At Commonwealth Funds, we’re here to invest our time in an effort to benefit the Fund shareholders so they grow their financial knowledge, make more informed decisions regarding their assets, and bring it home.
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…
Spotlight on Japan: G20 Summit and Ministerial Offer Platform for Revitalized Nation
While many of the headlines and much of the markets’ focus related to Asia seem to revolve around the potential threat from North Korea or the ongoing trade dispute between the United States and China, the importance of Japan on the global stage cannot be overstated. Indeed, Japan will be in spotlight as it hosts…
Taking a Closer Look at Senegal
One of the benefits of either personally visiting Africa or talking with others who have traveled there is the opportunity it affords to dispel misconceptions about this vast and remarkably diverse continent. Often missed among the media stories about political strife are the numerous success stories and advances taking place. The West African nation of…
Ethiopian Airline Announces New Houston to West Africa Gateway
Thanks to an announcement by Ethiopian Airlines, Africa stands poised to strengthen its already significant business and social connections to Houston. The airline, which is the largest in Africa and a SKYTRAX certified 4-Star global airline, recently announced that it is restructuring its U.S. network to increase the number of flights from several U.S. gateways…
3 Wise Ways Millennials are Spending Their Money
Bank of America’s 2018 Better Money Habits Millennial Report (Winter 2018) is out, and the findings are surprising. The study surveyed 1400 people aged 18-71 to about their views on personal financial matters. For the purposes of the report, Millennials are in the 23-37 age range. Here are our three biggest takeaways from the report….
Spend Your Next Holiday Wining and Dining in Australia
The kickoff to Australia’s $36 million tourist campaign happened at, of all places, the Super Bowl. Their one-minute ad (part of a 5-episode arc) is part of a major push to get American tourists to Australia and to grow the USA market from $4 billion to $6 billion by 2020. Except where otherwise noted, statistics…
Interest Rates & Investing
On June 13, 2018, the Federal Reserve voted to raise the benchmark federal-fund rate from 1.75% to 2%, the second interest rate hike this year. This was reaffirmed at the August 1 meeting when the Federal Reserve held short-term interest rates steady and offered an upbeat assessment of the economy’s performance, suggesting another interest-rate increase…