2020

Please find the next blog in our monthly series that provides a review of the prior month’s market data, the state of the economy, and the global financial markets. Global Economy: Following the robust returns of 2019, there has been much speculation as to what may precipitate heightened volatility in financial markets. Would it be the U.S. impeachment process, a slowdown in global growth, earnings disappointments, conflict in Iran, or renewed tariff escalation with key trading partners? The first half of January was relatively calm, with U.S. tech stocks leading the way as global equity markets maintained an upward trend….

While the global economy extended its post-crisis recovery in 2019, growth occurred at its slowest pace since the global financial crisis. Despite the headwinds from a weak global economy, trade disputes, geopolitical tensions, and social unrest, it was a strong year for global equities. Key Highlights: Political and trade-related headlines fostered an environment of uncertainty Global economic momentum receded, despite notching another year of positive growth Central banks relented on monetary policy tightening, with the U.S. Fed cutting rates 3 times Non-U.S. stocks underperformed U.S. stocks, with emerging markets lagging all year The U.S. economy grew for the tenth consecutive…

Background The recently signed “Phase One” trade deal between the U.S. and China has been viewed with skepticism by some analysts. The deal mostly left existing tariffs in place, and there are doubts whether China can actually deliver on its promised $200 billion of commodity purchases over the next two years. Still, the deal showed a willingness to compromise and is an important act of de-escalation that seems to take worst-case trade war outcomes off the table. However, even with this positive outcome and a path to the potential reduction of tariffs taking shape, the U.S.-China relationship has been altered…

According to NASA, 2014 – 2018 were the five warmest years on record going back to 1880. Global temperatures in 2018 were 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit (F) warmer than the average from 1951 through 1980. NASA and many members of the scientific community believe that this warming has been driven in large part by increased emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases caused by human activities. Climate Change Environmental and Economic Impacts Some of the impacts of climate change are more intuitive than others. For example, a warmer planet results in higher sea levels due to a combination of meltwater…

Please find the next blog in our monthly series that provides a review of the prior month’s market data, the state of the economy, and the global financial markets. Global Economy: In the spirit of the coming New Year, significant progress was made in December to bring resolution to a number of ongoing uncertainties across the globe. Indeed, the last month of 2019 was ultimately peaceful and positive for equity and credit markets to complete an overwhelmingly strong year. Optimism surrounding a “phase one” trade accord between the US and China proved prescient, just in time to avert planned tariff…

On Dec 20, 2019 President Trump signed into law The SECURE act, an acronym for Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement. The bill is intended to strengthen American’s retirement security. Key points: Increasing the Required Minimum Distribution Age Effective January 1, 2020, the age at which individuals must begin taking their Required Minimum Distributions from their retirement accounts has been raised to 72 from 70 ½.  This only applies to people who turn 70 ½ after December 31, 2019. If an individual turns 70 ½ in 2019, the law does not apply. Contributions to Traditional IRAs after age 70…