Doug Fabians Etf Strategies

"You are the master of your destiny. You can influence, direct and control your own environment. You can make your life what you want it to be."  ― Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich Are There Rough Waters Ahead for Markets? The political environment is getting murky, especially after last week's failure of the GOP health-care bill. So, what should investors be doing now, especially if rough waters are ahead for markets? The short answer is to get mentally prepared, as bad investor behavior usually sabotages results. In this week's leadoff segment, I offer a few tips on how to make sure you are mentally prepared so that you don't fall victim to bad behavior. How Much is Too Much Real Estate In my opinion, there's still a "cult of real estate" in America, as many people still have unrealistic expectations as to the pros and cons of real estate. In this week's second segment, I provide you with a few considerations about the real estate market, such as timing, diversification and the cost to car

Your Bias Is Holding You Back Are your personal biases holding you back from attaining your financial goals? Mistakes such as confirmation bias, recent event bias and loss aversion bias can cripple your investment results, especially if you let them rule your decision making. In this week's leadoff episode, I tell you how you can overcome the biases holding you back from achieving economic freedom. How Old is Too Old to Manage Your Own Money? I've been in this business a long time, and I've worked with investors of all ages. At some point, we all need a good advisor to help us navigate the financial landscape. Yet how old is too old to manage your money? In this week's second segment, I tell you some of my personal experiences that I think will help you answer this question.  A Listener Q&A My listeners are the best, and they always send me great questions. In today's final segment, I handle several questions regarding living trusts, estate planning, pensions and retirement planning. If you're curiou

The Fed Hikes, and Markets Surge This week, the Fed did what the market thought it would, and hiked interest rates. The central bank also signaled it would keep hiking rates this year at a "gradual" pace. So, how did the markets react to the Fed announcement? Hint: stocks loved it, bond yields and the dollar hated it. Plus, why international markets are surging.   Tax Management Tactics Tax season is here, and soon most of us will be facing a stiff bill from Uncle Sam. And while it might be too late to alter your tax situation this year, now is the time to prepare for future tax years. In this week's second segment, I present you with several tax management strategies you can employ today. So, You're in Your 40s? Your 30s are over, and now that you're in your 40s, you should be hitting your stride professionally. So, what should you do now that you're in your financial prime? Plenty! In today's final segment, we look at the many key things you need to do to make sure you have financial freedom in your 40

The Fed's About to Hike The market is pricing in a 100%, yes, a guaranteed, rate hike when the Fed meeting concludes on March 15. But why is the Fed about to hike rates, and what does it mean for your money? Find out the complete rate-hike rundown on stocks, bonds, commodities and other interest-rate sensitive holdings in this week's leadoff segment. When Investors Behave Badly   Investors make a lot of mistakes, but many times they aren't even aware of those mistakes, nor are they able to keep from making those mistakes even if they know they're behaving badly. In today's must-listen middle segment, I talk about some of the more common bad behaviors investors engage in, including behaviors that have caused most individual investors to woefully underperform. Plus, why you should turn off financial TV. So, You're in Your 30s? You got through those wild 20s, and now it's time to get serious about your career and your financial life. In this week's final segment, I offer a few tips about how to approach cri

The "Soft Market" Rally Continues   The U.S. stock market is up, consumer confidence is up, and investors are more bullish than ever. Based on the sentiment, or what I call "soft data," people are just feeling really good about the markets. Well, that worries me a bit, because when so many people rush into the market, that's usually the time to start feeling like a contrarian. So, how do you approach this market? Find out my thoughts in today's leadoff segment. Plus, is the Fed going to raise rates this month? Repetition is the Mother of Skill If you want to get good at something, you need to constantly repeat that something. For example, if you're a musician and you want to get better, you must practice (repeat) all the time. The same is true with investing. In today's second segment, I review some of the most important things you need to do as an investor to make sure you constantly add to your success formula. Plus, new insights from a Mercer colleague. So, You Made It to 90 If you or someone you love

