“Extremist,” the word and its meaning, is not usually considered in a positive light. The term usually carries a negative connotation when describing a person (or group); one which attempts to bring about change using extreme methods. An “extremist” could be one who favors or resorts to immoderate, uncompromising, or fanatical methods of behavior to the point of being radical. Synonyms for “extremist” include fanatic, radical, zealot, agitator, revolutionary, die-hard, or ultraist. Yet some of the most historically significant moments and events are defined by individuals and organizations that were termed “extremist” – countless names/groups come to mind that could be categorized this way.
Author Archives: Nvest Wealth Strategies
Eventful Week, But US Equities Add to Month’s Gains – Week Ended 7/27/18
In many respects, it is hard to recall a week in recent memory as eventful or bifurcated as the one just completed. For all the noteworthy data points, earnings releases, and developments, performance at broad index-level was perceptibly average. The Dow and S&P logged gains of roughly +0.5% each, but beneath the surface, performance among sectors and individual stocks was extraordinarily diverse. The technology sector for example was negatively impacted by the pummeling of heavyweights such as Facebook and Twitter following release of those companies’ respective quarterly earnings and can be blamed for the tech-heavy Nasdaq concluding the week down -1.1%. At the same time, the more tangible and traditional economy enjoyed a positive bump with the headline that the US and key international trading partners in Europe reached verbal agreements in principal to back away from tariffs and restrictive trade policies in what is one of the most globally integrated industries of automobile manufacture. Amid all the trade-war talk, might it be that when all is said and done we actually end up “free-er” trade than before any of the hostile rhetoric began 6 months ago? That is one non-consensus perspective that is beginning to gain some traction following the positive surprise last week.
Jawboning The Fed, Or Something Even Bigger? – Market Notes for Week Ended 7/20/18
The S&P500 marked time for the week ending July 20, perhaps a more normal experience amid a season where the calendar cannot be counted as a friend to investors. The fact that the markets are behaved however might be surprising when considering what seems to be a continued escalation of trade tension between the Trump administration and the rest of the world. Arguably, the exchange of words and proposed trade adjustments are difficult to dismiss as only threats; at this point it would seem more accurate to suggest an actual trade war is already in progress; a development that would be expected to slow long-term global economic progress all other things equal while at the same time raising prices (definition of stagflation). Still, diving beneath the surface of what the S&P500 might tell us, Dow theorists – who view to the transportation sector as a indicative signal for the broader economic pace – might find some consolation with the notable outperformance of the transportation based constituents when compared to the relative performance of the industrials last week (both groups outperformed the S&P as a whole last week). This offers a contrast with what was being observed in the recent 4-week period and even YTD to a lesser pronounced extent.
Resiliency Despite Headlines – Market Notes for Week Ended 7/13/18
For the first time since early March, the S&P500 managed to move back above the level of 2800. This is a notable achievement against a backdrop of noisy headlines that include an escalating international trade war and a Federal Reserve board that seems to be saying it remains committed to tightening monetary policy at a pace faster that what its own longer-term view of the economy would call for. Yet while domestic markets are behaving kindly, international charts (both economic and financial markets) can only be characterized as weaker.
“Tariffs Until the Market Shakes” & “Tightening Until Something Breaks!” – Nvest Nsights Q2 Newsletter
Combining the two commentary thoughts within Nvest Nsights this quarter, there are two watch points: the Fed tightening until something breaks, and tariffs until the market shakes. Of these two, the former worries us the most, longer-term. We are historically reminded about 1984 and 1994 – strong economies and slow markets to be followed by 1985 and 1995. Maybe 2018 (strong economy and slow market) is the bridge for 2019 when stocks advance faster than the economy. Keep watchful and stay invested. We encourage you to review the full articles contained in our quarterly newsletter below. The full printer-friendly document can be downloaded here: NVEST NSIGHTS Q2
TARIFFS UNTIL THE MARKET SHAKES
The US economy is still growing and will enjoy its 10th anniversary in July. Shortly, it will become the longest expansion on record. Its progress helped unemployment reach its lowest in 18 years, at 3.8%. And, the second quarter should produce double-digit earnings growth again, for the 3rd consecutive quarter. So far, the US economy and corporate earnings provide the underlying fundamentals to support the current bull market growing older (since 3/9/2009 or 112 months, or 9.3 years). US consumer confidence remains solid which is important since consumers drive about 70% of the US economy.
