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Have Investors Been Skipping School?
Markets have continued their march higher after a strong rebound in April. However, it's not just the reduction of tension in the Middle East that has markets moving. The underlying fundamentals have improved and recession fears have...
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Equities Take A Breather, But Fundamentals Back In Focus
For the most part, equities took a breather from the recent recovery off March lows. Geopolitical headlines moved markets some, but some of the forgotten fundamentals are coming back into focus. Overall, 28% of S&P 500 companies have...
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Helpful Information
Markets continue their run off the March lows as investors start to shake off the back-and-forth of geopolitics. Some investors are left wondering why equities have risen so quickly in such a short period of time. In our view, the...
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Risk Appetite Returns, But Will It Last?
Broad indices are back in positive territory for the year, as investor sentiment turns to risk-on. Earnings season has gotten off to a good start. So far, with 10% of S&P 500 companies reporting, 88% have beaten earnings estimates and...
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Just A Little Patience
Equities are on a winning streak not seen in the last six years. Volatility has followed suit by dropping the fastest since the tariff fits of last year. As we pointed out earlier this week, investors somewhat panicked during the month...
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Markets Move Higher For 2nd Consecutive Week
Equities finished higher for the 2nd consecutive week, which is the first back-to-back week of positive returns since December of 2025. On Tuesday of last week, the U.S. and Iran agreed to a 2-week ceasefire in order to reach some sort...
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The Boys Are Back In Town
More back-and-forth in the Middle East this week, but positive movement on some kind of ceasefire resolution had equities moving off lows this week. Depending upon which asset class or sector is used, risk assets have out-paced...
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Equities Higher For First Time In Weeks
Equities rebounded and finished the week positive for the first time in 6 weeks. Considerable buying of equities by pension funds due to scheduled rebalancing helped markets move higher despite mixed messages from the White House....
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What's Up Danger?
The conflict in the Middle East rages on, despite some expectation that the U.S. was nearing an exit to the conflict. The White House, which has taken pride in being a pro-business administration, seems destined to live dangerously...
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Asset Classes Shift In Week 4 of Iran Conflict
Equities and bonds were mixed for the first time in 4 weeks as Middle East tensions rage on. Short-term bonds inched higher last week, while longer-term bonds dropped for the 4th consecutive week. Small cap, mid-cap, and international...
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Rumble Or Peace?
Investors find themselves confused by all of the rhetoric from geopolitical figures and the legacy media. However, if one follows the facts, it is easier to come to a logical conclusion about where markets may be headed. This week's...
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Middle East Conflict & Fed Keep Markets Down
Most equity sectors take another weekly loss as the conflict in the Middle East continues. While strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces continued hammering missile sites in Iran over the weekend, new revelations of some kind of ceasefire...
Read MoreBelieve It Or Not?
The daily volatility we're seeing in markets is something to behold, but it's not as bad as it has been in the past and certainly not as bad as it was during the tariff announcements last year. It's hard to know where markets are...
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Markets Struggle As Iranian Conflict Continues
Equity sectors face continued risk-off sentiment, with the exception of energy. Over the weekend, the conflict escalated further as the U.S. and Israel carried out further strikes against Iran. After market hours on Friday, the U.S....
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Iranian Conflict Wreaks Havoc On Global Equities
Global equities took it on the chin last week as the Iranian conflict continued. As oil prices have spiked, there's been somewhat of a flight to safety. Investors have moved back to dollar-denominated assets and we saw the dollar rally...
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War, What Is It Good For?
Global conflicts aren't good for anyone. It would be best if wars never happened, but that's not feasible in human culture. George Washington once famously said, "My first wish is to see this plague of mankind, war, banished from the...
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February Stays True To Form, While Geopolitical Tensions Heat Up
Concerns over AI and private credit put downward pressure on equities last week. As if that were not enough, early Saturday morning a joint U.S./Israel strike on Iran took place that has markets teeming with anxiety. I hate to be the...
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Indecision Rules Markets For Now
Markets appear to be stuck in a period of indecision as investors fret over private credit, while economic data suggest a solid foundation. At some point, investors will have to get on the bus along with other investors who are pushing...
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Weekly Gain For Equities Despite Tariff Ruling
After 3 weeks of declines, equities stabilized somewhat and saw some gains. Technology stocks, which are down approximately 2% for the year, and the Mag 7 specifically, which are down 6% year-to-date, have pulled the S&P 500 Index down...
