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What is the MSCI World?
The MSCI World is perhaps the most well regarded index for global stocks. The MSCI World Index is a global cap-weighted index that serves as a good barometer for stock and economic performance of the world as a whole. If you are a global investor, the MSCI World makes for a very useful benchmark for performance. The index is maintained by Morgan Stanley, and has over 1,600 stocks listed in it from all developed markets in the world. It does not include emerging markets or China. Continue reading...
What is MSCI?
MSCI Inc. is a company that is best known for its global indices. MSCI also provides research and pricing capabilities to institutional investors. MSCI was formerly a branch of Morgan Stanley, but grew to be so big that they spun off and formed the independent company, MSCI Inc. Perhaps its best known and used index is the MSCI EAFE, which tracks broad performance of Europe, Asia, and the Far East. Continue reading...
What is the MSCI ACWI Index?
The MSCI ACWI is the “All Country World Index” - providing the broadest measure for global stocks. The MSCI ACWI tracks performance of stocks from all over the world - literally. It includes all markets and gives the broadest picture for how world stocks are performing. Developed markets account for some 75% of total global output, so the MSCI ACWI includes many countries that are not necessarily palatable contributors to world growth. Continue reading...
What is foreign aid?
Wealthy countries and non-government organizations frequently donate or lend resources to help the population of a country in dire economic need. This can come in the form of educational assistance, funds, materials, construction, food, medicine, and so on. On a macroeconomic scale, foreign aid constitutes one of the major forms of asset transfer between different parts of the world. Governments, charitable organizations, and NGOs donate or lend resources to countries that cannot supply their own needs effectively. Aid can be given altruistically, that is, just for the sake of doing good deeds, or it can be used as a tool for influence or personal gain, which is common. Continue reading...
What is a commodity index?
Commodity indexes are also called commodity price indexes, and they are informational services which reflect the price action in a designated commodity or basket of commodities. Indexes are often tracked by mutual funds or ETFs, and these can be confused with the actual index. Indexes are computed and published by market research firms. They can serve as benchmarks against which the performance of a specific asset or an investment portfolio can be compared, or they can serve as the model that index funds seek to emulate. Continue reading...
What is IRS Publication 513, Tax Information for Visitors to the United States?
IRS Link to Reporting Guidelines — Found Here Despite how it sounds, this publication is not meant for tourists to the US, but rather for non-US-citizen workers who might be considered either resident aliens or nonresident aliens, or dual-status if they can be considered both within the same year. Non resident aliens do not have to file a return if they did not earn more than the standard annual deduction amount. This guide is relatively short by IRS Publication standards, at only about 20 pages. Continue reading...
What is the Shanghai Composite Index?
The “Shanghai” is an index measuring all shares that are traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (China). The Shanghai Index - also referred to as the SSE Composite Index or simply “the Shanghai” - is an index measuring price changes of all A and B shares traded on China’s Shanghai Exchange. Many foreign investors have only limited access to trading shares on China’s main exchange, which makes price discrepancies likely. Continue reading...
What should I compare the performance of my portfolio with?
Benchmark indices are used to gauge the performance of an investment portfolio. In order to evaluate the performance of your portfolio for any given period of time, find the corresponding index for each investment in your portfolio. For example, for US Equities, use the S&P 500 For your Small Cap portion, use the Russell 2000 Index, etc. You can also compute weighted index blends that correspond to your index allocation (e.g., 40% MSCI / 60% S&P). If your manager or the portion of your portfolio significantly (by more than a couple percent) underperforms the corresponding index, be sure to carefully monitor this manager or portion of your portfolio. Continue reading...
Week (March 11 - 14) in Review: Financial Leaders
Dive into this week's vibrant financial market summary, where cryptocurrencies shine with notable gains, while bonds and commodities navigate through turbulence. Witness sectoral shifts with energy on the rise and tech taking a hit. See how consumer trends buoy online retail and global ETFs chart varied economic recoveries. Continue reading...
Week (March 25 - 29) in Review: Financial Leaders
Dive into the pulse of the financial markets with a spotlight on cryptocurrency's standout performers, including Litecoin's impressive climb. This week's review unfolds the volatile yet lucrative landscape of digital currencies, alongside a snapshot of global market movements and sector-specific trends. Uncover how Bitcoin Cash leads the charge, the mixed fortunes of commodities and ETFs, and the nuanced shifts across international investments. Continue reading...
