VOLATILE STOCKS AND THEIR RECOVERY The past two quarters have been among the most volatile on record for stocks. The benchmark S&P 500 declined by 19.6% in the first quarter, and then, in a surprising turnaround, went up by 20.5% in the second quarter. We often suggest to clients that during times of market stress […]
Research scientists sometimes refer to the brain’s thought process as having two “systems,” as famously theorized in Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman’s book “Thinking, Fast and Slow.” Both modes of thinking are essential and important in their own right, but they operate quite differently. System 1 is fast, instinctual, and emotional, helping us to make everyday […]
In this current age of unprecedented international chaos and uncertainty, I’ve observed that many of my clients, friends, and family members—and myself—are concerned about the varied, wide-ranging ways that COVID-19 will affect their lives. From cancelled events to school closures to remote working protocols, it seems like, suddenly, nothing around us is familiar or predictable. […]
A Tale of Two Decades: Lessons for Long Term Investors The first decade of the 21st century, and the second one that’s drawing to a close, have reinforced for investors some timeless market lessons: returns can vary sharply from one period to another; holding a broadly diversified portfolio can help smooth out the swings; and, […]
Are you worried about today’s financial climate? Wealth Advisor, Bruce Dzieza, said in a recent North Bay Business Journal interview that the key is developing “a plan that you can live with” before “life throws you a curveball.” He also gives tips on finding the right investment strategy, a level of risk you are comfortable […]
“Blood bath,” “Sell off,” “Spooked investors,” “Wild session,” “Stocks plunge,” “Crazy market swings.” These are just a few of the sensational phrases the financial media used last year to describe stock market activity. As a certified financial planning practitioner for over 20 years, I would argue that when the media reports hourly (or even daily) […]
THE WILLOW CREEK PORTFOLIO: The US Market and Beyond As US-based investors, it is hard not to focus on the US stock market and think that it should be the sum of your returns: your portfolio should be up when the S&P 500 index is up and down when it is down. Sometimes that is […]
RECENT MARKET VOLATILITY After a period of relative calm in the markets, the increase in volatility in the stock market has resulted in renewed anxiety for many investors. The US stock market fell more than 7% on two occasions (top-to-bottom) during this first quarter, resulting in many investors wondering what the future holds and if […]
We are sure you have already heard all about the “largest single-day point decline” for the Dow on Monday: down 1,175 points (or -4.6%). The dramatic headlines are all focusing on the “tremendous sell-off on Wall Street”, and market commentators are already taking credit for knowing that this was bound to happen because interest rates […]
The current bull market in stocks reached its 8th anniversary on March 9th, and for about the last four years, professional investors and financial planners have been scratching their heads. The markets have gone up and up and up, and we all know that they won’t go up forever, which means there’s a correction looming […]
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