Tag: Fed

In the Face of Rising Rates, Don’t Run Away from Bonds

Even in a rising rate environment, a core allocation to fixed income still reduces overall risk in the portfolio and can provide reasonable returns. With all of the headlines and attention given to Federal Reserve FOMC meetings, it may seem like the slightest increase in rates would spell disaster for bond holders.  After all, when… Continue reading In the Face of Rising Rates, Don’t Run Away from Bonds

Jitters of the Past Resurface

Over the last week we experienced several reminders of the highly sensitive emerging markets. This caused a reflection back to the Asian currency crisis of 1997 and the European debt crisis of 2011. At the time, both put global financial markets in turmoil and caused many to question the viability of these investments in a… Continue reading Jitters of the Past Resurface

Change

“You can’t stop the future, you can’t rewind the past. The only way to learn the secret is to press play.” ~Jay Asher, The Thirteen Reasons Why Change continues to evolve around us. As we just celebrated the open house of our new office location, I am thinking back on the past 11 months of… Continue reading Change

Triskaidekaphobia

I don’t have Triskaidekaphobia as far as I know, but I’ll be glad to see 2013 come to an end.  During 2013 we saw an improving economy with growing employment, solid corporate profits, and rising housing prices that contributed to new record highs for the stock markets.  Why should 2013 bother me at its end… Continue reading Triskaidekaphobia

After the Early Christmas Gift, What’s Next?

In a surprise move last week, the U.S. Federal Reserve did what investors had been anticipating for months. The Fed announced that in January it would scale back its monthly bond purchase program to $75 billion from $85 billion. In sharp contrast to early fears that the Fed would remove support too quickly, investors responded… Continue reading After the Early Christmas Gift, What’s Next?

Highway to the Danger Zone

With the Government Shutdown now in its 14th day, President Obama and House Republicans continue to discuss the possibility of raising the debt ceiling for six weeks in order to provide room for broader fiscal discussions. As Thursdays deadline approaches, both sides believe that a short-term deal could be reached this week.  Wall Street is a… Continue reading Highway to the Danger Zone

Market Re-Cap for 9/16 – 9/20

Last week, the Fed surprised most market participants by deciding not to announce a taper during their September meeting. The Federal Open Market Committee statement, updated projections, and tone of Chairman Bernanke’s press conference all were dovish*.  In the short run, the Fed’s continued bond buying is positive for stocks and will also likely push… Continue reading Market Re-Cap for 9/16 – 9/20

Obstacles on the Horizon in the Race of Recovery

With Larry Summers withdrawing from the race for Fed Chairman, Janet Yellen, who has been considered by many to be less hawkish, is now the front-runner.   For the record, “hawks” are predominantly concerned with interest rates as they relate to fiscal policy. We believe this news, along with the other factors covered in this post,… Continue reading Obstacles on the Horizon in the Race of Recovery