The “Fed Put”
To say that the Fed has been a major driver of markets over the past decade would be an understatement. The effects of monetary policy on stocks and bonds have been a defining characteristic of this business cycle.
June 7, 2019 Weekly Market Recap
The bulls went on a tear this week. The market had its best week in 2019, with the S&P 500 (+4.4%) and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (+4.7%) each rising over 4.0%, on expectations the Fed will cut rates to mitigate slowing growth. The Nasdaq Composite advanced 3.9%, and the Russell 2000 advanced 3.3%.
Tariffs, tariffs, and tariffs
The return of market volatility is déjà vu all over again. Recent swings in global stocks and bonds are the result of escalating trade tensions and fears of an economic slowdown. What has changed in recent weeks?
May 31, 2019 Weekly Market Recap
The S&P 500 lost 2.6% this week and 6.6% this month, registering its first monthly decline in 2019. Lingering U.S. – China trade tensions and a surprise 5% tariff rate on Mexico contributed to broad-based efforts to de-risk and seek safety in U.S. Treasuries.
May 24, 2019 Weekly Market Recap
The S&P 500 lost 1.2% this week, as trade and growth concerns sent investors fleeing from cyclical assets and seeking shelter in U.S. Treasuries and low-beta stocks.
Pathway to Wealth for Gen X and Millennials (and Gen Z)
Pathway® is a financial planning and investment program focused on early and mid-career professionals. Planning for this demographic is crucial, given working professionals experience major life events so frequently.
May 17, 2019 Weekly Market Recap
The S&P 500 lost 0.8% this week, as trade tensions escalated between the U.S. and China. The benchmark index was on pace for a relatively flat week despite the negative developments, until news on Friday that talks have stalled sent stocks lower.
Be Greedy When Others Are Fearful
It got pretty ugly on Wall Street today, with the Dow Jones dropping 617 points (-2.38%). The U.S. and China exchanged fresh threats in a trade war that many fear will continue to escalate. Only time will tell, but it’s likely a deal will be reached eventually.
What We Can Learn From This Market Recovery
Last week, the S&P 500 hit new record highs, fully recovering from last year’s market pullback. This market rebound took four months which, coincidentally, is exactly the historical average for bounce-backs after market corrections. This occurred despite the fact that the market decline nearly reached bear market levels.
April 26, 2019 Weekly Market Recap
The S&P 500 (+1.2%) and Nasdaq Composite (+1.9%) each posted solid gains this week while setting new closing highs in the process. Strength in the U.S. economy and solid earnings reports from mega-cap companies contributed to the week’s upside bias.
1st Quarter 2019 Newsletter
Below please find our 1st Quarter 2019 Newsletter. Enclosed you’ll find articles on the state of the markets, financial planning, and investing.
Concentrated Stock Can Be Hazardous To Your Wealth
First, we must ask “What do we consider a concentrated stock position?” The rule of thumb is 10% of your investable net worth. Now, rules of thumb can sometimes get us in trouble, but the risk should be looked at from a holistic prospective.
April 12, 2019 Weekly Market Recap
The S&P 500 increased 0.5% this week, as a strong earnings report from JPMorgan Chase (JPM) and a positive response to Walt Disney’s (DIS) upcoming new streaming service helped the broader market overcome weakness from the health care stocks.
Are Index Funds Distorting Prices?
Over the last several years, index funds have received increased attention from investors and the financial media. Some have even made claims that the increased usage of index funds may be distorting market prices.
April 5, 2019 Weekly Market Recap
The stock market rally carried over into the second quarter, with the S&P 500 gaining 2.1% this week, extending its winning streak to seven straight sessions and setting a new closing high for the year. Investor sentiment was boosted by positive manufacturing data, progressing U.S.-China trade talks, and a Goldilocks Employment Situation Report for March.
