Broad Equity Market Tone:Advance/Decline Line: Modestly LowerSector Performance: MixedVolume: Around Average Market Leading Stocks: Performing In LineEquity Investor Angst:Volatility(VIX) 19.6 -1.4%DJIA Intraday % Swing .95% Bloomberg Global Risk On/Risk Off Index 49.7 +1.7% Euro/Yen Carry Return Index 146.6 -.5% Emerging Markets Currency Volatility(VXY) 11.9 +.9% CBOE S&P 500 Implied Correlation Index 40.6 -3.2% ISE Sentiment Index 129.0 +32.0 pointsTotal Put/Call .88 -7.37% NYSE Arms .73 -58.0% Credit Investor Angst:North American Investment Grade CDS Index 77.85 +1.5% US Energy High-Yield OAS 367.99 -.97%Bloomberg TRACE # Distressed Bonds Traded 381.0 +3.0European Financial Sector CDS Index 97.82 +.96% Credit Suisse Subordinated 5Y Credit Default Swap 463.05 unch.Italian/German 10Y Yld Spread 191.0 basis points +2.0 basis pointsAsia Ex-Japan Investment Grade CDS Index 131.1 -.04%Emerging Market CDS Index 231.1 +1.2%China Corp. … [Read More...]
How to become a successful dividend investor
Becoming a successful dividend investor takes time, effort, and dedication. You need to understand the basics, stick to a clear investment strategy, be able to do your own research, diversify and stay disciplined and patient.Here are some steps you can take to become a successful dividend investor:1. Start by educating yourself about dividend investing. Read books and articles about dividend investing to learn about dividends and how they are taxed. This also means learning about different types of dividend-paying stocks, how dividends are paid, and how to evaluate the potential of a company to continue paying dividends.You may like this list of books that shaped my strategy. For retirees, qualified dividends are taxed at a lower rates than regular income. For some retirees, dividend … [Read More...]
Mapped: Where Does Our Food Come From?
Mapped: Where Does Our Food Come From? Did you know that over two-thirds of national crops originated from somewhere else? Humans have been selecting and growing crops for specific traits since the origins of agriculture some 10,000 years ago, shaping where and what crops are grown today. However, as Visual Capialist’s Tessa di Grandi details below, now our food system is completely global and many of the world’s top producers of staple crops are in countries far from their historical origin. For example, Brazil is now the largest soybean producer in the world, though the crop is originally from East Asia. The below infographic by Brazil Potash shows the historical origins of crops before they were domesticated across the globe and the main producers of our staple … [Read More...]
Does This Count as Market Timing?
A reader writes in, asking: “I am new to really paying attention to investing. Most sources seem to agree that market timing is a bad idea. But then I also have read a lot about buying I Bonds or TIPS because they have high interest rates right now. Why isn’t that market timing? Does market timing only involve stocks?” “Does _____ count as market timing?” is one of the most common types of investing questions I’ve received over the years writing this blog. The answer, in my opinion, is that it doesn’t matter whether or not an investment strategy “counts as market timing.” All that matters is whether or not it’s a good idea. Some people will … [Read More...]
Four Companies Rewarding Thankful Shareholders With Raises
There were several companies over the past week which announced their intent to raise dividends to shareholders. It is always great to see companies that are able to extend their long streaks of annual dividend increases. I find dividend increases to be a good indicator of how company executives feel about the near-term business environment. It also shows their confidence in the company’s growth prospects. Factors that boards of directors consider when setting the dividend include future earnings expectations, payout ratio and dividend yield relative to those at peer companies, as well as returns available on other income-oriented investments.This is why I find it very helpful to review dividend increases every week for established dividend growth companies. To be included in this list, a … [Read More...]
EV Charging Stations By 2035 Will Need More Power Than A Small Town
EV Charging Stations By 2035 Will Need More Power Than A Small Town A new report from the electricity and gas utility National Grid (which serves parts of New York and Massachusetts) found a rapid increase in electric vehicles on the city streets and highways will require upgraded power grids to handle all the new demand. By 2035, a charging station could demand as much power as a sports arena or small town. National Grid expects by 2035, large charging stations serving EVs, from SUVs and pickup trucks to delivery vans and semi-trucks, would require 19 megawatts of peak power — that’s approximately what a small town uses. In 2045, those large charging stations could demand upwards of 30 megawatts of capacity, with peak usage of a large manufacturing plant. National Grid said … [Read More...]
