Investors should be aware that this is a complicated issue and far from resolution. There are significant arguments, for and against, political and economic and, emotional. Any meaningful dialogue is complicated by media reports that tend to frame the debate in terms of cents per hour for low end workers versus aggregate corporate profits. Actually, … Continued
With a relatively quiet news flow on the business/stock market front, now is a good time to weigh in on the newly fashioned Detroit Tigers roster with the abundance of moves they have made this off-season. First, the Tigers have a new manager, Brad Ausmus, filling the very large shoes left vacant by Jim Leyland. … Continued
Probably generally true, but the results may not become apparent immediately. Any time there is a significant change at the top, new president, new governor, new CEO or new coach, change is almost certain, but investors should consider the presence of a “lag” factor. Governments, businesses and athletic teams tend to have a built in … Continued
Markets fluctuate. That is not new news and, as we have all seen, some of the fluctuations can be severe. With many of the popular averages at or near record highs, there may be a perception that stocks are fully valued, or even over valued. Maybe. Over the weekend, The Wall Street Journal, carried an … Continued
As broad stock market averages and indexes in the US establish new highs, there is a great deal of debate as to whether these current elevated prices represent just another “bubble.” Only time will tell. But, as I review the landscape, I have a couple of comforting observations. The first is that, while the Standard … Continued
A reporter called me as the Dow Jones Industrial Average approached a close above 16,000 on November 21, 2013. “What does it mean?” she asked. I told her the standard pat answer is that 16,000 is just a number. However, given the sheer horror that most investors felt in 2009 when the Dow bottomed at … Continued
Performance, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Both are very difficult to define and do not lend themselves to all inclusive metrics. Think about it. The market is up, your portfolio is up, how is it doing? Compared to what? The Dow Jones Industrials, the S&P 500, small caps, mid caps, EAFE, … Continued
Markets may again be reflecting concern over a renewal of the rancor and wrangling over budgets and debt limits in Washington, which suggests that investors should focus on the potential impact on portfolios. Budgeting is simple in theory but difficult in practice. Spending more than you are taking in, whether it results in a budget … Continued
Lost in the hoopla of Obamacare website failures, government shutdowns and the Detroit Tigers playoff chase, are economic developments that deserve greater attention and scrutiny. One of the services we subscribe to, Stratfor Global Intelligence, has recently been publishing essays regarding prospective positive developments on the African continent. This region is known for its rich … Continued
I am somewhat bemused by today’s market action. Earlier today, ADP reported that U.S. companies added 215,000 jobs in November, the biggest monthly rise in over a year. This was much better than what economists had anticipated. At the same time, new home sales also posted a large percentage increase albeit from a low base. … Continued
This is not a prediction but may be a plausible possibility. Consider: § With oil currently trading at approximately $95.00 per barrel (down from a recent high of $110), gasoline is approaching $3.00 per gallon. § Natural Gas, at approximately $4.00 per MCF, is trading at a heating energy equivalent of $24.00 per barrel of … Continued
Many couples when celebrating an anniversary exchange cards and go out for dinner. When a company celebrates an important milestone, generally they choose to throw a gala celebration and wine and dine their clients and colleagues. Late last year the Sigma team discussed our 40th anniversary approaching and how we would choose to celebrate it. … Continued
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