● A Wealth of Common Sense: Why Simplicity Trumps Complexity in Any Investment Plan
By Ben Carlson
Summary via publisher (Bloomberg/Wiley)
A Wealth of Common Sense sheds a refreshing light on investing, and shows you how a simplicity-based framework can lead to better investment decisions. The financial market is a complex system, but that doesn’t mean it requires a complex strategy; in fact, this false premise is the driving force behind many investors’ market “mistakes.” Information is important, but understanding and perspective are the keys to better decision-making. This book describes the proper way to view the markets and your portfolio, and show you the simple strategies that make investing more profitable, less confusing, and less time-consuming.
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Today’s report on residential construction for June suggests that the housing market is bouncing back after a rough winter. Housing starts totaled 1.174 million units last month (seasonally adjusted annual rate)—close to a post-recession high. Meanwhile, newly issued building permits jumped to an eight-year high—a sign that construction activity will remain strong in the months ahead. Not surprisingly, home builders are upbeat these days. Industry sentiment in July rose to just shy of a ten-year high, according to yesterday’s update from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). In short, the housing sector is on track to provide additional support to the economy for the foreseeable future.
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● US jobless claims fall for first time in a month…
● As Philly Fed index in July reflects slower growth in manufacturing…
● While US home builder sentiment rises in July, close to 10-year high…
● Bloomberg’s consumer comfort benchmark was close to flat last week…
● Fed Chair Yellen says she prefers to raise rates “in a prudent and gradual manner.”