As we all settle into a new normal, we hope you and your loved ones are well. Isn’t that really what investing is about? It’s about storing up for the future to provide for ourselves and those we care for, or maybe a charitable cause or a personal … [Read more...]
FAQ: the Volatility of Oil
Given the recent extreme volatility of oil prices, we’ve put together a FAQ list to help you stay informed. How does oil trade? Crude oil trades in futures contracts, which means buyers are contracting to buy oil in-kind and accept delivery. … [Read more...]
Coronavirus Fears Drive Markets Lower – Assessing the Recent Market Selloff
On Monday, February 24, global equity markets sank more than three percent on renewed coronavirus (COVID-19) fears, following reports of a surge in cases in Italy, South Korea and Iran. The S&P 500 Index, which had hit a record high the week … [Read more...]
2019 Commentary: Maintaining course in uncertain times
At the end of 2018, we encouraged investors to stay disciplined and stay invested with the reminder that over time, cash is the worst performing asset class. While we weren’t specifically predicting it for 2019, cash returned to its place at the … [Read more...]
Gold: Setting the record straight
Upon rising nearly 20 percent over the past 12 months, gold prices are making headlines and sparking intrigue among investors. While investors may be tempted to associate increased equity volatility (as measured by the VIX Index) to gold’s recent … [Read more...]
Market Commentary | Third Quarter 2019
Headline-driven volatility characterized the third quarter of 2019, with bonds posting higher gains than equities1. The S&P 500 was up 1.7% for the quarter, and bonds1 were up 2.27%. Ups... The Federal Reserve cut interest rates twice … [Read more...]
Despite headlines, markets are up
Quarterly Performance Despite increasing trade tensions, geopolitical turmoil, and downward revisions to global growth forecasts, nearly all asset classes posted positive returns in the second quarter. The S&P 500 was up 4.3%, International … [Read more...]
A case for international on America’s Independence Day
Happy 4th of July! This week, as we celebrate the birth of this country and all things USA, we'd like to spend a moment focusing on other parts of the world as well. Even “America's favorite pastime" has taken to international adventures with the … [Read more...]
Recessions…misunderstood?
Over the last 70 years, the U.S. has experienced 11 recessions. Recessions have become less frequent since the Federal Reserve got ahold of inflation in the 1980s and learned to balance growth and employment with the associated inflation that comes … [Read more...]
Long-term strategy using short-term numbers
The first quarter of 2019 offered the antithesis of the last quarter of 2018. Global equities rallied, up over 12%1 in the first three months of the year, while global bonds also posted positive returns2 as interest rates fell. Sentiment is much more … [Read more...]