Morningstar's US Investing Week 2013

Investment opportunities are rife in the world's largest economy, thanks to a diverse and profitable stock market. Read our Special Report to find out how you can benefit

Emma Wall 2 December, 2013 | 6:52AM
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Oil and gas discoveries, a new tech-boom, quantitative easing - most compelling investment stories in recent years have all come from across the pond. 

Before the global recession, emerging markets were the most-popular and profitable option for investment professionals and private investors alike. But recent history has seen the world's largest economy reclaim its crown, with the S&P 500 outperforming all other stock markets this year - including Japan.

This year, despite positive GDP growth figures, the US has faced several economic and political challenges. In October, the Republicans and Democrats reached a stalemate regarding public spending across the pond, and a US default threatened. Last month, the long-awaited Obamacare healthcare reform was rolled out. Within hours the website crashed, and along with it, the President's popularity sank to an all-time-low. Unemployment has remained stubbornly high, and in May it was revealed that a record number of Americans – one in six – needed food stamps to survive.

But none of these scandals affected the stock market. Corporate America has ground on - with the S&P 500 hitting record highs seemingly every other week. The question is whether this rally - up 30% so far this year - is sustainable. Where do the investment opportunities lie? Which sectors benefit most from political reforms? Can high yield bonds deliver? And if you don't believe in the American dream what of those companies that offer exposure to emerging market revenues, but with the corporate governance of a developed market blue chip?

Reporting exclusive stories from New York and Chicago, this week we will bring you all you need to know about investing in the US.

Monday: The Big Picture

The US has been heralded as a poster child for post-recession growth, but is it really all a-okay in America?

What Next for the US Economy?
The US is emerging from the largest downturn since World War 2 - while growth has been achieved there is still a long way to go before the recovery is complete

How US Politics Can Mean Profits for Investors
When will the Fed start to taper quantitative easing? What is Obamacare? And how do political and economic reforms affect the stock market and investors?

'North Dakota is my Favourite Emerging Market'
Thanks to a boom in the oil and gas sector, middle America is achieving growth rates more akin to those found in emerging markets

Advisers Shun China for US Stocks
US and UK equities are top of the favoured sectors advisers will be recommending to clients in 2014 - with corporate bonds and Chinese companies bottom of the pile

Tuesday: Stocks for Your Portfolio

The S&P 500 has outperformed all other markets. Will it continue or should you be looking outside of Wall Street for opportunities?

Is the US Stock Market Rally Sustainable?
The S&P 500 is up 30% since the beginning of the year, should investors take profits or has the American stock market got further to climb?

3 US Stocks for Growth
UK investors can access the broad and diversified American stock market through their stockbroker. These three stocks could provide returns for the growth seeker

3 US Income Stocks for UK Investors
Dividend payments in the S&P 500 today are at all-time high, as companies in the U.S. remain in very strong position

How to Buy US Stocks
America offers UK investors plenty of opportunities for profit. We explain how you can invest in non-domestic stocks and outline the risks involved

Where Can Investors Find Value in the US
Companies, governments and consumers are all being more prudent and disciplined with their cash: meaning the recovery in the US still has further to go

Wednesday: Fixed Income Opportunities

Corporate bonds may not be yielding as high as stocks - but there is value to be found in other areas of fixed income

Investors Sell Bonds - but Not for Equities
Equities may be more popular than in recent years, but not all of the money flowing out of bond funds is being invested in stocks - most is going into the money markets

Bonds with an Attractive Income
Bond yields may have fallen from their pre-credit crisis peak, but payouts remains above the historical average and can provide an attractive income

Fixed Income Outlook
With quantitative easing tapering on the horizon, and government budget decisions to be made in February, how will bond yields react in the US?

Pension Funds Pour Money into Bonds
Corporate bonds may be out of favour with private investors, but institutional funds are snapping them up to provide stability to pension savings pots

How to Build the Perfect Investment Portfolio
The perfect investment portfolio requires bonds, stocks, alternatives and cash. But how can investors blend these assets to create an all-weather portfolio?

Thursday: Go US for Global

Capture emerging market opportunities without the corporate risk - the US is best placed to profit from international revenues

Where Will Investors Find Profit in 2014?
US fund managers are divided as to the future of the stock market. Will domestically focused stocks shine or is it time to reconsider emerging markets?

Safer Way to Play Emerging Markets
Emerging market growth may have slowed, but the are still outperforming developed markets. Get access to the expanding middle class through these US stocks

China vs USA: Which is Cheaper?
Emerging market returns over the past 20 years have been based on global consumption of exports, but now Made in the China is being replaced by Made in the USA

3 US Investment Trusts for Your Portfolio
The American market is one in which active fund managers struggle to beat the S&P in any meaningful, consistent way. Our analysts highlight three for consideration

Friday: Advisers, Pensions and Portfolios

The US investor has responsibility for their retirement - what can we learn from our peers across the pond?

5 Pension Mistakes to Avoid
Maximise your retirement income - and boost your standard of living - by avoiding these five common mistakes American investors make while planning for their retirement

5 Top Rated US Funds
The US stock market is notoriously difficult to beat - active managers must work extra hard to add a meaningful margin. These funds have earned a top rating from analysts

Which Stock Market Will Soar Next?
Before the credit crisis GDP growth meant big returns to investors; China was proof of that. So can you use economics to predict stock market returns?

The information contained within is for educational and informational purposes ONLY. It is not intended nor should it be considered an invitation or inducement to buy or sell a security or securities noted within nor should it be viewed as a communication intended to persuade or incite you to buy or sell security or securities noted within. Any commentary provided is the opinion of the author and should not be considered a personalised recommendation. The information contained within should not be a person's sole basis for making an investment decision. Please contact your financial professional before making an investment decision.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

About Author

Emma Wall  is former Senior International Editor for Morningstar

© Copyright 2024 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use        Privacy Policy        Modern Slavery Statement        Cookie Settings        Disclosures