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A Tale Of Two Markets
While tech investors are wringing their hands this week, traditional investors in boring sectors are cheering. It's a tale of two different markets with certain asset classes that had previously been abandoned now shining, while growth...
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Tech Rout Continues Amid February Seasonality
Equities markets suffered more losses, but rallied on Friday for the 2nd consecutive week. Last week the rout in tech stocks continued as hedge funds, institutional funds, and algorithmic traders worked out of extended positions and...
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Superstitious Investing Doesn't Pay
Investors sometimes employ superstition when it comes to making financial decisions instead of basing those decisions on fundamentals. So goes the markets. Why? Because markets are made up of human beings (investors) who are at times...
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More Volatility, But Perhaps A Rebound On The Horizon
After suffering from the metals rout, equities bounced back in a big way late last week. Looking back over the past 20 years, February is one of the worst months of the year and has only a 50:50 probability of ending the month positive...
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Replay of 2025?
Are markets carrying out a replay of 2025? February is typically a precarious month for the markets, but early weakness in technology stocks is driving the S&P 500 Index lower, but much of the market is holding up well. Should...
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Metals Market Pushes Equities Around
Equity markets were affected by a dislocation in the metals markets last week. On top of that there were concerns over a government shutdown, a new Federal Reserve Chairman, and a declining US dollar. On Friday, several key metals saw...
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The Sum of All Fears
Markets started the week in fairly benign trading fashion until word began to leak of the President's new Fed Chair selection. Now, all of a sudden, investors have to digest this new information along with a potential government...
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Equities Take A Breather As Volatility Returns
Equity markets pulled back last week, but certain sectors out-performed last year’s leaders. Despite the pullback, we're seeing a broadening of the equity markets. Currently, at least 8 sectors of the S&P 500 Index are trading above...
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Sometimes Investors Need To Go Back To School
Things got a little choppy this week, reminding investors that volatility is always lurking to rear its ugly head. However, investors should also remember that volatility is a regular part of investing and not something to necessarily...
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Improved Breadth May Point To Diverse Market Leadership
Equity sectors were mixed last week, with Tech stocks under-performing for the 2nd consecutive week. Over the past couple of weeks we have seen breadth improve to levels not seen since 2024. The number of S&P 500 stocks making new...
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You Can't Always Get What You Want
Sometimes investors are their own worst enemies. Just when things are going well, they seem to wish for calamity. Stocks are up to start the year, inflation is under control, and unemployment is steady. That doesn't seem to be enough...
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Signals and Fundamentals May Shape 2026
Nearly all equity sectors out-performed Technology stocks for the first time in several years. On Thursday of last week, all equity sectors were in the green for the day, with the exception of Technology. That doesn't happen very often...
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Should Tech Stocks Be Thrown Overboard?
It's a new year and we've already seen a shift in market leaders. Does that mean we should wholesale turn over existing portfolios? We think the answer to that question is - yes and no. Markets naturally shift exposure when themes age...
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Santa Doesn't Visit Wall Street
Equities started off the week lower, but bounced back on the first trading day of 2026. The official "Santa Rally" period is from December 24th to January 2nd. The S&P 500 Index return over that period was -0.7%. Much of that had to do...
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Risk Fades Over Holiday
Every equity sector was higher last week, heading into the final week of trading for 2025. Volatility dropped last week to the lowest point of the year. Investors are in a risk-on mood following the positive economic data dump last...
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Equities Mixed Among Flood of Economic Data
Equity sectors were mixed last week as AI scares gave way to a better-than-expected inflation report. While the inflation report was a welcomed diversion from the Oracle/Blue Owls mess, we would caution that the number is likely to get...
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It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year?
Depending upon which investor type you encounter, it's either the most wonderful time of the year or it's the worst. Some investors are nervous about AI, the job market, and inflation, while others are working against deadlines to take...
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AI Spoils Fed Gift
Equities finished the week lower after AI-linked names Oracle and Broadcom issued warnings over data centers and profit margins. The Fed likely delivered a Christmas ree present to the markets. There's now some breathing room for...
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There's Always Tomorrow
As we enter the final few weeks of the year, it's a good time to look back on how markets may have surprised some investors and what we might expect from 2026. ree Just buying the S&P 500 Index, albeit in an ETF form, wasn't...
