Author Archives: Kaizen Wealth Managment

Historic Tightening Cycles

By Kaizen Wealth Managment | Published: March 22, 2010
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 [...]
Posted in Home | Comments closed

Global Consumption Share – % of global consumer spending

By Kaizen Wealth Managment | Published: March 9, 2010
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 [...]
Posted in Home | Comments closed

New Year, New Tax Rules for Retirement Plans

By Kaizen Wealth Managment | Published: March 5, 2010
  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
Posted in Home | Comments closed

New Client Articles Available

By Kaizen Wealth Managment | Published: February 26, 2010
We have added five new Client Articles here. Stretching and IRA Roth IRA vs. Defined Contribution Plans IRA Dos and Don’ts Find the Right IRA in Three Easy Steps The Best Investments for Your IRA Email info@kaizenwm.com or contact us for a PDF version of any of the above articles.
Posted in Home | Comments closed

Foreign Intrigue

By Kaizen Wealth Managment | Published: February 17, 2010
U.S. Stocks with Heavy Foreign Exposure: Company Listed followed by its % of Sales Outside North America Colgate-Palmolive          81 Avon Products                77 Coca-Cola                          74 Autodesk                           72 Aflac                                    72 Merck & Co.                      70 Waters                                70 Caterpillar                        66 Nike                                     66 3M                                        64 Pfizer                                   58 Proctor & Gamble          57 You may be surprised by how big your foreign exposure is, or how small your domestic exposure is, when looking at your portfolio of [...]
Posted in Home | Tagged , , | Comments closed

Ibbotson Quarterly Market and Investment Strategy Commentary

By Kaizen Wealth Managment | Published: February 9, 2010
Ibbotson’s Quarterly Market and Investment Strategy Commentary is now available for our clients.  For a PDF of this report, please email us at info@kaizenwm.com.
Posted in Home | Tagged | Comments closed

2009 Net Fund Flows

By Kaizen Wealth Managment | Published: February 8, 2010
Despite and impressive run in equities, $375 billion moved into bond funds, and $9 billion exited equity funds.  Our concern is that investor behavior is once again the culprit and this inflow/outflow occurred after the equity pullback early in 2009 – causing this. Chart: J.P.Morgan Asset Management
Posted in Home | Tagged | Comments closed