Page 35 - Flathead Beacon // 9.24.14

FLATHEADBEACON.COM BUSINESS MONTHLY FINANCIAL CORNER Jesse Rigler
SEPTEMBER 24, 2014 | 35 It’s Worth the Drive on
Look Beyond U.S. Borders for Investment Opportunities
Scenic Highway 93!
Have you traveled abroad this recently? If so, you won’t be alone. Increas- ingly, Americans seem to have gotten the “travel bug.” In fact, over one-third of the population now holds valid pass- ports, according to the U.S. Department of State. Of course, seeing the world can help broaden our horizons in many aspects of life — including how we in- vest. Investment prospects now exist in every part of the planet. However, you might wonder why you should in-
“ALTHOUGH INTERNATIONAL INVESTING DOES PROVIDE SOME KEY BENEFITS,
IT ALSO CARRIES SOME UNIQUE RISKS.”
vest globally. Aren’t there enough good opportunities right here in the United States? The U.S. does indeed provide a wealth of investment choices. But you can still receive at least two key benefits from international investing. Let’s take a quick look at them:
• Growth potential — As you know, the United States is a highly developed economy. That doesn’t mean, of course, that we have no upside here — we do, and we always will. Nonetheless, you can also find growth opportunities in foreign markets. Which ones? There’s never any one right answer. In one year, a particular country, or even an entire region, such as the Pacific Rim, might lead the way, as far as performance. Then, the very next year, a different country or region could top the list. Since it’s almost certainly futile to try to guess which areas will perform the best in any given year, you’re much bet- ter off looking for solid investment op-
portunities in all regions of the world. • Diversification — By investing inter- nationally, you can help diversify your portfolio. The world’s financial mar- kets are connected to each other, but they don’t always move in unison. In any given year, the U.S. markets may be down, but international markets might be doing significantly better. Conse- quently, if, during that year, you had only invested in U.S. companies, your portfolio would have taken a hit, but if you had spread your investment dol- lars around the world, your year-end results might have looked considerably different. Keep in mind, though, that while diversification can help reduce the effects of volatility, it can’t guaran-
tee profits or protect against all losses. Although international investing does provide some key benefits, it also carries some unique risks. For example, when you invest in companies based overseas, you may encounter political instability, which could threaten the fi- nancial markets of a country or an entire region. You could also experience cur- rency risk, which means that changes in the value of the U.S. dollar, relative to foreign currencies, could harm the value
of your investments.
In any case, you probably won’t want
international holdings to ever take up
406-844-3501 23705 Highway 93 S. Rollins, MT
Fall & Winter Hours
7 am - 2 pm daily
Northland, Kalispell Buffalo Mountain, Kalispell Whisper Village, Columbia Falls
Phone 406-407-4834
Kalispell,MT 59901
Allen W. Erickson, Sr.
www.westcrafthomes.com
a majority of your portfolio. How much 15th Annual Libby Stand Down
should you own? Again, there’s no right KALISPELL STAND DOWN
answer for everyone. Your investment LIBBY STAND DOWN
mix should be based on your risk tol-
erance, time horizon and individual
NORTHWEST MONTANA
goals. And, because of the complexities
involved with foreign markets, you may
VETERAN’S STAND DOWN 2014
well want to work with a financial pro-
HONHOonRoINriGngAALlLl VeEtTerEaRnAsNS
The following
SERVICES will be
fessional — someone with the expertise
and resources to evaluate the pros and
cons of international investments. By
looking past U.S. borders for investment
opportunities, you can expand your ho-
The following
RESOURCES will be madTehaevafoillalbolwe:ing resource
rizons for potential investment success.
Bon voyage!
provided for free:
Jesse Rigler is a financial advisor at Edward Jones in Kalispell. • Refreshments *Refreshments
• Mental Health Provider
Visit our Model Home at
2236 HWY 2 East OR MILITARY ID.
277 NORTHLAND DR. IN KALISPELL
Allen W. Erickson, Sr.
OPEN DAILY
visit us at www.veteransfoodpantry.org
NORTHWEST MONTANA VETERAN’S STAND DOWN 2012
The following services
will be provided for free:
• SerwvicielOlffibcer fmor aVAdcelinaicvailable *Service Officer for VA clini
*Disabled parking
• Employment Counseling
*Haircuts
• Haircuts
OrgaOnirzgaatinonization *Referrals
WHERE?
WHEN?
DD214, DISCHARGE VA CARD,
• Surplus military clothing
• Physical Health Provider
*Surplus military clothing
*Physical Health Provider
• Disabled parking
*Mental Health Provider
IMPORTANT! BRING YOUR
Oct. 4 & 5, Sat. 9am-4pm • Sun. 9am - 2pm, Or until supplies last
EVERGREEN FIRE HALL
APRIL 21, 2012 SAT. 9AM-4PM
IMPORTANT! BRING YOUR DD214, DISCHARGE
VAFoCrAMRoDre,InOfoRrmMatIiLonITCAonRtaYctID. For More Information Contact
406.756.7304 or cell 406.250.0698
406.756.7304 or cell 406.250.0698
visit us at www.veteransfoodpantry.org
WHERE? V.F.W. POST 1548...110 West 2nd Street, Libby, MT
*Employment Counseling • Vet*eVraenteSrearvnicSe ervice
• Referrals