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Equities Inched Higher As The Fed Waiting Game Begins
Equities ticked slightly higher as investors await the final Fed meeting of 2025. Markets have been trading in-line with futures on the next Fed interest rate decision. Prior to November, futures on a December rate cut had hovered...
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Pennies From Heaven
In the year of our lord, 2025, investing hasn't always been easy or fun, but despite some of the volatility, equities are higher and on pace for third consecutive calendar year ree double-digit return. This week, we turn our attention...
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Market Breadth Improves, November Finishes Positive
Market breadth improved for the first time in 4 weeks as equities marched higher last week. Despite a 4% drop during the month of November, equities finished the month strong, helping November end with a positive return. Last week was...
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Fed Pushes Markets Around
Fed rate cut doubts push markets lower in spite of solid economic fundamentals. Markets dropped more than 1% on Thursday of last week as the probability of a December rate cut fell to 39%. On Friday, the probability increased to 71% on...
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Polarized Sentiment
Investor sentiment has become polarized this week as the Fed provided little insight into a potential rate cut next month and concerns over AI valuations continue to mount. ree Could we be reaching an inflection point in this bull...
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The Fed, AI, and the Labor Market Cause Worry
Labor market concerns, doubts over a December Fed rate cut, and AI valuations had investors skittish last week. First, the odds of a December rate cut have quickly faded after three different Fed governors came out last week and said...
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Secrets and Clues
Investors are looking for clues on where the market is headed next. Due to the government shutdown, some data may not be seen for a while, if ever. How can ree investors unlock the secrets of the market? The inspiration for this week's...
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Valuations and the Shutdown Weigh on Markets
Tech stock valuations and the lengthy government shutdown weighed on markets last week. Uncertainty permeated investors last week as there was no end in sight to the government shutdown - now the longest shutdown in history. Airline...
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What Do We Trust?
The contradictory data that has been released during the government shutdown has made it difficult for investors to find a conviction moving forward. One wonders which data set to trust. The inspiration for this week's musings is the...
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Chance of Government Re-opening?
Momentum stocks inched higher, while most equity sectors lagged last week. As widely expected, the Fed lowered interest rates by 25 basis points at the FOMC meeting last week. However, despite the fact that the Fed's own Dot-Plot...
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Freedom vs. Discipline
October has lived up to its hype as a volatile month and has tested the mettle of the average investor this year. The Fed has delivered on another rate cut, but the prospect of a third cut was left to interpretation. Months like this...
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All Eyes On The Fed
Markets moved higher for the 2nd consecutive week. Corporate earnings for the 3rd quarter continue to out-perform. Of the 29% of S&P 500 companies that have reported thus far, 87% have reported earnings above estimates and 83% reported...
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Expectation vs. Reality
This year has provided a strong contrast between what investors and consumers expected to happen and what actually occurred. Surveys are not always the best ree comparison to hard economic data. The inspiration for this week's musings...
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Never A Dull October
Equities finished higher for the week, despite concerns over valuations and regional banks. October is known for its volatility, and this year hasn't disappointed so far. Equities pulled back 1.5% in the first couple of weeks of this...
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October Is A Thriller
Markets are not disappointing investors who are seeking a thrill. October is usually one of the more volatile months of the year, and so far, the first part of the month is following through on that tradition. The inspiration for this...
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Tariffs, Volatility, and Shutdowns
The market experienced a volatility shock on Friday after the White House threatened tariffs on China. China recently announced "export controls" on rare earth minerals that was classified by the White House as a borderline embargo. As...
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Like It's 1999?
So much is being made of the comparisons between the current market environment and that of the late '90s. But are the comparisons fair? We'll dive into the correlations ree in this week's Market Musings. The inspiration for this...
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Volatility and Equity Prices Rise Together
Volatility and prices rise together, as markets shrug off government shutdown. Second quarter GDP was revised much higher and 3rd quarter GDP, according to the Atlanta Fed is expected to be +3.8%. On average, the return for the 4th...
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More Than A Feeling
Market valuations are high and comparisons continue to be made between today's market and that of the 2000s. How far can equities continue to run? The answer lies in relying on data rather than just a feeling. This week's inspiration...
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Solid Economic Data Gives Way To Interest Rate Concerns
Despite positive economic news, markets fret over future rate cuts last week. A strong consumer once again showed up in the data as 2nd quarter GDP was revised higher. Originally, 2nd quarter GDP came in at +3.0%. Last month, the 1st...
