If the evolution of corporate sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives were charted on a scale of human development, the last year would have been its awkward teenage phase. We could all see the potential; some huge growth spurts were happening, but the whole thing looked and behaved more like an assemblage of disparate parts than a fully developed, poised adult. Now, as we brace for the year ahead, excited about the next phases of maturation, and maybe a bit nervous about the prospects of bad influences and careless decisions, it’s important to take stock of the big…

The DividendRank formula at Dividend Channel ranks a coverage universe of thousands of dividend stocks, according to a proprietary formula designed to identify those stocks that combine two important characteristics — strong fundamentals and a valuation that looks inexpensive. PepsiCo presently has an excellent rank, in the top 25% of the coverage universe, which suggests it is among the top most “interesting” ideas that merit further research by investors. Start slideshow: 10 Oversold Dividend Stocks » But making PepsiCo an even more interesting and timely stock to look at, is the fact that in trading on Thursday, shares of PEP…

Offices continue to be plagued by high vacancy rates (20.1% in this year’s third quarter, per Moody’s), the bedeviling result of the work-from-home mindset that the pandemic created. In 2019’s fourth quarter, it was 16.8%. Also not helping: Some places have an over-abundance of office space, which brings downward pressure on leasing profitability. But guess what? The outlook for the battered office sector is promising, and some investors are taking notice amid bargains. Just look at the performance of real estate investment trusts specializing in the office sector: Their stocks have gained 28.5% this year, according to industry group Nareit,…

I’d like to share my simple “Made for 2025” Dividend Plan with you. It’s a simple, safe strategy that identifies dividend stocks with payouts set to surge higher. As these divvies pop, so do their associated stock prices. The truth is, this proven system works no matter what the economy, or the Fed (or even the executive branch of the federal government!) is doing. It’s the path to peppy price gains from protected payers. Let’s talk about a timely example—a dividend dip to enjoy! On the campaign trail, President-Elect Trump presented us with a pullback in perennial dividend grower Deere…

Today’s big drop in the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 has talking heads on financial media already talking about whether now is a good time to buy the dip. It’s hard to blame them, as this year has made heroes out of anyone who uttered “buy the dip” every time stocks lost more than a percent or two in one day. The more who say it, the easier it is to repeat it as a gospel of some kind. The fact is, the year 2024 has not been all that bullish once you leave out the handful of favorites…

A possible combination of Nissan and Honda is the latest reaction in the global auto industry as laggards in the race to electrify are forced to act or face an existential crisis. The competitive crisis, prompted by China’s emerging technology leadership, is even being felt in Germany, once the undisputed automotive innovative trend-setter. Volkswagen is currently seeking to close down plants in its home territory as it struggles to switch from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles. “The discussions between Nissan and Honda are part of the consolidation process of players that lag behind the transformation path to electromobility,” said…

Key News Asian markets were mixed overnight before today’s hawkish US Fed cut as South Korea outperformed, while Pakistan was down -3.41%, bringing its year-to-date return to +80%. Surprisingly, there is little commentary on whether the PBOC will cut rates as the Loan Prime Rate will be announced tomorrow, while the medium-term lending facility rate date hasn’t been released yet. The PBOC mimicking a Fed cut might limit currency depreciation versus the US dollar. An argument against the cut would be the action taken overnight by the PBOC to rein in speculation on China’s 10-year Treasury bond. The yield on…

At times like these, I’m reminded of a quote from Howard Marks, the most successful value investor you’ve likely never heard of. (Warren Buffett is a fan.) Marks’s monthly “Oaktree Memos” are well worth a read. And in his insightful book, The Most Important Thing: Uncommon Sense for the Thoughtful Investor, he wrote: “What’s clear to the broad consensus of investors is almost always wrong.” This quote has been on my mind lately because everyone is convinced that Trump 2.0 will lead to higher inflation. I’m sure you can see where I’m going: Higher inflation begets higher interest rates. And…

Key News Asian equities had another rough night on light volumes as South Korea, India, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines posted losses of -1% or more. Mainland China and Hong Kong posted modest losses on light volumes despite some intra-day volatility and some good news going into the session. Mainland media continued emphasizing Premier Li and the post-Central Economic Work Conference (CEWC) economic policy support releases. A Mainland financial publication noted the rotation into consumer stocks from technology stocks by Mainland mutual fund portfolio managers after the recent pro-consumption economic policy statements. One asset manager commented their pivot was driven…

I recently had a friend who is young and fit get diagnosed with a serious heart condition. Since the condition is usually associated with advanced age and obesity, it was surprising to hear. However, with quick action and strict lifestyle changes, the condition is reversible. Chronic conditions like this account for 86% of medical costs nationwide, according to the National Institute of Health. Regular doctor’s visits can support with prevention and disease management before conditions become a significant medical and financial burden. Here is why visiting the doctor regularly saves you money. Budgeting For Predictable Costs The National Institute of…