Investment Insight
Updates and articles on timely topics from the Investment Team.

The Rise of ETFs
The use of exchanged-traded funds in portfolios is on the rise. Take a look at the trend and learn more about the strengths of ETFs.

Is Cash King?
Our view on how well-executed financial plans leverage cash holdings.

Records and Resets
The market is constantly changing and we've highlights the changes. Read more to understand how "This too shall pass".

Managing Through Current Events and Related Volatility
Three things to keep in mind in the midst of stock market volatility.

Recognizing Recency Bias in Investing
Current market conditions may have some investors prone to recency bias related to U.S. stock performance.

Bonds: Leveraging Yield Curves in Your Portfolio
Bonds provide stability, and leveraging the yield curve can allow for the capture of more attractive returns.

Lessons (Re)Learned
Here are five investment lessons that we learned, once again, in 2020.

When Politics and Investments Collide
Two of the most common questions related to investing during this election season.

Déjà Vu—2020 or 1999?
An analysis of how current market conditions compare to those of 1999.

A Tale of Two Quarters … and the 160 Prior
2020’s second-quarter rise in equity market performance was as dramatic as the previous quarter’s decline.

A Rollercoaster of Change
With volatility in financial markets and the global economy, it's important to focus on the big picture.

2020 Hindsight
For many pundits, year-end market reflections are an opportunity to rewrite the past.

The Index Bogeyman
Index funds are receiving increased attention.

Mosquitoes and BBQs: Minnesota Twins and Equity Market Highs
Data shows that markets reward investors for remaining invested, regardless of where they start.

Investment Insight: A Ten-Year Look Back
March 9, 2009, is an important day in our shared history. It was on this date when the financial markets hit rock bottom during the Global Financial Crisis (GFC).

Looking Back at Ten Years Since the Market Bottom of March 9, 2009
Investors don’t have to look too far back in time to remember the poor performance of the tech bubble in the early 2000s or the financial crisis of 2008.

The Evidence-based Value of Owning a Globally Diversified Portfolio
Putting aside the “noise” that can distract investors, the evidence is conclusive—it is very, very difficult to choose individual securities or investment vehicles that beat a diversified portfolio’s return. Especially in times of volatility there can be an emotional desire to “do something” even when it is not supported by evidence and is certainly not in one’s best interest.

The Impact of Fund Costs
When investing in mutual funds, the costs of ownership matter. Importantly, these costs need to be measured relative to the value received—which is most commonly evaluated through the lens of the underlying performance of the fund.

What the U.S. Open and Mutual Fund Investing Have in Common
Rather than chasing past performance, investors are better served to adopt a strategy they can implement and maintain over time.

In Like a Lamb, Out Like a Lion
For investors deciding stock market exposure is appropriate, a disciplined approach with a long-term view is a more prudent course of action than reacting to new market highs.

Play-Doh, Palm-Reading, and Predictions: How Clear Is the Future in the Markets?
Even though we all know that it’s impossible to see the future, it’s hard not to want to believe an exception may exist and get drawn into the dream.

Sticking With Your Investment Approach in the Tough Times
Market volatility is a part of investing. To enjoy the benefit of higher potential returns, investors must be willing to accept increased uncertainty.

Beyond the Fiduciary Standard in Portfolio Management
CCM is firmly grounded in the fiduciary standard of care, a core tenet of which is matching the right solution with what is best for each individual client.

Investment Insight: True Diversification and Why it's Important
Over the past two decades, there has been a steep decline in the number of U.S.-listed, publicly traded companies. What this means for investors.

The Importance of Low Costs, Understanding Data, and the Value of Trusted Advice
Our take on The Wall Street Journal's article "DFA Funds Are Booming, but That Adviser Fee Matters," and the value CCM advisors bring to clients.

Measuring All of the Factors That Make Up a Year
It’s with reflecting on the events over the past year and the experiences investors had, both positive and negative, that we are able to celebrate the results.

Dow 20,000—Is this a Good Time to Sell?
“When markets hit new highs, is that an indication that it’s time for investors to cash out?” Dimensional Fund Advisors explores this question.