investing

The Proper Utilization and Interpretation of FAST Graphs

Introduction One of the most common questions we receive regarding FAST Graphs is: why are P/E ratios different on the historical graphs versus the forecasting calculators?  Although this is a fair question, it also illustrates that many of our users are not fully understanding how the tool is designed and/or how it works or should …

Interest Rates and Stock Values Truth Be Told

Introduction The idea that interest rates directly affect stock prices is a commonly held belief among many investors.  There are some that even go as far as to say that the only reason the stock market is up is because interest rates have been artificially kept low by the Fed.  With this article, I’m going …

Value Investing Is A Long-Term Strategy and Should Be Judged Accordingly

Introduction Almost by definition, value investing rarely performs well in the short run.  This is especially true when you are in a strong bull market like we’ve been in since March 2009.  Most companies as represented by the S&P 500 are currently trading at fundamental multiples that are significantly above historical norms.  Below is a …

Investing Is Hard Enough: Here Is How to Avoid Making Obvious Mistakes

The Key to Avoiding Obvious Mistakes Understanding how to value a business is the key to avoiding making obvious mistakes when purchasing or selling common stocks.  When you know what your investment is worth, the market cannot take advantage of your gullibility.  When you don’t know what your investment is worth, markets can easily influence …

For Long-Term Investors Only: It’s A Market of Stocks!

Introduction Since the beginning of April 2009, the Standard & Poor’s 500 (the stock market) has enjoyed one of the longest bull markets on record.  As a result, I am starting to hear from a lot of investors that they are becoming worried that this great bull market must soon come to an end.  As …

AGNC Investment Corp.: Not Suitable for Retirement Accounts – Part 3

Introduction This is the third in a series of articles where I will be covering the historical performance and operating results of popular and highly recognized mREITs (mortgage REITs). In my first installment, I covered Annaly Capital Management (NLY) found here; in my second installment I covered Dynex Capital, Inc. (DX) found here; with this installment …