Market Commentary
Q4 2020
Reopenings and Vaccines Point to Better Economic Growth in 2021 One month into the 4th quarter brought great news to markets around the globe – the first vaccine was approved for distribution. This news could not have come at a better time given worries about a third wave of COVID infections and the likelihood that... Read More →
Weekly ChartBook
Week of January 18, 2021
Clear Rock Market ChartBook from Aaron Lang
Market Commentary
Q3 2020
Recovery Intact but Also in Need of Additional Stimulus The 3rd quarter started off strong with markets and economic indicators continuing to roar back from their COVID-shutdown lows. In September, though, U.S. equities experienced a 10% drawdown. The correction was led by a 12.5% sell-off to the COVID-winning stocks of the Nasdaq 100. Extended technology... Read More →
Market Commentary
Q2 2020
“V” Shaped Recovery The first half of the year felt like an eternity with unprecedented economic and market volatility. The COVID global economic shutdown caused asset prices and economic activity to plummet almost overnight. The S&P 500 fell 34% but quickly bottomed on March 23 and has rebounded strongly since, now down about -2% since... Read More →
Market Commentary
Q1 2020
The first quarter of 2020 saw new market highs that were followed by one of the quickest bear markets in history. Coronavirus hit the US hard in mid-March and investors reacted – the S&P 500 fell 34% and market volatility reached highs similar to those seen in the Great Financial Crisis. While quick and painful, the... Read More →
MARKET BRIEF
Where Are the Opportunities?
As the famous investor Peter Lynch said, stock market declines are as “routine as a January blizzard in Colorado”. The key is being prepared in advance and willing to be opportunistic in the aftermath. Being prepared means positioning your portfolio early. Clear Rock clients have been prepared for more difficult markets for some time now... Read More →
Market Commentary
Q4 2019
The new decade has started off with a bang. Rising geopolitical tensions began with the Iranian-backed US embassy attack in Baghdad followed by the retaliatory strike on the mastermind behind it. Market reaction thus far has been muted with stocks barely off their all-time highs. Investor complacency may partly be to blame but an improving... Read More →
Financial Services Veterans Join Clear Rock Team
Clear Rock Advisors is pleased to announce the addition of two financial services veterans to its team to head up its new office in Kerrville, Texas. Royce G. Itschner, CPA, CFP® will serve as the Managing Director of the new office and is accompanied by his 20- year Client Associate, Tamra L. Nix, both formerly... Read More →
INVESTOR BRIEF
2019 Year End Tax Planning
As year-end approaches, it makes sense to go through a checklist of potential actions that could help lower tax burdens. We work with our clients’ tax advisors to implement saving strategies and incorporate tax efficiency within the Clear Rock investment management process. Here are some tax minimization techniques worthy of consideration for clients to preserve... Read More →
MARKET BRIEF
Bond Returns: Where do we go from here?
This year’s bond market rally has been one for the record books. A reversal in Fed policy and market fears of a slowing economy produced sharp declines in interest rates. High quality bonds as measured by the US Bond Aggregate (blue line) have produced a 10%+ return over the past year, higher than almost anyone... Read More →