The lack of emphasis on jobs has caused unemployment to remain high and become increasingly structural. Structural unemployment typically lasts longer and, as workers lose basic skills, becomes less susceptible to monetary and fiscal measures. That, unfortunately, is where the nation finds itself.
Travel providers offer the destination expertise and global contacts to plan one-of-a-kind vacations. Beyond those two capabilities, in choosing a travel provider, look for someone who offers customized vacation planning, provides knowledgeable travel tips based on past experience, and offers 24-hour emergency assistance during the trip.
The SEC recently adopted Rule 13h-1, which imposes registration and reporting obligations on large traders. Private funds, family offices, investment advisors, and individuals all could qualify, depending on how actively they trade certain types of securities. The rule went into effect October 3, and large traders must identify themselves by December 1.
Investors strive to act prudently and to generate good risk-adjusted returns. But what happens when these two objectives are in conflict? The author discusses the conditions under which these goals may be incompatible and offers suggestions for minimizing the opportunity costs that arise when prudence gets in the way of returns.
A sustained level of volatility may actually benefit long-term commodity investors. Tightening supply/demand conditions may lead to potentially higher long-term returns and investors can capitalize on the shape of the futures curve by taking advantage of short-term supply stocks to generate alpha.
Trading policies implemented after the flash crash of May 2010 have reduced the level of individual stock dislocations but have not eliminated market volatility, which has persisted and even increased. Investors should seek protection from economic and market risks but without blindly forfeiting long-term returns.
Much of charitable giving is fueled by personal beliefs and emotional connections. This research report examined the possibility of a more analytical approach to charitable asset allocation in the UK and found that by focusing on some of the most difficult social problems, private funders can tackle the root causes of crises and create change.
The major rating agencies have published a number of reports highlighting the favorable trends for the life/annuity and health insurance industry. This paper provides a synopsis of recent reports from A.M Best, Standard & Poor's, Fitch and Moody's.
While things may very well turn out well for risky assets in the coming months, the possibility of a messy European outcome or for further political and economic turmoil in the U.S. is significant and cannot be ignored. Emerging economies, while not immune to the travails of Europe, Japan and the U.S., remain resilient and their stock markets offer good value and growth prospects.
European Union leaders announced a "solution" to the Greek sovereign debt crisis during their July 21 meetings. The market reaction, as it was after earlier "solutions", was positive. Yet, many specifics are unresolved, and it is highly unlikely that these actions will resolve the solvency issue once and for all.