Every time I sit down to write a quarterly client note reviewing the investment news of the most recent quarter, there’s a conflagration brewing in the current quarter that overwhelms the discussion. This quarter is no different.
3rd Quarter Client Note Read More »
PBS recently aired a Frontline show entitled The Retirement Gamble, profiling the 401(k) industry. If you missed it, it can be viewed here. Polemic in tone, the show is highly critical of the country’s evolution from defined benefit pension plans toward defined contribution 401(k) type plans, and in particular the culture of the industry that
A Commentary on the PBS Show The Retirement Gamble Read More »
Following up on my 1st Quarter Client Note, I am providing a more robust and detailed review of the world capital market performance, graciously provided by our friends at Dimensional Fund Advisors. Attached is their Quarterly Market Review. The report includes: a global overview, timeline of events, and the returns of asset classes in both US and
1st Quarter 2013 Market Review Read More »
Reflecting relief from the New Year’s Eve (at least temporary) avoidance of the “fiscal cliff,” equity markets continued their strong recovery from the financial crisis of 2008. Economic activity in the US also continued to pick up, albeit at a slow pace. (On average, although fairly volatile from quarter-to-quarter, GDP continues to grow at about
1st Quarter Client Note Read More »
Asset classes gained virtually across the board in the third quarter. The S & P 500 (total return) Index increased 6.35% for the quarter, is up 16.44% for the year and is sitting at right around a five-year high. The Russell 2000 Index of small cap stocks gained 5.25%. Even international stocks, which have recently
3rd Quarter Client Note Read More »
True investors know how to replace the heroic hope of speculation with long-term, structured strategy. You can avoid the heroics by building and maintaining an investment portfolio guided by your personal goals and the robust evidence on how markets have delivered long-term returns.
Investment Portfolio Construction for Heroes Read More »
Questions whirling around such global and fundamental issues as how the Eurozone and Greece will hammer out an agreement and the on-going uncertainty of the U.S. political scene in this presidential election year led to modest domestic declines and even greater declines in the international markets.
2nd Quarter Client Note Read More »
In this compelling interview, fellow Franklin & Marshall College alum Mary Schapiro discusses how her previous experiences shape her SEC leadership today, as well as the benefits of collaboration, the ways that the SEC uses the advisor perspective in developing policy, and how the SEC will move past the 2008 financial crisis with certain safety nets having been removed by Congress. For anyone interested in how the markets will be regulated moving forward, this interview at the Investment Company Institute Conference is 43 minutes well spent!
Compelling Interview With SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro Read More »
The tax “fix” at the end of 2010 left us with a jumble of extensions, expirations, and new rules for 2012. We summarize some of the biggest changes and issues to watch for while planning your 2012 taxes.
Tax Update: The Certainty of Uncertainty Read More »
Historically low interest rates have tempted some fixed income investors to wander off course into exotic and untested new strategies. But there is a prudent way to expand your investment horizons into global bonds.
Expanding Your Horizons: Examining the Role of Global Bonds Read More »
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