During the first quarter of 2017, the best performing asset classes were emerging markets, international small, and international small value stocks. The following chart shows the 3-month, 5-year, and 10-year performance of many DFA funds (representing different asset classes) compared to the S&P 500 Index: Market Returns for the period ending March 31, 2017 DFA Fund / Index 3 Month […]
Quarterly Market Review – Q1 2017
For an in-depth look at the world capital market performance and a timeline of events during the past quarter, here is our Quarterly Market Review: About Christopher Jones Christopher Jones is the Founder and President of Sparrow Wealth Management, a fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. Before entering the investment field, Chris was a management consultant for Deloitte Monitor. […]
Tony Robbins: Unshakeable
Tony Robbins recently released his latest book on investing and financial planning called Unshakeable: Your Financial Freedom Playbook. This is a much better book than his first book on investing called Money: Master the Game. In Unshakeable, Robbins addresses topics such as hidden fees, 401(k) plans, and Registered Investment Advisors. He gives specific advice on how to choose a financial advisor, […]
The Complexity Trap
I recently attended TD Ameritrade’s National LINC conference in San Diego. The conference is held for independent Registered Investment Advisors to learn about the latest industry trends and to be inspired by other like-minded advisors. The conference is held in San Diego, California, and bedsides the wonderful weather, I always look forward to the keynote speakers. This year did not disappoint. I […]
New Market Highs and Positive Expected Returns
There has been much discussion in the news recently about new nominal highs in stock indices like the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500. When markets hit new highs, is that an indication that it’s time for investors to cash out? History tells us that a market index being at an all-time high generally does not provide actionable […]
Client Letter – Q4 2016
During the past year, the best performing asset classes were U.S. large value, small, and small value stocks. Emerging markets stocks were next, just ahead of the S&P 500. The following chart shows the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year performance of many DFA funds (representing different asset classes) compared to the S&P 500 Index: Market Returns for the period ending December […]
Quarterly Market Review – Q4 2016
For an in-depth look at the world capital market performance and a timeline of events during the past quarter, here is our Quarterly Market Review: About Christopher Jones Christopher Jones is the Founder and President of Sparrow Wealth Management, a fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. Before entering the investment field, Chris was a management consultant for Deloitte Monitor. […]
David Booth Brings Academic Research to Life
David Booth is the co-founder and co-CEO of Dimensional Fund Advisors. In this video, Booth discusses Dimensional’s heritage and the future of financial services. The reason Dimensional has been so successful, according to Booth, is because “we have connected the leading academics and caught the new wave of thinking about finance and investing. We were able to take those ideas […]
The Wine Lovers’ Guide to Investing
Savoring a vintage wine is one of life’s great pleasures. But often overlooked in the joy of consumption is the carefully calibrated journey from grape to glass. Similar levels of care are critical to good investment outcomes. A host of variables can determine whether a wine is great, good, mediocre, or undrinkable. These include the quality of the grapes, soil, […]
What’s Your Money Personality?
Do you know your money personality? Your money personality describes your attitudes and habits related to money. Some view money as a tool for security. Others look at money with a gamblers mind-set and enjoy the thrill of the chase. In her book, The Advisor’s Guide to Money Psychology, Olivia Mellan breaks down money personalities into five types: Amasser, Avoider, Hoarder, […]
