S&P 500 Ticks Higher, Edging Toward a Record

The S&P 500 is hovering just a few points below its record closing high from February, shortly before the coronavirus pandemic ravaged financial markets. 


 
Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Joins the Gold Rush

Berkshire Hathaway's stake in Barrick Gold adds it to the list of big-name investors making wagers tied to the precious metal amid significant economic uncertainty. 


 
Home Builders Enjoy Covid Immunity, For Now

Builders of new homes serve a demographic than has been less impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. 


 
Japan's Economic Backslide Likely to Take Years to Reverse

The world's third-largest economy was smaller in real terms in the second quarter of 2020 than it was when Prime Minister Shinzo Abe took office in 2012 following the coronavirus pandemic. 


 
Stock Rally Gives Commodities New Shine

Money managers are looking at commodities as an alternative to pricey stocks and bonds and as a hedge against inflation, marking a shift from the past half-decade. 


 
Revival of Brazil's Corporate-Bond Market Lures Foreign Investors

Foreign investors are flocking to the relatively high yields offered by big Brazilian corporations such as Petrobras, Vale and Braskem. 


 
Calpers Faces Questions Following Investing Veteran's Abrupt Exit

Calpers's investment chief resigned from the biggest U.S. pension fund Aug. 5 amid questions about potential conflicts of interest raised by his personal investments. Now board members are calling for an inquiry into the fund's handling of the matter. 


 
Coronavirus Claims Hurt Shares of European Insurers

European insurers have been singed by coronavirus claims and restrictions, with the Euro Stoxx Insurance index off more than 20% so far this year. 


 
China Is on a Diet, but Food Shares Look Tasty

President Xi is urging citizens to conserve food as prices rise. An extra helping of food shares, however, might improve investors' financial health. 


 
Indian Miner Offers Over 13% Yield to Sell Junk Debt

An Indian commodities giant is preparing to pay one of the highest yields on a dollar bond in emerging markets this year, showing there are still pockets of stress in the credit markets despite a dramatic wider recovery.