The 4th quarter of 2016 saw the equity markets ride to new highs on the strength of the so-called Trump rally.  While the equity markets were moving ahead solely on the hopes of President Trump’s campaign promises the gold market was going into a fizzle.  The 1st quarter of this year was the exact opposite. .. read more →

The 4th quarter of 2016 is now solidly in the rear view mirror.  Thank goodness.  The presidential election exposed raw nerves among the electorate and played havoc with efforts to position portfolios in preparation for the vote outcome.  The day following the election saw an immediate jump in the DOW average and interest rates.  The.. read more →

The 3rd quarter was in many ways a continuation of the downward tilt to the U.S. economy.  It now appears that 2016 will be the worst year economically since the financial crisis.  The GDP is now edging closer to a 1% annual rate than the hoped for 2%.  The stock market itself has entered a.. read more →

Since Thursday the stock market has been on a roller coaster ride with the majority of the ride in a downward direction.  Volatility was sparked by comments from several voting members of the Federal Reserve Bank that there might be a .25% bump in interest rates at the end of this month.  The upset in.. read more →

Looking back at the 2nd quarter can be described as watching a crab make its way across a beach.  There was a great deal of sideways action.  The quarter was then capped off by the Brexit vote.  When the news that British voters had decided to leave the EU sank in, equity markets took a.. read more →