I’m writing this commentary while traveling by boat from Seneca Lake through sections of the Erie Canal toward Lake Ontario.  Our hopes of crossing Lake Ontario and exploring the Rideau River in Canada were dashed by a mechanical shaft failure that requires hauling the boat out of the water for professional repair, ending our vacation and likely our boating season.

Market Recap

Market Recap

Market Recap

Markets were strong, pretty much across the board, in the third quarter.  Despite an uptick in inflation from tariffs, a government shut down, weakening labor markets and continued geopolitical unrest, the global markets have thus far been remarkably resilient.  U.S.

Market Recap

The second quarter of 2025 proved to be one of the most volatile on record.  The S&P 500 Index of large US stocks dropped over 19% from its recent high up to April 8th, shortly after the “Liberation Day” tariff threats.  After the tariffs were postponed and reduced in magnitude, the index recovered all of these declines and end

Market Recap

Market Recap

The S&P 500 Index, consisting of the largest public companies in the US, ended the year up 25%.  This was the second year in a row with gains over 20%.  The returns were led by large technology companies, particularly tho

Market Recap

What is there not to like about last quarter?  The stock market reached new highs with the S&P 500 gaining 5.9% in the third quarter, pushing its year-to-date return to 22.1%.  Developed international stocks