Since 2015 there has been a 70% drop in the price of oil. It may seem odd that a commodity that is used in nearly everything can experience such a severe drop in price. Historically drops of this magnitude have either been caused by a reduction in demand, typically caused by recessions, or a reduction… Read more »
This week Barron’s cover story opined that the presidential candidates may be killing the markets. We will not reprise the article but offer our thoughts on why it makes sense to pay attention to much of the senselessness during this presidential primary season, because, to paraphrase James Carville, “you cannot say that what politicians do… Read more »
Volatility in financial markets can be worse than actual declines. Why? Because it creates a level of uncertainty that most investors find disquieting. So what can you do to combat the natural angst that accompanies heightened volatility in the markets? First, I think it is important to recognize that volatility is a normal part of… Read more »
2016 has started out not with a bang, but with a collision. What we have witnessed through the first 8 trading days of the year is a collision between expectations and reality. Why is this happening? The conventional wisdom is that markets are concerned about the impact of a possible global slowdown on the earnings… Read more »
We recently accepted a new client who could have used an advisor years ago, but waited until a near crisis struck before reaching out for help. Over the course of working with our client and their extended family, I came upon a truth that I never fully appreciated in working with clients over a couple… Read more »
After nearly a decade of falling interest rates, the Federal Reserve raised the overnight rate for banks lending to each other by 0.25%. This move, while not significant signals that the Fed believes the economy is strong enough to withstand a sustained rise in rates. The question on the minds of most people is, how… Read more »
We have had a couple of prospective clients visit us lately who exhibited very similar characteristics when it came to their money. They craved safety. The dollar amounts that they were carrying in cash were significant by any measure. When asked why they carried such hefty balances in cash, their responses were revealing. Typically most… Read more »
This week I attended a meeting of the local estate analyst community. This group is comprised of some very high-end accountants, attorneys, and advisors, among others, who were being briefed on some of the intricacies of stretching out required minimum distributions from retirement accounts. Toward the end of the presentation it occurred to me that… Read more »
The Republican presidential candidates are debating their economic platforms and I have to say, they appear to be one delusional bunch. Their level of unsophistication is breathtaking. I don’t think their proposals would gain them a seat on a local school board, let alone the highest office in our land. They must think that we… Read more »