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John Maxfield

TMFMaxfield

I write about banks, trying my best to balance the good and the bad.

Recent Articles by John Maxfield

Nov 6, 2013 by John Maxfield

Where Are Mortgage Rates Headed Next?

Higher mortgage rates caused home loan volumes at Wells Fargo and JPMorgan Chase to plummet in the most recent quarter. Will they do the same this quarter?

Nov 5, 2013 by John Maxfield

Here's Why Investors Should Be Worried About Housing

Recent economic reports suggest that the housing recovery may be stalling, leading to lower home sales from companies like KB Homes, PulteGroup, and D.R. Horton.

Nov 5, 2013 by John Maxfield

The Top Reason to Own Wal-Mart Stock

While Wal-Mart is facing increased competition, there's nevertheless one reason above all to own its stock.

Nov 3, 2013 by John Maxfield

The Dark Side of Nepotism

How two companies prove that nepotism is still alive and well.

Nov 2, 2013 by John Maxfield

You Should Be Worried About Stocks

With stocks at record heights, investors should think long and hard about adding anything new to their portfolios anytime soon.

Nov 2, 2013 by John Maxfield

3 Reasons to Worry About the Housing Recovery

While there's no question that the housing market has made considerable progress over the last few years, there are at least three reasons to believe that the recovery may be stalling.

Nov 2, 2013 by John Maxfield

What Could Cause Your Mortgage REIT to Fail

The belief that mortgage REITs, and specifically those holding agency-backed MBSes, are immune from risk is simply wrong.

Nov 1, 2013 by John Maxfield

2 Ways You Shouldn't Try to Pick Winning Stocks

At the end of the day, banking is about risk management. Not growth for the sake of growth. The sooner you absorb that lesson, the better. What does this mean for Bank of America, Citigroup, and JPMorgan Chase?

Oct 31, 2013 by John Maxfield

Mortgage Rates Hit Four-Month Low

According to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey, the average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is currently at 4.1%. This is the lowest level since the middle of June.

Oct 31, 2013 by John Maxfield

1 Strategy the Best Banks Share

Explaining how investors can distinguish between healthy and harmful growth at banks.

Oct 30, 2013 by John Maxfield

Mortgage Applications Surged Last Week by 6.4%

The Mortgage Bankers Association reported today that applications for home loans increased last week by 6.4% compared to the previous seven-day period.

Oct 29, 2013 by John Maxfield

Bank of America Is the Worst. But Here's Why People Keep Coming Back

Bank of America has suffered considerable reputational damage over the last five years, but most of its customers are sticking with it.

Oct 27, 2013 by John Maxfield

Stalling Home Sales Could Spell Trouble for Stocks

Recent data suggests that the housing recovery may be stalling. Should you be concerned?

Oct 27, 2013 by John Maxfield

Keeping Jim Cramer Honest

CNBC proves once again that it's not in the business of unbiased journalism.

Oct 27, 2013 by John Maxfield

10 Corporations That Bankroll Senator Dianne Feinstein

Investing in stocks has more in common with going to the polling station on the day of an election than you may think.

Oct 27, 2013 by John Maxfield

JPMorgan Chase: Millions in Political Contributions Revealed

Using data from the Center for Responsive Politics, Motley Fool contributor John Maxfield reveals the most important facts and figures about JPMorgan Chase's political contributions.

Oct 27, 2013 by John Maxfield

5 Things to Do Before You Buy a House

An experienced real estate agent weighs in on the five things everyone should do before buying a home.

Oct 27, 2013 by John Maxfield

Goldman Sachs: Millions in Political Contributions Revealed

Using data from the Center for Responsive Politics, Motley Fool contributor John Maxfield reveals the most important facts and figures about Goldman Sachs' political contributions.

Oct 27, 2013 by John Maxfield

10 Corporations That Bankroll Republican Eric Cantor

Investing in stocks has more in common with going to the polling station on the day of an election than you may think.

Oct 26, 2013 by John Maxfield

There Is Such a Thing as Too Much Information

It’s normal to want as much information as possible before making a decision -- particularly an investing decision that involves your personal wealth. Yet too much information may in fact be detrimental.

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