Eric Blattner 2/8/24 Eric Blattner 2/8/24

S&P 500 Peaks: Reviewing the Price vs. Value Debate for Investors

The S&P 500 closed the week at the record price of 4,958.61. It has never been higher. And price alone is largely irrelevant. An asset bought with a hefty price tag can both deliver or destroy a ton of value.

Eric Blattner 12/6/23 Eric Blattner 12/6/23

Small Companies. Small Returns?

Traditional theory suggests investors should earn higher returns in riskier investments, like small caps. However, small cap stocks have underperformed large caps for more than a decade. And they have even underperformed bigger, more stable stocks since the late 1970s. Which begs the question: why own smaller, riskier companies if we aren’t earning higher returns?

Eric Blattner 8/17/23 Eric Blattner 8/17/23

Three Things About Higher Rates

Interest rates on bonds haven’t been this high in about 15 years. Whether you consider this to be good or bad news may depend on your perspective. Higher rates generally offer a better starting point for bond investors, and high-quality bonds may be in a better position to offset other risks in your portfolio. Stock investors traditionally have been willing to pay less (in terms of P/E multiples, for example) for expected earnings as interest rates rise, which can put pressure on stock returns. Regardless, history has seemed to reward stock owners over the long term, even in periods characterized by higher interest rates.

Eric Blattner 7/20/23 Eric Blattner 7/20/23

The Most Boring Market Update Ever?

It’s mid-July, which means firms like ours have been busy publishing quarterly recaps and market outlooks for the remainder of the year. How it would sound if we focused not on the last 90 days, but rather recapped the last 10 years. After all, we constantly talk about long-term investing, so why not write commentary to match?

Eric Blattner 7/6/23 Eric Blattner 7/6/23

Is the Market Flashing Caution Signs? Three Observations

Investors in “balanced” portfolios just had their second-best start to a year since 2001. At the same time, cash is cool again for millions of investors. Considering the rebound in stock and bond prices this year, here are three observations for people considering moving from cash back into stocks and bonds.

Eric Blattner 6/14/23 Eric Blattner 6/14/23

Three Things 2023’s Best Stocks Have in Common

The SP 500 is comprised of (roughly) 500 stocks, and it’s up about 15% in 2023. Yet, it would be down this year if not for these 30 companies.

Eric Blattner 5/25/23 Eric Blattner 5/25/23

How Am I Doing? Keep a Long-term Perspective When Evaluating Investment Performance.

Investors often ask, “How am I doing?” The answer may require a little color, and benchmarks can help frame the conversation. Regular review of risks and returns can help keep investment portfolios aimed at achieving long-term goals.

Eric Blattner 4/14/23 Eric Blattner 4/14/23

Are Stocks Ugly?

Are stocks as unappealing today as they have been in 15 years? By one measure, the answer may be yes. Still, stock investors may be well-served to focus on the long-term.