Markets were a mixed bag in June. Optimism about the Federal Reserve ending or at least slowing its rate-rising program pushed up the equity markets, with the Large Cap Core Equity category delivering a 6.4% return for the month. Nevertheless, inflation remained persistent, albeit at a lower annualized rate, and the Core Fixed Income category responded with a -0.3% return in June.
Markets were a mixed bag in June. Optimism about the Federal Reserve ending or at least slowing its rate-rising program pushed up the equity markets, with the Large Cap Core Equity category delivering a 6.4% return for the month. Nevertheless, inflation remained persistent, albeit at a lower annualized rate, and the Core Fixed Income category responded with a -0.3% return in June.
We know intuitively, buying great merchandise on sale is something consumers love. Ironically, in the investment business, when great stocks go on sale, investors tend to freeze or sell. That’s a mistake.
Investment advisors face challenges in managing portfolios amidst a dynamic market. One notable trend is the flat performance of Russell 1000 value, coupled with suppressed volatility in a range-bound market. Concerns arise from the concentration of gains within a few names, particularly in the tech sector, within the S&P 500.
Aggregate spending is a bit above the long-term trend, so we expect the spending dynamic to change as consumers continue to make important choices. As personal income goes positive as inflation cools over time, positive spending and saving dynamics will emerge.
In my opinion, true active strategies have a very important role in portfolios as complements to passive, cheap beta. Advisors need to understand what they own.
October was marked by continued volatility across fixed income and equity markets as investors faced various challenges, including persistent inflation concerns, rising yields, tightening monetary policy, and the backdrop of a U.S. Presidential election.
As an investor, it’s nice to know what we should expect from President Trump, because we have seen the movie before in 2017 – 2021. Apart from the early part of the Pandemic period, the economy and stock markets generally performed well.
Remember, our investment in stocks is a De facto vote of confidence on the economies in which we invest. Earnings, revenue, margins, free cash flow, and the growth of these important metrics is what drives stocks up or down over time.
The discretionary sector struggled as did all growth and quality-oriented areas of the market in 2022. That was a classic re-set and a raging opportunity to add exposure.
Catalyst Funds
Rational Funds
Strategy Shares