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Morningstar Market Commentary – Q210

Kaizen Wealth Managment — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:16:29 +0000

{click for printable copy}

The furious rally from the March 2009 lows finally took a breather in the second quarter.

Do hedge funds hedge?

Kaizen Wealth Managment — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:02:11 +0000

…the experience of the Great Recession

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Source: Vanguard | 06/03/2010

The recent Great Recession provides a unique opportunity to examine the experience of hedge fund investors. Many investors believe that hedge fund managers have the flexibility to avoid the disastrous consequences of extreme market events. However, during the turmoil of the past few years, most hedge fund categories, on average, did not provide significant diversification beyond that of a 60/40 portfolio of stocks and bonds.

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Kaizen Wealth Managment — Thu, 27 May 2010 19:46:01 +0000

No, this is not the point change the Dow made today, but the improvement in points scored on the SAT by students who took the Princeton Review test-preparation course, according to the company. After a challenge by rival Kaplan Inc., the National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus said Princeton would “voluntarily” stop making such claims. We thought it was still worth noting.

Source: Associated Press

Market Commentary Q1/10

Kaizen Wealth Managment — Tue, 04 May 2010 21:18:04 +0000

You may email info@kaizenwm.com for a copy of Morningstar’s Market Commentary Q1/10.

Ibbotson Quarterly Market and Investment Strategy Commentary

Kaizen Wealth Managment — Tue, 04 May 2010 21:10:23 +0000

Ibbotson’s Quarterly Market and Investment Strategy Commentary for the first quarter of 2010 is now available for our clients. Please email info@kaizenwm.com for a copy of the full PDF.

No Inflation??

Kaizen Wealth Managment — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:46:32 +0000

source: HedgeEye

The Benefits of Education

Kaizen Wealth Managment — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:46:56 +0000

It’s nice to know that education pays.

Source: JP Morgan

Historic Tightening Cycles

Kaizen Wealth Managment — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:06:06 +0000

Last week, the FOMC reiterated its decision to keep short-term rates low for an extended period of time; however an eventual move toward tighter monetary policy warrants a look at historical tightening cycles.

Since the FOMC started targeting the fed funds rate in the mid-1980s there have been four tightening cycles, each lasting just over two years (on average). Interest rates have historically moved up during the tightening cycle, but short-term rates have commonly had a sharper move thus helping flatten the yield curve.

In all of these cycles, bond investors have experienced poor or even negative returns. Now may not be a good time to be overweight bonds.

Global Consumption Share – % of global consumer spending

Kaizen Wealth Managment — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:38:42 +0000

The last few weeks of less than flattering economic data are a reminder that the economy has a long way to go in this recovery.

A great deal of focus has been placed on the U.S. consumer, which amounts to roughly 70% of GDP over the last 50 years, and approximately 48% of the first year past recoveries. But now more than ever, the U.S. consumer is shouldering less of a burden.

Emerging markets share of global consumption has eclipsed that of the U.S. consumer.

Source: J.P.Morgan Asset Management

New Year, New Tax Rules for Retirement Plans

Kaizen Wealth Managment — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:41:49 +0000

A nice reference guide that covers 2010 contribution limits for 401(k)s, 529 college savings plans and other qualified plans, required minimum distribution information and retirement plan rollover rules.

Source: iShares