INVESTMENT PERSPECTIVES & MARKET AND ECONOMIC REVIEWS
Stock and bond markets overall delivered positive returns in 2024, with U.S. stocks once again leading the way, as markets navigated shifting central bank policies and an evolving political landscape. In our latest research presentation, we take a detailed look at what happened last year in the markets and provide our 2025 market outlook.
The outcome of the U.S. elections could influence policy changes in areas such as taxes, trade, and regulation. In our latest investment perspective, we examine the potential market implications and what investors should keep in mind as election day approaches.
Global stocks advanced in the third quarter, while bonds rallied on falling interest. In our latest research presentation, we take a detailed look at what happened last quarter in the markets and provide our year-end market outlook.
The Fed will likely continue its wait-and-see approach until it observes consistent signs of cooling inflation. In our latest investment perspective, we discuss whether the economy will eventually enter a recession if interest rates remain unchanged for longer.
Stock market gains continued, and bond market returns inched higher in the second quarter. In our latest research presentation, we take a detailed look at what happened last quarter in the markets and provide our updated market outlook.
The commercial real estate market has undergone a significant downturn and sentiment towards it is extremely negative. In our latest investment perspective, we discuss the current state of the real estate asset class and what may lie ahead for it.
Stock markets continued rallying and bond markets took a breather in the first quarter. In our latest research presentation, we take a detailed look at what happened last quarter in the markets and provide our updated market outlook.
The U.S. presidential election will no doubt capture the headlines in 2024 and create uncertainty. We discuss how investors should approach investing in an election year.
Global stock and bond markets rallied significantly in 2023. In our latest research presentation, we take a detailed look at what happened last year in the markets and provide our 2024 market outlook.
Geopolitical risk has risen with the recent tragic attack on Israel. The implications, especially from a humanitarian perspective of this event, are vast and devastating, as are many of the political repercussions that will follow. In our latest investment perspective, we discuss how war in the Middle East could impact the broader markets and the economy, and portfolio considerations for investors.
Stock and bond markets broadly declined in the third quarter amid the continued rise in interest rates. In our latest research presentation, we take a detailed look at what’s happening lately in the markets and provide an updated market outlook.
There has been increasing interest in how the prospects of AI may be boosting stock market performance, particularly for a handful of the largest technology companies. In our latest investment perspective, we discuss whether one should change their investment portfolio to benefit more from the generative AI growth trend.
Stock markets extended their gains during the second quarter, while bond markets were mixed. In our latest research presentation, we take a detailed look at what’s happening lately in the markets and provide an updated market outlook.
The clock is once again ticking on U.S. debt ceiling negotiations. As deadlines draw nearer, the political theater and dramatic media reporting will likely continue to intensify. We provide some historical perspectives and explain what investors should expect this time around.
In March, the failure of the Silicon Valley Bank (SIVB) and ensuing news about other banks contributed to uncertainty and market turmoil. In our latest investment perspective, we discuss the potential longer-term implications of this event and what it could mean for investors going forward.
After material declines in 2022, stocks and bonds posted gains during the first quarter. In our latest research presentation, we take a detailed look at what’s happening lately in the markets and provide an updated market outlook.
What’s ahead for economies and markets in 2023? In our latest investment perspective, we provide our updated outlook and discuss how it informs our recommendations for positioning portfolios going forward.
2022 was a tumultuous year, characterized by geopolitical tensions, interest rate hikes, and inflation concerns across regions, resulting in significant losses across asset classes - a rare occurrence historically. In our latest research presentation, we take a detailed look at what happened last year in the markets and provide an updated market outlook.
It continues to be a challenging year for investors, even those with diversified portfolios. Our latest investment perspective provides our updated outlook and explains why long-term investors should stay on course, particularly amid a period of heightened uncertainty and market volatility.
What at first looked like a turnaround quarter for the markets took a turn for the worse. In our latest research presentation, we take a detailed look at what’s happening lately in the markets and provide an updated market outlook.
Recent market declines have been painful, and risks abound for the economy as central banks attempt to slow activity without causing a severe recession. We provide our updated outlook and answer the question of whether now is a good time to invest.
Stocks and bonds worldwide broadly posted negative returns through the end of the second quarter. In our latest research presentation we take a detailed look at what’s happening lately in the markets.
The Federal Reserve is demonstrating a strong commitment to controlling inflation by aggressively raising interest rates. We provide insight into the Fed’s current action plan and compare it to the 1970s and 1980s stagflation period.
The U.S. stock market has entered "bear market territory" by declining more than 20% from recent highs. Amid a volatile run for stocks and speculation surrounding a potential economic recession, we explore whether more market losses should be expected.
Global investors face a challenging market environment, with expectations of higher inflation, tighter monetary policy, and the impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war. We outline ways that investors should position portfolios for above-trend inflation and rising interest rates over the next few years.
After an exceptionally calm 2021, we’ve seen a return to a more normal (higher) level of volatility in stock markets so far in 2022. Bonds sustained their worst quarterly decline in decades as the markets reset expectations for how quickly the Federal Reserve and other central banks will raise interest rates.
Here are our latest perspectives about the evolving situation in Ukraine, including what’s going on in the markets, our updated near-term outlook, some historical perspective around events like this, and our recommendations for portfolio positioning.
If you’ve been wondering whether individual stocks and cryptocurrencies deserve a larger place in your portfolio this year, you’ll want to read our latest investment perspective. We provide our 2022 outlook for the markets, economy, and inflation.
Strong earnings, economic growth, and easy financial conditions all favored risk-based assets which delivered high returns in 2021. On the other hand, fixed income bond assets were challenged (low to slightly negative returns) amid rising interest rates and inflation, while cash earned nearly-zero return.
Inflation and activity in Washington D.C. are running hot these days. In our latest investment perspective, we provide an updated outlook on inflation. We also discuss why Congressional agreement on the U.S. debt ceiling is important, what could occur if the threat of default grew, and what investors should do in the meantime.
Disclosures
Please remember that different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, including the loss of money invested. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Therefore, it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy, including the investments or investment strategies recommended or undertaken by Capstone Financial Advisors, Inc. (“Capstone”) will be profitable. Definitions ofany indices listed herein are available upon request. Please remember to contact Capstone if there are any changes in your personal or financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing our previous recommendations and services, or if you wish to impose, add, or modify any reasonable restrictions to our investment management services. This article is not a substitute for personalized advice from Capstone and nothing contained in this presentation is intended to constitute legal, tax, accounting, securities, or investment advice, nor an opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment, nor a solicitation of any type. Investment decisions should always be based on the investor’s specific financial needs, objectives, goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. This article is current only as of the date on which it was sent. The statements and opinions expressed are, however, subject to change without notice based on market and other conditions and may differ from opinions expressed by other businesses and activities of Capstone. Descriptions of Capstone’s process and strategies are based on general practice, and we may make exceptions in specific cases. A copy of our current written disclosure statement discussing our advisory services and fees is available for your review upon request.