Market Rally Confounding You? Mystery Solved
The stock market continues to reach new highs and seems impervious to bad news or political rancor. Is the market trading on sheer euphoria? The answer is: Strong fundamentals are driving stock prices higher, both here and around the globe. Global economies are growing at a pace not seen since 2007 which supports optimism. Stocks... Read More →
Market Commentary
Q4 2017
2017 was an outstanding year for equities. Global growth was in sync for the first time since the 2008 recession with the world’s 45 largest economies all in expansion mode. This previously occurred from 2004 to 2007, a period also very good for stocks. Broad appreciation of global equities was supported by accelerated earnings growth... Read More →
Market Commentary
Q3 2017
Nuclear threats from North Korea, natural disasters Harvey and Irma, and tragedies in Charlottesville and Las Vegas all served as proof that stocks want to go up, despite the odds. Indeed, the 3rd quarter was chock full of potential pitfalls for the market. What the market was focused on however, was stronger fundamentals, pushing stocks... Read More →
Will the Markets Stay Calm? Short VIX Investors Hope So.
There are many fundamental reasons stocks have behaved well lately. Earnings are strong and appear to be getting stronger. Economic growth is accelerating and in-sync globally for the first time since the post-financial crisis bounce. And of course, global monetary stimulus continues to be highly stimulative and supportive of higher asset prices. The confluence of... Read More →
Earnings Green Light, Valuations Red Light
Corporate earnings signaled a green light for stocks again this quarter, marking the second double-digit growth quarter in a row which last occurred six years ago. Revenue growth has also surprised on the upside which portends good growth to come. Contributing factors include operating leverage on the back of years of cost cutting, a weaker... Read More →
Market Commentary
Q2 2017
After a strong first quarter of 2017, the second quarter was even better, particularly for non-US equities that played catch-up to the steady upward move in US stocks. While leadership within stocks has oscillated between cyclical and defensive sectors, volatility has primarily been a function of political noise rather than economic or earnings uncertainty, both... Read More →
Clock is Ticking on Tax Reform
The most recent GDP print of 0.7% growth underscores the real need for economic reforms. Subpar growth last quarter was primarily a function of slower consumer spending even though business investment picked up materially since the election. Economic growth of 2%, which was the average over the last 8 years, is not high enough to... Read More →
Market Commentary
Q1 2017
2017 is off to a strong start with stocks, bonds and alternatives all up during the 1st quarter. The stock market rally that began last November with the presidential election has continued with little resistance. Increased optimism is being tested, however, as Congress appears unwilling to move quickly on the market-friendly reforms President Trump is... Read More →
The Race is On…. For Low Commissions & Fees
At the inception of Clear Rock Advisors, Schwab’s per trade commission rate for U.S. stocks and ETFs was $8.95. In February, Schwab lowered their rate to $6.95. Effective March 3, Schwab has lowered their trade commission yet again to $4.95, their lowest rate yet. What is driving brokerage firms to cut costs? In one word:... Read More →
Clear Rock Advisors Outsourced RIA Solutions
Clear Rock Advisors outsources its proven investment expertise and state-of-the art back office and portfolio administration to empower select strategic partners to serve clients with sophisticated, institutional, and cost-effective investment solutions. Outsourced CIO At the heart of the RIA Solutions value proposition is Clear Rock’s Outsourced CIO (OCIO) capabilities that mirrors its proven investment philosophy... Read More →