We income investors don’t talk about international stocks nearly enough. That’s too bad, because there are ways we can use them to build a massive income stream and make our investments safer, too. In fact, there’s one way, using high-yield closed-end funds (CEFs), we can “time” US and international stocks to get a 9.2% yield we can build over time by making simple moves to “rebalance” between US and overseas CEFs from time to time. It all starts with China, because there’s a spark there that sets the stage for our 9.2%+ overseas payout strategy. Chinese Stocks: 13% Yearly Gains…

Retirement becomes a hot topic for Gen X-ers as they enter their 50s. We discuss how to get the right asset for your future with Jacob Sadler, founder and senior advisor at Curio Wealth based in Asheville, N.C. Larry Light: Why does retirement planning become more crucial as you enter your 50s? Jacob Sadler: Retirement planning takes on a heightened sense of urgency then because retirement is no longer a distant concept—it’s on the horizon. This is the decade when you start to seriously evaluate whether you can sustain the lifestyle you envision in retirement. You may find yourself scrutinizing…

With the impending Trump administration set to take office, we can anticipate a flurry of policy changes that could reshape the economic landscape. President-elect Trump has already signaled aggressive stances on trade, including a proposed 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada to address issues like drug trafficking and illegal immigration. While these tariffs could stoke inflation and pressure U.S. manufacturers, they may also serve as negotiation tools to secure more favorable trade terms. Beyond tariffs, the administration’s strategy may extend to tighter restrictions on critical electronics components, including semiconductor capital equipment. Similar to the existing export bans targeting…

The company’s Search revenue could diminish over the long term due to novel AI models By Oliver Rodzianko Summary Google’s diversification into AI mitigates risks to Search revenue from competitors like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity with a forecasted 11.17% EV CAGR over the next decade. AI-driven tools like ChatGPT pose challenges, but Google Cloud’s 35% YoY growth and $13B AI infrastructure investments bolster its position as a long-term leader in multiple AI use cases. With a conservative EBITDA margin of 35% and an 11.24% margin of safety, my valuation model supports a Buy rating, forecasting a December 2034 enterprise value…

Week in Review Asian equities were mixed for the week as Pakistan and Korea outperformed while the Philippines and Thailand underperformed. The Politburo’s statement following its meeting on Monday referred to China’s current monetary policy as “loose”, diverging from the usual term “stable” for the first time since 2011. US President-Elect Trump invited China’s Xi Jinping to his inauguration in January, a symbolic moment indicating, in our opinion, Trump’s desire to reach a sweeping deal with China in his second and final term as president. The China Passenger Car Association released data this week showing that new energy vehicle (NEV)…

This holiday season, consider giving a gift that could last a lifetime: the gift of financial wisdom. While the latest gadgets may bring temporary joy, the knowledge of how to build and preserve wealth can provide generations of financial independence. As we reflect on the passing of investment legend Charlie Munger last year, just shy of his 100th birthday, we’re reminded that true wealth isn’t just about money—it’s about the wisdom to use it well. In the tradition of the 12 Days of Christmas, we’ll countdown with one book each day, starting December 13th and culminating on Christmas Day with…

It’s the end of 2024, which means it is time for 2025 market outlooks. Financial experts, economists and strategists the world over are polishing off their crystal balls, interpreting the tea leaves and looking to the stars to publish their year-ahead outlook. Being part of this ritual for many years, I find it interesting that simply making another lap around the sun seems to require an in-depth analysis of where we are going—as if the last 11 months were void of such an examination. I digress… Regular reports, think monthly or another frequent interval, hold more water. Besides, there are…

The Federal Open Market Committee started cutting interest rates in September and that broad trend looks set to continue. However, fixed income markets now see perhaps only two more cuts in 2025 according to the CME FedWatch Tool. That’s in part as inflation, though cooling overall, is not immediately on track for the FOMC’s 2% annual goal. It’s currently closer to 3%. In addition, the jobs market and economic growth appears to be holding up relatively well on recent reports for November and Q3, perhaps adding a little inflationary pressure, even as unemployment is edging up from low levels. One…

Are higher interest rates and lower bond prices a sure thing for 2025? Mainstream financial pundits say yes. Which gives us thoughtful contrarians pause. Their narrative against bonds is assumed. When this happens, markets tend to move in the opposite direction of conventional wisdom. Which means we should bet with bonds. At least in the near term to start the new year. Let’s watch bonds rally and surprise everyone except for us. The “Trump is bad for bonds” trade may eventually be correct, but my hunch again is that this “surefire” call is early. Trading Range for the 10-Year Treasury…

Key News Asian equities were largely higher overnight, as Hong Kong, South Korea, and Pakistan (+85% YTD) outperformed. The late great market strategist Byron Wien was well known (and missed) for his annual “Ten Surprises” list of events markets we’re unprepared for. After the US close, we got a Wien-like moment as CBS News reported President Trump invited President Xi to his inauguration. The invitation is unexpected, though equally shocking is the invitation’s lack of Western media coverage, as I don’t see anything in the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Reuters, etc. Bloomberg News, which edited its original headline to…