Some Observations on The Periodic Table of Emerging Markets 2004-2013

The Callan Periodic Table of Investment Returns shows the annual returns for 20 years for many categories.It is a valuable tool to show the importance of diversification among asset classes. Similar to the Callan Table the following periodic table shows the annual returns for many single country emerging markets from 2004 thru 2013: Click to enlarge Source: US …

Continue reading ‘Some Observations on The Periodic Table of Emerging Markets 2004-2013’ »

Income Inequality Among Select Countries

The Gini index measures the degree of inequality in the distribution of family income in a country.The higher the Gini coefficient the higher the income inequality. According to the CIA’s The World Factbook the Scandinavian country of Sweden has the lowest Gini coefficient.The U.S. ranks 41st just behind its former colony of Philippines with a Gini …

Continue reading ‘Income Inequality Among Select Countries’ »

Comparing Pension Systems Across Countries

Mercer Consulting recently published the Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index report rating pension systems around the world. The U.S. pension system received a “C” grade based on this study. Denmark has the world’s best system followed by The Netherlands and Australia. It is interesting that the pension system of Chile is ranked highly with the systems …

Continue reading ‘Comparing Pension Systems Across Countries’ »