MarketWatch rounded up 10 of its most interesting topics over the past week.
1. We’re watching sabers rattle, but how likely is a real trade war with China?
Here’s a sober assessment of the real risks of a trade war between the U.S. and China if negotiations fail and the tariffs are implemented, and what would be at stake if President Trump were to get his way.
More on the trade skirmishes:
• Trump’s being cunning — not dumb — over China, says trade expert
• Republican senator on Trump’s latest tariff threat: ‘This is nuts’
• Why is the U.S. accusing China of stealing intellectual property?
2. Investors should watch this documentary
Dan David admits “there are no good guys” in the documentary “The China Hustle,” including him. But he also explains why all investors need to be aware of the tricks some Chinese companies pull to have their shares listed in the U.S. and how much this can cost the unwary.
3. The accuracy of Trump’s big numbers
President Trump has been using some rather alarming numbers to back his demands for China to make trade concessions. Here’s how accurate Trump’s numbers are.
4. Volatility and the bull market
After a pretty straight upward path for U.S. stocks in 2017, it’s been a whole lot different this year, with a return to significant price swings, often on a daily basis. Here’s why the return to volatility may be a good sign for a continued bull market in the S&P 500 SPX, -2.19% and Dow Jones Industrial Average DJIA, -2.34%
More on the market: Here are Friday’s worst stocks as trade conflict and a weak jobs report disappoint investors
5. Index funds may no longer be the cheapest way for you to invest
AllianceBernstein’s new AB FlexFee Large-Cap Growth Portfolio FFLYX, -2.00% features active management with total annual expenses of 0.10%—unless it beats its benchmark index.
6. Stock valuations in a volatile market
During the bull market it seemed that old measures for valuing stocks had become obsolete. This may be changing now, as Jeff Reeves explains.
7. The controversy over the new president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Caroline Baum considers the qualifications of John Williams to run the bank and the arguments against his being offered the position.
8. Be careful when selecting a financial adviser
An industry veteran tells you who to avoid when hiring someone to help manage your money.
9. CVS wants to make it easier to get this lifesaving treatment at home
CVS Health Corp. CVS, -1.98% which runs thousands of pharmacies, as well as health clinics and a very large prescription benefits business, now plans to run its first clinical trial. That’s usually the purview of medical-device manufacturers.
10. No to nose jobs
With all the “work” being done by plastic surgeons, you may be surprised that this “improvement” has become much less popular with Americans.
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