Author Archives: Rick Lesan, CFA

Let’s think for a few about QE2

While Frontier Advisors is about the long-term evolution of the markets, we still need to consider the short term risks to the economic environment so I do spend considerable time (too much, I’m sure) thinking about the issues of the … Continue reading

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Einsteinian investing

Einstein once said, “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler”.  This bit of wisdom works exceptionally well in so many areas of life, but it is particularly good advice for investing.  Unfortunately, most investment firms do … Continue reading

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What to do with today’s bond market

In my previous post I made the point that one should carefully consider any advice that suggests a particular market is about to move strongly in any direction, no matter the source.  The underlying impetus for the post was an … Continue reading

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Beware “geniuses”

I just came across this short piece that quotes six well-known investment gurus who have been exceptionally wrong about US Treasuries (Julian Robertson – hedge fund guru, Nassim Taleb – author of The Black Swan, Marc Faber – investment newsletter … Continue reading

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Quick comments on several issues…

It’s an understatement to say that much has happened recently in the capital markets and in areas that impact the capital markets.  There are a few topics in particular that continue to come up so let me quickly address them … Continue reading

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Myths about asset allocation

I wanted to forward along the attached article, 5 Myths About Asset Allocation, from Forbes that a friend and colleague forwarded to me earlier today.  I think it does a terrific job of pointing out some of the common misconceptions … Continue reading

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A few thoughts in the midst of mayem…

I got up today to find the markets poised for another decently sized sell-off and that is what is happening as I write this – the S&P is around 1050 and the Dow is at 9849 with all the gains … Continue reading

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A quick note about the markets…

I just wanted to send a quick note about the recent volatility in the global markets.  We’ll see where today’s markets end up, but as I am writing this email we’re down around 2% in the US and the European … Continue reading

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The true cost of investing

By now many of you are aware that I try to get people to think about their relationship with their investment advisor in terms of three things: advice, portfolio construction/management, and fees/costs.  I recently distributed a shortpaper that covered all … Continue reading

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Evaluating investment firms

There are certain topics that are crucial for investors to fully understand.  Attached is a shortpaper I authored, Evaluating Investment Firms, that covers some of the fundamental topics any investor should consider before hiring an individual or firm as a … Continue reading

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