Here is the link to the first quarter PDS Investment Webcast in case you missed it today! This quarterly call was a discussion on the impact of rising interest rates and how we are currently positioning bond allocations for clients. We also recapped the post-election bounce and current market valuations around the world. Finally, we closed with…
April 2017 Financial Markets Summary “Interest rates are rising! It’s time to abandon your bonds!” This has been the popular commentary from many media outlets over the past few months. Yes, Janet Yellen and the Federal Reserve increased the Fed Funds rate by a whopping 0.25% on December 14, 2016 and by another 0.25% on…
March 2017 Financial Markets Summary Last month we noted the average 2017 year-end target for the S&P 500, as predicted by 16 major investment banks, is 2353. Expectations were, on average, very tame. As we write this letter today, the index is at 2400…so much for expert predictions. And who thought we would have double-digit…
Economic and Investment News Bits The surest way to reach financial goals is to contribute adequately on a regular basis. This is more important than asset allocation, security selection, and even risk management. Increasing contributions trumps all other aspects of investing. The goal should be to max out payroll deductions for retirement plans. (Source: Hal…
February 2017 Financial Markets Summary “What are the markets going to do in 2017?” That is the most frequent question we have been getting from our clients over the last few weeks. And clients know our stock answers are we don’t know, we have no accurate crystal ball, and virtually all “experts” get these things…
January 2017 Financial Markets Summary As we noted in December’s Summary, 2016 was a year of surprises. The biggest surprise for many Americans was Donald Trump’s election win. But just what does that election really mean in terms of potential changes? Federated Investors notes “the GOP sweep promises a lot of changes: repatriation and lower…
Economic and Investment News Bits A sign of things to come? Long-term U.S. government bonds, which have held their value as well as any asset class over the last three years, took a hit last week. Vanguard’s Long-Term Treasury fund lost almost 7%. The overriding factor is the incoming president’s agenda that includes significant increases…
November 2016 Financial Markets Summary The PDS investment team recently met with colleagues and a knowledgeable investment company specialist. Most of the discussion evolved around economics: inflation, interest rates, GDP, and global currencies. The specialist’s viewpoints: Inflation is soon going to be easily above 2% and likely moving closer to 3%, The 10-year Treasury (currently…
October 2016 Financial Markets Summary Why have interest rates been so low? Despite predictions to the contrary, the third quarter ended with virtually all market sectors in positive territory. Emerging market stocks have out-performed domestic and developed international stocks in a big way this year. Although there are always potential downsides, Guild Investment Management notes…
Congratulations! You (or your child) is finally getting ready to graduate from The U of __________, and are ready to enter the real world. Fresh with ideas and enthusiasm, you land your first job and the future looks bright. While all of this excitement has consumed your thoughts, you have something in the back of…
