Elections, Markets and Your Financial Plan
As we inch our way toward Election Day 2020, we are receiving a natural increase in questions about the impact this will have on markets and portfolios. First and foremost, no matter what the polls and forecasts are saying in advance, we never know the outcome of an election until the votes are counted (as […]
The Disconnect Between Markets and the Economy
On the heels of global markets rebounding sharply in the month of April, there is a growing sentiment in the financial media that markets are not accurately reflecting the reality we are all living through. As Covid continues to spread and alter our way of life, both the human and economic toll continues to mount. […]
New “Ask Buckingham” Video Series on Current State of Markets
Our back office partner, Buckingham (better known to you as BAM), recently launched a video series called “Ask Buckingham” to address common questions and concerns about the state of financial markets. Through conversations with members of the Buckingham Investment Policy Committee and research team, this series seeks to give some perspective on the current state […]
Life Under Covid-19: Social Distancing, e-Learning, Fear, Opportunity(?) & Hope
It goes without saying that we are all trying to get used to a new reality. For those of us in the working world, it is a regular occurrence these days to have conference calls interrupted by children and dogs barking in the background. This is now more of an expectation than an annoyance. For […]
Oil Wars, Covid-19 and Markets…continued
As the coronavirus “Covid-19” makes its way around the globe, people are scrambling to wrap their arms around the latest epidemic and what it means. Thus far, it has reached 109 countries and appears to be headed for more. The overwhelming majority of cases to date have taken place in China, the country of origin, […]
Stuck in Neutral
Often as investors, we are forced to endure prolonged periods where it feels like our investments are stuck in neutral. These stretches of time can test our patience and resolve every bit as much as when markets are plummeting. The natural instinct is to believe that something must be broken, so we are tempted to […]
The Toll of New Trade Tensions and Your Portfolio
It was hard to miss the headlines about escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China last week—and hard not to notice the up-and-down market activity that went along with it. But what, if any, long-term impact does trade policy have on the economy and, by extension, our portfolios? The commentary below comes from our […]
The Fed, Government Shutdowns & the Winter Solstice
The end of this week marks the winter solstice. There is not a lot about that specific day to be excited about. On one hand, it is the darkest and shortest day of the year. On the other, it is the middle of winter, so it’s cold! As an added kicker, this year we even […]
October Market Volatility
As you arise this morning, you likely know already that the global stock market fell very sharply yesterday. It was the worst day for markets since this past February. The selloff continued overnight in foreign markets, pushing them downward toward their 20-month lows. Predictably, the news media has a wide variety of things to blame […]
Musings on Trade Wars
(Edited from commentary by Larry Swedroe, Director of Research for The BAM Alliance) For some time now, investors have been very concerned about the potential for a global trade war – a war in which there are not any real winners. That, of course, worries investors, especially those who were taught that the Smoot Hawley […]