by J.J. Schenkelberg, CFA | Jul 8, 2019 | Financial Planning
“The rich get richer.” We’ve all heard this phrase. Why does this happen? Is it better investment opportunities, access to other wealthy investors or other advantages the rest of us can’t take advantage of? Not really. Primarily, the rich get richer because of the...
by J.J. Schenkelberg, CFA | Jul 8, 2019 | Market Commentary, Market Performance
U.S. Versus International The S&P 500, an index of large U.S. companies, posted a total return of 4.3% for the Second Quarter of 2019. U.S. stocks outperformed international for the quarter as measured by the All Country World Index ex-U.S. stocks, a...
by J.J. Schenkelberg, CFA | Jul 8, 2019 | Market Commentary, Market Performance
Last week I took a golf lesson for the first time since playing golf in college, more than 20 years ago. The instructor began with the basics—grip, stance and alignment. If you play golf you know that golfers typically focus on a lot of items other than grip,...
by J.J. Schenkelberg, CFA | Apr 12, 2019 | Market Commentary, Market Performance
Following a Christmas Eve market low, Santa Claus delivered a strong stock market rally that lasted the next three months. The fourth quarter drop in market prices was a significant jolt to investors. However, major market indices are once again knocking on the door...
by J.J. Schenkelberg, CFA | Apr 12, 2019 | Financial Planning
Everyone knows they need to save for the future and that there are opportunities to invest their savings to maximize growth. It is a complex world when seeking someone to help safeguard and grow savings. The “financial advisor title” is a very common one among...
by J.J. Schenkelberg, CFA | Apr 12, 2019 | Market Commentary, Market Performance
U.S. Versus International The S&P 500, an index of large U.S. companies, posted a total return of 13.6% for the First Quarter of 2019. U.S. stocks outperformed international for the quarter as measured by the All Country World Index ex-U.S. stocks, a...
by J.J. Schenkelberg, CFA | Jan 4, 2019 | Market Commentary, Market Performance
The longest bull market in history may have ended on September 20, 2018. However, we cannot officially say that yet. The end of a bull market is characterized by a 20% drop from the peak. The S&P 500 was two points away from 2,344.6 on December 27th before staging...
by J.J. Schenkelberg, CFA | Jan 4, 2019 | Financial Planning, Market Commentary, Market Performance
The term “recession” has been tossed around a lot lately. In general terms it seems to represent a scary situation when it comes to the economy and our financial future. But what does it really mean? From an investment standpoint we may have already seen the worst....
by J.J. Schenkelberg, CFA | Jan 4, 2019 | Market Commentary, Market Performance
U.S. Versus International The S&P 500, an index of large U.S. companies, posted a total return of -13.5% for the 13 weeks ending December 31, 2018, and -4.4% for the full year. U.S. stocks underperformed internationally for the quarter as measured by the All...
by J.J. Schenkelberg, CFA | Oct 9, 2018 | Financial Planning, Market Commentary, Market Performance
Whether you are in the investment industry or not, one of the first lessons everyone learns is the importance of diversification. “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” so to speak. Over time we have learned that diversification works. Stocks that are not alike will...