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The Heat Is On
This week has seemed as though there's pressure on the Fed to follow-through on rates, pressure on the market to continue to out-perform, and pressure on the economy to continue growing. This week's inspiration for the musings is the...
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The Fed Delivers
Investors pushed equities higher as the Fed delivered on a rate cut. As expected, the Federal Reserve cut the Fed Funds Rate by 25 basis points last week. The latest Dot-plot for the rest of 2025 shows rates ending at 3.75%, which...
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These Dreams?
This week was all about the FOMC meeting and not so much the rate decision, but what the next couple of meetings hold in store for investors. Did the market get what it wanted? This week's inspiration for the musings is the 1985 song,...
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Jobs Revision & Inflation Foreshadow Fed Meeting
Equities moved higher last week as a Fed rate cut looks more and more a certainty. September revisions to payrolls last week was eye-opening to say the least. More than 900,000 jobs were removed from the payroll data in the largest...
Read MoreSaved By The Revision?
This week was supposed to be all about the inflation data, but the payrolls revision was just as revealing about the state of the economy. The data saved dovish investors who now expect a rate cut by the Fed next week. This week's...
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Markets Seem Dependent On Rates
Friday's Jobs Report seemed to all but guarantee a rate cut later this month by the Fed - at least in the minds of investors. The market was expecting 75,000 jobs created in August, but only 22,000 were reported. The Unemployment Rate...
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All About Rates
This week has been a relatively calm week, until we got to Friday morning. It should not be a surprise that it's all about interest rates at this point. Today's jobs numbers, at least in the minds of investors, all but sealed a rate...
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Slowdown Ahead For Markets?
Profit-taking and some earnings news from overseas caused equities to pullback on Friday, in what would have been a positive week for the market. Despite all of the drama at the Fed, futures for the September meeting of the FOMC...
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Markets Keep Rollin'
The resiliency of markets in 2025 has been something to behold. Tariffs, Fed Policy, Corporate Earnings - nothing seems to slow equities from rolling along. At some point, markets will hit a wall, Until then, investors should enjoy the...
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Markets Take Powell Comments As Dovish
Markets shifted after slightly dovish comments by Fed Chairman Powell at Friday’s Jackson Hole Symposium speech. The odds of a September rate cut by the Fed dropped last week as several Fed speakers made hawkish comments. Just one week...
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Market/Fed Logic Take Quantum Leap
Shifts in the market this week have followed mixed messages from the Fed. The twists and turns have, at times, felt like quantum leaps from economic fundamentals and even ree reality. This week's inspiration for the musings is the 1989...
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Inflation Numbers Keep Rate Cuts In Play
Equities moved higher last week as inflation data did nothing to curtail expected rate cuts next month. The Consumer Price Index for July came in as expected month-over-month (+0.2%), but was lower than expected on a year-over-year...
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Man In The Mirror
The Fed may be forced to look in the mirror after this week's economic reports revealed that tariffs really haven't had much affect on inflation. Investors should take some time for self-reflection, as well, as this market won't be...
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Prospects of Rate Cuts Push Equities Higher
Equities moved higher last week at the prospect of rate cuts next month. Futures for the Fed Funds Rate moved in favor of 3 rate cuts at the next 4 FOMC meetings. On top of that, Fed governor Kugler announced an early exit from the...
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Going Against The Grain
The calls for recession seem to be growing louder, while the data still doesn't support an imminent decline in economic activity. Sometimes you have to look for the data in unconventional locations In a rare occurence on the Market...
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Jobs Data Spooks Markets
Equity markets were on track last week for a 3rd consecutive weekly gain until Friday's Job's Report. While the July report was much lower than expected (+73,000 jobs vs. +106,000), the larger concern was the revision to June's number....
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Expect The Unexpected
Things have not occurred as expected this year in either the markets or the economy. Tariffs were expected to push the economy into recession and the Fed was expected to continue cutting interest rates. But alas, life does not always...
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Trade Deals Calm Markets
Announced trade deals and corporate earnings helped push markets higher last week. We are about a third of the way through 2nd quarter earnings season, and at least 80% of S&P 500 companies and beating earnings estimates. This is above...
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Carefree Season?
