Despite political headlines and shifting economic signals, global markets showed strength in the third quarter of 2025. From emerging markets surging ahead to AI transforming nearly every industry, investors had plenty to watch—yet those who stayed diversified were rewarded. A Strong Quarter for Stocks Stocks around the world delivered positive results. U.S. markets rose 8.18%, […]
3Q25 DFA Quarterly Market Review Read More »
Seinfeld fans love the irrational antics of George Costanza, partly because we recognize pieces of ourselves in his behavior. While George never set out to give financial advice, his quirks highlight important truths about human behavior and investing. The Amygdala – Our “Fear Center” In Season 5, Episode 20, George is at a birthday party
The Costanza Investment Strategy Read More »
The best investors aren’t defined solely by knowledge or access to information. Much like world-class poker players, their real edge is mental game—the ability to stay composed and make sound decisions under pressure. Maria Konnikova, in her work on professional poker, notes that what separates the truly elite from the merely good is psychological fortitude:
Mastering the Mental Game of Investing Read More »
In everyday life, our feelings help us survive and thrive. Fear keeps us out of danger. Excitement pushes us toward opportunity. Intuition helps us make fast decisions when time is short. These emotional instincts are useful, sometimes even lifesaving. But when it comes to investing, the very feelings that serve us well in other areas
Feelings: When Good Instincts Backfire Read More »
As the second quarter of 2025 came to a close, markets demonstrated that the headlines can be loud, but disciplined investors were rewarded for looking beyond the noise. Here’s how markets performed – and what it means for your financial plan. Market Highlights: Strength Across Most Asset Classes Stocks and Bonds Up: Global markets logged
2Q25 DFA Quarterly Market Review Read More »
We all strive for favorable outcomes such as financial security, peace of mind, and evidence of progress. Naturally, we tend to approach situations with high expectations, especially when the stakes feel personal. But in many areas of life, dialing down our expectations can be a surprisingly effective way to boost our well-being. Disappointment and Delight
The Upside of Low Expectations Read More »
Investing is inherently uncertain. Global economies and financial markets are shaped by countless variables—many of them unpredictable and beyond our control. Meanwhile, the media floods us with attention-grabbing headlines, and impulsive investors can sway markets dramatically in short bursts. In such an environment, how should investors respond? How can anyone succeed amid so much noise
Succeeding in a Future No One Can Predict Read More »
Imagine working for years, deferring a portion of your paycheck with the promise of a bigger payout down the road. Suddenly, you find out it’s gone, not because of market losses or bad investment decisions, but because your employer went bankrupt and the courts ruled that your retirement savings now belong to creditors. That’s not
The Hidden Risk in Deferred Compensation Plans: Lessons from the Steward Health Case Read More »
There’s no shortage of things to worry about today—tariffs, economic uncertainty, global unrest—and all of it can impact our financial future. The media often magnifies these concerns, focusing on fear because it grabs attention. Over time, this constant exposure can affect our mood, cloud our thinking, lead to unproductive decisions, and—most importantly—erode our personal happiness.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy Read More »
As the first quarter of 2025 wrapped up, global markets reminded us that headlines can be noisy, but long-term investors can still find their rhythm. Here’s how the markets responded—and what it could mean for you. Market Highlights: A Tale of Two Markets U.S. Stocks: It was a tough quarter at home. U.S. markets posted a -4.72%
1Q25 DFA Quarterly Market Review Read More »