Dow 22,000 – why we’re here and what it means
On August 2, 2017, the Dow Jones Industrial Average set a record, closing above 22,000 for the first time. People will debate the cause of the rally and how long it will last, but there is only one answer that matters to the prudent investor – time. Markets go up over time. Over the last […]
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, […]
Market Commentary- April 2017
Stock Markets The accompanying chart illustrates the diversification story. It shows returns in several markets over both the March and December quarters. The upward sloping blue columns of the December 2016 quarter show an increase from the low (4% loss) in emerging markets to the high (14%) for the market of small-cap value stocks. Note […]
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 […]
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 […]
Post-Election Reflections
Whether you find the election results exciting or shocking, we are now faced with the question, “What’s next?” With respect to your investments, here’s a quick reminder of how we feel about that: Ample evidence informs us that it is unwise to alter your long-term investment strategy in reaction to breaking news, no matter how […]
Can Index Funds Become Too Popular?
Once Upon a Time… When we started an investment advisory firm in 1991, it seemed obvious to Bob Ryan and me that structuring portfolios by focusing on asset allocation was superior to the stock picking culture of the day. The ability to implement the strategy with low-cost index funds was still a new innovation, and […]
Elections and the Stock Market
With less than a month to go before the Presidential election, many clients and friends have asked me how the markets will respond to the voters’ choice. While there will be no shortage of prognostications in the media, investors would be well served to avoid speculating. Trying to outguess the market is often a losing […]
Presidents, Politics and Your Portfolio: Thinking Beyond Stage One
It’s no surprise that this year’s U.S. presidential race has become a subject of conversation around the globe. In “Why Our Social Feeds are Full of Politics,” Canadian digital marketing executive Tara Hunt observes, “American politics, it seems, makes for high-intensity emotions far and wide.” The intensity will probably only increase as the November 8 […]
Client Care: Beyond Investing
Although our name is Rockbridge Investment Management, there are many services that we provide to our clients beyond managing investments. We wanted to share just a few of these additional skills with our clients. General Questions We are here for you as an ongoing resource for every financial question, big or small. Please ask! Retirement […]