Wednesday Reading List
My latest post: Improving Your Investment Returns – Vanguard and Morningstar research come together to lay out how investors can improve their portfolio returns.
Federal Reserve: On the Road Again by Charles Schwab Asset Management
While the pace of Federal Reserve cuts is in question, all roads lead to lower interest rates.
Why you should feel good about the American economy by Axios
Given the concerns we have about our own economy (which can be fueled by constant negative campaigning), it can be tough to see why we’re better off than many places economically, including Europe. We’re ahead on innovation with, value creation, and have adjusted our trade policies toward the new global realities of increased protectionism while Europe has not. Additionally, the U.S. has a demographic advantage through a labor force expected to keep growing, while Europe’s is shrinking.
Housing markets where homes sell the most above list—and the most below list by ResiClub
The Florida real estate market continues to soften, having 8 of the top 10 markets in lowest sale-to-list price.
Shifting Focus Signals Cuts by Heritage Financial
Key Observations
- Markets were generally positive in August, despite a tough start to the month as investors wrestled with weakening economic data, geopolitical unrest and global growth.
- Shifting language at the Federal Reserve’s Jackson Hole summit indicated a renewed focus on the employment situation more so than inflation.
- Markets have priced in a first rate cut this month, shifting the question of “when?” to “how much?”
When You Should Invest More in Alternatives by Larry Swedroe
The cost to own alternative investments has come down substantially and there are now more liquid options that don’t require owning limited partnership vehicles. For that reason, one prominent investment commentator has taken his portfolio from zero to over 50% in alternatives. He breaks down why and how to access certain strategies in today’s marketplace.
Book Recommendation
A Man in Full by Tom Wolfe
This 2001 best-seller and National Book Award Finalist was a re-read for me (something I’m doing more often and explained why here). Two of the main characters turning to Stoicism late in the book was something I’d forgotten and found interesting after reading about this philosophy elsewhere. It’s a bit of a slog, but ends strongly.
Boston Corner
Boston rents keep climbing over national average
Things to Do in Boston This Weekend
Things to Do This Week in Boston