The Price of Financial Success
October 13, 2023

Last time out, we wrote that the stock market would soon be addressed in an upcoming commentary. There is a lot to worry about, but it has always been that way. So why invest in the volatile stock market when CDs, treasuries, deferred annuities and money markets are in the...

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Time for a Planning Check-up & Portfolio Review

The markets are as uncertain as ever. The headlines give us plenty to worry about from recession, ailing stock prices, talk of war to bond market woes and troubles in the banking sector. Let’s take one thing at a time. In this outing we will address ...

UGLY MARKETS, FROM RECESSION TO RECOVERY

When taking in the latest market headlines, it’s important to recall that there is a difference between investing and trading, and that short-term trading activity these days impacts markets more than ever before. For the great majority of us, our serious money is allocated to savings and investments, not...

Staying the Course

Inflation is roaring after years of easy credit, the pandemic’s and war in Eastern Europe’s impact on the supply chain. The Federal Reserve’s attempt to quell inflationary flare-ups by raising interest rates...

Too Soon to Dwell Only on Bleak Outcomes

The broad US stock market is in negative territory as we head into the second quarter of 2022. Measured by the S&P 500 index of large US company stocks—that’s a...

Is it Inflation’s turn to shake things up?

Federal Reserve Chairman Powell recently announced that he anticipated the return of inflation but that it would be “transitory” That sounds to us like a ten-dollar word to say...

Riding out the Market News, Good and Bad

Few of you will disagree with the observation that the stock market has more ups and downs than a roller coaster ride. Those of us in the industry call the most unnerving downdrafts by the polite term “correction”. We offer assurances about the likelihood of a higher...

A Profitable Six months for Stock Investors. All Eyes on the Fed

Above is the imposing image of our Central Banking System, the Federal Reserve Building in Washington DC. The Federal Reserve is not a branch of the US government. Strictly speaking, it is not a government entity at all. So Who Runs the Show? Chairman Jerome Powell is its titular head and spokesman. “Fed” policy is set by twelve regional reserve divisions. The twelve, in turn, are owned by various member bank shareholders. The NY Fed is regarded as the ...

A Closer Look at our Core Investment Strategy

In our last letter, we briefly commented on the variety of investment strategies that we may use to serve your objectives. We kicked that list off with our Core Strategy, commonly described...

Investment Management - Tools & Strategies

In this first installment of the series, we address Investment Management. Going back to the Great Recession in 2008 and longer, this year presents as much uncertainty as many. The dramatic recovery in stock prices from last...

The Road Ahead...

It’s traditional in the New Year to wonder what to expect in the coming months. You will listen with one ear to experts telling you how the year will likely roll out. You may consider whether it’s time to retire or go out on your own; to downsize, upsize or renovate; buy, lease or keep the clunker; and whether to finally take the doctor’s advice. You will then act on these...

4th Quarter Considerations

These days, stock market news is featured in the media about as often as weather reports, Covid 19 statistics and Presidential tweets. So, it was no surprise when the 3rd quarter performance of the S&P 500 was recently announced with fanfare on the nightly news...

Unintended Consequences

Recall the saying, “When you are up to your a.. in alligators, it’s hard to remember you came to drain the swamp”. No surprise then, at the recriminations...

A Financial Stress Test for House Bound Clients

This email briefing is primarily directed to those of our valued clients that face personal or business challenges, or for whom the continued market volatility...

How Low, How Long?

As the crisis slowly unfolds it is possible to at least postulate the answers to this question…

Navigating Another Interesting Year

Stellar 2019 market returns in the US (for stocks anyway) have helped offset the disappointing returns of 2018. The longest bull market in US history is...

While the Market takes a Breather, Taking Time to Reflect

Uncertainty is the hallmark of the markets. But whether it's talk about trade or tariffs, concerns about company earnings, traders pausing to ponder their next moves, or the summer doldrums, from time to time the market will stall or retreat.

'Investors Panic as DOW Loses 500 Points'

Headlines like this have become a weekly ritual in 2018, now that the almost straight up stock market returns of 2017 are behind us. But the headline...

Stocks and Volatility: What a Difference a Day Makes

As you look at the chart above you might wonder how a company’s stock price can go from X on Monday to half of X that Friday. Isn’t a stock’s price a reflection of the company’s value? Perhaps then, during the...