Investing Blog Roundup: Are Target-Date Funds Good Investments?
When I speak with people who are early in their careers, by far the most common questions I get are: How do IRAs and 401(k) plans work, and Which fund(s) should I buy in my retirement accounts? For question #2, target-date funds are always the first thing I bring up. Christine Benz of Morningstar wrote recently that, “from where I sit, target-date funds have been nothing short of the biggest positive development for investors since the index fund.” That’s my point of view as well. They’re not a good fit for every circumstance (most notably, they’re a poor fit for taxable accounts). But they are nonetheless, an absolute revolution of the investment industry, for the better of the client/investor. … [Read More...]
24 Dividend Aristocrats For The Next 24 Years
The S&P Dividend Aristocrats Index includes the S&P 500 companies that have managed to increase annual dividends for at least 25 consecutive years. It is an elite list of quality companies that I have on my watchlist. To get there a company would have to get to become a member of S&P 500, AND also raise dividends for 25 years in a row. Only a quality company with a strong business model and the ability to grow business and generate a growing amount of excess cashflow can get a spot on this list. Success is not an accident.There are only 64 such companies in the US today. You can see the list of these companies here.As part of my monitoring process, I narrowed the list down to 24 … [Read More...]
Stocks Slightly Higher into Afternoon on Diminished Earnings Outlook Worries, Seasonality, Bargain Hunting, Utility/Healthcare Sector Strength
Broad Equity Market Tone:Advance/Decline Line: Slightly LowerSector Performance: MixedVolume: Below Average Market Leading Stocks: Performing In LineEquity Investor Angst:Volatility(VIX) 23.5 -1.9%DJIA Intraday % Swing .85% Bloomberg Global Risk On/Risk Off Index 47.8 +1.0% Euro/Yen Carry Return Index 149.9 -.25% Emerging Markets Currency Volatility(VXY) 12.1 -.66% CBOE S&P 500 Implied Correlation Index 46.9 +.8% ISE Sentiment Index 124.0 +12.0 pointsTotal Put/Call .84 -12.5% NYSE Arms 1.40 +79.5% Credit Investor Angst:North American Investment Grade CDS Index 82.18 -1.2% US Energy High-Yield OAS 366.70 -.98%Bloomberg TRACE # Distressed Bonds Traded 421.0 +7.0European Financial Sector CDS Index 103.65 -4.5% Credit Suisse Subordinated 5Y Credit Default Swap 362.84 -1.69%Italian/German 10Y Yld Spread 188.0 basis points -4.0 basis pointsAsia Ex-Japan Investment Grade CDS Index 151.31 +.39%Emerging Market CDS Index 255.19 +.48%China Corp. High-Yield … [Read More...]
The Most And Least Reliable Cars In America
The Most And Least Reliable Cars In America Toyota, Lexus and BMW are the most reliable manufacturers of new cars according to the annual survey of U.S. nonprofit Consumer Reports. Compiled by assessing issues with over 300,000 vehicles in 17 trouble spots over the past 12 months according to participant feedback, the index saw major movement compared to 2020. As Statista’s Florian Zandt shows in the chart below, two legacy brands, in particular, have moved up and down the ladder significantly… You will find more infographics at Statista While Toyota and Lexus traded places year-over-year, German manufacturer BMW climbed 10 spots and won the bronze medal in terms of reliability. Dropping 10 ranks, on the other hand, is Chevrolet, which only scored 40 out of 100 possible index points across all its … [Read More...]
How I Actually Use Open Social Security
There are three factors that should be considered in the Social Security filing decision: Actuarial math, Longevity risk, and Tax planning. Open Social Security looks at factor #1. It takes the user’s inputs — including mortality assumptions — and determines the filing age(s) that would be expected provide the greatest present value (i.e., greatest spending power) over your lifetime(s). But that still leaves factors #2 and #3. Here’s the wording from the calculator’s “about” page: The calculator runs the math for each possible claiming age (or, if you’re married, each possible combination of claiming ages) and reports back, telling you which strategy is expected to provide the most total spendable dollars over your lifetime. Please note that this calculator should not … [Read More...]
