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By Kevin Chambers

The 2008 crisis was one of the worst downturns in American economic history. News reports and financial media reports are teeming with differing opinions regarding how much the American economy has recovered. As the US presidential election heats up, there are sure to be some conflicting views on the strength and outlook for the health of the economy.

By Kevin Chambers

A yield curve is a graph that shows the interest rates of bonds that have different maturities. The bonds are all the same credit quality. The curve is used to isolate the effect of the length of payment on interest rates. The most common yield curve commented on by the financial media is the yield curve for US treasuries. The US treasury yield curve is analyzed as a benchmark for interest rates in general. The yield curve shape can also give clues to what investors are expecting in the future.

By Kevin Chambers

In our recent paper discussing the asset allocation of Foundations and Endowments [insert link], we pointed out how many of the largest Foundations and Endowments are investment “trend setters.” Many investors follow the moves, strategy, and advice of the financial minds that run these large institutions. This is also true for another pillar of financial institutions: pension funds. The California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) is the largest pension fund in the United States. CalPERS manages over $300 billion and has made some pretty drastic investment decisions in the last 12 months.

By Kevin Chambers

Some recent headlines indicate continued problems in Greece, so let’s review the current situation and possible outcomes.

By Kevin Chambers

By Kevin Chambers

By Kevin Chambers

By Kevin Chambers

Many amateur investors have some idea about what bonds are, but do not fully understand exactly how they work. So let me explain the fundamentals of bonds.