At the moment, we are operating in what is probably the noisiest market that many investors have ever seen. Market moves and government actions that seemed unthinkable a few weeks ago are now daily occurrences. Currently, there is not a lot of visibility on the trajectory of Covid-19 and the breadth and depth of its impact.
Read MoreThese are certainly trying times. It goes without saying that the COVID-19 virus has had an enormous impact on the way we all go about our daily lives. We first want to say that we hope every one of you is safe and healthy.
Read MoreA lot has happened since our last commentary several days ago. The coronavirus has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The speed at which the Covid-19 disease is spreading has led authorities (on national and community levels) to take strong measures including closing borders, schools, and businesses, as the center of the pandemic shifts to Europe and the U.S.
Read MoreFinancial market volatility has reached levels not seen since the global financial crises in 2008. The severe market turmoil has been due to concerns about the significant drop in business activity and global trade from escalating efforts by public-health authorities worldwide to contain the coronavirus outbreak.
Read MoreAfter such a strong year for stocks with the U.S. stock market once again reaching new all-time highs, many investors are wondering whether they should stay invested. A common concern is that the stock market is likely to come back down from such a high current level, especially given the uncertainty surrounding trade policy, Middle East tensions, and the upcoming U.S. presidential election.
Read MoreWith the recent start of a formal impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump, many investors are asking how an impeachment might affect the markets. One way to answer the question is to look back in history at previous impeachment proceedings, but the sample size is extremely small.
Read MoreWith 2020 U.S. election campaigns now gearing up and the U.S. stock market near “all-time highs” once again, many investors are asking whether now is a good time to reduce risk or get out of the market altogether.
Read MoreThe yield curve is often used as recession gauge because when it inverts (i.e., short-term rates are higher than long-term-rates), it is typically proceeded by an economic slowdown. This past March, the 3-month-to-10-year part of the curve briefly inverted.
Read MoreToday, it is apparent that all of this trade conflict and policy uncertainty has negatively impacted corporate costs, supply chains, and investment planning; recent comments from company CEOs and declining stock prices are some proof of this.
Read MoreDuring the last three months of 2018, stock markets around the world sold off as investors became increasingly apprehensive about a global economic slowdown.
Read MoreIt's always hard to pinpoint exactly what causes market volatility like what we've experienced recently.
Read MoreThe upcoming U.S. midterm elections in November are going to be a center of focus for their potential impact on U.S. policy, the economy, and corporate earnings. The uncertainty that comes with political events typically causes market volatility
Read MoreRecent announcements by the Trump Administration on the imposition of tariffs on imports from China, Canada, Mexico and Europe has undoubtedly increased the likelihood of a trade war.
Read MoreGiven the potential risk of disrupting the economy, we believe that there is a low likelihood that the current administration will significantly alter U.S. trade policy.
Read MoreStock markets have risen since February 2016 without any significant disruption until now.
Read MoreAlthough there is a healthy debate about its potential long-term negative impact to the country’s budget deficit and federal debt levels, it is hard to argue the potentially positive economic and market impacts of the TCJA over the next couple of years.
Read MoreSome of our clients have asked us recently about the rising tensions between the U.S. and North Korea and what it could mean for markets and portfolios if the situation escalates. The answer is that troubles with North Korea will certainly result in downside risk.
Read MoreWe expect to see continued growth in the stock markets, mostly driven by a strengthening global economy and growing corporate earnings. As a result, bond markets will likely be challenged in the short-term; in the long term, however, higher interest rates and strong investor demand should result in better bond returns.
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