After nearly two years of strong market gains, investors experienced their first meaningful pullback during the first quarter of 2022.  While it is typical for markets to experience pullbacks and a higher level of volatility after the initial 12-18 months of a new bull market, it is never welcomed or comfortable.  That is probably because the uncertainties that usually accompany them are always unique.  Present uncertainties include a still fractured global supply chain, a Federal Reserve that finds itself needing to raise interest rates and tighten monetary policy in pursuit of arresting inflation that is running at the hottest pace in 40 years; and of course Russia/Ukraine which muddies both challenges further.

This quarter our Nvest Nsights newsletter shares what we’re watching and perspective to the topics/questions we’re most frequently hearing from clients.  Perhaps it “Goes Without Saying” that the backdrop highlighted above implies 2022 will likely remain a challenging year; but there are also some important messages to be heeded from history.  There is also the saying that “A stitch in time saves nine”;  while ‘main street’ consumers may not welcome rising interest rates and the impact on the cost of borrowing (or the markets in the short term) it is nonetheless appropriate for the longer-term health of the economy.  The markets are adjusting to a changing investment landscape.  We close the update with our personal finance theme article with a change coming to employer 401k statements this year.  Will the new “Lifetime Income Estimates“ being provided help you feel more secure?

A printer-friendly version of the full quarterly newsletter, including benchmarking and fund performance data, can be obtained here: Q1 Nvest Nsights

As always, please do not hesitate to let us know if you have any questions or would like to coordinate a time to visit.

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Happy New Year!  2021 provided a second, actually a third, consecutive year of double-digit investment returns for stocks (most forget 2019 because of how quickly the mood soured in early 2020).

This edition of our quarterly newsletter, Nvest Nsignts provides “the lowdown” on what themes drove the financial markets during 2021.  Perhaps of greater interest is our sharing of what we believe will be the biggest focus for investors as we “Journey into 2022“.  Our personal finance focus this quarter, “Healthy Habits” shares several easy-to-implement “resolutions” that can pack a powerful punch to enhance your long-term financial posture as you set plans for the New Year.

A printer-friendly version of the full quarterly newsletter, including benchmarking and fund performance data, can be obtained here: Q4 Nvest Nsights

As always, please do not hesitate to let us know if you have any questions or would like to coordinate a time to visit.Continue reading→

With the 3Q now complete but the stock market seemingly more choppy since September, investors wonder if the final 3 months of the year and 2022 might offer a resumption of upward trend.  For most, it’s a difficult consideration amid the confluence of BIG Government-related issues ranging from significant spending and tax proposals (infrastructure and social programs), a potential government shutdown (debt ceiling), whether Fed Chair Powell will be reappointed, and more.

In this quarter’s update, “All of the Above” we review the reasons we see for the stock market losing momentum in recent months, September in particular.  We also believe that the Great Lockdown response to COVID will be viewed as a “Pivot Point” in a variety of ways, but including how investors think about inflation, interest rates, and asset allocation.  Related, September 30 marked the 40th anniversary of a secular bull market for bonds.  What might the next 40 look like?

The personal finance discussion this quarter provides a quick summary of what we see are the most likely tax changes coming as a result of current proposals.  As you might imagine, this is a topic arising in most every client conversation this year and we hope you find the quick bullet format helpful.

A printer-friendly version of the full quarterly newsletter, including benchmarking and fund performance data, can be obtained here: Q3 Nvest Nsights

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On June 30, the S&P500 enjoyed its 34th new closing high of the year, and is now up roughly 95% from its March 2020 low.  Remarkable!  Our first article, “Ruff & Reddy” reviews the catalysts behind this powerful advance, but also that under the surface there is rotation underway and broader market momentum is softening.  This is normal in the second year of a new bull market and is often accompanied by more volatility.  Government remains a key factor for the prospect of volatility as well.  In that regard, the lyrics of the 1976 Eagles song “Hotel California” may be a good summary of the challenge government may face when they at some point attempt to walk-back from deficit spending or target inflation.  In a different way, the song’s lyrics may be spun toward appropriate guidance for individual investors too.

The personal finance article this quarter, “Is Your Beachbody Ready for Summer?“, shares a client’s motivation to participate in a recent stock IPO.  We are often asked by clients about various investment ideas – ranging from ‘meme-stocks’, bitcoin, or real estate; this client’s thoughtful approach to an investment receiving lots of buzz provided a refreshing and textbook example of how to avoid potentially unhealthy financial behavior.

A printer-friendly version of our quarterly newsletter can be obtained here: Q2 Nvest Nsights

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