Market Commentary

Over the weekend finance ministers and central bank governors from the top 20 industrialized countries (G-20 countries) met to discuss financial topic relating to the global economy.  One of the primary areas of discussion was the recent devaluation in currencies, most recently with the British Sterling and the Japanese Yen.  The Yen has declined almost…

Our investment team was fortunate enough this past week to travel to Boston to attend Charles Schwab’s Investment Outlook 2013 Conference. It was a great opportunity to hear the economic and investment outlooks from some of the world’s leading portfolio managers. The trip also afforded our investment committee an opportunity to meet for an extended…

Following Apple’s mixed earnings report Wednesday night (revenue fell slightly short and earnings beat expectations), the stock price took a hit in after-hours trading which lasted through Friday, finishing the week at $443/share.  Although Apple’s earnings were a disappointment to most, there were many positive elements to the report and the sharp decline is primarily…

I never thought it would come to this, but after 18 months, our elected officials in Washington have waited to the very last minute and aren’t willing to negotiate a deal to stop our country from going over the “Fiscal Cliff”.  President Obama won’t budge on reforming entitlement programs which he desperately needs to do,…

Investors saw red during the 2nd quarter and it wasn’t from the fireworks, rather it was the never ending headlines that added to the volatility and made for a down quarter. The Dow was off – 2.5%, S&P 500 down – 3.3%, Nasdaq giving back the most – 5% and the Russell 2000 small-cap index…

Rain, rain, go away, please come back another day. Unfortunately, we have no control over Mother Nature and the chaos she can create so let’s pray that she takes a break and all of the people who have been sadly affected by her actions can get their lives back in order sooner than later. What…