The Big Picture

MARCH 28, 2024

“Our comforting conviction that the world makes sense rests on a secure foundation: Our almost unlimited ability to ignore our ignorance.” – Daniel Kahneman The loss of Danny Kahneman is a reminder that we should review some of his work and apply them to the current market. I am fascinated by the idea of Narrative Fallacy (the term was actually coined by Nassim Taleb in “ The Black Swan “) and how it applies to pretty much ewverything.

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Abnormal Returns

MARCH 31, 2024

Also on the site Everything has an opportunity cost, everything. (abnormalreturns.com) Top clicks this week The Roaring 20's are here. Enjoy it while you can. (awealthofcommonsense.com) There's no alpha left in private equity. (linkedin.com) Patrick Mahomes finally takes an L. (sportico.com) Are index funds propping up the stock market? (awealthofcommonsense.com) Which bonds prove as the best portfolio diversifier?

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Carson Wealth

MARCH 28, 2024

Retirement planning is a journey that generally takes decades to complete and most of us start out along the do-it-yourself path. More than likely, your first step was to enroll in an employer-provided plan such as a 401(k) or setting up an individual retirement account, also known as an IRA. But at some point, most of us need to graduate from the DIY approach and seek advice from a retirement planning professional.

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A Wealth of Common Sense

MARCH 10, 2024

I entered the workforce in 2005. That means I’ve been working in the investment business for 20 years now. The longer I’m in the money management business the more there is to learn but these are some of the things I’ve learned thus far: 1. Experiences shape your perception of risk. Your ability and need to take risk should be based on your stage in life, time horizon, financial circumstances and goals.

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Speaker: Nancy Wu, Head of Sales and Customer Success at SkyStem

Join us for an enlightening webinar as we delve into the transformative realm of modern accounting practices. In today's digital age, the convergence of outsourcing and automation has revolutionized how businesses manage their financial operations. In this webinar we will explore the synergistic potential of these two strategies to streamline processes, enhance accuracy, save cost and drive strategic decision-making.

Accounting

Fortune Financial

MARCH 7, 2024

Signed into law in 1956 by then President Dwight Eisenhower, the Federal Highway Act created the Interstate Highway System , which would become the largest and costliest public works project in history. Measuring almost 48,000 miles in total distance, the Interstate Highway System was completed only in 1992, more than three decades after work began, and for a total cost in today’s dollars of more than $500 billion. ( source: Wikipedia Commons ) Inspired in large part by the German Autoba

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The Big Picture

MARCH 15, 2024

We sometimes say “Demographics is Destiny,” but that’s abstract. To get a visual sense of what that looks like, see the above chart (via Blackrock ) showing the distribution of various age groups from 2075 to 2050. Note bars in Red are not in the workforce. The post U.S. population distribution, 1975-2050 appeared first on The Big Picture.

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Abnormal Returns

MARCH 24, 2024

Also on the site What is wrong with this picture? How your charitable intentions can get co-opted after you are gone. (abnormalreturns.com) Top clicks this week Ten things to know about building a diversified portfolio. (morningstar.com) How home buying is going to change with the upheaval of realtor commissions. (thebasispoint.com) Byrne Hobart, "Decades of above-average net worth compounding are the reward for taking a big idea seriously, continuously refining it, and implementing it in the re

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Commission Numbers Portfolio Marketing 284

Carson Wealth

MARCH 14, 2024

By Matt Kory, Vice President, Retirement Programs Changing careers is an emotional move – there’s excitement for the new opportunity, sadness about leaving your favorite coworkers behind, depression if you weren’t ready to leave, worry about how to financially bridge the unemployment gap and anticipation of the new career all at once. Take a breath, you can take some time to understand your options.

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A Wealth of Common Sense

MARCH 31, 2024

I’m really late on this one, but I finally got around to reading Andre Agassi’s autobiography.1 He writes about what it was like to finally win his first Grand Slam tournament at Wimbledon. Everyone’s perception of Agassi changed from choke artist to the real deal. Winning, however, didn’t change how he felt about himself: But I don’t feel that Wimbledon has changed me.

