10 Reasons to be Cheerful – Second Quarter 2016
Do you ever listen to the news and find yourself thinking that the world has gone to the dogs? The roll call of depressing headlines seems endless. But look beyond what the media calls news, and there are also a lot of things going right. It’s true the world faces challenges in many areas...
Climbing a Wall of Worry – First Quarter 2016
First Quarter 2016 proved to be a volatile one for investors. Before suddenly rallying in mid-February, stocks got off to their worst start ever to begin the New Year. From peak to trough (high to low), large U.S. stocks, as measured by the S&P 500 index, fell more than 10%…
Markets Have Rewarded Discipline – Fourth Quarter 2015
A disciplined investor looks beyond the concerns of today to the long-term growth potential of markets. The chart below shows how $1 invested in 1926 in various asset classes has grown through 2014. The top line shows that $1 invested in small cap U.S. stocks in 1926 would have grown to...
”It’s always something. And then it’s nothing.” – Third Quarter 2015
Stocks saw their first true panic selling in Third Quarter 2015 since the U.S. default crisis of 2011. In a particularly volatile week in mid-August, the Dow fell nearly 2,000 points in just five trading sessions. The VIX index, which measures the level of fear in the stock market, spiked into the mid-50 range, a level last seen during the 2008-09 financial crisis...
The All-Weather, All-Road Portfolio – Second Quarter 2015
Owners of all-purpose motor vehicles often appreciate their cars most when they leave smooth city freeways for rough gravel country roads. In investment, highly diversified portfolios can provide similar reassurance. In blue skies and open highways, flimsy city sedans might cruise along just as well as sturdier sports utility vehicles...
MasterChef of Investing – First Quarter 2015
In the popular TV program MasterChef, contestants face a series of cooking challenges. From low quality ingredients to inadequate preparation to poor implementation, so many things can, and do, go wrong. It’s a bit like investing. In the world of investment, there customarily are two broad approaches...
“The first rule of compounding is to never interrupt it unnecessarily.”
—Charles T. Munger
As we navigate a world of shifting dynamics, it’s wise to stay grounded in the fundamentals.
I am pleased to update you on our progress in the first half of 2024. Before examining the current market landscape, it is worth reflecting on what our disciplined approach has delivered so far.
While strong market performance is encouraging, it can also trigger a less favorable response within the investment community. On the opposite end of the spectrum from selling during market downturns, some restless investors might be tempted to chase after speculative trends, no matter how closely they resemble past “Fear of Missing Out” (FOMO) frenzies.
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…
Contemplate how invaluable your steadfastness is to those you love and care for. This is the gift you give.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.