It’s not politics that matter; it’s policy and fundamentals
We are increasingly asked how politics might impact the economy and the market, a reasonable question given growing talk of impeachment and the coming 2020 election. And while we seem to be entering – or reentering – a period of greater political uncertainty, we see…
The US continues to lead the global equity market race
When it comes to the global equity market race, well, it hasn’t been much of a race. With US equities – as measured by the S&P 500 Index (S&P 500) – up 254% over the past 10 years and 18% in 2019 vs. developed international…
Was that big market drop really so big? Why context is key.
Context is key to analyzing and understanding the economy and markets and making informed decisions that lead to successful investment outcomes. Nowhere is context more important than near-term stock market moves, particularly when it comes to the Dow Jones Industrial Average (the Dow). To that…
Don’t get down if the markets aren’t dancing in September
It’s been a positive – if somewhat bumpy – year for US equities, with the S&P 500 Index (S&P 500) up about 17% in 2019, despite pullbacks of about 7% in May and August. The robust performance of the US stock market isn’t surprising given…
The formula for happiness: Wanting what you have
a2 + b2 = c2 e = mc2 y = mx + b Odds are, your head is full of formulas of which you have only a vague recollection and no ongoing use. You needed these formulas for a season – most likely to pass…
One thing we are NOT worried about today
There are many issues that have investors concerned as we are set to say goodbye to summer, including a flat to partially inverted yield curve, deteriorating US/ China relations, and a slowdown in manufacturing activity in the US and around the world. As we previously…
It feels like Groundhog Day… Bill Murray, trade, tariffs, and the markets
In the film Groundhog Day, Bill Murray plays TV weatherman Phil Connors who, against his wishes, is sent to report on the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and, while there, relives Groundhog Day again, and again and again with an eye toward his…
Bizarro bonds – guaranteed to lose you money, and not just in a comic strip
Fans of Superman – or Seinfeld – may be familiar with Bizarro World, a cubed planet far out in space that is inhabited by imperfect duplicates of Superman, Lois Lane, and their friends. In a nutshell, on Bizarro – relative to earth – up is…