The “carry trade” works as a mechanism for buying U.S. stocks as long as the U.S. Federal Reserve remains committed to its zero percent rate policy.

Valuation headwinds notwithstanding, the world’s money continues to pour into the North American equity space.

Homebuilders have tried to stay upbeat about their rate-sensitive industry. 30-year mortgage rates have, in many cases, dropped three-quarters of a percentage point in 2014.

Clearly, the S&P 500 SPDR Trust (SPY) performed remarkably well in 2014. For improved risk-adjusted rewards, it could easily have been paired with Vanguard Total Bond.

Reducing one’s overall allocation to certain asset classes is sensible when enough yellow flags wave tempestuously.

HSBC’s most recent Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for the Chinese economy rose to 50.5 from a final reading of 50.2 in August. The manufacturing sector may be expanding, but the growth is noticeably restrained.