Our Thinking

Analysis of tariff policies and consequences will be ongoing for some time. The perspective here provides some basic information that may be useful as tariff dynamics continue to unfold and as markets respond.

Uncertainty is on the rise as a blizzard of fiscal policy changes defy easy analysis from Wall Street to Main Street and in the nation’s capital as well.

No commodity has garnered as much attention as oil in recent years. A review of some key oil measures can provide perspective for economic growth and investment returns ahead.

From the late 1980s to the early 2000s, globalization was a dominant economic theme. Net benefits were envisioned for all participating economies. In recent years, globalization has fallen from favor as benefits and costs have been assessed and the net result has been unfavorable for many.

Many mutual funds, especially exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), are managed to track a specific market index. A review of some tracking indexes can provide perspective for portfolio construction ahead.

Achieving investment goals requires clear definition of goals, investment horizons and manageable portfolio risk. A review of the impact of time, return and risk can provide perspective on achieving important life goals.

Divergence of opinion among investors over economic trends and financial market outcomes is ever-present. A review of some important recent trends can provide perspective for assessing market return and risk expectations in the period ahead.

A review of recent stock market volatility with some historical perspective can help provide context for market trends and investing ahead.

The broad U.S. stock market posted a strong return for the first half of 2024. A review of individual stock returns by a series of measures can help provide context for market breadth and sustainability of the current market uptrend.