Your “Family Love Letter”
Did you ever write and share your “family love letter?” It’s probably safe to say that each of us is aware of tragic situations where a loved one died at too young an age, maybe suddenly and unexpectedly. These experiences are shocking, and it is natural to catch yourself wondering how those closest to the deceased will be cared for or work through the situation. Loved ones often find they are ill-prepared to attend to many aspects of another’s life.
On the topic of estate planning, we are regularly encouraged to plan properly for a sudden incapacitation and/or death. Unfortunately, the focus begins and ends with the execution of proper documents, titling of assets, and naming beneficiaries to various financial accounts. Often overlooked however, is ensuring that appropriate family members and decision makers can access adequate information about their loved one’s assets, liabilities, and intentions. And, even if deliberate thought was given to these matters, is information available and quickly accessible?
Are They Driving Too Fast?! – Notes for Week Ended 6/15
Following the most recent Fed rate hike decision last week, Fed Chairman Jay Powell went on record suggesting it is a puzzle why long bond yields are staying so stubbornly low. Yet for those well researched in the dynamics of the bond market and the crowd-based wisdom it can convey, the message is clear: the current rate-hiking pace of the Fed is believed to be unsustainable by the bond market and it will slow down economic growth if not made more glacial than presently being communicated. At present, short rates are rising more swiftly than the long-end of the curve is adjusting in recognition of faster economic growth; should the yield curve invert (meaning long rates are less than short dated ones), it signals a serious policy mistake has been committed and an economic recession should be anticipated.
After Brief Affection with Foreign, US Investors Again Turn Sights To Home – Week Ended 6/8/11
The first full week of June was again characterized by foggy and uncertain geopolitical headlines, but the number of positive fundamental developments continued to outweigh those that in isolation would be viewed with a negative lens. As a result, domestic equities managed to build on the positive result for May with an advance of +1.7% for the S&P500. The profile of the advance also implies that the current tone of the market is risk-seeking with more economically sensitive corners and asset classes within the market acting well. When including last week, the S&P500 is up +4.8% to-date in 2018 compared with small-size companies that sport a +9.5% return over the same period as measured by the Russell 2000. By contrast however, international baskets as measured by the MSCI EAFE index are only narrowly positive with just a +0.1% change YTD.
Geopolitical Fog – Commentary for June
“The biggest business in America is not autos, steel, television”, or apples. “It is the manufacture, refinement, and distribution of ‘anxiety’.” Such was penned by media legend Eric Sevareid (who was an American author and CBS radio and television news journalist from 1939 to 1977) when the “news” consisted of a morning newspaper and a half-hour of nightly national news. One would probably consider this a recently offered thought rather than from 1964. What might anyone say today about our constant barrage of “news”? News today seems more commentary and opinion in a wrapper called “news.” A “geopolitical fog” of “news” is creating a directionless market; issues consist of – tariffs/trade; rise in oil prices boosting inflation expectations; the Fed raising interest rates too fast and/or too much; mid-term election year; Italy/Spain politics; not to mention North Korea or Iran; and etc.
“Sell-in-May” Advocates Likely Disappointed Thus Far – Week Ended 5/18/18
The most watched of US indexes yielded slight ground during the week ended May 18, with the S&P500, Dow, and Nasdaq each sliding between -0.5% and -0.7%. Bonds continued to experience downward price pressure with key interest rate benchmarks resuming their inching-up. Weaker equity performance however comes on the heels of an eight day winning streak for the Dow, and an S&P500 that remains nearly +2.5% higher than it was at the end of April. Most interesting perhaps is that what are often thought of as the more economically sensitive and risk-seeking sectors including Small-size companies, industrials and the transports, actually continuing to climb, creating an interesting and arguably positive divergence when looking beneath the surface.