Stock investors have been on a roller coaster over the past two years. As measured by the S&P 500 Index, stock prices rose by 20% during the six months ending in January 2018; declined by 10% over the next three months ending in April 2018; rose by 15% through the end of September; and plunged by nearly 20% through year-end 2018. Since the end of December, stocks have risen by nearly 25% to a level within 2% of the all-time peak reached on September 20.
Read More
Despite market volatility in recent months and the resulting dip in investor confidence, the typical investment portfolio is still far more valuable than it was 10 years ago, and the Dow has nearly tripled.1
Read More
Investors can best understand the current equity market sell-off by recognizing that cyclical bull markets are routinely punctuated by temporary intra-cycle corrections. The current sell-off is the sixth such episode since the equity bull market began in 2009, and the intra-cycle decline differs from the previous five in that it was not triggered by fears of imminent recession. In addition, the current episode is occurring in an environment of lofty valuations and greater investor optimism, compared with distinct undervaluation and widespread risk aversion prevailing during previous interim market declines.
Read More
Most recent inflation data depict that mild inflationary pressures are building, consistent with a maturing business expansion. However, powerful structural forces that limit business pricing power suggest that the cyclical rise in inflation will be moderate compared with previous cycles.
Read More
The dynamic nature of current economic conditions imply that business and investment cycles will inevitably change, almost certainly in a negative direction. In principle, financial markets are priced at the margin, which means that even small changes in expectations can translate into large changes in asset prices.
Read More
World financial markets are at an important inflection point. The extended period of market calm, complacency and record-low volatility has ended for the current investment cycle. The risk to both equity and bond markets is that economic data are too strong rather than too weak, creating a negative environment for inflation, monetary policy and interest rates.
Read More
The Internal Revenue Service announced its changes to retirement plan contribution and Social Security limits for 20181. These numbers don’t necessarily change annually, so being aware of this year’s tax-adjusted figures could impact how you guide your clients in their financial decisions.
Read More
Recently passed and formally enacted on January 1, 2018, the 2018 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act introduces a number of significant changes to the tax code, with about one-third directed to individuals and households, and the remaining two-thirds impacting corporations — notably a tax rate reduction from 35% to 21% and immediate 100% expensing of capital expenditures for equipment and machinery.
In this month’s Economic Commentary, Robert F. DeLucia, CFA and Consulting Economist for MEMBERS Capital Advisors, Inc., shares his perspectives on the potential impact of the changes, the positives and negatives that come along with the tax bill and what it all could mean for investors.
Read More