perspectives

Markets declined broadly during the 3rd quarter, as investors digested better-than-expected economic news leading to a higher likelihood that the Federal Reserve would keep interest rates higher for longer. Volatility in equity and bond markets has continued into the 4th quarter, whittling away at gains built in the first half of the year.

During the second quarter, markets continued a strong recovery that began in the first quarter; with the S&P 500 up almost 17% compared to last year at this time when the index was down by 20%…

At our monthly Investment Committee meeting yesterday, most of our team’s discussion revolved around the current debt ceiling debate in Congress…

It might be difficult to guess by the tone of daily financial news flow over the first quarter, but during that time markets continued a recovery that began in the 4th quarter of last year…

Stocks left the 4th quarter better than they found it, but still ended significantly below where they started the year. Bonds followed suit, improving in price relative to the beginning of the quarter, but still posting their worst return in over…

While the prior few years we have been focusing primarily on efficiency, this year our focus has turned to resilience – both in terms of how our portfolios are allocated across major asset classes (stocks, bonds, real assets, and cash), and in the durability of the entities (companies and countries) in which we invest. In this quarter’s commentary we survey the current market environment, discuss the forces impacting primary market drivers, and…

Heading into the second half of the year, we remain cautious in our outlook for markets and the economy and maintain defensive positioning in client portfolios. With the Fed’s continuing hawkishness indicating more rate hikes ahead, and with midterm elections around the corner, our challenge going forward is…

Buzzwords like “meme stock” and “yolo” have given way to timeless classics such as “geopolitical risk,” “wage-price spiral,” and “stagflation.” Heading into Q2, we revisit the market drivers discussed in last quarter’s commentary; how they have changed; and how those drivers impact our team’s management of your portfolio…

Pendleton Street Business Advisors Co-Founders John Barnes and Matt Morley discuss our most recent commentary. Check it out!

After a shaky start to the quarter, the S&P 500 index of US large-cap stocks resumed its upward trajectory and added another 11% to end the year at an above-average increase of 28.7%. On the other hand, bonds in aggregate delivered a flat year, with the BarCap US Aggregate Bond Index returning 0.0% as yields faced upward pressure. Heading into 2022, we see investors beginning to…