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Extraordinary Market Events: Implied and realized volatility in both stocks and bonds has ramped to levels not seen since the global financial crisis. Equity markets officially entered bear market territory, with key benchmarks down over 20% from mid-February highs. The entire US Treasury yield curve briefly traded below 1%, as

Please find the next blog in our monthly series that provides a review of the prior month’s market data, the state of the economy, and the global financial markets. Global Economy: Despite risk-on sentiment that drove stocks to record levels in the first half of the month, it was a

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates today by half percentage point amid concern the coronavirus outbreak could threaten the US economy.  It is the first emergency move like this since 2008. “The fundamentals of the U.S. economy remain strong,” a statement from the Federal Reserve said. “However, the coronavirus poses

On Monday and Tuesday of this week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell nearly 2,000 points, falling from historic highs by approximately 6.5%. The spread of Coronavirus to countries such as Korea, Iran and Italy sparked the selloff which was compounded on Tuesday when the CDC warned Americans that a

Please find the next blog in our monthly series that provides a review of the prior month’s market data, the state of the economy, and the global financial markets. Global Economy: Following the robust returns of 2019, there has been much speculation as to what may precipitate heightened volatility in

While the global economy extended its post-crisis recovery in 2019, growth occurred at its slowest pace since the global financial crisis. Despite the headwinds from a weak global economy, trade disputes, geopolitical tensions, and social unrest, it was a strong year for global equities. Key Highlights: Political and trade-related headlines

Background The recently signed “Phase One” trade deal between the U.S. and China has been viewed with skepticism by some analysts. The deal mostly left existing tariffs in place, and there are doubts whether China can actually deliver on its promised $200 billion of commodity purchases over the next two

According to NASA, 2014 – 2018 were the five warmest years on record going back to 1880. Global temperatures in 2018 were 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit (F) warmer than the average from 1951 through 1980. NASA and many members of the scientific community believe that this warming has been driven in

Please find the next blog in our monthly series that provides a review of the prior month’s market data, the state of the economy, and the global financial markets. Global Economy: In the spirit of the coming New Year, significant progress was made in December to bring resolution to a

On Dec 20, 2019 President Trump signed into law The SECURE act, an acronym for Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement. The bill is intended to strengthen American’s retirement security. Key points: Increasing the Required Minimum Distribution Age Effective January 1, 2020, the age at which individuals must begin