3 Key Takeaways: Market confidence has rebounded following the election and improved global stability, but stock gains remain uneven. A handful of massive companies, the “Magnificent 7,” continue to dominate returns, creating an unsustainable market concentration. Bonds, once overlooked, are now presenting more attractive opportunities for investors. A Market Rebound, But Not for Everyone Since … Read more
It has been quite an eventful two years. In October 2022, we wrote to you during a bear market in both stocks and bonds. Inflation was nearing 8%, and the Federal Reserve had increased interest rates by 3% in just six months, with more hikes on the way to combat rising prices. Recession predictions were … Read more
We often remind investors of the importance of maintaining a consistent asset allocation. Maintaining this balance between different asset classes—such as stocks, bonds, and cash—helps manage risk, especially during times of economic uncertainty. No one can predict the market with perfect accuracy, but having a well-diversified portfolio can help soften the impact of unexpected downturns. … Read more
Social Security has been a cornerstone of financial security for millions of Americans since its inception. It provides a critical safety net, especially for those who may not have significant savings or pensions. As the population ages and economic conditions fluctuate, the stability of Social Security becomes even more vital. However, the future of this … Read more
Most of you have opened an email or snail mail this year from your insurance company regarding a renewal and the new premiums probably shocked you. Home and auto rates have skyrocketed. So, what’s the deal? There are three big factors at play here: Mother Nature’s Fury Remember that crazy winter storm in Texas? Or … Read more
Another year, another wildly popular Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting. For many investors, it’s a pilgrimage – a chance to glean wisdom from the one and only Warren Buffett. With Charlie Munger’s absence a somber note, the meeting began with the Berkshire Movie, a montage dedicated to the late vice-chairman, whose contributions were always celebrated by … Read more
Despite nearly 62% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck, a record 68 million Americans found a way to bet on this year’s Super Bowl matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers. GeoComply, a global leader in advanced anti-fraud and geolocation compliance technologies for the last several years, has tracked geolocation checks during … Read more
When you think of the S&P 500 Index, you probably think of a diversified index of the best, or at least the biggest, 500 companies in the nation. While this is generally correct, the S&P 500 is currently the most concentrated it has been in four decades. The top ten most highly-valued companies in the … Read more
Exciting News! The Watchman Group is thrilled to announce that we were named one of the “2023 Top Wealth Management Firms and Teams” in North Texas. We are proud to be recognized among the best in the industry, a testament to our commitment to excellence and client satisfaction. As we celebrate this achievement, we’d like … Read more
2023 Defies Predictions 2023 began the year with most economists predicting the economy would fall into a recession and the majority of investment strategists expecting stock markets to struggle. Defying these pessimistic forecasts, the economy grew at a 2.6% real rate (6% in nominal terms) and the S&P 500 earned a total return of 26%. … Read more
