Technology in the world around us is changing incrementally every day. These changes are much more noticeable when you look over long periods. In some ways, developing nations (for example, China, Brazil) have a significant opportunity relative to the developed world (for example, United States, United Kingdom) to create more efficient and less costly infrastructure. […]
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Thoughts on Recent Market Activity
Even after delivering strong gains on Friday, the S&P 500 Index and the Dow Jones Industrial Average are both down roughly 2% from their recent record highs. In general terms, a 2% market decline is somewhat commonplace, meaning it is nothing to worry about. However, the current bull market has now lasted for about 66 […]
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Concerns in Europe can Lead to Opportunity
Diversified investment portfolios should include an allocation to international assets. The goal is to improve the portfolio’s long-term, “risk-adjusted” returns, or, put more simply, to avoid putting all your eggs in one basket. However, economic and market cycles can and will create differing levels of risk over short periods of time, and questions will always […]
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Market Changes Beneath the Surface
Last week, the S&P 500 Index reached yet another all-time high. The S&P 500 has moved about 9% higher year-to-date and is up roughly 17% over the last 12 months. The Nasdaq has outperformed the S&P 500 over both periods. It is up about 10% year-to-date and 22% over the last year. In contrast, the […]
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Greed in the Executive Suite?
Deciding how to allocate capital is one of management’s most important responsibilities. Such decisions impact not only the company’s short- and long-term performance, but the overall economy as well. Share buybacks, a topic we have discussed several times in the past (see “Thoughts on Share Repurchase Activity Levels,” “Dividends vs. Stock Repurchase,” and “Financial Engineering […]