State of the Markets
Five Reasons
The calls started coming early yesterday morning. The primary question being asked was universal and simple. Why was the Dow up more than 200 points at the open? Yes, Trump did a nice job on the speech, one caller opined. But shouldn't the market be concerned about all the Fedheads talkin…
Exploring The Bear Case
By now, just about everybody on the planet knows the key tenets of the bull case. In short, our heroes in horns contend that stocks are discounting better days ahead for the economy, and in turn, earnings, less regulation, a "phenomenal" tax plan, and an economic stimulus package sprinkle…
Let's Be Clear, The Table is Set...
Good Monday morning and welcome back. Now that all the Oscar hoopla and all the political commentary is behind us, we can return to our normal lives. So, let's start the week off with a review my key market models and indicators.
The State of the Trend
We …
Worried About The Bull? Here's Something to Think About...
The current joyride to the upside in the stock market is apparently one for the ages. Exhibit A here is the fact that of Tuesday's close, the S&P 500 has gained 13.4% since the pre-election, November low. Next, the Dow's current nine-day consecutive win streak is apparently the longes…
What's Your "Trump Contingency Plan?"
I recently had a conversation with a very smart, very experienced financial advisor who happens to be both an attorney and an accountant. Our advisor partner (my client) wanted to know what my "Trump Contingency Plan" looked like. He informed me that a very bright and otherwise unflappabl…
The Trend Is Your Friend, But...
Good Monday - oops, I mean Tuesday morning and welcome back. Although the drama in D.C. continues to build on several topics and I continue to be asked what my "Trump Contingency Plan" is in case of trouble (short answer: I don't have one - nor do I have "Trump Success Plan" - we manage m…
The Real Inflation Problem
Stocks spiked again on Wednesday with the S&P 500, DJIA, NASDAQ Composite, S&P Midcap, and Russell 2000 indices all finishing at new all-time highs. Once again, investors can thank Mr. Trump for the increased value of their brokerage accounts and 401K's as it was the mere mention …
Odd Behavior? Or...
It is a well-known fact that Janet Yellen is an uber-dove when it comes to interest rates. For those not schooled in the world of Fedspeak, the term "dove" means that the central banker in question errs on the side of lower rates and higher economic growth. This is diametrically opposed t…
When Will It End?
With major stock indices finishing at new all-time highs for a third consecutive session, the question of the day would appear to be, when will it end?
The tenacious rally that began just before the November election, has now lifted the S&P 500 by 11.7%, the DJIA by 14.1%, the…
Green Means Go, Right?
Good Monday morning and welcome back. Apparently all it took was one utterance of the word "phenomenal" by Mr. Trump in order to remind traders that tax reform hasn't been forgotten and that the plan is likely to be pro-business. Since the President used one of his signature adjectives to…