The Dog Days of Summer typically brings with it the last carefree days of the season before schools starts back and parents write checks for tuition (yes - that's a Gen X reference to something people hardly do anymore - write checks)....
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Tariffs Not Affecting Inflation?
Equities were mixed as inflation reports confounded market pundits last week. While CPI did rise in June, it wasn't due to tariffs. The key areas affected by higher tariffs - Apparel, Motor Vehicle Parts & Maintenance, and New Vehicles...
Read MoreSuperstition In Markets?
Inflation is disappointing those in the anti-tariff crowd. Consumer behavior is also confounding the situation as spending appears to be above expectations. At this point, it's almost as if the market pundits are a little superstitious...
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Markets React To More Tariff News
Equities and fixed income drifted lower last week as tariff concerns resurfaced. The White House announced new tariffs last week that would go into effect August 1st if trade deals with Japan, South Korea, Canada, & Brazil are not...
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Resilient Markets
Equity markets have proven resilient this year - one might even say "incredible." Tariffs, labor market, and even media hysteria have not been able to derail the general bullish trend in 2025. The inspiration for this week’s musings is...
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Equities Rise In Spite Of Conflicting Labor Data
Equity returns came from unexpected areas last week as the labor market sent conflicting information to investors. Small cap stocks and "value" stocks were the better performers last week. Meanwhile, "growth" and momentum stocks took a...
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Proud Investors In American Markets
There is a lot to be thankful for when it comes to the July 4th holiday - freedom, opportunity, and prosperity. No nation is perfect, but as Americans we can generally say we have much to celebrate this July 4th. The inspiration for...
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Equities Rise With Hopes Of Lower Rates
Nearly all equity sectors were positive last week as geopolitical concerns eased. Futures for September Fed Funds Rate have risen to a 73% probability of a rate cut by the end of the 3rd quarter. There appears to be dissention in the...
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Growing Pains For Investors
As investors, we have to go through multiple market cycles before we learn how to invest without passion and without prejudice. Much like going through adolescence, investors often have to learn some painful lessons as they mature into...
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Geopolitics & The Fed Push Equities Lower
A confusing message from the Fed and geopolitical concerns caused equities to slump last week. Fed Chairman Powell stated last week, "We expect a meaningful amount of inflation in the coming months," as the Fed left rates unchanged....
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Non-tariff Inflation Transitory?
Oh, the yarns spun by the Fed - they never get tiresome, or do they? Investors have to stay on their toes when it comes to Fed speak, geopolitical events, and the like. What is an investor to do? This week's inspiration for the musings...
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Positive Jobs Data Propels Equities Higher
Jobs affected markets more than tariffs, as equities marched higher last week. Investors who listened primarily to financial media were disappointed last month. There were 21 primary headlines that moved markets during May. If we...
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What We Believe?
What we believe has profound effect on how we act and, most notably, how we invest. The power of media can play on our beliefs and shift our investing focus, often times, in the wrong direction. This week's inspiration for the musings...
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Positive Economic Data Over-shadowed By Tariffs
Tariffs news consumed investors' attention last week, while economic data quietly came in better than expected. The Fed's preferred measure of inflation showed little movement month-over-month and declined for the 2nd consecutive month...
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Market Blues Justified?
Investors seem to have a knack for creating things to worry about when it comes to the markets. But, are the latest "worries" reason to be concerned with regard to future returns? We're not convinced they are valid reasons for concern....
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Tariffs and Treasuries Moved Markets Last Week
More tariff news and a weaker than expected bond auction affected markets last week. The White House announced higher tariffs on the EU last week due to "difficult" negotiations. However, over the weekend, the administration announced...
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Taken For A Ride
As investors, sometimes it feels like we're being taken for a ride by market commentators and officials. Emotions play a large part of that, as well, which means investors need tools to learn to govern their passions. This week's...
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Equity Rally Broadened Last Week, But Rating Downgrade Could Suspend The Rally
Positive trade negotiations with China and lower than expected inflation data helped lift all boats in the market last week. Much of the progress made by equities since the April 7th low may face some headwinds since the Moody’s rating...
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Fantasies Unraveled
A couple of trade deals, accompanied by an equity rally, and all of a sudden the recessionistas go running for the hills. It's almost as if we're reliving the exploits of primetime TV in the 1980s. I like to incorporate pop culture...
