December 31, 2018 |

Make a Plan

forget price

As the year comes to a close, there is no better time to begin thinking about and planning for next year. Significant changes in the global economy and market dynamics necessitate that investors take an objective look at their portfolios to determine how to try to stay a step ahead. Given the current economic and geopolitical backdrop, there as perhaps never been a more important time to have a significant allocation in hard, physical assets like gold. If you are thinking about making some changes... Continue Reading

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December 27, 2018 |

The Breakout Has Begun

without a deal

The stock market has seen a major volatility expansion in recent weeks as declines have mounted. The equity markets are currently grappling with numerous issues that could not only set the stage for the next bear market but could also send stocks decidedly lower in a short period of time. Some of the major catalysts for recent stock selling include the ongoing trade war with China, rising interest rates, geopolitical risks and a partial government shutdown. Investors may now be wondering, however, if they must... Continue Reading

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December 25, 2018 |

Markets Don’t Agree with the Fed

Another Recession

The Fed’s decision to hike rates again on Wednesday was met with displeasure from equity investors. Stocks saw sharp declines even as the Fed lowered its forecast for next year from three rate hikes to two. That displeasure was on full display on Thursday, as stocks once again got absolutely rocked. The tech-heavy Nasdaq was down 3% at the lows, putting it down over 20% from its August peak. Although the index recovered a bit, it still ended the session down just under 20% from... Continue Reading

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December 21, 2018 |

Fed Hikes Rates by a Quarter-Point

Interest Rate Block

The highly anticipated Fed meeting on monetary policy has concluded with the central bank electing to hike rates by 25 basis points. The quarter-point hike was not unsuspected and investors will likely be far more concerned with the central bank’s commentary about its plans for next year. The Fed voted unanimously to hike rates today, while it lowered rate hike expectations for next year down to two from three. The Fed also lowered its longer-term estimate of the Fed Funds rate to 2.8% from 3%... Continue Reading

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December 19, 2018 |

What if Stocks Declined by 50% or More?

blog

Recent stock market volatility and declines could be a taste of things to come. The market has been moving higher for a decade now on the back of ultra-low rates and easy money. That era is coming to an end, however, and stocks could be in for quite the shock as monetary policy tightens. The ultra-low rate policies of central banks have allowed corporations to invest, expand and hire. As the cost of capital increases, however, these wheels are likely to grind to a halt.... Continue Reading

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December 17, 2018 |

The Ultimate Safe Haven

Economic Indicators

The markets have seen increasing volatility in recent weeks as rates move higher and as stocks decline. Recent market volatility could, however, be just a drop in the bucket of what could be seen as the New Year gets underway. Investors have numerous issues to contend with and a great deal of uncertainty about what the Fed may or may not do with monetary policy. The potential for an ongoing trade war with China, the ongoing issues in U.S. politics, Brexit and more could all... Continue Reading

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December 13, 2018 |

Now is the time to buy dips

all-time

The gold market was quiet in trading today yet gave up little ground as the metal backs off recent highs. The market is just below key resistance at the October highs in the $1252 area and could be gearing up to punch through that level to the upside. Stocks, on the other hand, continue to see increasing volatility and declines. Recent price action in stocks could simply be a drop in the bucket of further declines that could take place in the weeks and months... Continue Reading

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December 11, 2018 |

Don’t Wait

After rallying several hundred points off yesterday’s lows, stocks are once again under significant pressure today as worries over trade and numerous other issues take a toll on investor sentiment. As stocks continue to crumble right before investors’ eyes, the gold market is quietly pushing through previous resistance at the October highs and could be gearing up for a significant rally in the weeks and months ahead. There are numerous issues at play that could facilitate a sharp asset rotation in the months ahead, and... Continue Reading

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December 6, 2018 |

It’s Not Too Late

Stocks are continuing their recent plunge today, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down over 600 points in mid-day trade. Market volatility, as measured by the CBOE’s VIX index, is spiking today to the mid-20s and investors appear to be getting panicky as no bottom has yet been found. The recent selling in equities could, however, be just the tip of the iceberg and a far more significant decline could be seen in the weeks and months ahead. Despite some recent positive commentary on the... Continue Reading

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December 5, 2018 |

Markets Sharply Higher as Trade Tensions Ease

The highly anticipated meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping took place over the weekend at the G20 meetings in Argentina. The two leaders had an opportunity to discuss trade and a range of issues, and reportedly came to an important agreement. The two nations effectively called a cease-fire over further tariffs that were set to be initiated on January 1st, 2019. The agreement was certainly progress considering little headway has been made in recent months. Whether the two countries can... Continue Reading

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