By Steven Smith | Investment Management , Newsletters , Wealth Management
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 […]
Continue readingBy Steven Smith | Investment Management , Wealth Management
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 […]
Continue readingBy Steven Smith | Investment Management
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.
Continue readingBy Steven Smith | Investment Management
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.
Continue readingBy Steven Smith | Financial Lifestyle , Life Transitions , Mountain Lifestyle , Non Profits/Foundations , Wealth Management
The Summit Foundation’s fourth annual educational workshop will be held Friday, July 13th at Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center, 9:00–11:00 am. This year, we have the honor of hosting Cottage Law attorney and author David Fry, Esq., who will present “Saving the Family Cottage.” Join us for an information-packed session where you will learn ways to preserve the family vacation home for future generations and minimize the expense and agony along the way.
Continue readingBy Steven Smith | Bonds , Investment Management
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.
Continue readingBy Steven Smith | Bonds , Financial Lifestyle , Financial News , News , Political News , Wealth Management
From the debt ceiling fight to worries over foreign economies to phenomenal results for the fixed income markets, 2011 was a year of unprecedented volatility for the markets. Investors should, at least, prepared for a continued wild ride—but we also recommend a brief pause for appreciating our blessings, as we do.
Continue readingBy Steven Smith | Investment Management , Wealth Management
The Vanguard Group announces it is abandoning active management in favor of an all passive approach in two of its most popular strategies.
Continue readingBy Steven Smith | Financial Planning , Investment Management , Money
Here is my client note accompanying 3rd quarter 2009 portfolio reports, discussing the continued turnaround in the markets.
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