The 3 Reasons for the Trump Rally The markets have been trading higher on the promise of President Trump getting his pro-growth agenda passed. But what are the three biggest reasons for the Trump rally? More importantly, what are the dark clouds on the horizon that could threaten the Trump rally? Find out my thoughts on these market drivers in this week's leadoff segment. Plus, why the market now has gotten a bit ahead of itself. Lessons Learned in Asset Allocation  When it comes to income strategies, the current investing environment is changing rather rapidly. Bonds are great, but they aren't likely to deliver the total return that many income investors have grown accustomed to. In our second segment, we look at a few real-life examples of what to do when inflation and normalized interest rates hit home. Thinking in Terms of Decades What's important to you financially in your twenties is not as important in your thirties, forties and fifties. Conversely, what you care about most financially in your six

How to Take Action with Your Money   Are you happy about the markets? Are you thrilled with the 13% post-election gain in the Dow? If you have money in the markets, then you are participating in the upside. Unfortunately, there are many people out there that have way too much cash in their portfolio, and hence they've missed out on a lot of gains. Well, don't be passive anymore. In today's leadoff segment, I give you a few thoughts, and one key question to ask, so that you can start taking the kind of action you need to take to make your money work for you. "Doug, I Can't Buy at New Highs!" Yes, the market is at all-time highs. And unfortunately, many investors see that as an obstacle to putting their money to work. In today's second segment, I give you a few thoughts on how to approach this market, and a few tactics on how to incrementally put money to work that makes you feel comfortable. Plus, why using the market's current position is not a valid excuse for avoiding action.   A Few Common M

Investors Should Be Elated About Markets Right Now  Stocks are off to a robust start in 2017, and last week markets soared to all-time highs. Virtually every asset class in the market is up so far year to date, and you should be happy about that. Unfortunately, the only people who aren't happy about the markets this year are those who are sitting on their hands in cash. In today's leadoff segment, we look at how markets performed, and why investors should be pleased about it. Plus, do you have your asset allocation right? It's All About Alternative Investments  Do you want to diversify your portfolio, decrease the overall risk in your portfolio, and give yourself the opportunity to smooth out the ride in your portfolio? We all do, but how do you do it? One great way is to use so-called non-correlated assets. These are assets that don't necessarily move in the same direction as stocks. In today's second segment, we look at alternative investments, or "alts," and we explain what the category is, and h

A Whole Lot of News Is Hitting the Wires Jobs, manufacturing, services… the economic headlines all are seemingly positive, and that's a reflection of the trends we've seen in the U.S. and the global economy over the past couple of months. Still, the market's dealing with a lot of negative headlines, including the objections to President Trump's torrent of executive actions. So, how should we interpret the data? Find out in today's lead segment. The Single Most Important Investing Decision You Can Make What's the single most important investing decision you can make? The answer is quite simple… it's how you allocate your assets. In this week's second segment, I talk about the significance of asset allocation, and how making the right decisions about where you put your money is the key to achieving your financial goals. Plus, how and why the various bull market stages can leave investors with the wrong asset allocation at the wrong time.  A Few Thoughts on Wild Predictions  Wild predictions about the

The 2017 Market Scoreboard The year-to-date numbers in the markets look very good, as stocks are off to a strong start in the nascent stage of 2017. Yet it's not just Dow 20,000 that has market sentiment pinging positive. In today's leadoff segment, we cover all the pertinent numbers on the domestic market, international markets, bonds, the dollar, gold, etc. Plus, tune in to hear the optimism in my voice!  The Biggest Mistake Investors are Making Right Now  What's the biggest mistake investors are making right now? It's not what you might think. In today's must-listen middle segment, I tell you what I see as the biggest mistake investors are making right now. And, the good news is it's a mistake that's so easy to correct you will hate yourself for not doing it. Plus, the psychology of market corrections.  One More Assignment to Make 2017 a Great Year  Over the past several weeks, we've gone over a series of assignments I wanted you to undertake so that you can get yourself on the path to

