The budget includes plans to spend $9.2 billion over the next five years on health care, indigenous peoples, veterans, safety and security and international measures
Russia has been battling low oil prices and political sanctions, but may be heading into more positive territory
Volatile market conditions in 2016 made it difficult for many portfolio managers to score home runs
The pharmaceutical industry is enjoying growth from new meds for aging populations, but regulations could present headwinds
Value investing also contributed to solid returns in mutual fund families
Market players assume that Trump’s policies will stimulate growth
Optimism is high that tax cuts, public spending and less regulation will prime the U.S. economy's pump. But with U.S. employment and debt already high, inflation looms. In addition, some other regions face tough challenges
Portfolio managers look for companies whose prospects are tied to growth in commodity volumes rather than in rising underlying prices. Although oil prices are unpredictable, opportunities exist in oil and gas
Uncertainties include Trump's promises to tear up trade agreements and household debt that continues to climb
Various strategies are available for building an investment portfolio that is sensitive to the environment