Insight Reports
October 2, 2025
Published by Brad Horn on October 2, 2025
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Major Asset Classes September 2025 Performance Comparison Introduction September returns mark six straight month of consecutive stock market gains. September 2025 was also the best September for equity returns in 15 years. It was a stellar third quarter, thanks to a Fed policy shift, strong earnings upgrades, and robust consumer […]
September 1, 2025
Published by Brad Horn on September 1, 2025
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Major Asset Classes August 2025 Performance Comparison Introduction August returns mark the fourth straight month of consecutive gains, resulting in high valuations and leaving prices vulnerable to drawdowns, as seen on the last day of the month. The S&P 500 index (+1.9%) saw solid corporate earnings and increased optimism surrounding […]
August 6, 2025
Published by Brad Horn on August 6, 2025
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Tactical Positions for Fed Rate Cuts Introduction Signs of economic slowing and a softer labor market are starting to shift the market yield outlook after a prolonged period of high interest rates. Falling rates tend to favor growth stocks, bonds, gold, real estate, and infrastructure development projects. Portfolio rebalancing toward […]
August 2, 2025
Published by Brad Horn on August 2, 2025
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Major Asset Classes July 2025 Performance Comparison Introduction July returns for the S&P 500 index (+2.2%) maintained upward momentum for the third month in a row despite ongoing tariff tensions and economic uncertainty. A key driver was second quarter earnings which grew 10.3% on an annual basis versus pre-report estimates […]
July 4, 2025
Published by Brad Horn on July 4, 2025
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Major Asset Classes June 2025 Performance Comparison Introduction June returns for the S&P 500 (+5.0%) were solid despite volatility from trade tensions, inflation concerns, and geopolitical risks. The last day of the quarter also saw a new all-time high, fueled by strong earnings from big tech and optimism from potential […]
May 3, 2025
Published by Brad Horn on May 3, 2025
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Major Asset Classes April 2025 Performance Comparison Introduction April returns tell a tale of two markets. Early in the month, a severe market drawdown was triggered by tariff turmoil. Notably, the second half of the month had a relief rally given reduced geopolitical tension and improving corporate earnings. The S&P500 […]
March 2, 2025
Published by Brad Horn on March 2, 2025
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Major Asset Classes February 2025 Performance Comparison Introduction February returns for the S&P 500 index (-1.4%) saw two all-time highs followed by sell-off at month-end tied. The market turned on new fiscal tightening, pending tariffs, consumer confidence declines, and forward projections of lower GDP and earnings growth. A shift in […]
February 2, 2025
Published by Brad Horn on February 2, 2025
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Major Asset Classes January 2025 Performance Comparison Introduction January returns for the S&P 500 index (+2.7%) exactly offset the losses seen in December. It was a rollercoaster month with another all-time high for the S&P 500 index, followed by sharp drops triggered by a new IA model from China and […]
January 6, 2025
Published by Brad Horn on January 6, 2025
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Major Asset Classes December 2024 Performance Comparison Introduction December returns for the S&P 500 index (-2.7%) were down, but lead global markets by a wide margin for the year (+23.3%). US government bonds (-1.7%) were also down in December, struggling to stay positive in 2024, but ending the year with modest […]
December 15, 2024
Published by Brad Horn on December 15, 2024
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Roth IRA Conversions Introduction Roth IRA conversions are a powerful tool for tax and retirement planning. A Roth IRA conversion is a financial strategy that allows individuals to move funds from a standard retirement account, such as a Traditional IRA or 401(k), into a Roth IRA. The conversion can have […]