Market Insights

Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by Hurricane Harvey. The ERPE family is taking action on behalf of our friends in Texas by supporting American Red Cross. If you’d like to join in our efforts, please visit their site here

North Korea Tensions Hit Stocks as Volatility Spikes We have not seen  a decline in the major U.S. stock indices like today’s since mid-May. The S&P 500’s  biggest one-day drop in almost three months was triggered by an increasingly aggressive exchange of threats between the United States and North Korea.  U.S. stocks  steepened their losses … Continue reading “Today’s Market Update…North Korea”

Political Pressures Spark Stock Sell-off The drama surrounding Washington  finally caught up to the U.S. equity markets, as the political turmoil pressured stocks in a spike of volatility a sharp sell-off. US markets began today’s session with heavy losses on reports that President Trump asked then FBI Director Comey to end the investigation into former … Continue reading “Today’s market update…Political Pressure”

Today is a good day for our pet health care stock (and hopefully another healthy day for all of our pets). VCA, Inc., which we enjoy referring to by its stock symbol “WOOF,” announced this morning that it is being acquired by Mars, Inc. Under the terms of the deal, Mars will pay $93 as … Continue reading “Portfolio Update 1.9.17”

2017 Outlook As another new year begins, we are happy to offer our outlooks for the markets and economy in 2017.  What’s ahead for 2017?  While uncertainty is high and optimism is cautious, here are some of our insights and expectations for the year ahead. We Wish You a Happy & Healthy New Year! John … Continue reading “New Year Outlook 2017”

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”