The U.S. economy is becoming the little engine that couldn’t. You, of course, remember the children’s story in which self-confidence and determination pull the little engine up and over a…
Healthcare For All – Like it Or Not
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Constitutionality of Obamacare by a 5-4 vote will mean different things to different people. Even its impact on healthcare companies will vary. …
Bad News Boosts the Market
In the strange world of investment management, bad news is often good news. That was the case last week, as the S&P 500 gained a hefty 3.7%, more than reversing…
Day Traders Returning
The Wall Street Journal recently noted that day traders are returning to the market. When speculative traders start betting on the market, it’s typically a sign of trouble ahead. Their…
The Myth of Market Efficiency
“Belief in myths allows the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.” – John F. Kennedy The current stock market is exposing the myth of market efficiency. The myth says…
“Buy and Hold” Is NOT “Still A Winner”
Investors are being advised by Princeton Professor Burton G. Malkiel (“ ‘Buy and Hold’ Is Still A Winner”) to hang in there, even when the market drops 60% of its…
QE2: Will Investors Buy Higher Prices?
The chief role of the Federal Reserve used to be to fight inflation. It was a role the Fed played well, generally holding inflation in check since the 1980s. With…
When Good News Is Bad News
Sometimes investment managers live in Bizzaro world, the place in the old Superman comics where everything is the opposite of what logic would dictate. A case in point is the…
Signs Of A Market Breakout
While nothing is ever certain until it happens, the stock market appears to be ready for a major breakout from its recent short-term trading range. If the S&P 500 closes…
Jobs Report
Bloomberg reported that private payrolls rose by 71,000 in July, which is less than forecast. The S&P 500 declined 13 points on the news. In addition, bond yields continue to…