In the first week of the year, I asked you to put together your personal balance sheet, a task that should have got you started thinking about your overall financial picture.  Last week, I talked about the importance of putting together your income statement, including what money you're bringing in and what money you're sending out.  These are the first two action items to complete on your success task list, and they're the first steps toward getting yourself on the path to achieving your financial and life goals in 2017. In this week's show, I go into detail on the third task on our list… getting your paperwork in order. This task isn't as easy as it might seem. That's because getting your paperwork in order means making sure you know how your assets are going to be handled in times of crisis, or in times of loss. If your paperwork is "N.I.G.O.," i.e. Not In Good Order, then you need to begin correcting this situation right now.  Plus, why you need a living trust, and what you need to do to ma

1) Markets are Feeling International The first two weeks of the year have been good for stocks, not just at home, but also internationally in places such as Europe, Japan and particularly China. In today's leadoff segment, we look at how the equity markets have done in the first two weeks of the year, and particularly how well the international markets have performed. You'll also find out how commodities and bonds have done in this young year. Plus, how you can be a part of the "new look" of this podcast. 2) How to Be a Better Investor in 2017   We all want to be better investors this year, but where do you start? In today's second segment, I give you five ways to do just that… ways that were inspired by my friend, long-time colleague and new Editor of Successful ETF Investing, Jim Woods. In his article "5 Ways to Be Better in 2017," he provides us some great thoughts on this subject, and I piggyback on those ways in this segment. I highly recommend you read this most-inspiring article. And, if you want

1) A Quick Look Back at 2016  The Dow is nearly at 20,000, and it was the Industrials that led the way higher in 2016. So, how did the rest of the equity markets close out the year? What about bonds, gold, emerging markets, developed markets, etc.? In today's leadoff segment, we take a quick look back at the year that was. Plus, we also take a quick look at what's in store for 2017. 2) The Case for International Exposure President-Elect Trump is about to take office, and with him has come a strong U.S. dollar. That's not really good for some U.S. stocks, but it is great for stocks in areas such as Europe, Japan and the Pacific region. In today's second segment, I make the case for adding international exposure, and I give you a host of reasons why I think international equities are a great place to be in 2017. Plus, don't forget to print out your 2016 ETF Report, available now at FabianWealth.com.  3) The 2017 Success Task List   What do you need to do to be successful in 2017? Well, the first

This is my final broadcast of the year, and it's also perhaps the most important of the year. That's because this week, it's all about how to get your money—and your life—ready for 2017. So, where do you start? Well, the first place to start is to develop your 2017 "business plan." This plan isn't a typical business plan like you would have if you were running a company. Rather, it's a financial plan that clearly states your goals, in concrete, numerical terms, including what kind of rate of return you need to make those goals a reality.  In today's show, I present you with several big questions that only you can answer, questions that are key to your own big-picture financial plan. These questions include; your legacy needs, where you are with your "paperwork," where you are with things such as wills, trusts, naming an executor, etc. Before you do anything else, you need to make sure you can answer the questions I pose in today's show.  If you want to make sure you position yourself for financial a

The markets have taken a holiday hiatus this week, as trading volume has been very light in front of the Christmas break. I expect this to trend to continue next week, as many on Wall Street will be off until 2017. As for 2017, most of the pros are suffering from "groupthink," meaning nearly everyone has a similar bullish view of the markets for the year ahead.  Yet what usually proves to be true is that when most analysts think a certain way, usually the opposite takes place.  In today's podcast, I share a bit of research explaining this divergence, and I consider what that means for your portfolio.  Plus, find out how all the markets fared in this week's pre-Christmas trade, and why stocks are at a bullish extreme, and why bonds are at a bearish extreme. Finally, from myself and my entire Fabian Wealth Strategies team, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of holidays.

