Market Commentary – July 2017
Stock Markets The chart at right shows stocks performing well in the past quarter and six-month periods. Year to date, domestic large-cap stocks were up about 9% while small-cap stocks were up 5%. Stocks traded in international developed markets and emerging markets were up 14% and about 19%, respectively. Over three, five and ten years, […]
Why Perspective Matters
I often say that one of our primary roles as an advisor is to provide context and perspective for clients, allowing us to collaboratively make better decisions. Behavioral economists have identified narrow framing as the tendency for investors to make decisions without considering the big picture or long-term effect on their portfolio. This behavior can […]
History of the Fee-Only Advisor Movement
I recently returned from a fee-only advisor industry conference. In addition to educational opportunities, it was a rewarding experience to spend time with other like-minded professionals. Rockbridge advisors have been attending these conferences for almost 10 years, so I thought it would be interesting to share a bit of the history behind the fee-only movement. More […]
Do You Suffer from “Narrow Framing”?
Oftentimes, many investors get caught up in short-term results rather than looking at the big picture. This is known to behavioral economists as “narrow framing,” or “a tendency to see investments without considering the context of the overall portfolio.” Unfortunately, this idea can lead to many missed opportunities for investors. Narrow framing can cause investors to either […]
Avoiding Financial Scams and Identity Theft Slams
Young or old, wealthy or poor, online or in person … Nobody is immune from financial scams and identity theft slams. No matter who you are or how well-informed you may be, the bad guys are out there, daily devising new tricks for every fraud we fix. Who Are They? Fraudsters and Thieves Financial fraudsters […]
Market Timing – A Losing Game
The stock market crash of 2008-2009 is a very recent memory for many investors who still bear the scars from the experience. At Rockbridge, we also have prospective clients who walk into our offices saying that they haven’t recovered yet from the financial pain their portfolio endured over those several months. Why? It’s usually a […]
Unique Planning Opportunities with TIAA Traditional
Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association, better known as TIAA was founded almost 100 years ago (1918). TIAA provides retirement plan solutions for a majority of the higher education institutions in the United States. One type of investment, called the TIAA Traditional Annuity, is a unique fixed income investment option that is available in TIAA 403(b) […]
Market Commentary – January 2017
Stock Markets While markets were down early in the quarter, most, but not all, have bounced back since the Election with small company stocks and value stocks leading the way. Stocks traded in international markets and emerging markets have not fared as well in this period, reflecting a strengthening of the dollar. This means a […]
Interest Rates Are On The Rise – What Should I Do About Bonds Now?
There is much talk and concern about increasing interest rates, which will not be good for bond performance. Below are responses to some of the specific questions we have received from clients. Q: Why have interest rates increased since the election? A: Many of the ideas put forth by President-elect Trump are perceived to be […]
What’s Happening At Rockbridge
In 2016, Rockbridge welcomed 145 new families to our community of clients. We ended the year helping clients manage $552 million of investment assets. This represents an increase of 12.4% over last year. We continue to evaluate our staffing to provide the high level of service that our clients have come to expect from our […]