The US, Iran, oil, and the economy…Where do we go from here?
We have been asked often what we think of US/Iranian hostilities, including how that dynamic might develop and how it might impact the economy. Truth be told, an investment professional should be reluctant to opine on any budding global conflict since discerning the direction it…
Cue the Griswold’s…Tis the season for European Vacation
As Christmas approaches, many of us happily turn our attention to our couch and TV, taking time to watch any number of Christmas classics, including “The Year Without A Santa Claus,” “It’s A Wonderful Life” and, of course, “Christmas Vacation.” While “Christmas Vacation” is always…
Is there a bull market in feeling bad?
As 2019 draws to a close, US investors have much to celebrate: a YTD gain of 27% for the S&P 500 Index (S&P 500), its best annual showing since 2013; an economy expanding for the 10th consecutive full calendar year; inflation well anchored, with the…
Small Caps have been packing a punch, and that could be big for the market
One needn’t be a fan of Ant-Man and The Wasp to appreciate small things can pack a powerful punch. As it is with superheroes, so it is with stocks. With that convoluted opening out of the way, let’s turn our focus to small cap stocks…
“Fixer Upper” may have gone away, but housing has come back!
America’s favorite home improvement program, “Fixer Upper” starring Chip and Joanna Gaines, may have gone away, but housing has come back, and that’s a big deal for the US economy. Most folks understand housing was at the epicenter of the Great Recession, but many may…
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…
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…
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…