Commodities crosscurrents: geo-political, inflation & reflation 4/15/24

Investment dollars flowing into tech funds are seemingly ignoring higher interest rates… with one major exception in a former sector darling. Plus, one fund is hoping for “higher for”… as long as possible.        

A new type of fund promises upside exposure – to a limit – but with 100% protection to the downside. How does it work? Plus, why it might face stiff competition from good old money market funds.       

As more tech companies push off IPOs and stay private for longer, investors are hungering for ways to get in. Here’s two, but they’re not for everyone. Can the process be made more democratic?      

Contrasting macro-economic indicators plus geo-political concerns are tugging commodities generally higher… but new money is only following part of the trade. Find out why.     

Gold at historic highs and beating stock and bond averages… but what’s the real driver? Plus, investment advice for the very long haul with Larry Swedroe, Director of research at Buckingham Strategic Partners.   

With rates where they are, basic bonds could have another banner year. But a new breed of bond-related offerings could offer investors even more advantages. 

The definition of “active management” is changing… and so is the way novel approaches are being developed for the ETF industy

We’ve seen it before in the ETF space – a slew of new ways to play a theme often signals a peak. But could it be different this time with Mag 7 and even the recent weight loss craze?  

As bitcoin hits new highs, new spot bitcoin ETFs are playing along. But are they driving the surge or just following it? Plus, you knew it would happen: the applications for weight loss funds are now in.  

SEC votes on new rules requiring disclosure of material risks related to climate change. Plus, ESG funds face criticism for their holdings - but here’s how they are actually built.