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Fed Pours Cold Water On Rally, But New Trade Deals Offer Support
Equities took a bit of a breather last week as the Fed poured a little cold water on the recent rally. The Fed kept rates unchanged at the conclusion of last week's meeting. However, their official statement noted "risks of higher...
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The Waiting Game
Markets have risen more than 34% off the April lows as breadth has continued to improve. But now, investors play the waiting game - when will the Fed begin to cut interest rates and when will trade deals get announced. This week's...
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Breadth Improves While Trade Negotiations Thaw
More positive news on tariffs and a strong jobs report helped fuel equities last week. Tariffs and inflation remain at opposite ends of the spectrum for now. The PCE Price Index, the preferred measure of inflation by the Fed, declined...
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Active Imaginations
Sometimes investors have active imaginations or they just try to will their ideas into the market. A data-driven approach helps keep investors objective when making decisions. This week's musings is inspired by the 1971 hit, "Just My...
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Tariff Language Eases, Helping Breadth To Improve
Softening of tariff news and increased breadth helped equities rally last week. So far, 36% of S&P 500 companies have reported first quarter earnings and 73% reported earnings above estimates, while 64% have reported revenue above...
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Are Markets In For A Change?
Markets appear to have bounced back with some softening of tariff news. Breadth in equities has improved leading us to believe there is change in the air. This week's musings is inspired by the 1979 song, "Cool Change" by the Little...
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Markets Mixed As Tariff War Continues
Equities were mixed last week as the Fed offered little guidance and tariff news was light. Financial media continue to try to create confusion as they did in 2018. Words like "havoc" and "chaos" were used by media then, as they are...
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Should Investors Carry On?
We've had about 30 days of higher-than-average volatility in 2025...so, let's just throw in the towel and go to cash. Just kidding. However, that's what the mainstream media would tell you to do with your investment portfolio. Thank...
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Markets Ease On Tariff News
More news about potential pauses in tariffs, along with highly-leveraged institutional funds de-risking, seems to have calmed markets for the moment. Despite the volatile week with markets suffering intra-day declines of up to 3% and...
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It's All About Good Will?
After a few days of rough trading, it turns out all investors wanted was some good will from the President. But, was it really just all about tariffs? We're not so sure. This week's musings is inspired by the 1997 surprise hit movie,...
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Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets
When the market drops, some investors lose the perspective that downtrends and uptrends are part of the investing cycle. When stock prices break lower, it's a good time to review common terms that are used to describe the market's...
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Market Liquidity In Question
Tariffs announced by the White House last week sparked what may turn out to be a worldwide liquidity event. Increased tariffs, something President Trump campaigned on and has been promoting since the inauguration, were announced on...
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Tariffs & Fear
Markets unraveled this week after the release of reciprocal tariffs. Was the response justified or perhaps the opportunistic behavior of institutional investors? This week's musings is inspired by the 1994 surprise hit movie, "Dumb &...
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Retirement Questions That Have Nothing to Do With Money
Preparing for retirement is not entirely financial. Your degree of happiness in your "second act" may depend on some factors that don't come with an obvious price tag. Here are some non-monetary factors to consider as you prepare for...
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Investors In Adjustment Mode
Markets reeled last week from perceived "hot" inflation data and continued stress over tariffs. Since the peak of Mag 7 stocks in December of last year, the euphoric high among equity investors has faded, and that's probably a good...
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Investors Still Detoxing
Are markets melting down over tariffs or are investors just having trouble adjusting to a world where 7-10 stocks don't go up every week? We can argue it's the latter - and we will, but typical economic and market patterns suggest this...
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Dovish Fed & Tame Tariff Talk Ease Markets
Most equity sectors were positive last week as the market seemed to like what it heard from the Fed. Volatility declined last week as the Fed provided some dovish language and fears over tariffs subsided. VIX futures going out to May...
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Investors Seem To Be In The Dark
Tariffs have not only confused investors, but now the Fed seems to be puzzled. It's not like we have anything to go by from past experience - or do we? This week's musings is inspired by the 1984 hit song, "Dancing In The Dark." Here’s...
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Catch-up Contributions
A recent survey found that 21% of workers are very confident about having enough money to live comfortably through their retirement years. At the same time, 32% are not confident.
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Are Recession Fears Misplaced?
