Eric Blattner 11/8/24 Eric Blattner 11/8/24

Investors React to Election with Big Stock Market Gains. What Can We Learn from the Previous Election?

The U.S. stock market responded to Tuesday’s election with big gains. International stocks fell, as did bonds. What does this mean, if anything, about what we can expect for the next four years?

We looked at how markets behaved following 2020’s election. Keep in mind, our economy is complex and markets react to a wide variety of inputs. Elections and government leadership are just part of the puzzle.

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

Update from the First Half(ish) of 2024

Eric Blattner 2/16/24 Eric Blattner 2/16/24

Looking Past the S&P 500: Is Everything at All-Time Highs?

If you are reading this, the odds are high that you don’t have 100% of your investable assets in an index fund tracking the S&P 500. You probably own other types of investments. So, what about smaller companies? Or foreign companies? Or other asset classes? Are they also at all-time highs? It turns out other pockets have not participated in this run, at least not to the same degree.

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 2/1/24 Eric Blattner 2/1/24

1,464 Highs and Counting: Why the S&P 500's Record Run May Not be a Sell Signal

Since 1950 through the end of last week (January 26, 2024), the S&P 500 has closed at the all-time high on 1,464 separate occasions. Last Friday was just the most recent. Is the market saying it’s time to sell?

Eric Blattner 1/10/24 Eric Blattner 1/10/24

The Best Investments from 2023

Every once in a while, we feel the need to be less serious and write about something that is purely entertaining (well, for us nerds, anyway). This post should be treated as such. Pure entertainment. Nothing actionable. Absolutely no advice. To that end, here are the best investments of 2023.

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 5/1/23 Eric Blattner 5/1/23

What Should I Do With My 401(k)?

Target-date funds have grown in popularity for retirement savers. And for good reason. But are they the right answer for everyone? See where it might make sense to consider a more tailored approach to allocating retirement plan assets.

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.