1) The Fed Hikes, Ratchets Up Expectations   The big market-moving news this week was the Fed, and its decision to raise interest rates for the first time in a year. That move was expected, but what wasn't anticipated was the ratcheting up of rate hike expectations for 2017. So, how did the markets react to this news? Where were the winners, and where were the loser? What did the fund flows tell us? Find out the complete rundown in this week's leadoff segment. Plus, the surprising rise in the U.S. dollar, and which areas of the market you should be looking at invest in right now.  2) Income Strategies Not Affected by Higher Rates     If you're an income investor, then you likely know that the times they are a changin' when it comes to interest rates, bond prices and bond total returns. Given this circumstance, we need to ask ourselves what could we own besides bonds to give us non-equity exposure that pays some decent income? In today's second segment, I give you some specific names t

1) And the Rally Resumes  The "Trump bump" in domestic markets resumed with a vengeance this week, as stocks were up big over the past five trading sessions. This week, the rally also spread to European stocks, as well as emerging market equites. The U.S. dollar also rallied, and eventually that will have a negative influence on markets… but that hasn't happened yet. Find out how all the markets performed this week in today's leadoff segment. Plus, why this market isn't providing investors a very good trade location.  2) What the Fund Flows are Saying     Money flows are important data points, as they reveal the aggregate behavior of investors. Many times, investors are behind the curve when it comes to moving money into various sectors. In today's second segment, I look at investor sentiment through money flows that are both telling, and cautionary. If you want to glean a thought on what you should be doing with your money right now, then this segment is a must listen. Plus, why most

1) The Trump Bump Takes a Breather    Stocks took a bit of a breather this week, as the "Trump bump" has mellowed for the first time since Election Day. While the major averages were basically flat this week, there's no doubt that money is rotating from sectors such as technology, biotech, utilities, bonds and gold into sectors such as financials, industrials, defense, basic materials, etc. In today's leadoff segment, find out all the details on the Trump bump rotation, and why it might not be the best idea to chase the biggest winning sectors. Plus, why a vote in Italy Sunday night could impact your portfolio Monday morning.  2) What's Your Fixed-Income Exposure    In the last three years, investors have poured money into fixed-income assets, including bonds, REITs, utilities and other sectors. Yet with the current rising interest rate environment, and a likely continuation of rising rates in the months and years to come, many so-called "bond proxy" sectors have faltered and will lik

1) Thanksgiving Thoughts    I love this time of year, and like most Americans, I have incalculable reasons to be thankful this holiday season. I think it's important to remember that, as often we take for granted all the bounty we enjoy in this country. As for the markets, the Trump rally continues, and that's sent the major indices to new, all-time highs. In today's leadoff segment, we look at a host of other observations to be made about this market, many of which are extremely encouraging for investors. Plus, why bonds have made such a huge move to the downside. 2) Preparing for 2017—Financial Planning The new year is just around the corner, and that means now is the time to start getting your financial plan in order. I know that for many, financial planning is a task that's worse than a root canal… but it doesn't have to be. In today's second segment, I talk about preparing for 2017 via financial planning, and it all starts with your "personal balance sheet."  3) Preparing for 2017—Estate P

1) The Post-Election Rally  It's been a little more than a week since the surprise victory of now President-elect Donald Trump, and so far, the market has responded with a decided move to the upside. Although there hasn't been time for any policy changes yet, the mere expectation of renewed pro-growth economic policies in Washington is something Wall Street has embraced. So, how did stocks perform over the past week? What about bonds? Bond yields have surged of late, but by how much? What about the soaring U.S. dollar? Find out all the poignant particulars in today's leadoff podcast segment. Plus, why some sectors have had bull-market surges since Election Day. 2) A 'Path to Cash' Update If you've listened to my post-election presentation, "Your Path for Cash," you know I'm a big advocate of emerging market stocks. Yet since the Trump victory, there has been a selloff in emerging markets right down to their 200-day average. Higher interest rates and a stronger U.S. dollar are negatives for emerging marke