Does timing the market work? If it does, does it pay? I tested this concept by creating a simple backtest. I assumed that four different investors were able to put away $1,000/year at various points in the S&P 500 ETF (SPY) since 1993 through end of 2023. They all use a tax-deferred account, pay no commissions, and reinvest dividends.  Investor...

I review the list of dividend increases each week, as part of my monitoring process. This exercise helps me to review existing holdings and potentially uncover companies for further research.This of course is just one aspect in my process. It does provide a helpful look at the way I would quickly evaluate companies, before determining if I want to place...

I just recently found a very interesting paper from J.P. Morgan from 2020, which tested whether it is worth it investing at all time highs. This is particularly helpful as US Markets just hit an all-time-high.The researchers looked at the returns of the US Stock Market Index S&P 500 over a one, three and five year periods on any random day versus...

I review the list of dividend increases every week, as part of my monitoring process. I usually focus my attention on the companies with a ten year streak of annual dividend increases, and then review each company using my criteria. I am always on the lookout for new ideas, and to determine if my existing holdings are working. I also want to be ready...

One of my favorite stock market stories involves a lost share certificate.The Texas Pacific Railway went broke in 1885. To compensate bondholders, some land was put in a trust called Texas Pacific Land TrustAll the bonds were exchanged except for Certificate 390. It was probably worth a few thousand dollars back around the turn of the 20th century.The...

I review the list of dividend increases as part of my monitoring process. This exercise helps me monitor existing portfolio holdings and also identify companies for further research. It also identifies companies that I should put on the chopping block.In this review, I typically share the companies that raised dividends. However, over the past week,...