Market Commentary January 2013

Financial markets did very well in 2012, with stocks returning 16%-18%, which is significantly above long-term averages. During the fourth quarter markets seemed to cling to an assumption that the fiscal cliff would be averted, or at least end in something less than a catastrophe. Domestic stocks ended the quarter very close to where they […]

Top Retirement Mistake

The Wall Street Journal recently published a great article called “Five Big Retirement Mistakes”.  The top mistake listed was not paying for financial guidance. “People who have no problem paying for the services of an accountant or lawyer often balk at the prospect of cutting a check to pay for investment advice. Instead, they rely […]

Maximizing Social Security benefits requires financial planning

Social Security planning has become an increasingly complex area of financial planning.  As more couples reach retirement age, it’s important to review all the scenarios to maximize your hard earned Social Security benefits. Mary Beth Franklin, editor of Investment News, explains how “with the right elections, married couples can dramatically up their (Social Security) payouts.” […]

Global Equity Valuations

The global equity markets continue to experience disappointing returns.  In discussions with clients, my advice is a reminder that the research shows that developing a strategic asset allocation plan and staying the course through rebalancing is the prudent course of action. The European sovereign debt crisis is in its third year and continues to create […]

What About Bonds?

Bonds will be a terrible investment over the next 10 years.  That is the conventional wisdom in the investment community lately. “Bonds are the worst asset class for investors,” says Professor Burton Malkiel, the author of A Random Walk Down Wall Street, in an opinion piece published in late March in The Wall Street Journal.  […]

Market Commentary April 2012

Equity markets got off to an outstanding start in 2012.  Returns for the first three months represented the best yearly start since 1998, as the S&P 500 was up 12.6%.  As you can see in the chart, equity markets were generally up 11%-13% with emerging markets up 14%.  The broad bond market essentially broke even […]

A Decade Lost?

The holiday season is a great time to see friends of old who are back in town and catch up with family you don’t get to see as often as you would like.  While getting caught up on each other’s lives, and amidst the small talk, most people these days bring up their dissatisfaction with […]

Fixed Income Risk in Your Portfolio

With interest rates near historical lows, some investors may be anxious about a possible rate climb and its potential impact on their fixed income investments. 

Market Analysis

Equity Markets Equity markets finished the third quarter with a very strong performance in September, bringing all major categories into positive territory for the year to date (YTD). 

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