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A Look Back at the Markets in May and Ahead to June 2019
“Sell in May and go away” was certainly on point last month. With U.S. and global markets down significantly, investors closed out the month with a level of worry we have not seen since the end of 2018. Let’s take a look back at this volatile month, as well as what we might expect going forward.
Market Thoughts for June 2019
Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, recaps the market and economic news for May. It was a tough month, with U.S. and international markets down. At the same time, May’s decline could be considered modest, and it was not based on fundamentals. Instead, it was all about confidence, which was rattled by a reignited trade war with China and proposed tariffs on Mexico. Still, there was some good news. Consumer spending picked back up, and job growth remained strong. Where does this leave us as we start June? Stay tuned to find out. Follow Brad at blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.
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Market Thoughts for May 2019
Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, recaps the market and economic news for April. It was another great month, as U.S., emerging, and developed markets were all in the green. Although there were concerns about a slowdown at the end of last month, first-quarter economic growth actually came in well above expectations. Plus, consumer spending picked up, consumer confidence bounced back, and business investment came in stronger than expected. So, should we expect more good times ahead? Stay tuned to find out. Follow Brad at blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.
Investors: Sell in May and Go Away?
Today we will take a look at an old investing adage: “sell in May and go away.” It is supposed to reflect the idea that market returns over the summer and fall are worse than those in the winter and spring. Under this theory, you should sell all your stocks in May and then buy them back in November.
Does Strong Q1 for Economy Forecast More Blue Skies Ahead?
We got the first estimate of economic growth for the start of the year. Despite quite a bit of concern about slowing growth, the figure came in at 3.2 percent. This result was well above the expected 2 percent and a substantial acceleration from the 2.2-percent gain in the last quarter of 2018.
Politics Again: The Mueller Report and the Markets
With the Mueller report scheduled to be released later today (as of this writing), preceded by the press conference with the attorney general this morning, the newspapers are on high alert. This report is being billed as a potential constitutional crisis and, if it doesn’t approach that level (as it almost certainly will not), as the beginning of the next round of political wars.
Monthly Market Risk Update: April 2019
It’s time for our monthly look at market risk factors. Just as with the economy, there are several key factors that matter for the market in determining both the risk level and the immediacy of the risk. Although stocks have largely recovered from their recent pullback, given valuations and recent market behavior, it is useful to keep an eye on these factors.
Market Thoughts for April 2019
Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, recaps the market and economic news for March. It was another great month, with U.S., emerging, and developed markets all up. But this strength was a bit strange, considering the weakening seen in the fundamentals. Here in the U.S., both consumer and business confidence took a hit, the yield curve inversion caused many to worry about a pending recession, and analysts lowered their expectations regarding corporate earnings. Given all this, is growth likely to continue? Stay tuned to find out. Follow Brad at blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.
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Yield Curve Inversion: Evaluating the Risk
If you think about it, the fact that you can borrow cheaper for 10 years than for 3 months is a signal that something is broken. It is simply riskier to lend for longer, so the imbalance shows that something is wrong. As such, the yield curve inversion makes sense as a risk indicator.
10 Years After the Market Hit Bottom, Where Are We Now?
I am in Colorado this week at a Commonwealth conference, spending some time at high altitude when I normally live pretty much at sea level. The altitude seems somehow appropriate, though, when I look at where the markets are right now compared with where they were 10 years ago. We have climbed to astonishing heights since the bottom—heights almost no one expected back then.
A Look Back at the Markets in February and Ahead to March 2019
From a financial markets perspective, last month was a good one. U.S. markets were up between 3 percent and 4 percent, developed international markets were up 2 percent to 3 percent, and even emerging markets managed to notch a small gain. Overall, February was another step forward from the decline at the end of last year, suggesting markets have regained their footing.
Market Thoughts for March 2019
Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, recaps the market and economic news for February. It was another good month, with U.S. markets, developed markets, and fixed income showing gains. Still, the housing market continued its slowdown, and business investment softened. We also saw a terrible retail spending report. But the market was able to bounce back from the lows seen at the close of 2018, buoyed by the end of the government shutdown. So, will the markets continue to move higher, and what risks are ahead? Stay tuned to find out. Follow Brad at blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.
Earnings Recession Ahead? Not So Fast
We talked yesterday about the possibility of another government shutdown and the effect that could have on both business and consumer confidence. That shutdown looks to be something we will avoid. But now there is another potential confidence buster ahead being talked up in the media: an earnings recession.
A Look Back at the Markets in January and Ahead to February 2019
After a terrible fourth quarter in the financial markets, we had a sizable bounce in January. Markets were up significantly, both here in the U.S. and around the world, and sentiment seemed to change markedly from pessimism to a new optimism. The question going forward is whether things have really changed that much.
Market Thoughts for February 2019
Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, recaps the market and economic news for January. It was a great month for the financial markets. Despite the government shutdown, signs of an economic slowdown, and dropping consumer and business confidence, U.S. and international markets were up. Plus, job and wage growth were strong, and companies made more money than expected. With the fundamentals solid, even the Federal Reserve hit pause on interest rate increases. So, what should we expect in the month ahead? Stay tuned to find out. Follow Brad at blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.
What Can Consumer Confidence Tell Us About the Markets?
Right now, the base case remains positive. With earnings expected to keep rising and with valuations low per recent history, continued appreciation seems reasonable. Add in the real possibility that many of the issues currently weighing on the market will be resolved, and the positive scenario looks even more likely.
