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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.

• 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 • ( 0 )

  

  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 ›