Astute investors know that buying when others are fearful can be a good strategy. Despite remarkably low market volatility, investors continue to avoid risk. This month, we examine previous periods of risk and investor behavior, when investors discarded normal valuation measures, threw caution to the wind, and suffered the consequences.

After a rousing start to the year, equity markets have been in a calmer state and bond yields have leveled off, leading investors to question whether global geopolitical and election concerns (and our own domestic legislative challenges) may be signaling that trouble lies ahead.

With the stock market in full swing, investors are questioning whether the end is nigh. This month, we review bull and bear market cycles past, and observe the difference between cyclical and secular periods.

Rising equity prices and bond yields pose a puzzle for investors. Given equity valuations, some investors question whether the rally is peaking. This month, we examine the fundamental underpinnings of a steady economy, growth of company earnings and revenue, and pent-up consumer spending.

As investors are tempted to invest in response to the new administration’s policies, this month, we compare the positive areas that could have strong impacts on the economy with those that could prove more problematic. We caution against making reactive investment decisions based on speculation and momentum in favor of waiting to see what Congress actually passes.

Stampeding global markets post-election make us question whether the bull still has life. This month, we present a rationale for why it may still have room to run, analyze its underpinnings, and suggest how investors can use market dips as entry points to reposition portfolios and take advantage of what may be a new trend in equity strength.

The Federal Reserve’s intent to raise rates, coupled with the election of Donald Trump, may have ignited a Great Rotation from bonds to equities, calling into question the relative safety of bonds that investors have experienced over the past three decades.

The post-election outlook has investors questioning the state of the global economy, volatility, corporate earnings, and the direction of interest rates.