Market Insights

As we pause to recognize all we are thankful for, we want to thank you for your continued  trust and confidence in us.  Thank you! Wishing You and Yours a Happy Thanksgiving   John Gardner & Greg Costa

As the scandal surrounding Wells Fargo was revealed, I took action to sell the stock in all client accounts where it was held. To avoid expected further declines, it was sold September 22. As your fiduciary, I maintain an investment approach intolerant of owning stock in a company facing allegations of misconduct and fraud such … Continue reading “Portfolio Update…October 3, 2016”

Stock prices dropped sharply today.  Market moves like today’s cause me to want to relay my thoughts and observations to you and hopefully provide perspective on the move.   Thankfully it has been a while since I have done this.  Today’s market decline was the worst since the June 24 “Br-exit” news.  The major US … Continue reading “Today’s market update…September 9, 2016”

Surprising “Brexit” sparks stock market drop worldwide. Britain voted to leave the European Union (EU)  late yesterday.  “Brexit” (Britain’s exit from the EU) triggered a market and economic shock as the referendum results were a surprise. World developed and emerging market stocks were mostly up in June leading up to this referendum, suggesting markets were … Continue reading “Today’s market update…”Brexit” Hits Market”

Besides an occasional corporate event or announcement, few occurrences move stock prices as much and as often as earnings reports. The last couple of days went a long ways to underscore that.  As stocks you own have been effected by their recent reports, I want to pass on some thoughts on the financial developments of a … Continue reading “Portfolio Update 4.29.16”

After assessing today’s market drop, I want to now share some thoughts, observations and action plan with you.  The Dow’s fall of nearly 365 points was 2.2%.  The Nasdaq index fell nearly 3.5%.  Essentially all stocks in all sectors closed down.  I did see a few holdings “in the green” (up), but very few.  It … Continue reading “Today’s market update…January 13, 2016”

2016 Outlook HAPPY NEW YEAR’S EVE! As each tick of the clock closes in on forever putting this year into the history books, I hope you have many pleasant memories when reflecting on 2015.   With the start of the new year just hours away, I am happy to share some insights and ideas for … Continue reading “New Year Outlook 2016”

Days like today in the investment markets lead me to share with you my thoughts, observations and reassurance that we have your account well positioned and diversified. U.S. stock indexes finished off a dismal week with large losses again today.   The major indexes all fell around 2% today, with the S&P 500 suffering nearly a 4% … Continue reading “Today’s market update…12/11/15”

In July of 2012, European Central Bank (ECB) president Mario Draghi surprised the world with his now famous speech which included, “Within our mandate, the ECB is ready to do whatever it takes….”  The confidence he instilled that day day sent the major European stock index up over 2%  and sparked a rally in global … Continue reading “Today’s market update…12/3/15”

“3 Things You Must KNOW Before You Retire” Please John Gardner, CFP® for lunch and informative discussion: “The 3 Things You Must Know Before You Retire” We will talk about 3 simple, yet often over-looked factors you need to know before retirement. Look forward to seeing you! Registration is closed. This event has already been … Continue reading “3 Things You Must KNOW Before You Retire”