For investors, the time horizon is a crucial element in formulating a portfolio strategy.  It is important to understand the difference between near term cash requirements and longer-term investments that, for many, are directed toward providing for a comfortable retirement. On the other hand, the political class is focused on the next election cycle, which, in … Continued

Week of July 8, 2024 The intrigue in DC continues. Enjoy the summer weather, barbecues, and bright sunshine!  Tune in next week. Our Sigma Signals remain unchanged. Bob Bilkie, CFA 

Many investors and individuals tend to focus on financial and general news that confirms their existing world view.  In order to make informed decisions, it is important to understand both sides of an argument.  After all, if you were a juror in a trial, would you make a decision after hearing only one side, i.e., the prosecution … Continued

Week of July 1, 2024 The Standard & Poor’s 500 stock Index ended the week near all-time highs while at the same time, President Biden stumbled through the first debate with President Trump. His subsequent “family meeting” on Sunday to determine whether he would withdraw from the Presidential race potentially represents a dramatic change in … Continued

Now that the well-publicized Tesla proxy battle has concluded with a ringing shareholder endorsement of Mr. Musk’s compensation package, it might be a good time to look at the proxy process. If you’re a shareholder, proxy voting is your opportunity to have a voice in management decisions.  Here at Sigma, we continue to take proxy voting … Continued

Week of June 24, 2024 The Sigma Signals turned 2 years old last week. Reminiscing on the investment landscape from two years ago compared to present day, items of significance include an increased yield on the 10 year US Treasury Note, a sharper focus on Social and Cultural issues and their effects on investment thesis, … Continued

Week of June 17, 2024 There are many parallels to fathering and investing. Both require patience, persistence, discipline and periodic course corrections (when desired outcomes are not achieved). Happy Father’s Day to all fathers. Our Signals remain unchanged. Bob Bilkie, CFA

In many parts of the world, the birthrate has consistently exceeded the local economy’s ability to absorb the population increase.  This typically results in lower standards of living and the potential for attempts at military solutions.  In some other parts of the world, the birthrate has been too low to sustain the regional economy and can, … Continued

Week of June 10, 2024 The meme stock chicanery of the Covid years appears to be back in full swing again with GameStop and “Roaring Kitty” in the news.  Recent articles in the financial press speak to the action by the message board mongrels as fun and exciting.  Investing and protecting wealth is a serious … Continued

The law of supply and demand combines two fundamental economic principles describing how changes in the price of a resource, commodity, or product affect supply and demand.  As the price increases, supply rises while demand declines. Conversely, as the price drops supply constricts while demand grows. While market forces are likely to allow supply and … Continued

Week of June 3, 2024 The Biden Administration announced a proposed set of tariffs on imported goods from China.  In particular, Chinese electric vehicles will have a 102.5% tariff rate on the value of the car.  Tariffs are imposed to protect domestic industries (i.e., the US Auto industry) from losing sales to foreign competitors that … Continued

Most of the world’s vehicle manufacturers and a number of current and future suppliers continue to pursue the development of autonomous vehicles.  On August 24, 2016 we posted a blog, “Autonomous Vehicles,” that summarized progress and outlined the classification system for defining the differences between levels of automation.  Much has transpired in the last eight … Continued