Volatility Returns March 7, 2020 Categories: Markets, Bear Markets, Bonds Volatility has returned to global financial markets. As seen in figure 1 below, the Volatility Index (“VIX”) has spiked to the highest level since 2015. However, looking further back, the VIX is nowhere near the Great Recession of 2008-2009. History proves that volatility in financial markets is nothing new. However, since early 2009, the US markets have enjoyed a low period of volatility. Read more
5 AM Alarm January 12, 2019 Categories: 2018 Review, Asset Allocation, Bonds, Bond Market As I have aged, it seems my alarm clock goes off earlier and earlier. As a child, I somewhat dreaded waking up early in the morning unless it involved golf or some other sporting activity. Early morning Bible studies were thrown in the mix as I entered college. I have many older mentors to thank for motivating me to get up early and study the Bible. As I started my career, an earlier wake-up was the norm. Of course, once kids came along, the alarm clock was somewhat useless as babies became the new alarm clock (which went off multiple times every night). More recently, I have picked back up the hobby of running. With a busy family and work life, early mornings are the best time to “get my run in”. I have come to enjoy the solitude and peace of the early morning. Read more
Expectations October 14, 2016 Categories: Asset Allocation, GMO, Investing, Markets Every four years we elect a new President. Every four years the most gifted athletes in the world compete in the Olympic Games. I don’t know about you, but this election cycle is driving me crazy! So why don’t we talk about the Olympics instead. Meet Clayton Murphy. Just 21 years old, Murphy earned a bronze medal in the 800 meters this past summer in Rio. It was the first time an American has medaled in the 800 meters since 1992. He finished in a time of 1:42.93, which was the third-fastest American time ever and faster than his previous personal record time of 1:44.30. He was an improbable bronze medal winner. Murphy’s goal coming into the Olympic Games was to simply make the final. Murphy commented after the race, Read more
Britain Votes to Leave the European Union June 24, 2016 Categories: Central Bank, Federal Reserve, Monetary Policy Many of us awoke this morning to the news of the British decision to leave the European Union. After a marriage of more than four decades, 72% of voters turned out to “leave” the EU by a slim margin of 52% to 48%. No doubt, the people have spoken. The vote also propelled the British Prime Minister David Cameron to resign. Read more
