Our Thinking

Hundreds of indexes are available today for measuring trends in and performance of financial markets. The perspective here provides some thoughts on market indexes, their construction and use, with implications for financial markets and portfolio construction.

The perspective here provides some thoughts on the use of debt across the economy with its implications for economic activity and financial markets.

Investments in precious metals can be found in a portfolio, primarily gold and silver. These metals are considered precious as they are thought to be valuable, rare and durable. But what role do they play in a portfolio.

An important assessment of fiscal policy is its impact on the well-being of the electorate. The perspective here provides some comparisons that might be useful for assessing the economic environment ahead and investment implications.

Finding one big beautiful investment in which to anchor a portfolio is a wishful pursuit. The perspective here provides some comparisons that might be useful for determining what portfolio structures and strategies merit greater attention over time.

With a contraction in real U.S. economic growth in the first quarter of 2025, concerns over an outright recession have risen.

A common diversification strategy involves setting the allocations between U.S. stocks and stocks domiciled in the rest of the world.

Analysis of tariff policies and consequences will be ongoing for some time. The perspective here provides some basic information that may be useful as tariff dynamics continue to unfold and as markets respond.

Uncertainty is on the rise as a blizzard of fiscal policy changes defy easy analysis from Wall Street to Main Street and in the nation’s capital as well.