Portfolio Advisors Blog

October was quite a month from an S&P 500 standpoint. The index grew 10.9%, its largest growth month since 1991. This growth spurt followed, as you may recall, 5 consecutive months of decline.

We’re certainly seeing big daily, weekly and monthly swings in stock market indices…. turbulent times indeed. But, with stock markets, shouldn’t we expect a degree of turbulence? Since 1980, for example, the average intra-year (that is, during each calendar year) S&P 500 decline exceeded 14%. Restated, the average high-to-low decline during those calendar years exceeded 14%.

Thanks for taking a look at our updated website and blog! We have been hard at work to make the website compelling and relevant. We have also changed the look and functionality of our blog and we invite you to follow us by submitting your email address. When a new item posts, you will receive an email alerting you with a link to the item. We plan to add one or two new topical items per month and hope that you will find them interesting. Some other new blog functions include the ability to easily email an item to a friend, or to post it to your own blog. You will also be able to share the post through your own Twitter and Facebook pages.

We're very excited to have two new, talented individuals join our team.

Ken Hatfield (a longtime client of the firm) joins us after a career with the Fresno Bee. Ken will act as Financial Advisor and Director of Client Relations.

A dying man's wish to bring the knowledge of Wall Street to Main Street.

http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/video/gordon-murray-hero-wall-street-12691101

The large budget deficits run by the U.S. government are a big concern to many. What does history tell us of the implications? To economic growth? To stock markets? This study by Marlena Lee sheds light on the topic.

Government Intervention and Stock Returns

I hear concerns from a lot of people about our current leadership and its impact on the economy and stock performance. A recent presentation by Weston Wellington of DFA addresses this topic head on. Here is a link to the talk: http://www.dfaus.com/library/videos/governme/

Thank you to everyone who attended our recent client education seminar entitled, "The Tenets of Successful Investing." Except for some difficulties with the venue, I'm very pleased with the feedback from attendees overall. The message was pertinent, and attendees indicated that they left with something of value.

We have a new staff member! Jessica Sadredin has joined us as a Portfolio Administrator. Jessica is a recent Finance graduate from Fresno State. She has an impressive background and comes to us highly recommended. Jessica aspires to a career in financial planning.

To view the letter, please go to the "Client Center" tab and click on "Download Documents."

We moved to our new office at the first of the month. It was a big change considering that we have over 20 years of history in the old office. We’ve gotten pretty settled in now though. We’re really enjoying the new environment and look forward to sharing it with our clients.