The Short-Term Effects of the Government Shutdown
I wrote about the big-picture effects of the government shutdown the other day, which are likely to be longer term. As it continues, though, the shorter-term effects continue to pile up. As such, it is time to take a look at what the shutdown means now and over the next month or so.
Outlook 2019: Back to Slow Growth
As we approach year-end, we find ourselves in an unfamiliar place. Despite mounting worries over the past couple of years about politics and other issues, the market and economy continued to grow. Through the first half of 2018, the markets were moving higher, despite a few breakdowns, and economic growth was accelerating.
Concerns over China Grow amid Bad News from Apple
Yesterday morning, the major headline was the downward revision in Apple’s revenue projection—the first time this has happened in well over a decade—on lower sales in China. The reaction to this news was apocalyptic, with markets around the world selling off.
Market Thoughts for January 2019
Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, recaps market and economic news for December. It was another bad month in a string of bad months, with U.S. markets down about 10 percent and international markets faring only a bit better, down 5 to 6 percent. A combination of bad news, from a government shutdown, to the ongoing trade war, to the Fed's decision to raise rates, was enough to shake investor confidence just in time for the holidays. Still, the fundamentals continue to look strong. Has the damage been done? Stay tuned to find out. Follow Brad at blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.
2019 Market Outlook
Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, provides his 2019 market outlook. As we approach the new year, hiring is strong and both business and consumer confidence remain high. With these solid fundamentals, the financial markets are likely to respond. Earnings should go up, so we should expect to see rising stock prices as well. Of course, there are always worries, including political concerns in the U.S. We may also see slowing growth. All in all, the year ahead looks to be much like earlier years in the cycle. But the name of the game in 2019? Solid fundamentals and, very likely, solid markets.
Outlook 2019: Back to Slow Growth
As we approach year-end, we find ourselves in an unfamiliar place. Despite mounting worries over the past couple of years about politics and other issues, the market and economy continued to grow. Through the first half of 2018, the markets were moving higher, despite a few breakdowns, and economic growth was accelerating.
The Inverted Yield Curve: Sign of Trouble Ahead?
Yesterday’s market drop reversed all of Monday’s gain and then some, reportedly on growing doubts regarding the exact terms of the trade war truce announced by President Trump. That might be the case, but I suspect the headlines pointing out that part of the yield curve had inverted played a bigger role in the decline.
Market Thoughts for December 2018
Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, recaps the market and economic news for November. It was a rocky month. Concerns surrounding the midterm elections, the trade conflict between the U.S. and China, and the economic slowdown resulted in market turbulence. Still, the financial markets bounced back. Here in the U.S., the Dow, the S&P 500, and the Nasdaq all had some gains. Abroad, the emerging markets rebounded strongly. Even bonds made money, despite interest rate turmoil. But will this bounce continue? Stay tuned to find out. Follow Brad at blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.
How to Command the Best Purchase Price for Your Business
Some advisors today are rushing to sell their practices after very little forethought, and they could be leaving money on the table. If you want to get what your practice is worth, focus on four key tenets—business, management, financial, and market—to demonstrate your value to potential buyers.
Market Thoughts for November 2018
Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, recaps the market and economic news for October. The month lived up to its scary reputation, with both U.S. and international markets down. Plus, housing started to roll over, and retail sales disappointed once again. That’s not to mention the political risks. In the U.S., the midterm elections have increased uncertainty. In Europe, there are concerns over Brexit and political turmoil in Germany. Still, is there reason to believe that things might improve in November? Stay tuned to find out. Follow Brad at blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.
Strategies for Targeting Organic Growth
Growing your business through practice acquisition is a good goal, but it's a long-term strategy that can take years to accomplish. How can you meet your growth objectives in the meantime? By focusing on these client-facing activities that are proven revenue drivers.
Market Thoughts for October 2018
Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, recaps the market and economic news for September. It was a mixed month: the S&P and Dow did well, while the Nasdaq pulled back on weakness in technology. But for the quarter as a whole, all three indices were up substantially. In the U.S., hiring remained strong, wage growth picked up, and consumer confidence reached an 18-year high. There is also a huge amount of confidence in the business world. Overall, we’re in a good place, but is the end of the cycle coming? Stay tuned to learn more. Follow Brad at blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.
Looking Forward to Q4 2018
The third quarter looks like another good one, at least here in the U.S. Despite ongoing turmoil—both political (with the Kavanaugh confirmation battle) and economic (with the rising trade conflict and tariffs)—markets rose steadily, reaching new highs. Markets abroad were not as positive, with emerging markets down and developed markets generally flat.
The Great Financial Crisis: 10 Years Ago This Week
There has been much discussion recently about how the great financial crisis kicked off 10 years ago this week. We have retrospective interviews with participants, updates on how people fared during and after the crisis, and all of the typical media storytelling.
Market Thoughts for September 2018
Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, recaps the market and economic news for August. It was another good month here in the U.S., with the stock market up across the board. The economy, consumer confidence, and hiring all continued to grow. This growth is translating into corporate profits as well, with 80 percent of companies beating expectations. Still, September is a historically volatile month, and the midterm elections may cause some turbulence. Will these strong fundamentals help carry us forward? Stay tuned to learn more. Follow Brad at blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.
Market Thoughts for August 2018
Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, recaps the market and economic news for July. It was a great month for U.S. markets, as the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq were all up. And after a terrible June, both developed and emerging markets bounced back as well. This performance was supported by a strong economy. GDP growth for Q2 came in at the highest level since 2014, both employment and inflation are in healthy territory, and corporate earnings continue to beat expectations. Can this positive momentum continue? Stay tuned to learn more. Follow Brad at blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.