Note: This update was written prior to the U.S. strike on Iran. While the outcome of this event is uncertain, the structural shifts discussed below remain unchanged. Market Recap: The S&P 500 fell -0.87% in February while the equal weight S&P 500 gained 3.4%. Beneath the surface, leadership is clearly shifting. Technology and AI stocks are struggling Read More
Category: Investing With the Trends
The Case for Gold in Investment Portfolios
The correct allocation is not Zero Summary Most US individual investors hold less than 5% of their portfolio in gold. Institutional allocations are at zero. We show that optimal allocation to gold is somewhere between 15-25% of a total portfolio, and review the characteristics of gold as an asset class that make it unique and Read More
October Market Update
Market Recap: Stocks climbed higher in October with the S&P 500 finishing the month up 2.27%. That’s now six straight months of gains heading into what’s historically been a strong time of the year for equities. However, market breadth, meaning the percentage of stocks participating in the advance, is weakening. Less than 60% of S&P Read More
Lessons from a Lost Decade
In my last post titled Disciplined Investing, I wrote about the importance of having a well-defined investment approach. Such an approach must be rules based and robust. The importance of discipline, consistency, and clarity is paramount in preventing oneself from making emotion-based decisions. A disciplined investment approach becomes particularly important when uncertainty and volatility dominate Read More
Market Update: First Half of September
Market Recap: Equities continued to rally in early September as investors anticipate a Fed rate cut. The S&P 500 pushed higher with momentum still concentrated in the large-cap technology stocks. However, breadth improved slightly as other sectors joined in the advance. At the same time, commodities and metals continued their upward trend. What We’re Watching: Read More