Markets continue to trade on tariff news, but markets stopped making new lows last week. On March 4th, new lows on the New York Stock Exchange hit a 2-year high. Last week, new lows receded to a level not seen in over a month. So much...
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Market Moves Erratic Of Late
Whether its news about tariffs or the latest economic release, markets seem to be jittery with each passing headline.
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February Follows Seasonality & March Could As Well
Equities rallied on Friday, but gave up ground for the week as a whole. As we've already pointed out, February is one of the weakest months of the year for returns. In a post-election year, the first quarter of the year following an...
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Quod Erat Demonstrandum
Some investors are looking for the falling sky, while other investors are passionately buying.
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Volatility Reminds Investors That It's Still Around
For the past few weeks, markets had been following a pattern of volatility - small spikes on Monday with easing throughout the week to settle lower by Friday.
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Expected, Or Unexpected
Is recent market activity to be expected or unexpected? It probably depends upon your point of view. That theme is why we were inspired by the 1988 movie, "Rain Man." Unexpected dialogue and unexpected adventures lead to an expected...
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How to Appeal Your Property Taxes
Between 30 percent and 60 percent of taxable property has an inflated assessment, which may lead to higher property tax bills.
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Inflation Doesn't Seem To Faze Stocks
Inflation data surprised, but markets forged ahead.
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Investing Is A Marathon
Sometimes, sage wisdom comes not in the form of new ideas, but the phrasing of existing ideas.
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New Retirement Contribution Limits for 2025
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released new limits for certain retirement accounts for the coming year. Keep in mind that this update is for informational purposes only, so please consult with an accounting or tax professional...
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Is Mag 7 Showing Signs of Weakness?
Jobs disappointed last week and Mag 7 pulled back.
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Best Day, Worst Day
Depending upon your point of view, markets have either disappointed you lately or performed as expected. Life is unpredictable and so are markets.
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AI and The Fed Last Week, Tariffs This Week
The Fed is in pause mode and AI found a disruptor. The introduction of DeepSeek the previous week caused over-valued tech stocks to pull back. DeepSeek was advertised as cheaper than existing AI engines and more effective. The early...
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Disruptions Among High Valuations
Once in a while, a disruptor comes along and changes the way people think or the way things are normally done.
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Navigating Retirement Pitfalls
Much is written about the classic financial mistakes that plague start-ups, family businesses, corporations, and charities. Some classic financial missteps have been known to plague retirees, too.
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Corporate Earnings Provide Base For Higher Equities
Solid earnings help push equities higher last week....
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Valuations Have Consequences
Amazingly, valuations and concentrations continue to grow. While investors are benefitting today, there are always consequences down the road. That serves as the inspiration for this week's musings, the 1987 movie, "The Princess Bride...
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Markets Respond To Dovish Fed
Better than expected inflation numbers last week and dovish comments from Fed speakers pushed markets higher. Despite the monthly PPI & CPI numbers coming in as expected or slightly lower than expected, year-over-year the numbers moved...
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Fundamentals Or Emotion?
Sometimes in life you just have to laugh.
Read MoreEquities Shift Focus While Marching Higher
While equities moved higher in a holiday-shortened week, not all sectors were equal as cyclicals gave way to defensives. Even with the shift in equity sectors that out-performed last week, equity valuations are pushing into the...
Read MoreEquities Move Higher, But Valuations Concern
Equities resume run higher, despite stretched valuations. A record $448 billion has flowed into US equities year-to-date, marking the highest amount in over two decades. Investors, most especially retail investors, are piling into...
Read MoreAll Things Are Not Equal
Valuations, indicators, and history would suggest that all things are not equal in the market and in the economy. That's the impetus for this week's musings, which just happens to be one of my favorite movies and favorite lead actors....
Read MoreWhat to Do if You Are the Victim of a Cybersecurity Breach
In today's digitally connected world, cybersecurity breaches are an ever-present threat. Whether you're an individual, a small business owner, or part of a large corporation, the impact of a breach can be devastating. Knowing what to...
Read MoreElection Shine Fading?
Equities and bonds dropped last week as inflation moved higher and uncertainty about tariffs, et. al. hit markets. Small Cap stocks and Healthcare took it on the chin over the possibility of regulations in the food and drug industry...
Read MoreNever Say Never
They say it only takes one generation to pass before history is forgotten...or, something like that. The reality is that investors should be students of history before they are students of charts. As I write this week's musings, I...
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