January Observations Volatile Start to 2026 as Geopolitics Dominated Headlines U.S. equity markets posted modest gains in January, with the S&P 500 returning 1.5% despite significant mid-month volatility. Tariff threats on European countries over Greenland…
by Tim Side, CFA – Director of Investment Strategy A cruel taste of life in Greenland swept across much of the U.S. over the weekend as snowstorms and frigid temperatures caused several deaths, grounded flights,…
Executive Summary 2025 served as another reminder of markets’ ability to climb the so-called “Wall of Worry”. The year carried its fair share of headline risks: a reordering of global defense philosophies, tariff disruptions, a…
December Observations Subdued Month Brings the End to a Solid Year U.S. equity markets closed a robust year in a more subdued fashion, with the S&P 500 essentially flat for the month. To be sure,…
by John Costello, Investment Risk Analyst *Readers unfamiliar with options terminology may wish to consult the Appendix, which provides plain-English definitions of the derivative concepts referenced throughout. INTRODUCTION The democratization of investments continues to make…
Compardo, Wienstroer & Janes at Moneta At Moneta, we believe your wealth should empower you—to make a difference, shape your legacy, and focus on the things that matter most to you. That’s why we’re one…
November Observations AI Theme Comes Under Pressure Markets were mixed in November with the AI theme losing some luster as investor fatigue was led by concerns over rising debt to finance AI spending, elevated valuations,…
If you live, invest, or have financial ties across borders, you’ll likely encounter foreign currencies. These currencies can rise or fall in value compared to the U.S. dollar, and those fluctuations can have a real…
If you’re a U.S. citizen living or investing abroad, it’s important to understand the rules around reporting your foreign assets. One of the most impactful regulations is FATCA—the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act.
October Observations Still Climbing Global equities extended their rally in October, with the MSCI ACWI up 2.2% as developed and emerging markets advanced. Korea led all markets with a 19.9% surge, powered by semiconductors and…
Tim Side, CFA “Irrational exuberance, as famously diagnosed by Robert Shiller ahead of the dot-com bust, is not the same as stupidity.” -John Authers Few financial metaphors come close to the use of the word…
Artificial intelligence is changing the way we live and work—from streamlining everyday tasks to transforming industries. In the world of financial advice, AI brings powerful tools that can enhance how we manage and protect your…
Executive Summary The third quarter of 2025 extended the year’s remarkable market resilience amidst a continuing whirl of policy developments, political tension, and global uncertainty. Beneath the noise, U.S. growth remained exceptional. GDP expanded at…
September Observations The Rally Continues Markets were broadly positive in September as U.S. stocks defied the “September Effect,” with the S&P 500 up 3.7% and the Russell 2000 gaining 3.1%. Gains were led by large-cap…
We are proud to celebrate Cynthia Kirkpatrick, CPA, CFP®, Senior Advisor at Moneta, on being named one of the Missouri Athletic Club’s 2025 Women of Distinction honorees.
Tim Side, CFA It is found that smaller firms have had higher risk adjusted returns, on average, than larger firms. This ‘size effect’ has been in existence for at least forty years and is evidence…
August Observations Broadening the Rally U.S. equities rose in August, but leadership shifted from tech to smaller-cap and cyclical stocks. The Russell 2000 (+7.1%) led the way, while the S&P 500 (+2.0%) and Nasdaq Composite…
Chris Kamykowski, CFA, CFP® The imagery could not have been more surreal…… U.S. President Donald Trump walking through ongoing renovations of the Federal Reserve headquarters in Washington D.C. with the current Fed Chairman, Jerome Powell.…
July Observations Onward and Upward The global equity rallied continued through July, though in a reversal from the previous months, U.S. equities outperformed the rest of the world, aided by a strong U.S. dollar. Within…
We’re proud to share that Diane Compardo, founding partner of Compardo, Wienstroer & Janes at Moneta, has been named to the Barron’s Advisor Hall of Fame—a milestone that reflects not only her individual accomplishments, but…
Introduction Much has changed since we ended March on a dour note, with the S&P down nearly 6% that month as tariff talk ramped up and the threat of DeepSeek was high on everyone’s concerns.…
June Observations Second Quarter Ends on a High Note Global equity markets extended their rally into June as continued economic strength reduced earlier recession fears and further improvement within various trade negotiations helped risk assets.…
Following US strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites, Iran’s parliament has called for the closure of the strait, according to state-run TV. Such a move, however, could not proceed without the approval of Supreme Leader…