The Markets

It was a grand slam.

Major U.S. stock markets were positively euphoric following President Trump’s speech on February 28. Optimism about the new administration’s pro-growth policies propelled the four major U.S. stock indices to record highs, despite a dearth of policy details, reported Financial Times.

As the market continues to reach new highs it's not surprising to see investors begin to worry as the mindset seems to be- what goes up must come down. We are strong believers in making changes within a portfolio if we feel that it's likely a recession is on the horizon. In order to make that type of forecast we need to have our finger on the pulse of the economy.

The Markets

Once upon a time, five blind men discovered an elephant. Each man examined a different part of the elephant and formed a unique impression about the animal. One believed an elephant was like a pillar, while another decided an elephant was like a snake.

In recent weeks, stock and bond markets have been telling different stories, too.

The Markets

Up!

Four major U.S. benchmark stock indices closed at record highs for four consecutive days during Valentine’s Day week, reported Financial Times (FT).

The Markets

What’s the word ‘phenomenal’ worth? It all depends on who says it.

The Markets

U.S. stock markets were unsettled last week.

An historic moment for U.S. stock markets…

The Dow Jones Industrial Average surpassed 20,000 last week. Barron’s cautioned investors not to make too much of the milestone since, “There are only 30 stocks in the index so each one carries a lot of weight.”

As we mentioned in our 2017 Annual Outlook, we see a potentially improving outlook for international stocks and thus continue to maintain exposure to both US and international equities. We believe the following factors warrant that exposure: attractive valuation, improving overseas earnings and fundamental economic data.

1) Valuation:

The Markets

Markets weren’t quite sure which direction to move last week.

The Markets

…And, they’re off!

Bullish sentiment helped world equity markets get off to a fast start last week. Just name a country or region – developed markets, emerging markets, the United States, Latin America, Asia, Europe, the United Kingdom – and it’s likely the area’s benchmark index may have been up for the week.