Mutual Funds Weekly: High levels of debt won’t derail the U.S. stock market — plus more top investing tips

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Some of the money and investing stories grabbing the attention of MarketWatch readers this past week include columnist Mark Hulbert’s report on why debt is not as much of a concern for the U.S. economy as many fear, and why the so-called Santa Claus rally is not always the gift that keeps on giving to Wall Street. Plus, check out the first installment of “MarketBrief,” a new, weekly online show that offers investors timely tips and tactics to navigate the market’s curves.

— Jonathan Burton

INVESTING NEWS & TRENDS
By this measure, Americans are not addicted to debt and U.S. stocks should do fine

Growth rate of debt, not the total amount, matters most to an economy’s strength, writes Mark Hulbert.
By this measure, Americans are not addicted to debt and U.S. stocks should do fine

Why a ‘Santa Claus rally’ for stocks is no more real than Kris Kringle himself

Stocks typically rise between Thanksgiving and Christmas, but other months perform better, writes Mark Hulbert.
Why a ‘Santa Claus rally’ for stocks is no more real than Kris Kringle himself

Take stock of your investments in less than 10 minutes with new show from MarketWatch and Barron’s

Every Monday before the opening bell our “MarketBrief” will give investors the information they need to gain an edge in their financial lives.
Take stock of your investments in less than 10 minutes with new show from MarketWatch and Barron’s

Investors stick with the wealth managers they know, study finds

The biggest and best-known wealth management firms have a built-in edge that keeps smaller players from competing, according to a report out Wednesday.
Investors stick with the wealth managers they know, study finds

Are ESG mutual funds good for retirees?

Looking for virtue — and a profit
Are ESG mutual funds good for retirees?

Investors putting too much faith in mutual funds to return money in a panic

Redemptions in mutual funds that contain harder-to-sell assets could come at a steep price for investors in the next market panic, warns former IMF staffer Laura Kodres
Investors putting too much faith in mutual funds to return money in a panic

These are the companies that open — and close — the most ETFs

It’s very possible that ETF you’re considering investing in could close. Here’s how to think about that possibility.
These are the companies that open — and close — the most ETFs

Hedge funds still can’t catch broader market returns

Performance by hedge funds was a bit better in September but investors still would have done much better in a fund that tracks the broad stock market.
Hedge funds still can’t catch broader market returns

This is what the net worth of the world’s elite would look like if Elizabeth Warren’s tax plan had been in effect since 1982

Don’t worry, they’d still be doing just fine.
This is what the net worth of the world’s elite would look like if Elizabeth Warren’s tax plan had been in effect since 1982

Here’s the No. 1 reason why military veterans are denied a VA mortgage

Not everyone who serves qualifies for a government-backed home loan.
Here’s the No. 1 reason why military veterans are denied a VA mortgage

Five Chinese startups you should know about

Beyond Alibaba and Tencent, lesser known privately held Chinese startups have made waves recently, with rapid growth and global ambitions. Here are five you should know about.
Five Chinese startups you should know about

Winter is coming: These stocks can fire up your portfolio as energy demand spikes

Natural gas companies will benefit from colder-than-average temperatures this winter, writes Michael Brush.
Winter is coming: These stocks can fire up your portfolio as energy demand spikes

Where’s the euphoria amid the bull run?

Joseph Amato, president of Neuberger Berman, explains why U.S. markets are at an “inflection point of growth,” and how this moment impacts overall sentiment.
Where’s the euphoria amid the bull run?

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