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As we step into 2024, the lending landscape evolves rapidly with technology, regulations, and market dynamics driving change. For banks and financial institutions to stay competitive and meet the evolving needs of their customers, these drivers must be understood and engaged with. Lenders can anticipate significant transformation fueled by technological advancements, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer behaviors.

Banking

Advisor Perspectives

MARCH 4, 2024

I have written this month’s Absolute Return Letter with a heavy heart. I don’t take any pleasure from other people’s misery.

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Calculated Risk

MARCH 7, 2024

From Manheim Consulting today: Wholesale Used-Vehicle Prices Declined in February Wholesale used-vehicle prices (on a mix, mileage, and seasonally adjusted basis) were down in February compared to January. The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI) fell to 203.8, a decline of 13.1% from a year ago. The index was down 0.1% against the month of January 2024.

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Consulting Retail Taxes Economics 136

The Big Picture

MARCH 13, 2024

At the Money: How To Know When The Fed Will Cut with Jim Bianco (March 13, 2024) Markets have been waiting for the Federal Reserve to begin cutting rates for over a year. What data should investors be following for insight into when they will begin? Jim Bianco discusses initial unemployment claims data and wage gain to identify when the Fed will start lowering rates.

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Numbers Insurance Economy Marketing 274

Abnormal Returns

MARCH 24, 2024

Markets Are index funds propping up the stock market? (awealthofcommonsense.com) What is the end game for Michael Saylor, Microstrategy ($MSTR) and Bitcoin? (wsj.com) Are ETFs the best solution for every strategy? (rogersplanning.blogspot.com) Housing Don't count on materially lower home commissions just yet. (economist.com) We should start to see more innovation when it comes to commissions.

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Speaker: Joe Buhrmann, MBA, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC® Senior Financial Planning Practice Management Consultant eMoney Advisor

During an era of evolving consumer preferences, the banking sector is undergoing a profound shift. As customers continue to broaden their perspectives, banking professionals must support their customers' financial wellness by providing holistic financial advice that aligns with individual goals and circumstances. Without adapting, financial institutions will find that loyalty may crumble amid uncertainty.

Financial Advice

Carson Wealth

MARCH 7, 2024

By Jake Anderson, CFP ® , Wealth Planner When helping clients begin retirement planning, the same questions often arise: What should my retirement plan look like? How much should I be saving? Although there are some basic guidelines, your financial life is as unique as your fingerprint. Your lifestyle, goals, family situation, and risk tolerance will give a unique signature to your retirement plan.

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Retirement Planning Retirement Planning Risk Tolerance 143

A Wealth of Common Sense

MARCH 26, 2024

In March 2020, at the height of uncertainty at the outset of the pandemic, I wrote about what it took to get to the roaring 1920s. This chart sums it up nicely: Here’s what I wrote at the time: How many people at the time would have predicted during the war/pandemic/recession/depression years that the 1920s would be one of the most innovative, prosperous periods our country had ever seen?

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Meb Faber Research

MARCH 29, 2024

Guest: Steve Edmundson is the Chief Investment Officer at the Public Employees’ Retirement System of Nevada (NVPERS), overseeing over $60 billion in assets. Recorded: 3/18/2024 | Run-Time: 48:01 Summary: As pension funds continue to hire more employees, pay more and more fees and build more complex portfolios, Steve is an outlier for his approach that emphasizes […] The post Episode #526: Indexing Nevada PERS: Steve Edmundson’s $60 Billion Strategy appeared first on Meb Faber

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Calculated Risk

MARCH 28, 2024

The DOL reported : In the week ending March 23, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 210,000 , a decrease of 2,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 2,000 from 210,000 to 212,000. The 4-week moving average was 211,000, a decrease of 750 from the previous week's revised average.

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Speaker: Carolina Aponte - Owner and CEO, Caja Holdings LLC

In today's rapidly changing business environment, building a resilient balance sheet is crucial to the survival of any business. A resilient balance sheet allows a company to withstand financial shocks and adapt to changing market conditions. To achieve this, companies need to focus on key strategies such as maintaining adequate liquidity, managing debt levels, diversifying revenue streams, and prioritizing profitability over growth.

