Showing 1 - 10 of 11
The intricacies of self-managed investing
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 01/06/2014
» Many expats manage their own investment portfolios and in doing so experience varying degrees of results. It would be easy to measure these as success or failure, but investment decisions do not really result in success or failure — they are simply subject to consequences.
Energy investing - the next frontier?
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 14/04/2013
» Black or transparent gold for you _ and a silver lining? Fossil fuel commodities such as oil and natural gas may be just the ticket for investors looking for a high return in a low-yield environment. But beware of the inherent volatility in these risky assets.
Can gold give you shelter from the perfect storm?
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 31/03/2013
» Equities and gold traditionally fare best during inflationary cycles, and the question is when, not if, inflation will emerge again. Current economic wisdom is that fuelling inflation is acceptable to kick-start economies again. So far expats have mainly seen the downsides of monetary policy implementation, ranging from negligible saving rates to home currency devaluations and pension income dilution.
Asset managing fraught with unknowns, but it's no roll of the dice
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 17/03/2013
» Making the right choices based on long-term planning rather than short-term thinking is the best way to manage unforeseen events. Although we would like to think that the status quo will never change, in reality such an attitude could be a recipe for financial disaster.
Dividends vs growth: It's a balancing act
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 03/03/2013
» Are equity investors approaching a bubble scenario in terms of yields? The flight to dividend-paying shares over the last few years has pushed underlying stock values to the point where a correction could result in a sharp reduction of capital values of income-producing shares.
Double tax agreements: Look before you leap
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 10/02/2013
» Relying on double tax agreements (DTA) as the basis for dealing with your tax problems is a tricky business. Although they have a place as one of a few effective tax management tools, they need to be used carefully, and as usual, the devil is in the details.
Keep your strategy sound and simple amid market volatility
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 30/09/2012
» Equity fundamentals look good, but investors should continue to exercise caution. Instead, apply good, sound investment advice before making fundamental decisions.
Turn hesitation blues into the black with these tips
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 22/07/2012
» With so much economic and market turmoil today, what solutions exist to protect the hard-earned savings of today's expat? With so many economic happenings, many people become confused and hesitate and that can have devastating effects. The majority of road traffic accidents occur as a result of hesitation. Likewise, if you hesitate in the matter of asset protection you may well end up with your head in your hands, wondering "Why me?"
Alternative investment ideas
Business, Andrew Wood, Published on 13/03/2012
» Global equity markets are continuing their recovery, and some could even be said to be on a bull run. But are things really back to normal? Major indices declined by 10-12% in the second quarter, but have since pared their losses, gaining between 10% and 13% and showing positive returns overall. Is this crab-like behaviour to be expected for sustained periods? Most commentary says that volatility is here to stay at least for the next few years.
Portfolio success a complicated equation
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 04/03/2012
» Last week, we looked at portfolio diversification and how you can manage your existing nest egg and capitalise on performance while broadening your overall balance to suit your risk appetite and time horizon.