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 (...)
The Kids
How will your kids learn about money, how to get it, save it, spend it, manage it if they inherit it? Not talking about these topics can leave kids uninformed and unprepared for the responsibilities that come with money.
It’s Decathlon Time!
150 athletes. 10 events. One great cause. That’s the RBC Decathlon, a long summer day of running, throwing, lifting and jumping for the benefit of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. We’ll be there, and you can help. Max has participated in this phenomenal event for the last two years. I joined the fun in 2013. And we’re both looking forward to…
The Simple Power of a Favor
From time to time, we write about things that have nothing to do with investing… The Simple Power of a Favor Favors are magic. They solve problems and open doors. They demonstrate loyalty and concern. They strengthen relationships. Simple favors can mean so much for the receiver, but they can also pay huge dividends for the sender. Last week a…
Four Behaviors That Generate Alpha
Last week we discussed Vanguard’s research showing how an advisor can deliver measurable “alpha” – that is, above average performance. This week we dig deeper with four examples of what that looks like. Vanguard identified “behavioral coaching” as the area of where advisors can and should add the greatest value. The research pegged the behavior benefit at around 150 basis…
The Advisor as Alpha
There’s a lot of talk these days about alpha and “smart alpha.” Alpha is basically return in excess of market performance. It’s a lot like happiness – everybody feels they deserve it, but it’s not been so clear where it comes from or how to get it. Fortunately, there’s evidence now about how to get alpha. Vanguard, major ETF provider…
Are High Frequency Traders Ripping You Off?
High Frequency Traders: Fight Back As author Michael Lewis reminded us this week with the release of his book, Flash Boys, high frequency traders (HFTs) are systematically sucking value out of the markets. Are you a victim, and what can you do about it? First, how does this work? Think about it like this: You call ahead to the supermarket…
5 Ways that Indexing Cuts Taxes
April 15th has to be one of the least liked days of the year. Not that paying taxes is a bad thing, but paying too much in taxes is. If you have a nagging feeling that somehow you’re paying unnecessary taxes, consider five ways that indexing would cut the tax tab. 1. Buy and hold – The prime source of taxes on…
Drones, bitcoins on wheels, and the rebirth of privacy
What happens when 75,000 professionals at SXSW (South by Southwest) from 74 countries with backgrounds in music, technology, and film get together for 10 days in Austin, TX? Quite a lot! Normally we write about investing but this week we’ve got a very different topic. I spent a week at SXSW 2014 and here are some of my favorite highlights. Intellectual…
Cost Control Calculator
Small expenses can seem inconsequential in the short run, however inefficient investments with higher fees and poor tax management can take a big bite out of your portfolio in the long run. Focus on the things you can control – fees and taxes. And use our Osbon Cost Control Calculator (below) to see just how much these small improvements add…
