Volatile Times |
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Volatility of the equity markets are, ironically, quite volatile. In fact, the rolling 6-quarter standard deviation of the S&P 500 has ranged from as low as 3.2% to as high as 29.6%. Since its latest peak in September of 2003, standard deviation has been on the decline and hit a low of 5.8% in December 2006. Since then, volatility has been on a steady rise upwards. Source: ... |
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Time for a "Gratitude Check" |
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In these challenging economic times, we are probably more in tune than ever with the phrase "money can't buy happiness." Indeed, a 2006 study showed that Americans aren't any happier today than they were 30 years ago - even though their average inflation-adjusted per capita income more than doubled between 1972 and 2004. Fancy cars, newer appliances and bigger homes... |
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Of Fires That Burn Out |
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On October 17, those who can even remember it will mark the twentieth anniversary of the day the great Yellowstone fire was contained.
The summer of 1988 would turn out to be Yellowstone National Park's driest in recorded history. But there was no way of knowing that in advance, as seasonal, lightning-sparked fires broke out in May, and burned into June. More storms in July ... |
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Keeping You Informed |
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In our ongoing effort to keep you informed and updated regarding developments in the stock market, the economy, and the world, we are providing you with the most recent comments of Lincoln Anderson, our LPL Financial chief economist. This is to help you get some insight as to the events of the last few weeks.
Please click here to view the letter from Lincoln Anderson.
Wi... |
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Preparing for Hurricane Season |
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Dear Valued Clients & Friends –
As all of us begin our preparations for our first (and hopefully last!) hurricane of the season, we would like to provide you with an emergency contact “organizer” brochure published by our friends at John Hancock. While you may not have time to fill out all of this information right now (or need to), it would... |
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Word on the Street on CNBC |
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Click here to watch the Word on the Street video from CNBC online!... |
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Dear Valued Investor
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Dear Valued Investor:
In my view, the seemingly unstoppable rise in energy prices is the biggest problem confronting the U.S. economy and financial markets. Compared to 1999 when oil prices were low, we are now spending an additional $250 billion per year on imported crude oil. U.S. households bear the brunt of the burden where total energy price increases (petroleum product... |
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SRQ Page1 Digital News |
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"As we look to the second half of 2008, growth is going to begin to pick back up just as inflation's finally beginning to come back down. That's nirvana. That's the Goldilocks environment for an investor." - Jeffrey Kleintop, chief market strategist for LPL Financial, before a presentation hosted by Dictor Martin on Wednesday. |
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Economic Outlook for 2008 with Jeff Kleintop |
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Sarasota-based Dictor | Martin and its broker/dealer LPL Financial hosted a local appearance by Mr. Jeffrey Kleintop, Senior Vice President and Chief Market Strategist for LPL Financial to over 150 invited guests on Wednesday, February 20th at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
Contrary to much of the “doom and gloom” articles in the media today, his presentati... |
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Commentary on the Market by Wayne Dictor |
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As you are well aware, all areas of the media have been reporting negative news of late regarding the US and Foreign markets. This began because of reported failures in the sub-prime mortgage markets - primarily here at home, but there has also been a “ripple effect” felt overseas. If the stories about consumers losing their homes due to foreclosure aren... |
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Market Observations from Lincoln Anderson, LPL Financial's Chief Economist |
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Dear Valued Investors:
What started last summer as, I think, a relatively small, contained problem of overly easy lending standards for “subprime” mortgages has turned into a bout of what I view as indiscriminate selling unjustified by the fundamentals. So far this year equity markets around the world have experienced sizable losses. The big drops overs... |
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The Educated Inve$tor - Spring 2007 |
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Spring 2007
When you visit our office, you instantly are greeted with a warm “Hello” from Ms. Kim Lashley. You see your name “in lights” as a welcome sign notes your arrival. Surrounding you are comfortable appointments, you can view some of the press coverage our firm has earned over the past few years in our lobby, and within minutes, your... |
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The Educated Inve$tor - Spring 2006 |
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Spring 2006
Perhaps the most well known changing of the guard is at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Washington, D.C. This impressive ceremony is performed flawlessly every 30 minutes (or hour depending on the time of year) by the 3rd United States Infantry, AKA the Old Guard.
Outside our country, the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace is also a site to behold.&... |
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The Educated Inve$tor - Winter 2005 |
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Winter 2005
Ebenezer Scrooge was given a gift. He was able to see into his future while reflecting on his past and contemplating his present. In 1843 when Charles Dickens wrote, “A Christmas Carol,” it was fantasized that this was possible. We are here to tell you that you have the same opportunity.
In Dickens’s tale, it was Marley that bestowed this gif... |
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The Educated Inve$tor - Summer 2005 |
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Summer 2005
In Aesop’s fable, the mice unanimously agreed that a warning bell should be tied around the neck of the cat who preyed on them. The problem was figuring out how it was to be done – and by whom.
In much the same respect, many investors need income; consistently, conservatively, and with increases for inflation; but interest rates will probably... |
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The Educated Inve$tor - Spring 2005 |
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Spring 2005
Whew! Another tax season behind us. Tax season is always bitter-sweet. We never know whether to say, “Congratulations” because you PAID taxes or “Congratulations” because you owe nothing. Paying taxes meant you made money, but not paying them always feels good too.
So, with tax season over, everyone should be happy and... |
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The Educated Inve$tor - Fall 2004 |
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Fall 2004
Welcome and thank you. Based on your feedback, here is your new and improved newsletter. Several clients over the past few months have asked to hear our opinions more often. While we have always tried to provide you with newsletters, a TV show, research, and other correspondence that was insightful; you have said that no matter how topical it... |
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