Market Recap: Equities fell in March both domestically and abroad, with the S&P 500 losing 5.09% while international (EFA ETF) and emerging markets (EEM ETF) were lower by 7.83% and 9.25%, respectively. While the decline in international and emerging markets was greater, they remain positive on the year due to strong performance leading up to Read More
Category: Investing With the Trends
February Market Update
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
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