, the last ten days have been the opposite of benign for investors. An unprecedented three years without a 10% correction ended abruptly last week. What can you learn about your portfolio from the market swoon. Quite a bit, it turns out. Here’s your checklist. When we start working with new clients, we always take a close look at…
The Unloved Part Two: Japan
Two weeks ago we talked about the four year 40 percent decline in gold, making it one of the world’s most thoroughly unloved asset classes. Gold’s big decline is a sure signal to rebalance. But gold’s not the only asset looking for love in all the wrong places. This week we have an even worse performance story: zero return after 25…
What If It’s 2008 All Over Again?
What would you do now if you knew we were soon heading into a recession? Do you feel that you have the right team with the right incentives and skills to guide your portfolio (and your emotions) through the bad times? Here are some questions to ask yourself so that you can decide if you are adequately prepared. Who’s with me?…
Why You Need What No One Wants
There aren’t too many investments selling today at their 2010 prices. Not the stock market, up more than 100% since then. Or the bond market, lower in yield by 50% and therefore much higher in price. Or real estate which has surged broadly since that time. What’s left? Gold!, the investment that is fast becoming completely unloved. Why own gold…
7 Ways Investment Professionals Add Value
Sure, you could save a lot of money if you eliminated all the specialized professionals in your life. You could rewire your own kitchen, represent yourself in court, and suture up your next nasty cut. You could, but you probably won’t. Because the benefit of hiring a professional outweighs the cost. The same applies in investing, although many still try…
One Form Can Save You $2 Million
You’d have to be paying very close attention to recent IRS comments to know that your potential estate tax just went down $2 million. How is this possible? Aren’t taxes going up everywhere? Not for some wealthy folks and their heirs. Does this apply to you? Here’s what the IRS has posted lately. Death and taxes They say you can…
