February Observations Volatility Continues on AI Disruption and Geopolitics U.S. equities were mixed in February, with the S&P 500 falling 0.8% as concerns over AI disruption, tariffs, and escalating Middle East tensions weighed on sentiment.…
Many awoke to news last Saturday morning of the U.S. and Israel jointly launching airstrikes against Iran’s military capabilities and leadership structure. The buildup to what has been deemed, “Operation Epic Fury”, has been ongoing…
Historically, emerging markets have typically made the headlines for political upheaval, war or economic struggles. However, 2025’s 33.5% return for the MSCI Emerging Markets (net return) index1 has brought emerging market equities into the collective…
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,…
Happy New Year, and welcome to 2026! Although challenging at times, we feel 2025 was a successful year and hope you all feel the same. We’re prepared and well-equipped to help you tackle any challenges that present themselves in the…
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…
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,…
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…
Fall is upon us. How quickly this year has gone! Days are becoming shorter, but the air is crisp, and the colors are changing. We hope this season brings you endless joy alongside friends and family, and peace of mind knowing that our…
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…
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…
Welcome to summer! Wherever you may be, we hope that you’ve enjoyed some beautiful weather and a fantastic Fourth of July holiday. We’d love to hear about your summer adventures with family and friends, even…
As we enter spring and warmer temperatures, our team is thrilled to introduce our Quarterly Newsletter. We truly value your willingness to share your significant life moments with us and we enjoy learning more about…
MONTHLY OBSERVATIONS Diversification Mitigates Tough Month for US Equities A reversal in the momentum trade sent US stocks mostly lower in February as the combination of a Fed on pause, weaker macro data, policy uncertainty,…
by Jackson Wegner, CFP® – Advisor The earlier in life that one creates and implements good habits, the more likely the habits are to last a lifetime. Just as a healthy diet, a strong work…
By Aoifinn Devitt, Chief Global Investment Strategist It has been a week filled with newsflow and our weekly update is coming to you a little later than usual. As we turn the corner into February,…
By Aoifinn Devitt, Chief Global Investment Strategist Words matter. That part is clear. When the Federal reserve started to sprinkle the word “transitory” into its assessment of inflation from 2022 onwards they sent a clear signal.…