There has been no shortage of red flags: sluggish demand for exports, frothy real-estate prices and economic forecasts of a so-called hard landing. So why are some investors making the surprising—and seemingly risky—move of upping their bets on China?
Despite the scary headlines coming out of the world’s second-biggest economy, U.S. fund managers have invested $2.5 billion in Chinese stocks this year, following outflows of $2.6 billion in 2011, reports research firm EPFR Global. Meanwhile, international and global equity funds bumped their stakes in China and Hong Kong to 4.4% in the first quarter, on average, from 4% a year earlier, according to data from Lipper Inc.
Read MoreWith summer fun, beaches and pedicures to think about, saving for retirement is probably the last thing on your mind. Winter seems far away, let alone your 65th birthday, right? But no matter how young you are, it’s never too soon to start planning ahead.
Read MoreOnly about half of households are on track to maintain their current standard of living upon retirement at age 66. However, if workers are willing to delay retirement until age 70, 86 percent can expect to enjoy a comfortable retirement, according to recent Center for Retirement Research at Boston College calculations.
Read MoreYou’re piling up the bylines and thinking about making the leap to full time. Do you have a transition strategy?
Here’s the thing. Going from part time to full time isn’t about doing more of the same. It’s about putting systems in place and developing a game plan for growth. It’s about sharpening your business skills as much as your writing skills. And that takes time. Adelaide Lancaster, co-author of “The Big Enough Company: Creating a Business that Works for You ,” says wade in slowly. Don’t plunge. “Treat the start-up process as a research project.”
Read MoreFacing a tough economic environment and job market, more kids are living at home, and staying longer, after college, and more grandparents, facing budgeting woes in their retirement years, are coming back to live with their adult children. That has led to more households with three generations (or more) under one roof.
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