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Time, not timing
Historically, some of the worst short-term market fluctuations and losses were followed by periods of substantial market recovery. Investors who try to time market swings often end up missing out on...
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Gifting strategies with 529 plans
529 college savings plans allow parents and relatives to implement advanced gifting strategies. Contributions can be prorated over five years without incurring federal gift tax consequences. With a...
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Correlation’s essential role in diversification
Diversification strategies can help mitigate overall portfolio volatility. An important component of diversification strategies is correlation, or the measure of how one security moves in relation to...
View ArticleObamacare’s insurance exchanges
Enrollment is low There is still confusion around plans Where do we go from here? Healthcare.gov’s performance has improved since its re-launch last week, but capacity and communications problems will...
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Weekly market summary – 1/24/14
Source: Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC Past performance does not guarantee future results. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. DESCRIPTION OF INDICES The Barclays U.S....
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Weekly market summary (1/31/14)
Source: Columbia Management Investment Advisers, LLC Past performance does not guarantee future results. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. DESCRIPTION OF INDICES The Barclays U.S....
View ArticleCapture five tax benefits with a 529 college savings plan
By contributing to a 529 plan, you may benefit from tax advantages — without giving up control of plan assets. As an estate planning tool, 529 plans may allow removal of significant assets from your...
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Labor markets in the new digital age
The downside to technological progress is short-term dislocations and job loss for those displaced by automation. Workers with high skills and advanced education command a wage premium while unskilled...
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Holding multiple investments does not ensure better diversification
The degree of risk reduction benefit in diversification depends directly upon the correlation of the portfolio’s assets. Adding just one zero-correlated asset to a portfolio reduces risk 29.5%, while...
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Antibiotic resistance – What it means for drug manufacturers, hospitals and...
Overuse of antibiotics has led to new classes of “super bugs” that are resistant to current or traditional antibiotic treatments. Legislative and economic incentives are driving innovation and...
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Has dividend investing lost its luster?
Higher-yielding equities underperformed the market last year raising questions about whether dividend investing remains an attractive strategy. Even if rates continue a long-term increase from current...
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Lower intrastock correlations favor alpha strategies
From the Columbia Management Quantitative Strategies Equity Research Group 10-year timeline: Four periods of correlations and alpha 2003–2013 A: The pre-crisis period — Prior to the financial crisis,...
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Could a 529 plan help you pay less for college?
College savings plans offer an important tool for managing the cost of higher education. Saving in advance could offer a significant cost savings compared to taking loans during college. Use our 529...
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From tactical to core – The case for emerging market debt
For many investors, emerging market debt could be viewed as a core-portfolio holding rather than a short-term tactical investment. 2013’s re-pricing created value in terms of higher yields, a more...
View ArticleSpecial report – 2014 mid-year review and outlook
Key investment professionals review the first half of 2014 and share their insights into what may be ahead for the second half of the year. Interest rates Zach Pandl, Portfolio manager and strategist...
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Credit alternatives in government-backed debt
One way investors may boost yields without taking on undue credit risk is through U.S. government agency debt. While many investors associate U.S. agency debt with very low yields, other types of...
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Fixed income strategies – The pros and cons of generating returns with...
Unconstrained multi-sector bond funds have become very popular due to their flexibility to invest tactically across sectors and manage interest rate sensitivity. While it may be useful for a fixed...
View ArticleSpecial report – Commodity markets outlook
In the following Q&A, David Donora, Head of Commodities for Threadneedle Investments, addresses some of the key concerns currently facing investors in commodity markets, and explains his view of...
View ArticleFive college savings myths set straight
For college savers, 529 plans offer various tax benefits, flexibility and control. 529 account owners have a choice of state plans, regardless of residency or income level. 529 account beneficiaries...
View ArticleEbola virus is spreading
The Ebola outbreak is the largest and most serious outbreak ever of this highly-contagious viral disease. Despite the scary headlines, the virus seems unlikely to spread inside the U.S. or other parts...
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