The Post-Election World
March 2025 - The fourth quarter of 2024 was particularly volatile in both equites and fixed income markets. U.S. equities finished a strong year, with the S&P closing above 6,000 for the first time in early December. The S&P index was up 23% for the year and the Nasdaq 100 was up 28%. But as the quarter ended, bond yields were rising, and equity markets were under pressure.
Volatility Ahead
August 2024 - The U.S. economy has been a juggernaut since the pandemic ended, and while it’s still expanding, it’s beginning to show signs of stress. The highest levels of inflation in over 40 years, coupled with the highest interest rates in over 20 years, have dampened consumer spending, business investment and service provider activities alike.
Rally or Reckoning?
April 2024 - The first quarter of 2024 was a strong start to the year, following the strong fourth quarter of 2023. The tech stock rally of 2023 fueled by AI broadened to include many sectors that directly or indirectly benefit from the new AI economy.
Exceeding Market Objectives
We hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday weekend. We truly have a lot to be thankful for, and it becomes more evident each time we pause to look around us to see how so much of the world lives compared to the standard of living in the U.S.
Inverted Yield Curve
July 2023 - Despite expectations, the global economy has managed to avoid a recession recently due in part to consumer resiliency, increased travel, and China's economic reopening after pandemic-related lockdowns.
Debt Ceiling Drama
June 2023 - Did you hear that? It was the “big sigh of relief” across America that we won’t default on our national debt and the country won’t be plunged into political and economic chaos. Really? Was the “crisis” we just avoided real, or was it just another political episode in our Washington soap opera?
Slowing Inflation
March 2023 - The market moving headlines of late have been record inflation, Federal Reserve rate hikes and failures within parts of our banking system. Continued market volatility should be expected in the near and midterm.
No Clear Direction for US Stock Market
January 2023 - This year started off with the lingering pain of 2022’s interest rate increase binge. In 2022 the FED raised interest rates more in less time than any time in our history.