Stocks Higher into Afternoon on Diminished China Hard-Landing Fears, Dollar Weakness, Short-Covering, Commodity/Tech Sector Strength
Broad Equity Market Tone:Advance/Decline Line: Substantially HigherSector Performance: Most Sectors RisingVolume: Heavy Market Leading Stocks: Performing In LineEquity Investor Angst:Volatility(VIX) 22.6 -4.0%DJIA Intraday % Swing 1.2% Bloomberg Global Risk On/Risk Off Index 49.1 +7.2% Euro/Yen Carry Return Index 148.1 -.27% Emerging Markets Currency Volatility(VXY) 12.4 +.6% CBOE S&P 500 Implied Correlation Index 46.6 -5.1% ISE Sentiment Index 126.0 +19.0 pointsTotal Put/Call .77 -10.5% NYSE Arms .72 -16.3% Credit Investor Angst:North American Investment Grade CDS Index 83.33 +.27% US Energy High-Yield OAS 378.05 n/aBloomberg TRACE # Distressed Bonds Traded 477.0 -17.0European Financial Sector CDS Index 107.3 -1.0% Credit Suisse Subordinated 5Y Credit Default Swap 337.7 -.9%Italian/German 10Y Yld Spread 205.0 basis points +6.0 basis pointsAsia Ex-Japan Investment Grade CDS Index 158.24 -14.0%Emerging Market CDS Index 246.79 unch. China Corp. High-… [Read More...]
Snap-on Incorporated (SNA) Dividend Stock Analysis
Snap-on Incorporated (SNA) manufactures and markets tools, equipment, diagnostics, and repair information and systems solutions for professional users worldwide. It operates through Commercial and Industrial Group, Snap-on Tools Group, and Repair Systems & Information Group segments.The company has managed to grow dividends for 12 years in a row. The last dividend increase occurred in November 2022, when Snap-on’s Board of Directors hiked its quarterly dividend by 14% to $1.62/share. Over the past decade, the company has managed to boost its dividends at an annualized rate of 14.70%.Snap-on has managed to grow earnings per share significantly during the past decade. Between 2011 and 2021, earnings per share grew roughly three-fold from $4.71 to $14.92. The company is expected to generate $15.27/share in 2022 and … [Read More...]
Escobar: Rewiring Eurasia – Mr. Patrushev Goes To Tehran…
Escobar: Rewiring Eurasia – Mr. Patrushev Goes To Tehran… Authored by Pepe Escobar via The Cradle, The meeting this week between two Eurasian security bosses is a further step toward dusting away the west’s oversized Asian footprint… Two guys are hanging out in a cozy room in Tehran with a tantalizing new map of the world in the background. Nothing to see here? On the contrary. These two Eurasian security giants are no less than the – unusually relaxed – Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev and Ali Shamkhani, the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. And why are they so relaxed? Because the future prospects revolving around the main theme of their conversation – the Russia-Iran strategic partnership – could not be more exciting. This … [Read More...]
Investing Blog Roundup: The 4% Rule (Actually 4.3%) with a TIPS Ladder
I’ve been studying retirement planning for roughly 15 years now, and throughout that time a constant topic of debate has been whether a 4% inflation-adjusted spending rate over 30 years (i.e., “The 4% Rule”) is actually safe. And most of the time, that question is impossible to answer except in hindsight. However, Allan Roth recently demonstrated that with TIPS yields being what they are right now, a TIPS ladder can very safely satisfy a 4.3% real spending rate, over 30-years. The 4% Rule Just Became a Whole Lot Easier from Allan Roth Recommended Reading Hold Opinions Loosely from Adam Grossman Family or Professional Trustee? Pros and Cons of a Professional Trustee from Elliott Appel 6 Takeaways from the Bogleheads Conference from Chris Mamula Consuming Less … [Read More...]
Simple Investing Principles to Follow
I have been overdosing on everything about Warren Buffett in the past two-three years. This has spilled over to learning more about Warren’s business partner Charlie Munger. Charlie Munger is big on the so called mental models, which are principles on how to live your life. In this article, I have outlined several simple principles on investing, which I think should be the foundation of your investment strategy, whether you are a dividend investor or choose to do something entirely different.The first concept you want to understand is the power of compounding. Compounding is the process where you earn money on the money you invested a certain amount of time ago. You start with an initial amount and have a certain rate of return, and … [Read More...]
