Market Commentary

Over the last three months, the ten largest stocks in the index have gained over 9% (percent) while the ten smallest have declined by 10% (percent) – an enormous disparity.  What does this unusual market concentration mean for future returns?  Should we double-down on recent winners?  Get Kara’s take in this week’s Money with Murphy.

Despite access to investment platforms and educational resources being easier than ever, many investors are finding themselves more anxious about their financial situations. Read (or share) this client-ready article to learn how to stick with tried-and-true investment principles.

With the Fed rate hiking cycle potentially over, what’s happening elsewhere in the world? Kara takes a look at developed and frontier markets in this week’s Money with Murphy.

Could this be the first time in history that the U.S. defaults on its payments and challenges Hamilton’s legacy? How does the economic landscape shift if we do default? Let’s find out in this week’s Markets in a Minute

The stories we learned as children are still helpful in navigating the wild world of stocks and bonds. Last week we explored how “The Tortoise and the Hare” demonstrates the value of consistency and time, and so too can three charming little pigs show the importance of a diversified portfolio. 

Although the allure of making money overnight is incredibly hard to resist, in the long run, slow and steady wins the race.  Read more about how time and patience are on investors’ side in this week’s Markets in a Minute.

The recent failure of crypto-related business such as FTX has highlighted a void in regulatory oversight in the digital currency world. Read more about why a back to basics approach may serve investors best in our latest Markets in a Minute.

Overshadowed by mid-term elections last week, the latest tabulation of inflation was released. Despite its relative absence from the headlines, inflation is by far the more important near-term driver of both stock and bond performance. With lower inflation, the Federal Reserve will be able to ease off the economic brakes—a bit—and potentially create a more hospitable environment for investors.

In the third quarter of 2022, the S&P 500’s bear market reached ten months old, the Fed continued to tighten monetary policy as inflation accelerated, and recession predictions filled news headlines. With stocks and bonds down more than 25% and 15%, respectively, so far this year, 2022 is shaping up to be one of the more painful years in recent memory. These down markets, though they feel treacherous, present disciplined investors with opportunities for long-term growth.

Are we headed toward a recession? The answer is, we’ll get there… eventually. Read on for the “road signs” that can help us estimate when we might arrive and what we can do before we get there.

As the S&P 500’s bear market completes its ninth month, two areas of the economy have experienced rapid changes: commodity price spikes coupled with impending shortages and a housing boom that is quickly petering out. How serious are these risks to the global economy and markets? Let’s discuss in this week’s Markets in a Minute. 

Last week we got word that the U.S. economy had contracted for the second quarter in a row. With a weaker economy, the next question is, what will happen to earnings? In this week’s Money with Murphy, I talk about corporate earnings.

As economic growth cools and inflation heats up, we are hearing more about recessions. in this week's Markets in a Minute, we talk recession and what’s happening with the latest GDP report. 

Our 2022 theme of downshifting, or slowing of growth, is certainly coming to fruition as we close out the first half of the year. Watch the latest Money with Murphy for some insight into what we are watching and what to keep in mind when making investment decisions.

Lofty prices and higher mortgage rates are beginning to shake the foundation of the single-family housing market. Are we headed for a 2008-style correction? Read the latest Markets in a Minute for our take on what’s next. 

With a war in Europe, sky-high energy prices, recession fears, intensifying political divisions, and an on-going global pandemic, it’s no wonder that both stocks and bonds have experienced large gyrations so far this year. In this week’s Markets in a Minute, we discuss what volatility among stocks and bonds means for your portfolio. 

What’s there to like about a down market? Several things, actually. Read the latest Markets in a Minute to learn about opportunities to potentially enhance long-term returns, reduce portfolio risk, and lower your tax bill when markets take a turn for the worse. 

After a long stretch of torrid price appreciation, the U.S. market is at a crossroads. Where does it go from here? Watch the latest Money with Murphy for our take on that question. 

Trying to make sense of cryptos? Listen to the latest Money With Murphy for thoughts on volatility in the crypto world and why investors might want to take a “back to basics” approach to their portfolios.

Stock and bond markets have had a wild ride. What’s driving this recent volatility and what’s an investor to do? Read the latest Markets in a Minute for a back-to-basics playbook for volatile markets.

As economic growth cools and inflation heats up, we are hearing more comparisons with the 1970s and 80s. Let’s talk stagflation and why today’s economy and market are different in this week’s Money with Murphy.

A bruising first quarter for stocks and bonds begs the question: Are markets signaling a recession in 2022, or a downshifting from the torrid growth of 2021? We continue to be in the downshifting camp. Read the latest Markets in a Minute for a recap of first-quarter performance and our outlook for the balance of this year.

Is it time to consider diversifying beyond stocks and bonds when building portfolios for the next decade? Read the latest Markets in a Minute to learn why liquid alternative funds might provide an important buffer for portfolios in the coming years.

The yield curve is a term frequently used in the financial press. In this week’s video, I talk about what it is and what it’s telling us.

Buffeted by twin headwinds — rising interest rates and high inflation — the fixed-income market is off to a rough start this year. In the current climate, many investors may be tempted to forgo fixed income entirely. Read about the reasons for continuing to invest in bonds in the latest Markets in a Minute.

After two years of rock-bottom rates, the Federal Reserve has commenced lift off. So, what does this mean for the economy, and, more importantly, for your portfolio?

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has humanitarian and geopolitical consequences but what are the implications for the global economy and equities? My latest Markets in a Minute explores this question and more.

With inflation hotter than expected and spreading beyond pandemic-affected industries, the Fed appears poised to take more aggressive steps to rein in price increases. What does that mean for stocks? Read my latest Markets in a Minute for a look at how equities have performed during previous rate-hiking cycles.

History offers insight as to how market dynamics can shift during periods of high inflation. Read my latest Markets in a Minute for a look at which sectors shined during the Great Inflation and other lessons that may help investors navigate today’s inflationary environment.

Our 2022 theme of downshifting, or slowing of growth, is certainly coming to fruition less than a month into the new year. Watch the latest Money with Murphy for some insight into what we are watching and what to keep in mind when making investment decisions.

While we expect the US economy to continue growing, the theme of downshifting has clearly emerged. In this week’s video, I discuss a few factors that will potentially influence the slowdown of the economy.

Despite the challenges of the year, the S&P 500 proved yet again that bull markets climb a wall of worry. As I look back at 2021, I am also looking forward to what the new year brings. Wishing you and yours all the best this holiday season and see you next year.

Climate action is front and center for both the Biden administration and many of the world’s largest companies. Read my latest Markets in a Minute for a look at the opportunities and obstacles in the race to a clean-energy future and the implications for investors.

Covid-19, the Delta variant, and now Omicron. Watch this short video for insight into why the markets reacted differently to each.

The Fed has entered one of the most-difficult phases of its pandemic response as it begins to dial back stimulus measures even before the full effects of its policies are felt and amid new risks. Read my latest Markets in a Minute for a look under the monetary-policy hood and the implications for the markets and the economy.