The second quarter was a period of extremes.  In early April, the equity markets briefly fell into bear market territory, having declined more than 20% from the highs on worries about the “Liberation Day” tariff announcements and risk of inflation. … Read More

U.S. equity indices declined slightly in the first quarter of 2025, pulled lower by the same mega-cap companies that led the market higher in 2023 and 2024. Investors rotated into large-cap value stocks, which were up about 2% for the … Read More

By Ned Montag, CEO As we look back at the markets of 2024, there are some impressive trends to note. In 2022, markets closed down around 20%; in 2023, they closed up 24-25%. 2024 showed nearly identical results to 2023, … Read More

Through 12/31/24, returns for the various indices are as follows:      2024 concluded with another strong year with an 11% earnings growth for the S&P 500 compared to the 6% earnings growth in 2023. This contributed to a return of … Read More

Through 9/30/24, returns for the various indices are as follows: U.S. economic momentum has remained strong through 9/30/24, supported by resilient consumer spending. There are few excesses in the cyclical sectors of the economy, the risk of some endogenous shock … Read More

Through 6/30/24, returns for the various indices are as follows: Q2 is in the books, and it was a good one for investors in stocks and bonds. Better than that, the forecast for more growth and economic stability has improved.  … Read More

Through 3/31/24, returns for the various indices are as follows:   Good news, inflation slowed through the first quarter of 2024, and with that, the Federal Reserve shouldn’t need to keep raising interest rates.  In fact, the consensus view for 2024 … Read More

By Brendan Wagner, Portfolio Manager The last four years may have felt like a roller coaster, but they also remind us that while average market returns may be in the high single digits, any 12-month period can look dramatically different … Read More

Let’s begin by noting the 2023 market numbers for Q4, as of the quarter’s close of December 31st:     The equity markets finished the year off on a  positive note and we think for good reason.  After roughly 2 years … Read More

by Ned Montag, MONTAG Wealth CEO As 2024 opens, we are reminded that the work we do is all about remembering the basics and maintaining our composure in the face of uncertainty. The world seems to fuel itself on uncertainty … Read More