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ECNFIN.COM is run by Ivan V. Sichkar and is intended for informational purposes only, to exchange ideas and to collaborate with fellow economists and investment professionals. It is not intended to give any advice, but to express an opinion only.

Ivan V. Sichkar is passionate about finance and economics, fascinated about emerging markets, and a strong believer in value investing. He graduated with Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Denver; has a Bachelor Degree in Economics from Idaho State University, and Bachelor Degree in International Economics from Kiev National Economics University in Ukraine. Ivan has ten + years of work experience at the money management firm and professional designations: CFA charter and FRM designation.

Ivan is giving back to the community by volunteering as Vice President for CFA Society Colorado; prior he volunteered as Chair of CFA Society Colorado Advocacy Council where he advocated for CFA members by expanding our presence in the financial, governmental and academic communities for the purpose of improving standards of investment industry. Also, he helps to organize CFA Institute Research Challenge for universities in Colorado and Wyoming. Ivan is Director of Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) Denver Chapter where he helps to organize meetings with presentations by risk professionals.

He is fluent in Ukrainian, Russian, and English. Currently, he is learning Spanish. His hobbies include snowboarding, tennis, working out, hiking, and traveling.

• Yield Spread Effect on Bond and Equity Markets

  By Ivan V. Sichkar on May 31, 2015 • ( 0 )

  

  What will happen to fixed income and equity markets when the Fed starts raising its short-term interest rate? History shows that the Fed does not have a strong influence on long-term rates. Usually, when the Fed decides to raise its… Read More ›

• Forecasting the Future S&P 500 Index for the Year-End 2015

  By Ivan V. Sichkar on December 17, 2014 • ( 2 )

  

  Based on the analysis and forecast described in detail further in this article, I expect the S&P 500 Index to close between 1,905 and 1,935 on December 31st, 2015. This forecast is based on the expected Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the United States which is calculated to be between $18,187 and $18,363 billion for the year 2015.

• Passively Managed Funds and Heuristic Biases: New Challenges and Opportunities

  By Ivan V. Sichkar on July 8, 2014 • ( 2 )

  

  Passively managed funds can have a similar effect on the economy as systemically important financial institutions

• Forecasting the Future Stock Market Performance for the Year-End 2014

  By Ivan V. Sichkar on December 8, 2013 • ( 0 )

  

  It is the Holiday Season and we would like to make a new tradition here at ECNFIN by reviewing the current year stock market performance and looking into the future. We wish you happy and safe holidays full of wonderful… Read More ›

• Fair Use of Revenue Sharing in a 401(k) Plan

  By Ivan V. Sichkar on November 18, 2013 • ( 0 )

  

  Today, plan sponsors and fiduciaries of retirement plans have knowledge of all the fees being charged to their 401(k) or 403(b) plans by various services provides. The new disclosure requirement under ERISA Section 408(b)(2) requires all service providers to disclose… Read More ›

• Gross Domestic Product Behind the Stock Market Performance

  By Ivan V. Sichkar on March 25, 2013 • ( 4 )

  

  The U.S. economic growth measured by the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has significant influence on the U.S. stock market performance and specifically the S&P 500 Index. According to the Efficient Market Hypothesis developed by Professor Eugene Fama, the stock market… Read More ›

• Outcome of Social Security Tax Increase on GDP Growth in 2013

  By Ivan V. Sichkar on January 17, 2013 • ( 0 )

  

  Starting at the beginning of 2013, withholding for Social Security tax increased to 6.2% from 4.2% that an employee used to make in 2012 and 2011 years. This withholding is applied to income earned up to $113,700, according to IRS… Read More ›

• President Barack Obama Re-Election Can be Good for the US Economy

  By Ivan V. Sichkar on November 8, 2012 • ( 2 )

  Having new information as to who the next President of the United States will be and knowing the structure of the US Congress can shine some light as to the future of our economy. Today, we have clear information as… Read More ›

• Simple 50/50 Asset Allocation Model – Proven to Withstand the Financial Crisis of 2008

  By Ivan V. Sichkar on October 7, 2012 • ( 0 )

  

  Introduction A simple 50/50 Asset Allocation Model is based on a passive two-asset class portfolio. It was built to reduce volatility of returns, decrease risk, and provide relatively stable performance in comparison to the S&P 500 Index alone. This model… Read More ›

• Smart Cash Management Can Decrease Risk and Increase Returns

  By Ivan V. Sichkar on September 30, 2012 • ( 1 )

  

  Do you know that cash savings is a good risk management tool that can improve the return of your investment portfolio? Having available cash to cover your living expenses during unforeseeable future life circumstances will help you avoid taking additional… Read More ›

• Germany’s Favorable Economic Position and Vested Interest in the Survival of the European Union

  By Ivan V. Sichkar on August 20, 2012 • ( 4 )

  

  Germany’s Favorable Economic Position and Vested Interest in the Survival of the European Union The survival of the European Union (EU) is in the best interest of Germany. Germany receives many benefits from being part of the EU: access to… Read More ›