Benjamin Shepherd is a recognized exchange-traded fund (ETF), mutual fund and stock expert with an extensive background analyzing time-tested funds, including their managers and strategies. Ben looks for investments that have proven themselves in both bull and bear markets. Ben also specializes in covering emerging markets, pinpointing the most dynamic investments in developing nations for market-beating growth.
Ben is an analyst for Global Income Edge and regularly contributes to Personal Finance, Investing Daily’s flagship product.
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Treasury yields don’t appear to have room to fall further and bond funds of all stripes—with the exception of junk-bond funds—have been the year’s top performers. But low yields have made it difficult for income-seeking investors to make a buck. This equity fund may court risk, but its unusual investment strategy results in an attractive yield. Read More
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Blame the perception that fat-cat bankers are profiting from government largesse, or the mounting worries of a looming global recession, but financials have become the sector that investors love to hate. Although most sectors periodically have caught a break amid the market’s volatility, financials have consistently led the way down. But Derek Rollingson, manager of ICON Financial (ICFSX, 800-764-0442), believes that the pervasive sense of negativity has made the financial sector one of the best values in today’s market. Read More
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Investors tend to chase performance, buying when prices are high and selling when prices are low. Consistency is the key to avoiding the pitfalls of investing. Read More
Savvy investors produce some of their best returns by opportunistically buying during market downturns. Our ETF selection criteria will help you find the right ETFs while they're still on sale. Read More
BlackRock--sponsor of the market-leading iShares brand of ETFs--has filed an application with the SEC that could lead to broad changes in the ETF industry. Read More
Despite the cloud hanging over the US banks, improving credit metrics suggest that there's plenty to like about the industry. Read More
Recent statements from the Federal Open Market Committee have left income-seeking investors in a bind. Fortunately, a number of ETFs can provide much-needed yield in the current low-yield environment. Read More
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Even some of the most successful mutual funds can underperform from time to time. Investors should remain coolheaded and get back to basics. Read More
Investors fearing a second recession have grown skittish of the energy sector. But the long-term investment case for energy-related ETFs in irrefutable. Read More
Germany is one of Europe's most fiscally responsible countries with a robust export-oriented economy. This ETF will get you in on the action at a bargain. Read More