Brush up on your investment terms and what this means for our economy, your investments and the possibility of a recession. A bear market refers to a period of time in which stock prices decline and the overall market outlook is pessimistic. Beyond the daily fluctuations of the market, a bear market is typically marked by a 20 percent or more fall in the market index over at least a two-month period. Bear markets throughout history have varied greatly in severity and length of time. For example, two of the longest bear markets experienced in America include the Stock Market Crash of 1929, which lasted 34 months, and the more recent 2007 financial crisis, in which the bear market lasted over 27 months.

This year, making the right investment decisions has been quite challenging. Markets are down double digits year-to-date. The game was therefore not about gaining the most but about losing less than everybody else. Investors are unsure about how to position their portfolios. While some say that this is the beginning of a bear market, others state that the current weakness in the markets is a buying opportunity. We believe that the current downward movement will not be reversed until there is a mutual effort to change something about the current situation. Accordingly, from our perspective counter-movements represent opportunities to get out at a better price instead of giving confidence that the markets go up further. However, there are always exceptions where it makes sense to stay invested or even take in new investments.

This article will help your clients and prospects understand the basics of asset allocation, and how their portfolio balances risk and potential returns. Each asset class has its own set of risks and rewards, depending on your time horizon, risk tolerance, and financial goals. The asset allocation strategy you select will allow you and your financial advisor to create a framework that will be able to manage the level of risk your portfolio will hold based on the asset class. You and your financial advisor may make adjustments to your portfolio over the years as your needs change, however, having a selected strategy will help to keep the portfolio balanced and not stray from a healthy level of risk.

When you created your investment strategy, your asset allocation reflected your goals, time horizon and tolerance for risk. Over time, however, any of these three factors may have changed, and your portfolio may need adjustments to reflect your new investing priorities. Understanding diversification is the first step in building a strong portfolio. Are you ready to weather the storm?

I fear many brokers tell their clients they are safely diversified, yet they are not. I’ve seen my fill of fancy computer reports proclaiming diversification, that is nothing more than owning several mutual funds (generally fee-based, managed by the brokerage firm) all denominated in US dollars. It is very rare to see any gold or assets that will protect against real inflation. Real inflation was 15% last year. If your broker proudly proclaims an 8% return, you lost buying power. Don’t get hoodwinked! Immediately after Chuck’s interview, I received the WHVP newsletter, “The Swiss View: How to handle inflation?” I contacted Managing Partner Urs Vrijhof-Droese for an interview. He provides a great global view on diversification and inflation.

Whether facing a devastating event or an exciting advancement, people frequently make money decisions as a response. At any given point, the market can go up, down or it can remain the same. While many aspects of the virus or even the economy are out of our control, one thing we can control right now is how we handle our financial strategy. In the past, the market has recovered in response to epidemics with an average of 17.17 percent over time. While no two situations are alike, remembering the likelihood of recovery over time - and the market’s nearly inevitable up-and-down movement - can provide a more logical angle to calm the nerves.

The “money illusion” refers to how we view our buying power today versus in the future. Are you falling victim to this potentially dangerous ideology? The “money illusion” refers to how we view our buying power today versus in the future. Are you falling victim to this potentially dangerous ideology? It’s no surprise that a dollar today isn’t worth the same as a dollar was 20 years ago. This is the result of inflation. Inflation plays a major role in financial planning, whether you are conscious of it or not.

When deciding which types of investments you’re interested in pursuing, consider some of this helpful information you can use to better understand evidence-based investing and how it differs from other types of investment styles. Understanding the difference between popular investment terms including active, passive, behavioral, and evidence-based is the first step to making informed decisions about your investment strategies.

Stocks, bonds and ETFs... oh my! If you've always been an investment novice with no idea where to start, class is officially in session. Welcome to Investing 101. Before you do a deep dive into theories, past performances, or principles, we’ll get you up to speed with the basics of investing and what you should know as you look to grow your financial knowledge.

Modern Portfolio Theory may seem to only focus on a market’s optimal state, but using the system in tandem with other theories will allow an investor to take a balanced view of their financial strategy. Modern Portfolio Theory may seem to only focus on a market’s optimal state, but using the system in tandem with other theories—like behavioral finance—will allow an investor to take a balanced view of their financial strategy. An understanding of both ways of thinking gives you a better understanding of the market and your role as an investor. A primary focus on modern portfolio theory tempered by behavioral finance may enhance your overall investment experience.

Capital gains taxes apply to more than stocks. Capital gains taxes can apply to any other property that acquires value over time. These taxes are calculated by subtracting the cost of the investment from the final selling price of said investment. And the amount you pay will depend on a variety of factors. Here's how capital gains taxes work and a few methods you can use for reducing them.

Passive income allows for an accumulation of wealth without a person’s direct involvement once the initial investment has been funded. Think stocks, bonds, etc. Each build wealth using various tools from interest payments, dividends, or shares.

Does the latest news story have you concerned over stock market volatility? One of the greatest dangers to your wealth may not be the market’s dips and dives, but before you make any drastic financial moves, we've outlined some important things to consider first.

Both SRI and ESG investing are strategies that allow an investor’s portfolio to reflect their personal values. These types of investing have been gaining traction, and they can be helpful lenses to look at companies' business models to evaluate long-term sustainability. Learn more about these strategies and how they differ.

You may be tempted to panic or sell when the stock market is down. However, with a wise strategy you may want to reconsider saying the course. Here's why.

After observing one high after another at the stock markets, the indices broadly turned red in September. How severe this correction will become is still unsure. Amongst others, the insecurity comes from mainland China, where the property behemoth Evergrande became incapable of making interest payments on their outstanding bonds. However, the tremendous amount of debt carried by Evergrande was nothing new. While the risk of the collapse of Evergrande is not comparable with the Lehman crisis back in 2008, according to different experts in this field, there are threats that, due to the current development, other countries will be affected by as well. Australia in particular is at risk of losing part of their commodity delivery, especially iron-ore, because of unrealized property projects.

Only 16.4 percent of U.S. high school students are required to take a personal finance course. It's up to you as a parent to teach your children financial basics. Here are 5 steps to get you started on the right foot.

NFTs are one of the latest buzzworthy investment trends - but what exactly are they? We've got your biggest questions answered.

Despite the worries about the Delta variant, it seems that, broadly, markets move independently. However, following the reporting period, many companies were able to present results that are even in line with the expectation at the beginning of 2020 before COVID-19. Accordingly, over 50% of all companies listed on the S&P 500 and the STOXX Europe 600 received a buy recommendation. However, not all industries are that lucky, talking in particular about travel and leisure. There, you will find companies that have changed into sideways movement with some tendency of a downward motion. They still trade considerably below their highs reached right before the pandemic measurements hit the economy. Accordingly, quite some potential remains should the borders open again, and tourism becomes broadly possible.

Market psychology can be tricky to navigate, but you can keep it from affecting you. These eight tips can help you to work around these financial market cycles.