Category Archive: 9a) Buy and Hold

Understanding fiduciary responsibility is one of the most important — and misunderstood — aspects of managing a retirement plan. Tom Allen and Janeanne Smith, Ascension Regional VP, explore the evolution of ERISA and why fiduciary oversight has become increasingly critical as retirement plans have expanded across small businesses nationwide. We break down what it means to act as a fiduciary, the legal and ethical responsibilities involved, and the...

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The recent CPI inflation data may be more about geopolitics and energy shocks than a structurally overheating economy. The Iran conflict and the resulting spike in oil prices are distorting inflation readings, creating what could ultimately prove to be a temporary or “transitory” inflation surge rather than the beginning of a sustained 1970s-style inflation spiral, as many believe now. Oil price is the key driver behind the latest CPI pressures....

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What should you really expect from a financial advisor? Is your advisor acting as a fiduciary, managing risk, helping with taxes, retirement income, estate planning, and behavioral coaching, or just selling products and chasing performance? Richard Rosso & Jonathan McCarty break down the real role of a financial advisor, what services matter most, how advisors are compensated, and the warning signs investors often miss. We also discuss...

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Markets rotate, but not always in the clean way investors expect. Right now, a small group of tech $GOOGL $AMZN and semiconductor names $INTC $MRVL $AMD is driving most of the upside, leaving the majority of stocks, especially value, lagging behind. On a relative basis, value looks oversold versus $SPX, which is why many are calling for a rotation. But on an absolute basis, value is already trending higher and not truly cheap. That creates a...

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Inflation pressures may be heating up again, and markets are beginning to notice. Rising prices can have major consequences for stocks, bonds, interest rates, and Federal Reserve policy. Lance Roberts & Michael Lebowitz discuss why persistent inflation is dangerous for both investors and the economy, how rising yields pressure bond prices, and why higher rates can challenge stock valuations — especially in high-growth and technology sectors....

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Berkshire Hathaway $BRK remains a solid long-term holding, but it’s lagging in today’s market due to limited AI exposure and a large cash position that drags on returns during bull runs that we have now. That same cash, however, makes it a useful hedge in a risk-heavy portfolio, offering downside protection when markets pull back. The recent leadership transition from Warren Buffett to Greg Abel adds another layer of uncertainty that may take...

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Q&A Wednesday is back. Markets are pushing record highs while oil prices surge on renewed Iran and Strait of Hormuz tensions, inflation concerns remain elevated, and the AI trade continues to dominate Wall Street headlines. Investors are also watching the Fed, tariffs, interest rates, retirement risks, taxes, and portfolio positioning as volatility quietly builds beneath the surface. Lance Roberts and Danny Ratliff answer your questions,...

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