The Stock Market Correction of 2015

Keys to Surviving Market Turbulence Investors were in sell mode ahead of the weekend, and again on Monday, as the major US stock markets sold off substantial amounts and officially entered the technical definition of a market correction (which means dropping 10% from the stock market's previous high water mark). This was the first stock market correction in just over 1,450 trading days, and most of the investment community felt it was long overdue. What caused the recent sell off?  Mostly, the reason has been continued poor domestic economic data around lower oil and other commodity prices, and the news that China's economy is most likely slowing faster than the Chinese government would … [Read more...]

How Do You Know When It’s Time to Sell?

how do you know when it's time to sellIn April, Vermillion Financial Advisors review their clients' investment portfolios and their financial objectives. To supplement this work, VFA has chosen to provide you, our readers, with an article to provide more insight into your investments. Most investors have a process for purchasing an investment. It usually involves performing research, comparing similar investments or investment types, and considering a number of more personal factors, including time horizon, risk tolerance and goals. Few investors, however, have a tried-and-true process for selling an investment. Yet knowing when to sell can be every bit as important as knowing what to … [Read more...]

What to Expect from the Real Estate Market in 2014

real estate market 2014In January, Vermillion Financial Advisors prepare their clients for the New Year ahead. To supplement your preparation of the New Year, VFA would like to provide you, our readers, with an article of what to expect in the housing market in 2014! Seven years have passed since the worst housing market crash in United States history triggered a global financial crisis. Lehman Brothers declared bankruptcy, and a host of other banks came close to joining them before being rescued in a series of shotgun mergers and acquisitions, the largest of which included Bank of America -- Merrill Lynch, JP Chase Morgan -- Bear Stearns, and Wells Fargo -- Wachovia. Alongside bailouts … [Read more...]

Three Keys to Surviving Market Turbulence

All too often, investors react to a sharp drop in prices by panic selling or digging in their heels despite deteriorating fundamentals. But more thoughtful investors see a correction or downturn as an opportunity to review the risks in their portfolios and make adjustments where necessary. Most stock market investors are looking for the same result: strong and steady gains of their investments. Dealing with a period of sustained falling stock prices is not easy. All too often, investors react to a sharp drop in prices by panic selling or digging in their heels despite deteriorating fundamentals. But more thoughtful investors see a correction or downturn as an opportunity to review the … [Read more...]

Investing Through Life’s Stages

investing through life's stages Investing is a lifelong process. The sooner you start, the better off you'll be in the long run. It's best to start saving and investing as soon as you start earning money, even if it's only $10 a paycheck. The discipline and skills you learn will benefit you for the rest of your life. But no matter how old you are when you start thinking seriously about saving and investing, it's never too late to begin. The first part of a successful lifelong investment strategy is disciplined savings habits. Regardless of whether you are saving for retirement, a new house, or just that extravagant dining room set, you will need to develop rigid savings habits. Regular … [Read more...]