Alex Dumortier, CFA
TMFAleph1
Alex Dumortier covers daily market activity from a contrarian, value-oriented perspective.
Recent Articles by Alex Dumortier, CFA
Feb 3, 2017
by Alex Dumortier, CFA
Mortgage Rates Were Up on Friday as the Jobs Report Showed the Signs of a "Trump Effect"
Mortgage rates were slightly higher on Friday. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy added 227,000 jobs in the month of January, beating expectations and providing evidence that the "Trump effect" on animal spirits has had an early economic impact.
Feb 1, 2017
by Alex Dumortier, CFA
Mortgage Rates Unchanged, As the Federal Reserve Steps on a New Tightrope
The main mortgage rates were roughly unchanged on Wednesday, as the Federal Reserve decided to stand pat on interest rates. Caution may be warranted as the Fed steps onto a different tightrope, courtesy of the new administration.
Jan 30, 2017
by Alex Dumortier, CFA
Despite Higher Mortgage Rates, Homebuying Activity Rose in December
Mortgage rates spiked in in the wake of Donald Trump's election last November; however, Monday's release from the National Association of Realtors suggests this was not enough to discourage homebuyers in December.
Jan 11, 2017
by Alex Dumortier, CFA
What Does 2017 Hold for ETFs? 3 Trends for Investors to Watch
Exchanged-traded funds (ETFs) represent a legitimate advance in the fund management industry -- one that has been validated by their success. Here are three ETF trends from 2016 that investors can expect will continue shaping the sector through 2017.
Jan 10, 2017
by Alex Dumortier, CFA
Mortgage Rates: Why Homebuyers Should Listen to "Bond King" Bill Gross
The main fixed-rate mortgage rates were unchanged on Tuesday; meanwhile, "Bond King" Bill Gross warned that the 10-year Treasury yield is approaching a level that signals a secular bear market in bonds. Potential homebuyers ought to take note.
Jan 9, 2017
by Alex Dumortier, CFA
Mortgage Rates Are Lower As Fed's Rosengren Sees the Economy Nearing Its Sweet Spot
The main fixed-rate mortgage rates are lower on Monday relative to a week prior; meanwhile, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston president Eric Rosengren says the economy is near its sweet spot, requiring "a more regular increase" in the Fed's policy interest rate.
Jan 9, 2017
by Alex Dumortier, CFA
When Will Facebook Split Its Stock Again?
Last April, Facebook Inc introduced a plan to create a new share class that would amount to a 3-for-1 stock split. More than eight months on, the company has yet to set a date for the distribution of the new shares, but that could change this month.
Jan 4, 2017
by Alex Dumortier, CFA
The 5 Operating Principles Behind Berkshire Hathaway’s Uniquely Profitable Reinsurance Business
In his 2015 letter, Warren Buffett warned Berkshire Hathaway shareholders that prospects for the reinsurance industry had dimmed. However, as this week's $1.5 billion deal with The Hartford illustrates, five operating principles will enable Berkshire's reinsurance activity to beat competitors and remain comfortably profitable.
Jan 3, 2017
by Alex Dumortier, CFA
Warren Buffett Outran His Billionaire Peers in 2016 -- 2 Business Principles Put Him in the Running
Warren Buffett's net worth increased by $11 billion in 2016 -- a performance that surpassed all his billionaire peers. To explain that performance, other numbers illustrate two of Berkshire Hathaway's "Owner-Related Business Principles."
Jan 3, 2017
by Alex Dumortier, CFA
What Does 2017 Hold for the S&P 500? Here's Why That's the Wrong Question
Stock market strategists are forming a tight herd when it comes to forecasting the S&P 500's prospects in 2017, demonstrating the absurdity of this game. Investors should be paying more attention to something that matters: forecasts of mediocre long-term returns.
Dec 30, 2016
by Alex Dumortier, CFA
With "Trump Reflation," Mortgage Rates End 2016 Near Five-Year Highs
After falling to historical lows in July, 30-year and 15-year mortgage rates shot up to finish 2016 near their five-year highs. Between the "Trump reflation" and the Federal Reserve's expectation for three rate hikes in 2017, the rate cycle may have finally turned.
Dec 23, 2016
by Alex Dumortier, CFA
Despite Mortgage Rates Near 3-Year Highs, November Home Purchases Prove Demand Is Healthy
At an annualized rate of 592,000, sales of new single-family homes in November were at their highest rate since February 2008, suggesting rising mortgage rates aren't deterring potential homebuyers.
Dec 22, 2016
by Alex Dumortier, CFA
Eight Consecutive Weekly Increases Push Mortgage Rates to Levels From Early 2014
Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows the 30-year mortgage rate is higher than at any point since April 2014, with the 15-year mortgage rate at its highest since January 2014.
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