A Remembrance of Picks Past
We revisit our picks from the last 15 months, check how our performance stacked up relative to the S&P 500, and update our thoughts on these names.
Buying the Hiccups
At these levels, traders are more likely to sell first to lock in profits and ask questions later; earnings hiccups can create opportunities for investors who take a longer view.
And the Last Shall be First
With a few days left for tax selling in 2016, it’s fair to ask if the other underperforming stocks in the Lifelong Income Portfolio are worth unloading. Here’s why we’re sticking with each and what makes them likely to go from dogs to darlings in 2017.
A Change in Plans
President-elect Donald Trump’s plans for a massive fiscal stimulus via tax cuts and infrastructure spending should extend and perhaps accelerate a lackluster economic recovery that had started to peter out. With the economic outlook improving and inflationary pressure on the rise, this stimulus could give the Federal Reserve the leeway to hike interest rates at a faster pace than previously expected.
Four Strategies When There Are No Safe Spaces
Examining S&P 500 sectors reveals there are no safe havens, so you better stick to these four key strategies to mitigate downside potential.
Haste Makes Waste
Panic is every investor’s enemy, especially in the latter stages of a bull market. Remain patient and make your moves incrementally.
US Economy Still Stuck in First Gear
Although the US economy has gathered steam in the third quarter, gross domestic product still grew at an annualized pace of less than 1 percent in the first half of the year. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 trades at 20.5 times earnings—toward the top of its historical range. Stay hedged, my friends.
Income Investing in a Low-Rate World
Divided-paying equities of all stripes have rallied hard since the Federal Reserve backed down from its plan to hike interest rates this year, propelling many of our favorite names to frothy valuations. We highlight a strategy for a challenging environment where rates remain low, and valuation multiples and economic uncertainty remain elevated.
Welcome to the Funhouse
An extended period of extraordinarily accommodative monetary policy has distorted asset prices, resulting in some curious (and concerning) dislocations. The S&P 500 trades at historically elevated valuations usually seen during periods of robust economic growth, while some of Europe’s strongest sovereign credits sport negative yields.
Sell in May?
The US economy continues to grow at a lackluster pace, first-quarter earnings have disappointed and the S&P 500 trades at stretched valuations. Although none of these factors preclude additional upside in US equities over the near term, we stand by our cautious outlook for the broader market and prefer to focus on defense.