Financial Planning

The Big Picture

MARCH 16, 2024

The weekend is here! Pour yourself a mug of coffee, grab a seat by the fire, and get ready for our longer-form weekend reads: • How a Physics Whiz Made a Fortune Betting on Nature’s Catastrophes : John Seo used his scientific knowledge to develop a winning formula for trading catastrophe bonds — a market that’s booming thanks to climate change and inflation. ( Bloomberg Green ) • How neuroscience can help you make tough decisions – with no regrets : Most people are too risk-averse when it

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Abnormal Returns

MARCH 13, 2024

Crypto Travis Kling, "The evidence for the rise of Financial Nihilism is all around us." (epsilontheory.com) How much is Bitcoin worth? Nobody really knows. (wired.com) The spot Bitcoin ETF fee war is here. (etf.com) Finance Why Evercore ($EVR) is outperforming other investment banks. (on.ft.com) There is still a lot of uncertainty around office building valuations.

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Financial Advising Valuation Retail Media 271

Carson Wealth

MARCH 26, 2024

By Mike Valenti, CPA, CFP®, Director,Tax Planning LLCs can provide legal protections and a level of anonymity, either or both of which can be beneficial for business owners, investors, and others with valid intentions. But those features also attract criminal activity, and layers of shell companies can create excellent cover for those involved in fraudulent activities.

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A Wealth of Common Sense

MARCH 8, 2024

America is in a weird place demographically-speaking. On the one hand, we have 70 million baby boomers reaching retirement age. They control most of the wealth. They control most of the housing market. And they still control the thermostat when you visit their houses. On the other hand, we have 73 million millennials who are in their prime household formation years.

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Accounting

Wealth Management

MARCH 20, 2024

Supporters and critics of the proposed rule are setting up discussions with the Office of Management and Budget, one of the last steps before the final rule will be revealed.

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Calculated Risk

MARCH 27, 2024

From the MBA: Mortgage Applications Decrease in Latest MBA Weekly Survey Mortgage applications decreased 0.7 percent from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending March 22, 2024. The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, decreased 0.7 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis from one week earlier.

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Marketing Marketing 127

The Big Picture

MARCH 4, 2024

The one and only Howard Marks… The post Making Complicated Ideas Simple appeared first on The Big Picture.

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Investing Investments 261

Abnormal Returns

MARCH 3, 2024

Also on the site Five thoughts on the power of letting go. (abnormalreturns.com) Top clicks this week What happens when you invest right before a bear market? (awealthofcommonsense.com) Solana is at new all-time highs. (allstarcharts.com) Consumer Reports' top ten list for 2024 is filled with hybrids. (cnbc.com) The Magnificent Seven is all anybody can talk about in the U.S.

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Digital platforms can provide you with plenty of solutions, yet many are still intimidated by them. It's time to end that worry and embrace what could make a major difference for your bank. Understanding how they work and how to best utilize them for your banks is key toward success. In this article, Biz2X breaks down all things digital platforms, including the many advantages of embracing them.

Banking

The Irrelevant Investor

MARCH 18, 2024

Stocks in the United States are more expensive than they used to be. Like, a lot more. You used to be able to buy a blue-chip company for fifteen times earnings. There was a time, a normal non-recessionary time, when you could buy the S&P 500 for fifteen times earnings. Prior to the dotcom bubble, there was only one instance when U.S. stocks traded at 25x times inflation-adjusted earnings over the previous decade.

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A Wealth of Common Sense

MARCH 15, 2024

There are two types of inflation rates that matter. Economists and market observers care about the government reported data — CPI, core PCE, ex-shelter, whatever your preferred method is. Everyday Americans only care about two price points — gas and grocery store prices. Why is this the case? These are the prices you experience on a regular basis.

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Advisor Perspectives

MARCH 14, 2024

The Census Bureau's Advance Retail Sales Report for February revealed a 0.6% rebound in headline sales from January, the largest monthly rise in consumer spending since September. The latest increase, however, was lower than the anticipated 0.8% monthly growth.

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