Blog

Hunkering Down in Turbulent Times – First Quarter 2020

“What the imagination can’t conjure, reality delivers with a shrug.” —Trumbo (movie voice-over) Brace yourself. Your First Quarter 2020 report is likely to leave you feeling at least a little disheartened. No matter how much we’ve written about preparing for perilous times like these, planning for it versus actually enduring it is like watching a...

IPOs: Profiles Are High. What About Returns? – Fourth Quarter 2019

Initial public offerings (IPOs) often attract initial public interest—especially when familiar brands become broadly available to investors for the first time. In recent months, investors have had the opportunity to buy shares of ride‑hailing networks Uber and Lyft, workplace productivity services Zoom and Slack, and other high-profile businesses ranging from Pinterest to Beyond Meat.

The Reality of Market Timing – Third Quarter 2019

Over the course of the holidays, it’s not unusual for the stock market to be a topic of conversation at parties and other social gatherings. A neighbor or relative might ask about which investments are good at the moment. The lure of getting in at the right time or avoiding the next downturn may tempt even disciplined, long-term investors. The reality of successfully timing markets, however, isn’t as straightforward as it sounds.

The Uncommon Average – Second Quarter 2019

The U.S. stock market has delivered an average annual return of around 10% since 1926. But short-term results generally vary, and in any given period stock returns can be positive, negative, or flat. When setting expectations, it’s helpful to see the range of outcomes experienced by investors historically. For example, how often have...

Blink Moments – First Quarter 2019

After a turbulent end to 2018 sent stock indices around the globe into bear-market territory, equities staged a big recovery in the first quarter of 2019. For the quarter, the S&P 500 index gained 13.65% and was within a few percentage points of its record high. The Russell 2000 small stock index gained even more...

Embracing Wisdom and Tuning Out Noise

The unpredictability of markets became evident in 2023, as The Wall Street Journal aptly reported: “Almost no one thought 2023 would be a blockbuster year for stocks. They could hardly have been more wrong.” As we step into the new year, it brings the opportunity to reflect on the intricacies of the equity markets, not…

Steadfastness: The Gift You Give

Contemplate how invaluable your steadfastness is to those you love and care for. This is the gift you give.

Navigating the Market’s Upward Climb

As we find ourselves at the midpoint of the year, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the long-term journey we’ve embarked upon together in the realm of investments. The financial landscape has unveiled its latest chapters, and I am pleased to share our insights and observations with you.

When Headlines Worry You, Bank on Investment Principles

With increasing anxiety, many investors are eyeing their portfolios for exposure to regional banks. When financial headlines cause worry, focus on your investment plan instead of rummaging through your portfolio for investments to sell.

Steady As She Goes: Charting a Path Through Uncertainty in the Investment World

The year 2022 was tumultuous for the investment world, filled with uncertainty that tested investors’ mettle. Despite these challenges, the central theme of 2022 was the ultimate heroic act of standing fast in the face of economic and inflationary uncertainty.

Bear Market Swings

The market has rebounded from its October lows. Whether the bottom is now or another 20% down, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Lessons for Weathering a Recession

Selling one’s quality equity portfolio into a bear market has historically been the best way to derail any chance for lifetime investment success and reaching your financial goals. Here are ten lessons to remember during periods of volatility that can help you stick to your well-built plan.

High Inflation and Potential Depth of a Bear Market

Leading financial headlines are inflation, recession, and the potential depth of a bear market. This article will address inflation’s impact on the chances of a recession, the correlation between recessions and stock market valuations (measured as the S&P 500 throughout the article), and market timing in the face of a recession.

Evidence-Based Investing in Brief

Evidence-based investors build and manage their portfolios based on what is expected to enhance future returns and dampen related risk exposures, according to the most robust evidence available.

Tax Planning in Turbulent Times – Part 3: Tax-Wise Financial Planning

Managing for tax-efficient investing is just one way we help families reduce their lifetime taxes. We also help integrate all of the strategies into your broad financial interests.