Insights

S&P 500 fell 4.4% in 2018 amid volatility; 2019 outlook cautious but optimistic with a 5%-10% gain expected amid trade uncertainty.

S&P 500 fell 8% after strong gains; concerns over Fed hikes, slowing sectors, and trade issues may lead to a temporary pullback.

S&P 500 rose 7.71% in Q3, led by growth stocks, but disparity vs. value stocks raises concerns. We're focusing on balanced investments.

H1 2018 saw volatility in stocks, with the Dow down 12% but ending slightly lower. Mixed signals persist amid strong economic growth.

Q1 2018 showed S&P 500 volatility, closing near year-end levels. Tech stocks led growth, and rising rates may boost fixed income returns.

This is the time of year for predictions. Staying invested is key, as missing the best days significantly impacts returns.

2017: S&P 500 soared 21.8% with record-low volatility. Markets thrived on low rates and strong earnings growth.

2017 saw strong gains: U.S. equities rose 21.8%, international 25%, with low volatility despite global issues. Strong earnings led the way.

As we turn our focus to 2018, we remain focused on the most important factors influencing U.S. equities - employment and earnings.

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness..." Charles Dickens

It appears likely that the new Tax Plan will be passed into law, you might be interested in a brief note as to some of its implications.

The big story in the economy and the financial markets this past quarter was that there was no big story.

More of the Same. The political, international and economic trends that have been in place, continue unabated. We have seen:

During the first quarter of this year, stocks continued their upward march, to the surprise of many investors.

Never in the past 40 have I experienced a time when the political climate so dominated the investment discourse.

Once again the equity markets surprised investors, with the Standard and Poor’s 500 Stock Index rising 11.96% for the calendar year 2016.