Weekend Reading – Higher market returns, predictions and great blogs

Leading off this Weekend Reading list, I enjoyed the details in a post by Canadian Capitalist, who made another case for avoiding currency-hedged investment products.  He wrote:

“So, what should investors do? If past performance is any indication and if investment performance is the only consideration, it appears that investors will likely be better off obtaining direct exposure to foreign equities without hedging away currency exposure.”

I also enjoyed Andrew Hallam’s recent post on AssetBuilder.  I agree with him about what’s next for U.S. equities – we’re headed for decent returns.   Even though I have no idea what the future holds, might as well think positive about it.

Rob Carrick shows us how to manage our RRSP like a pension fund:  2% cash, 38% bonds, 60% stocks, with some focus on international equities.  You might recall I wrote a post about his some time ago:  You can learn from the Canada Pension Plan.

Thanks to all readers and followers for recently pushing me over 800 readers and over 1,000 followers on Twitter.  I sincerely appreciate your support!

Here are some other solid articles to check out…

Michael James on Money wrote about the complex world of simple interest.

The Blunt Bean Counter wrote about some tax preparation and repayment issues with credit cards.

On a topic unrelated to the post above, Big Cajun Man had some kind words to say about The Blunt Bean Counter.

Steve has some aggressive goals for 2013.

Dividend Mantra continues his aggressive (and impressive) savings rate.

Check out Financial Uproar’s cover letter to replace Mark Carney at The Bank of Canada.

Dividend Ninja thought of real estate as dividend income.

Million Dollar Journey had a good post about Defined Benefit Pension Plan payout formulas.

Dividend Monk reviewed Kinder Morgan Inc.

Boomer & Echo wondered if you’ve been talking to your elderly parents about their finances.

The Passive Income Earner wondered if bonds are safe.

Modest Money said modesty is the best policy.

Retire by 40 shared his passive dividend income for 2012.

Y&T wondered if a Costco membership is worth it.

Canadian Mortgage Trends did some head-scratching regarding alternative down payments.

Finance Fox said marketing works.

The Dividend Guy made some dividend stock predictions for 2013.

Tom Drake suggested some financial books for you.

BrighterLife answered the question how much do you need to retire.

I hope you enjoy this reading list.  I’ll be back next week to publish our 2013 financial goals.  Enjoy your weekend!