Author: jvavra

Review

2017 was a continuation of one of the longest equity bull markets in US history. The year ended with a return in the S&P 500 of 19.42%, which was one of the best years of this multi-year run. The fourth quarter of 2017 provided returns in the S&P 500 of 6% on the momentum provided by the corporate and individual tax reform. A rare combination of global economic growth, accommodative economic policies, record corporate earnings and tame inflation provided the recipe for a strong year for stocks and a bull run that continues to be one for the record books.

Internationally, economic recovery and growth continued and reflected in equity prices as foreign markets even tended to outperform the strong US markets. With the US recovery more mature than that internationally, especially the Eurozone, the trend is likely to continue. Continue reading “January 2018 Review & Outlook” →

Review

The third quarter of 2017 was one for the record books with the S&P 500 posting its first positive September since 2013 and closing at a record high. In addition, the Dow posted its first consecutive 8 quarter positive streak in 20 years. A strong September pushed US markets higher on the heels of firmer global inflation readings, the hope for US tax cuts and a stronger US dollar. Continue reading “OCTOBER 2017 REVIEW & OUTLOOK” →

Now that tax season is behind us and Spring is in the air, let’s take a look at the first quarter of 2017 and the outlook going forward.

Review

US stock markets got off to a great start in 2017 as both corporate earnings and economic data continued to improve. However, March was more volatile as President Trump was unable to pass a new healthcare bill to repeal and replace Obamacare. The inability to pass a new healthcare bill decreased hopes of a tax plan that would reduce both corporate and personal tax rates and bolster spending and growth to the US economy. Despite the March volatility, US stock indexes were still able to produce impressive returns of around 6% for the quarter. Continue reading “May 2017 Review & Outlook” →

With the presidential inauguration behind us, it is now time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the outlook ahead.

Review

The volatility that was prevalent in the markets the first three quarters of 2016 transferred into volatility of emotions in the 4^th quarter. The election night surprise of Donald Trump winning the presidential election had investment managers bracing for an immediate sharp reactionary selloff. At one point in the early hours of Wednesday morning, the S&P futures were down significantly. Thankfully as the news was digested, and regardless of personal opinions of President Trump, the US stock markets opened nearly flat. Continue reading “January 2017 Review & Outlook” →

Review

Continued volatility remained the main theme of the 3^rd quarter. Although economic conditions in the U.S. seem to be stabilizing, questions surrounding international economies, interest rate hikes and the presidential election contributed to near daily fluctuations the markets have avoided during most of the current multi-year bull run. Continue reading “Review and Outlook – October 2016” →

The second quarter of 2016 was dominated by one word…BREXIT.

The news of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union sent shockwaves through global markets. The day after the vote, European equities declined by approximately 10% and US equities by more than 3%. Their decision to leave the EU created many uncertainties. The most notable are: Continue reading “VCM Wealth July 2016 commentary” →