For most of the last decade, the US stock market had been trending generally higher year after year. That was until the fourth quarter of 2018 gave us a scare. Back then we remarked how it was the first drop of greater than 15% in seven years and how unusual that was (because on average it happens once every three years – see the chart below, a version of which we also shared in our 2018 year-end market commentary). Read More

Following the best quarterly performance for US stocks in 23 years, the S&P 500 continued to move higher throughout most of the third quarter. At one point in early September, the S&P 500 was +15.9% for the quarter and posting new all-time highs. Read More

The COVID crisis injected uncertainty into the markets and many investors earlier this year. While investors watched as the virus spread, many wondered how long this might play out and whether they should sell some equities and park that money in cash. Other investors didn’t wonder at all – they sold first, and asked questions… Read More

On August 18th, the S&P 500 Index hit a new all-time high after having recouped its losses for the year. Since then, it has continued to move mostly higher. Many investors interpret this as meaning that all stocks are back to their highs of the year, but that is not the case. Here’s why:  The… Read More

There are few events as uncertain and long-lasting as a run-up to a presidential election. It’s a trying time for investors in the best of years, and 2020 has certainly been no exception. The combination of events we’ve faced this year provides a perfect recipe for investors of all persuasions to be nervous about what… Read More