Next week will mark the end of Ben Bernanke’s tenure as Chairman of the Federal Reserve. Given the recent effect of Federal Reserve policy on the financial markets, investors have been wondering if it will change as Janet Yellen takes the helm. Our first article from Reuters explores what to expect in the short term. This year is shaping up to be an important one for many emerging markets. China has proposed changes to stimulate sustainable economic growth that offer new opportunities for investors. Mark Mobius of Franklin Templeton Investments discusses China and the other markets he will be watching closely around the world. If you run a small business, you should consider establishing an employer-sponsored retirement plan. It can provide you with a tax-advantaged method to save for your own retirement while benefiting your employees. An article from the AICPA explains some options.
With Yellen On Deck, Fed’s Bernanke To Stick To Low-Rate Vow– Top Fed officials believe their landmark decision last month to reduce the pace of its bond-buying stimulus was well received by financial markets. It may now be possible for the Fed to make another $10 billion cut to the bank’s monthly bond purchases at the January 28-29 meeting without needing to adjust their promise to keep interest rates low in the future. http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/01/22/us-usa-fed-idUSBREA0L09X20140122
Emerging Markets 2014 Outlook: Shaping the Next Decade– Mark Mobius of Franklin Templeton Investments believes 2014 could be an important year for many emerging markets. It could establish trends with the potential to play out through the remainder of the decade. In particular, Chinese government reform initiatives announced in late 2013 may have far-reaching significance. The major elections in a number of countries in 2014 may also bring dramatic (or not-so-dramatic) changes. Here are some of the markets Mobius will be watching in the new year. http://advisorperspectives.com/commentaries/franklin_012114a.php
Retirement Plans For Small Businesses– Business owners should carefully consider the advantages of establishing an employer-sponsored retirement plan. There are several types of plans to choose from, with each having definite advantages and disadvantages. This discussion covers the most popular plans. http://www.360financialliteracy.org/Topics/Owning-a-Business/Benefits-and-Retirement-Plans/Retirement-plans-for-small-businesses
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John R. Day, Bill Ennis, Stephanie Davidson and Matt Heller