How do I get exposure to other currencies?
There are two main ways to get exposure to other currencies: you can buy them in the open market (FOREX), or you can buy instruments (such as ETFs) which reflect the currencies’ cross rates. For example, FXE reflects the rate of exchange between the US dollar and the Euro. It is trading in units of exchange rate times 100 (for example, if today, FXE is trading at $130, it means that the rate of exchange is $/Euro = $1.30). Continue reading...
How Crucial is Sustainability in Today's World?
Sustainability is not a buzzword to be taken lightly. It's a necessary approach, a mindset, and a commitment to ensuring that the world we leave behind is as good as, if not better than, the one we inherited. Embracing sustainability is not just the responsibility of businesses and governments but every individual. Continue reading...
Week (April 15 - 19) in Review: Financial Leaders
Explore this week's dynamic financial market movements with Tickeron's comprehensive review. From the significant gains in inverse ETFs reflecting bearish sentiments to the notable declines in cryptocurrencies and tech sectors, understand the shifts driving current market trends. Dive into sector-specific analyses and global ETF performances to better navigate your investment strategies in these volatile times. Continue reading...
Week (March 18 - 22) in Review: Financial Leaders
Dive into the heart of recent market dynamics with our latest analysis covering March 18-22. Witness the contrasting landscapes as commodities and certain indexes celebrate gains, while the cryptocurrency sphere navigates through turbulence. Continue reading...
What are SPDRs?
SPDRs (Spiders) are index ETF shares that track the S&P 500, or could refer to other similar ETFs tracking other indices. The SPDR is the longest standing ETF (exchange traded fund), and has existed since 1993. Unlike index mutual funds that track the S&P, ETFs can trade intraday, can be sold short, and bought on margin. There are other SPDR ETFs that are spin-offs, and using “SPDRs” in the plural might refer to these as well. SPDRs are managed by State Street Global Advisors, and the S&P 500 SPDR is listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol SPY. Continue reading...
What Are ESG Scores and Why Are They Important for Companies?
Dive into the world of ESG scores, a crucial metric in modern investing. This guide unravels the essence of Environmental, Social, and Governance scores, offering insights into their importance, the agencies that rate them, and how to interpret them. Whether you're an investor aiming for ethical investments or a company striving for sustainability, understanding ESG scores is pivotal. Discover the nuances of these scores, the challenges they present, and the frameworks like GRI that facilitate their reporting. Equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate the complex landscape of responsible investing. Continue reading...
Which Silver Miner ETFs Were Top Performers in Q3 2021?
The silver market has been on a remarkable journey over the past year, outperforming the broader stock market indices. As of June 1, 2021, the Bloomberg Silver Subindex showed a staggering 45.4% increase in silver prices over the previous 12 months, surpassing the S&P 500's total return of 39.7%. This bullish trend in silver has piqued the interest of many investors looking to capitalize on the precious metal's momentum. If you're considering entering the silver market, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) focused on silver miners might be an attractive option. In this article, we will explore three silver miner ETFs to watch for in Q3 2021. Continue reading...
How Could Blockchain Technology Change the World of Finance?
Blockchain, if applied on a broad basis, could lower costs substantially for both financial institutions and consumers, while also preventing fraud. This could upend the financial markets as we know it, in a good way. With blockchain, virtually any type of asset can be stored digitally and securely, meaning that money, equities, bonds, contracts, deeds, etc.. can be moved from peer to peer with little to zero fear of fraud, and no vulnerable (or costly) intermediary like a bank or a government. Continue reading...
What are the trading hours of the world's major stock exchanges?
Explore the fascinating world of stock exchange trading hours in our latest article! From the NYSE to Tadawul, we unravel the global time zones and holiday quirks affecting your investments. Don't miss these essential insights for informed trading decisions! #StockMarket #TradingHours #Investing Continue reading...
What Is Distribution? How Does It Shape the Financial World?
Ever wondered how assets move from funds to investors or how products reach end-users? Dive into the intricate world of distribution, from software to financial assets, and uncover its pivotal role in the modern economy. Continue reading...