Bond credit ratings are without a doubt the most important measures in the bond market. Three major ratings agencies – Moody’s, Standard and Poor’s, and Fitch drive the bond market with their research into bond quality.
Does Wealth Affect Your Investing Strategy?
Conveniently for most, wealth tends to correlate with age. And with age comes a more conservative, pre-retirement portfolio.
Low Fixed Interest Rates Game Plan
The Federal Reserve announced on Tuesday they would keep the current rates until at least June 2013. This is unprecedented on two fronts. Never in the history of the Federal Reserver have they announced a specific target date.
Bonds vs. Bond Funds
Bond. James Bond. The spy thriller movies are some of my all-time favorites, especially “Goldfinger“. He was connoisseur of fine wines, fine women, fine sports cars, and may have been good with investing. After all, his favorite game was baccarat, may have known that baccarat has some of the best odds at the casino.
Finding the Best CD Rates
Finding the best CD rates can be a time consuming process. Traditionally, you would have to look in your local newspaper or visit bank branches. While web sites like BankRate exist, they primarily display CD rates in which they get compensated, not truly the best rates for you. In addition, they primarily focus on national [...]
Why I Like US I Savings Bonds
Lately I’ve been adding to our security investment bucket US I Savings Bonds, or I-Bonds for short. In my opinion, they are a great bond to invest in but are often overlooked. The advanced investor or investment adviser often pooh-poohs them. Maybe because they generate no commission from them.
Expect Even Lower CD Rates
Want some insight into why savings, CD rates and money market rates are low and about to get lower? The FDIC recently ruled banks that are not “well capitalized” will not be allowed to sell fixed investment products for more than 75 basis points (or 0.75%) above the national average. Whatever “well capitalized” means is [...]
