ICYMI: Worrying About Residential Real Estate
The signs are mounting that we could be facing a real estate slowdown. Inventory levels are key, and certain regions will fare better than others. Here’s why, and how I think buyers and sellers should react.
See also: 41 housing markets where homebuyers have gained power by ResiClub and Existing Home Sales Chill in January by Wells Fargo
The New Magnificent Seven? by Charles Schwab Asset Management
European stocks are outperforming U.S. stocks since October, 2022 and the lead has opened up this year. The reasons why that may continue are European defense stocks are benefiting from more defense spending, more German stimulus, lower energy prices, improving earnings, and cheaper valuations.
Elon Musk Wants Big Bond Market Reward for DOGE Team’s Cuts by Bloomberg
Watch the bond market and ten-year Treasury yield and not the stock market for signs on whether deficit concerns are easing. It’s an uphill climb and so far the bond market is skeptical.
Warren Buffett: America’s businesses ‘usually find a way’ ???? by TKer
I’m hearing more concerns from investors about Buffett’s large cash pile. Does it mean the legendary investor is worried about stocks? His latest shareholder letter explains that while cash has increased there is a significant amount of Berkshire’s assets invested in U.S. stocks and Buffett remains optimistic long-term and not a good market-timer short-term.
See also: Why Is Warren Buffett Hoarding So Much Cash?
The Value of a Financial Advisor: What’s It Really Worth? by Smart Asset
Working with a financial advisor can significantly enhance an individual’s financial well-being. A new study quantifies this value by analyzing various factors such as investment performance, behavioral coaching, personalized financial planning, and tax planning. The findings suggest that, on average, individuals who engage with a financial advisor may experience better financial outcomes compared to those who manage their finances independently.
Podcast Recommendations
The so-called “Mar-a-Lago Accord” has suddenly become a hot topic on Wall Street, with some investors and analysts starting to take the idea more seriously, holding meetings with clients and publishing research notes about the rumored plan. A riff on the 1985 Plaza Accord — named for the hotel where it was devised — the idea is that the Trump administration could achieve its economic aims through a reordering of the financial system that would include a conscious effort to devalue the dollar. The basic components of the plan were laid out by Stephen Miran, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the White House Council of Economic Advisers, and drew on the work of Zoltan Pozsar. So how exactly could this all work? And what problems are the Trump administration trying to solve exactly?
Could this be the year international markets outshine the U.S.? Jeffrey Kleintop, Chief Global Investment Strategist at Charles Schwab, believes a new cycle has begun—one that could make global investing more rewarding than it’s been in years. In this episode, Jeff explains why international markets are gaining momentum, what’s driving global growth and earnings, and how overseas valuations stack up against the U.S. He also puts tariffs and their impact on companies and stock markets into perspective—are they more bark than bite?—and shares what investors should keep an eye on in the months ahead.
The Importance of Funding a Revocable Trust by Heritage Financial
Revocable trusts are an essential planning tool that can provide many benefits to the individual(s) who created the trust and to the beneficiaries of the trust as well. However, these benefits only apply if the revocable trust is funded. Many people make the mistake of establishing revocable trusts during their lifetime, but never actually fund them. This commonly overlooked step in planning can derail even the best drafted estate plan.
Book Recommendation
The Mongol Empire: Genghis Khan, His Heirs and the Founding of Modern China by John Man
Boston Corner
How a soccer stadium became the first flashpoint in Boston’s race for mayor
