Posts by Matt Hargreaves
2020 1st Quarter Commentary
Market Summary The longest bull market in US history came to an end. Global equities fell into bear market territory due to a worldwide pandemic. The year started well, but as fears about COVID-19 spread and it became clear that there was a severe global pandemic on hand, markets responded quickly and severely. The…
Read MoreCommentary – Coronavirus 3.19.20
Our everyday lives have changed dramatically over the last few weeks as we work together to minimize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We know these efforts are necessary, but they also have come at a cost. Stocks have entered a bear market and a global recession seems almost certain as people stay home and…
Read MoreCurrent Situation
Current Situation The spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is impacting not just lives but also the financial markets. While much is unknown at this moment, there is one thing we can be fairly sure of: it’s not the last crisis we’ll ever face. Stocks have faced many crises from wars to impeachment to banking crises…
Read MoreNew Changes to Web-Portal Password Requirements
We are committed to protecting your personal and financial data. We have robust software security systems in place and test them regularly. Whenever possible, we use multi-factor authentication (or two-factor authentication). Multi-factor authentication is just as important as having a strong and secure password. In addition to multi-factor authentication, we have specific policies and procedures…
Read MoreYield of Dreams: Total Returns vs. Income Investing
When thinking about income in retirement, many investors embrace the adage “never tap growth or touch the principal.” However, generating an acceptable income solely from interest and dividends requires a sizeable portfolio, and isn’t practical, realistic or necessary for many investors. Interest and dividends only: In this approach, you rely on investment income only, without…
Read More2019 4th Quarter Commentary
Market Summary Investor concerns around the trajectory of global growth, trade and monetary policy improved throughout 2019, leading to strong equity returns for the quarter and for the all of 2019. After steep declines in December 2018, the S&P 500 TR Index rose 9% during the quarter and 31.5% for all of 2019[1]. The gains…
Read MoreDecember Market Commentary
Hindsight is 20/20. Foresight Isn’t. The year 2019 served up many examples of the unpredictability of markets. Interest rates that US policy makers expected to rise fell instead. American consumers’ confidence weakened as the year began[i], and news headlines broadcast fears of an economic slowdown. Investors who moved onto the sidelines may have missed the gains…
Read MoreLeonard Rickey Investment Advisors: 3rd Quarter Commentary
Market Summary Similar investment themes from the second quarter continued into the third, producing volatile trading but overall little movement in asset prices. These themes included the ongoing U.S.-China trade conflict, slowing global growth, an inverted yield curve, the lowering of interest rates by Central Banks around the world, and ongoing political uncertainties, including Brexit…
Read MoreInvesting through Market Volatility
Bouts of market volatility are an unnerving, but normal, feature of long-term investing. They’re not fun, but you can expect to see market declines periodically throughout your investing career. You often hear that investors shouldn’t pay attention to the markets’ day-to-day movements. But it’s sometimes impossible to avoid—like when stocks fall 3% in a day.…
Read MoreCredit Traps for the Unwary
Credit Traps for the Unwary It’s hard to imagine functioning in today’s society without access to credit. However, you need to be careful not to fall victim to some of the pitfalls associated with it. Revolving credit can make it hard for you to pay off debt Credit cards allow you to spend money you…
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