Alex Dumortier, CFA
TMFAleph1
Alex Dumortier covers daily market activity from a contrarian, value-oriented perspective.
Recent Articles by Alex Dumortier, CFA
Feb 3, 2018
by Alex Dumortier, CFA
3 Under-the-Radar Stories in the Stock Market This Week
More proof that branded consumer staples aren't what they used to be, why the bitcoin rally's last gasp may have been the result of manipulation, and Goldman Sachs warns that a market correction is on the horizon.
Jan 5, 2018
by Alex Dumortier, CFA
9 Quotes from Nobel-Winning Economist Richard Thaler to Help You Become a Better Investor
This year's Nobel laureate in economics, Richard Thaler, is an expert in how people deviate from rationality in their economic decision-making. Here are nine of his quotes that could make you a better investor.
Feb 15, 2017
by Alex Dumortier, CFA
Mortgage Rates Unchanged, Even As the Market Warms to the Possibility of a March Rate Hike
The main fixed rate mortgage rates were essentially unchanged on Wednesday, even as Fed Chair Janet Yellen's comments caused to the market to revise upward its estimate of the probability of a rate hike next month.
Feb 13, 2017
by Alex Dumortier, CFA
Mortgage Rates Little Changed; Deutsche Bank Finds the Next Real Estate "Big Short"
Mortgage rates were little changed on Monday; meanwhile, Deutsche Bank thinks commercial mortgage-backed securities -- particularly those supported by malls -- could be the next "big short."
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 31, 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 11, 2019
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.
HOW THE MOTLEY FOOL CAN HELP YOU
-
Premium Investing Guidance
Market beating stocks from our award-winning service
-
The Daily Upside Newsletter
Investment news and high-quality insights delivered straight to your inbox
-
Get Started Investing
You can do it. Successful investing in just a few steps
-
Win at Retirement
Secrets and strategies for the post-work life you want.
-
Find a Broker
Find the right brokerage account for you.
-
Listen to our Podcasts
Hear our experts take on stocks, the market, and how to invest.
Premium Investing Services
Invest better with The Motley Fool. Get stock recommendations, portfolio guidance, and more from The Motley Fool's premium services.