At Commonwealth Funds, we’re here to invest our time in providing investment insight to benefit the Fund shareholders so they grow their financial knowledge, make more informed decisions regarding their assets and investing internationally, and bring it home.
International Investing During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Investing in international markets is a multi-dimensional effort aided by having a rather unique perspective, especially during a global health pandemic and economic crisis. For some, it may require looking past the current negative headlines, uncertainty and confusion and having a very practical lens focused on the business activity on the ground. For investors, applying…
Advisory Firm Business Practices in a Time of Crisis
It’s important and timely to share experiences on how financial services professionals are engaging clients during a time of crisis and confusion. Unfortunately, many advisors and firm leaders may not have had previous crisis management or communications experience and may be prone to actions or communications that rely too heavily on platitudes — not meaningful…
Going Global: Investing in the Time of Coronavirus
The coronavirus pandemic has roiled stock markets across the globe, as countries adjust to nationwide lockdown orders and economic uncertainty. It’s been a decidedly alarming time for investors in the United States, as the market has dipped to levels not seen since Black Monday in 1987, only to rise again with the constantly changing news….
Exploring South Africa’s Investment Opportunities
For nearly 45 years, Rob Scharar, President and Director of FCA Corp and President of Commonwealth Funds, has been guided by an investment approach that relies on the development of local knowledge and business experience. Through direct investment, business development and consulting opportunities within several African countries Scharar and his team have gained access to…
Real Estate Investment: Looking Beyond the Brick and Mortar
Real Estate is much more than bricks and mortar. To be a successful investor in the real estate industry, it is important to not only analyze and understand the industry-specific economic indicators, but also to understand the second and third order effects of their impacts. The real estate industry has performed well over the past…
Investing in Japanese Companies: The Texas Connection
In his global travels, Commonwealth Funds President and Head Portfolio Manager Rob Scharar has observed first-hand that identifying investment opportunities is about much more than just numbers?. Investors interact daily with ideas, services, products and companies, yet often fail to effectively link their success to investment opportunities. The connections between Texas and Japan illustrate this…
Texas-Australia Connections Continue to Strengthen
Though often overshadowed by the more densely populated East Coast, which includes Melbourne and Sydney, South Australia deserves serious consideration as a travel destination, whether for business or pleasure. Commonwealth Funds President and Head Portfolio Manager Robert Scharar recently completed a trip that included a visit to South Australia. While there, he visited the Barossa…
Brexit: Perspective and Key Takeaways
Since the historic vote in 2016 to break away from the European Union, the impact of Brexit on the United Kingdom, the rest of Europe and the global economy has garnered massive attention, and rightfully so. The difficulties encountered in gracefully exiting from the EU have already forced the resignation of Prime Minister Theresa May…
Finding the Right Savings Plan for Your Children or Grandchildren
There are many ways to prepare for elementary, secondary and college expenses or other future needs for children or grandchildren. In light of the changes resulting from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, it helps to understand the vehicles below and how you can incorporate them into an effective educational funding plan. Coverdell Education…
Applying a Business Mindset to International Investing
Bill Hortz, Founder and Dean of the Institute for Innovation Development recently caught up with Commonwealth Funds President and Portfolio Manager, Robert Scharar, to get insights into his approach to international and emerging markets investing based on his four decades of experience. Their conversation touches on the practical business knowledge as well as the emotional…