Market Insights - 3 min
Investors often hear about market swings, but what really drives these ups and downs? The stock market isn't just about numbers—it reflects the emotions and expectations of investors.[1] The legendary investor Benjamin Graham introduced the idea of "Mr. Market," a fictional character who represents the market’s often erratic and emotional behavior. Mr. Market has certainly been active in recent months, with the S&P 500 reaching record highs in February before experiencing a sharp decline in March.[2] The question on many minds is: What does this mean for the future, and how should investors react?
Mar 27, 2025
Market Insights - 4 min
In late 2024, the Federal Open Markets Committee (“FOMC”) opted to begin cutting rates again, based on the apparent ‘soft landing’ it had achieved by delivering lower inflation without imperiling its second mandate of full employment.The last meeting saw a pause in this downward trajectory, with the target range held at 4.25% to 4.50%. In this article, we delve into the reasoning behind the latest decision, and examine how the events and the data published since may influence the future path of rates.
Mar 13, 2025
Market Insights - 3 min
Investors are navigating a complex environment where traditional portfolio strategies may no longer offer the stability they once did. Rising interest rates, persistent inflation concerns, and growing market volatility have sparked a reevaluation of long-standing assumptions, most notably, the reliability of the classic 60:40 approach. In light of these uncertainties, it is prudent to consider new avenues for growth and diversification.
Feb 26, 2025
Market Insights - 3 min
The past two years have seen impressive stock market growth, with the S&P 500 posting annual gains of 24% and 23%, respectively.[1] The last time the market showed similar performance was in the mid-1990s, when the index experienced five straight years of growth exceeding 20% per year.[2]At first glance, these returns might suggest that investing in a broad market index is a simple way to build wealth. However, history shows that long periods of strong performance are often followed by stretches of stagnation or volatility, making a cautious approach worthwhile.
Feb 25, 2025
Education - 2 min
Planning for retirement requires thoughtful preparation to aim for financial stability at every stage of life. Understanding how to set retirement goals by age helps create a clear roadmap for the future. This article explores how to define and achieve your retirement goals, no matter where you are in your financial journey.
Feb 20, 2025
Market Insights - 3 min
In the past few years, there have been growing signs of a fundamental re-alignment in geopolitics.[1] This marks a change from the established world order that prevailed from the end of the Cold War until the first Trump administration in 2016.
Feb 4, 2025
Market Insights - 3 min
As we covered in our last article, fund managers typically look to alternative assets (private equity, real estate, infrastructure, hedge funds, and commodities) as a way of achieving higher returns in a sluggish market.Public markets have been far from stagnant in recent times, with the S&P 500 posting growth in excess of 20% two years running. And yet, 91% of advisors are planning to increase their exposure to alternatives in coming years.[1] Why?
Feb 3, 2025
Market Insights - 3 min
The S&P 500 grew 23% in 2024, and over 50% in the last two years combined.[1] Public markets have experienced significant growth not seen in decades.While this is good news for investors in the stock market, many analysts are questioning whether such growth is sustainable, considering that valuations are already historically high, and a lot of optimism about future developments is already priced in.[2]How can investors prepare for this uncertain future as we enter a new year?
Jan 29, 2025
Market Insights - 3 min
At its last meeting, the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) decided to cut interest rates again, making a total decrease of 100 basis points (“bps”) since September 2024. The next decision will be announced on January 29th. What does it hold for investors?
Jan 21, 2025