28 Aug 2009

Posted at 15:56h in The Friday Brief by

On Wednesday our nation was saddened by the death of Senator Edward Moore “Ted” Kennedy who succumbed to brain cancer in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. With 47 years of service in the US Senate he was one of the most influential and accomplished lawmakers of our time. Ted Kennedy was the only one of four distinguished brothers to die of natural causes; President John F. Kennedy, and Senator Robert Kennedy were assonated and Joseph Kennedy Jr., a naval aviator, was killed in action during World War II. The service and sacrifice of this remarkable family to our country is gratefully acknowledged and deeply appreciated.

The persistent rise in stock prices rolled on this week as investors continue to believe the economy is rising from recession, despite ever-present news of bank failures, sluggish consumer participation, and huge looming federal deficits. In spite of it, the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced yesterday for the eighth straight day, each to new highs for the year, and representing the longest winning streak since April 2007. The MSCI World Index of 23 developed nations added 0.9% yesterday extending its seventh weekly gain. Copper, among the very best indicators of global growth, jumped to the highest intraday price since Oct. 1st on the London Metal Exchange, while oil climbed 0.9%. The early re-appointment of Ben Bernanke to a second term also gave markets a boost.

14 Aug 2009

Posted at 16:21h in The Friday Brief by
During the lifetime of the “Greatest Generation” the market has fallen an average of 40% fourteen times, or once every 5.7 years. In fact the odds of an investor experiencing a loss in any one year are 1 in 3.9. The latest drop from May 19, 2008 to March 9, 2009 took us down nearly 53%. It’s easy to see why so many former investors have been driven to the sidelines. Yet why do others remain steadfastly invested? In short they seek the 11.5% average annual return the market has provided for the past 40 years, along with the added benefit of ready liquidity. They understand the market, while seductively steady much of the time is prone to major emotional swings which require patience and fortitude to endure. Perhaps knowing that the average return a year after a market trough is 46% helps assuage the pain of declines, while understanding that ‘irrational exuberance’ will eventually lead to a hangover helps them remain on course while others fall prey to their emotions.

02 Jul 2009

Posted at 16:48h in The Friday Brief by
Stocks posted their best quarter since 2003 as the second quarter came to an end. Stocks held on to the majority of their increase as the S&P 500-stock index finished the quarter up 15% and the year up 1.8%. As investors who missed the rally buy on dips, the vast majority feel the best is behind until the economy can prove it is up to expectations. The next big test is corporate profits for the second quarter which will be released in the coming weeks. They must match or beat analysts’ projections to sustain stock prices at current levels.

26 Jun 2009

Posted at 14:08h in The Friday Brief by
In the days of sailing ships one of a captain’s greatest fears was being becalmed in the Doldrums. Ships could be trapped for weeks without sign or hope of a breeze powerful or consistent enough to propel them safely out of the morass. These regions exist at the earth’s equator and are characterized by extreme low pressures, where the prevailing winds are calm and variable.