Investing

Here’s a surprise from a die-hard closed-end fund (CEF) fan like me: Sometimes CEFs aren’t your best bet. I’ll admit, that’s tough for me to say—especially when the average CEF yields a historically high 9.1%. (CEF yields are usually around 8.5%). That high yield partly reflects the fact that many CEFs are trading at steep discounts to their net asset value (NAV). Translation: The fund is trading for less than what its underlying portfolio is worth. That, in turn, has resulted in lower prices among some CEFs, along with higher yields (as yields and prices move in opposite directions). All…

The title of Kenneth Rogoff’s 2009 bestselling book, This Time Is Different, was meant to be ironic. During every financial bubble a narrative emerges to explain why lofty valuations are justified and “this time” there won’t be a crash. Then the crash comes. Now Rogoff’s new book – Our Dollar, Your Problem – has arrived during a crisis that may indeed be different. The US dollar is the world’s dominant currency and one of the most important benefits of that status is that demand to hold it rises in a crisis. This matters, because it means the US government can…

Vivian Tu, better known as “Your Rich BFF,” has emerged as one of the most accessible and impactful voices in financial literacy for the digital generation. After beginning her career on Wall Street as an equity trader at J.P. Morgan, Tu pivoted to creating financial education content that demystifies complex money concepts for everyday people, particularly targeting young women and communities traditionally underserved by the financial industry. With over 10 million followers across social media platforms, Tu has built an empire based on straight-talking financial advice that breaks through the intimidation and privilege often associated with wealth-building. Her meteoric rise…

The world economy and politics might be in turmoil but things can’t be that bad; the rich are still buying Ferraris. The legendary Italian luxury sports car maker raised core earnings 15% in the first quarter compared with the same period last year to €693 million ($786 million), and more significantly, retained its financial guidance for 2025. Lesser mortals like Stellantis, Volvo and even Mercedes, in the face of President Trump-driven tariff turmoil, decided times were too volatile to predict short-term profits. Ferrari’s guidance for 2025 remains earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of at least €2.68 billion…

President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war with China has crushed the stocks of apparel and shoe businesses facing the prospect of profit-killing tariffs on a nation they depend on for manufacturing. But for investment firm 3G Capital, which agreed to buy Skechers Monday in a deal valuing the brand at $9.4 billion, it presented more of an opportunity than a deterrent in a year marked by a dearth of mergers and acquisitions. The purchase price was a 28% premium from Skechers’ closing stock price Friday, but still a 20% discount from its peak in January, before the market took notice…

Kit Kemp, the creative force behind Firmdale Hotels, has reimagined what luxury hospitality looks like. Known for her bold and eclectic style, the British interior designer and hotelier has turned hot spots like the Soho Hotel, Covent Garden Hotel and the Whitby into more than just places to rest, meet and work—the vibe is beautifully curated homes. With properties spanning from London to New York plus Barbados, each location reflects Kemp’s signature flair for vibrant color, unexpected details and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. What sets Kemp apart from her peers is her fearless approach to pattern, texture and color, combined…

Lauren Holiday stands as one of the most accomplished and resilient figures in American soccer whose impact extends far beyond her remarkable achievements on the pitch. As a two-time Olympic gold medalist and FIFA Women’s World Cup champion with the U.S. Women’s National Team, Holiday established herself as an elite midfielder known for her extraordinary vision, technical skill and selfless play that elevated everyone around her. What truly distinguishes Holiday is her grace under pressure, both in sports and life. After retiring at the peak of her career in 2015 to start a family, she faced a life-threatening health crisis…

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about investment strategies to build generational wealth.Follow AuthorMay 07, 2025, 10:36am EDTUpdated May 7, 2025, 11:38am EDT It’s easy to label successful people as lucky. And while catching a break or good fortune matters, the true secret to success comes from the shared character traits of planning, resilience, excitement and joy in your work and its results. We spoke to three seasoned trailblazers in high-end design and hospitality, personal finance and the creator economy and sports and philanthropy about their paths and what matters most. Their winning mentality has brought…

Consumption Stimulus The State Council Information Office held a 9 am press conference featuring the People’s Bank of China’s (PBOC) Central Bank Governor Pan Gongsheng, the Financial Supervision Bureau (FSB) Director Li Yunze, and China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) Chairman Wu Qing. Q1 Chinese economic data was “relatively good” though the “global economy is full of uncertainties, economic fragmentation, and increased trade tensions, disrupting the world’s industrial supply chain”. Due to the effect of “weakening global growth momentum,” blamed on the US’ tariff policy, the PBOC announced the following measures would be taken following instruction from the CPC Central Committee’s…

It’s no secret this economy is slowing—at least in the near term. That’s given us contrarians a (time-limited!) buy window on the “dividend twofer” we’re going to dive into today. One of the tickers we’ll talk about below pays a sturdy 7% now. The other yields 4.9% and sports a source of upside no one has noticed (except us, of course!). Both are utility plays, which tend to rise as the economy slows, lowering interest rates as it does. Let’s get into this opportunity, starting with last week’s GDP report, which said, yes, the US economy did shrink to start…

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are traveling to Switzerland on Thursday to meet Beijing’s lead economic representative, potentially paving the way for broader trade talks. Despite ongoing tensions with the U.S. and recent tariff turbulence, Chinese stocks have demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2025. While Western markets have struggled for traction, China’s market has delivered impressive gains, leaving many investors wondering: is now the opportunity to increase exposure to Chinese equities? China’s Market: Resilient Amid Headwinds China has been squarely in the crosshairs of U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, becoming the primary target of the recently…