Stocks Slightly Higher into Afternoon on Diminished China Hard Landing Fears, Dollar Strength, Bargain-Hunting, Commodity/Restaurant Sector Strength
Broad Equity Market Tone:Advance/Decline Line: LowerSector Performance: MixedVolume: Above Average Market Leading Stocks: Performing In LineEquity Investor Angst:Volatility(VIX) 25.0 -1.1%DJIA Intraday % Swing 2.1% Bloomberg Global Risk On/Risk Off Index 50.3 +2.4% Euro/Yen Carry Return Index 150.5 +.9% Emerging Markets Currency Volatility(VXY) 12.2 -.4% CBOE S&P 500 Implied Correlation Index 50.2 -2.3% ISE Sentiment Index 89.0 -5.0 pointsTotal Put/Call .99 -5.7% NYSE Arms .80 +15.9% Credit Investor Angst:North American Investment Grade CDS Index 92.53 -1.2% US Energy High-Yield OAS 360.18 -1.4%Bloomberg TRACE # Distressed Bonds Traded 500.0 +18.0European Financial Sector CDS Index 119.17 -3.8% Credit Suisse Subordinated 5Y Credit Default Swap 365.61 -1.6%Italian/German 10Y Yld Spread 217.0 basis points unch.Asia Ex-Japan Investment Grade CDS Index 214.20 -3.2%Emerging Market CDS Index 283.44 -4.6% China Corp. High-Yield Bond USD ETF(KHYB) 23.91 -.13… [Read More...]
China Shows Off Stealth Fighter Jet In First Public Ground Display
China Shows Off Stealth Fighter Jet In First Public Ground Display Twitter is flooded with tweets showing what appears to be China’s first public ground viewing of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s stealth fighter jet. State-owned media outlet China Daily reported, “this is the time for J-20s, one of the world’s most advanced fighter jets, to appear in front of the public on the ground” at the 14th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Guangdong province’s Zhuhai on Saturday afternoon. Cool…The J-20 was shown in public for the first time!https://t.co/jUeJ21BeJW pic.twitter.com/reho5KwWA3 — ???? (@louischeung_hk) November 5, 2022 The latest news: Four J-20s came to the China Air Show and performed a flight show. Two … [Read More...]
2023 Tax Brackets, Standard Deduction, and Other Changes
The IRS recently published the annual inflation updates for 2023. If you have questions about a particular amount that I do not mention here, you can likely find it in the official IRS announcements: Rev. Proc. 2022-38 contains most inflation adjustment figures, Notice 2022-55 contains figures relating to retirement accounts, and Rev. Proc. 2022-24 contains figures relating to health savings accounts (HSAs). Single 2023 Tax Brackets Taxable Income Tax Bracket: $0-$11,000 10% $11,000-$44,725 12% $44,725-$95,375 22% $95,375-$182,100 24% $182,100-$231,250 32% $231,250-$578,125 35% $578,125+ 37% Married Filing Jointly 2023 Tax Brackets Taxable Income Tax Bracket: $0-$22,000 10% $22,000-$89,450 12% $89,450-$190,750 22% $190,750-$364,200 24% $364,200-$462,500 32% $462,500-$693,750 35% $693,750+ 37% Head of Household 2023 Tax Brackets Taxable Income Tax Bracket: $0-$15,700 10… [Read More...]
Stocks Substantially Higher into Afternoon on Diminished Earnings Outlook Fears, Flight to Safety from Emerging Markets, Short-Covering,…
Broad Equity Market Tone:Advance/Decline Line: Substantially HigherSector Performance: Most Sectors RisingVolume: Around Average Market Leading Stocks: UnderperformingEquity Investor Angst:Volatility(VIX) 26.2 -4.5%DJIA Intraday % Swing 2.0% Bloomberg Global Risk On/Risk Off Index 45.6 +3.9% Euro/Yen Carry Return Index 151.77 +.78% Emerging Markets Currency Volatility(VXY) 12.8 +.16% CBOE S&P 500 Implied Correlation Index 53.4 +4.2% ISE Sentiment Index 99.0 -8.0 pointsTotal Put/Call .99 -6.6%% NYSE Arms 1.32 +36.5% Credit Investor Angst:North American Investment Grade CDS Index 88.79 -4.7% US Energy High-Yield OAS 352.4 -6.6%Bloomberg TRACE # Distressed Bonds Traded 455.0 +5.0European Financial Sector CDS Index 121.91 -.6% Credit Suisse Subordinated 5Y Credit Default Swap 331.9 +.2%Italian/German 10Y Yld Spread 207.0 basis points +2.0 basis pointsAsia Ex-Japan Investment Grade CDS Index 222.84 +2.0%Emerging Market CDS Index 284.44 -.31% China … [Read More...]
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