When contemplating the FED, one needs to be aware that monetary policy is not an exact science. The FED will definitely try to effect policy; but, to a great extent, they are a reactive bunch. The FED attempts to stay ahead of the curve and anticipate if/when the broader economy needs restraint or accommodation, but there are a few problems. [...]
Some say that history repeats itself. Can Ben Bernanke draw some insight into policy by looking back at an 18th century financial crisis in Amsterdam? I would say, yes, I hope so, isn’t that his job. The FED also thinks this, or they wouldn’t be budgeting money for such studies which can be found on their websites. So it would [...]
See In-Depth Quarterly Overview. Our Global Opportunities portfolio had an outstanding first half of the year, significantly outperforming its benchmark, the MSCI World index. Additionally, it has outperformed the S&P 500 over one and three years. During the first four months of the year, we raised our cash position in anticipation of a deterioration in the economic data. We sold [...]
The world markets have been in a state of flux since the beginning of summer, as the European debt crisis hit its stride and economic indicators worsened at home and abroad, especially in China. The adage "sell in May and go away" has proven true thus far, but there is a silver lining for those that dare dab in the [...]
At Alhambra, we have 2 objectives: We strive to provide an investor the highest probability of reaching their goals especially relative to the rest of the industry. We strive to serve a broad and diverse clientele, providing solutions suitable to each individual. We provide both passive and tactical strategies. Our strategic portfolios are diversified and efficient allocations, opportunistically taking advantage of [...]
After disappointing job numbers this past week and a relentless Euro crisis, the S&P 500 closed lower for the week and seems likely to retest the 50-day moving average. But despite the bad news, the index is still is on more solid footing technically than it was a few weeks ago, when the 200-day MA was breached. The index is [...]
The S&P 500 Cap-Weighted Index blew through heavy resistance this past week, after surprising news from Europe. The index broke through the 50-day moving average and the 1350-1360 level. It has returned 9.58% so far this year. The S&P 500 Equal-Weighted index ((RSP)) is set up so that every stock in the index has the same weight, thereby eliminating market-weighting’s [...]
By John L. Chapman, Ph.D. June 27, 2012 Washington, D.C. Ahead of the European Council’s meeting this week, which will solve absolutely nothing in the Eurozone other than assuage the rather massive egos of the likes of the new French premier, the level of nervous chatter about a serious global recession borne of a Eurozone meltdown has increased. But scarce [...]
By Patrick Manning, Head of Strategic Investments: Recently my grandson who is 21 and my nephew who is 22 have expressed an interest in the stock market. Of course I encouraged both of them to pursue this interest, but suggested they first start by doing it in a play money account, rather actually investing. They are both in college and [...]
The GSCI Commodity Index ((GSG)) consists primarily of Energy (71%), but also contains Agriculture (14%), Industrial Metals (7%), Livestock (4%), and Precious Metals (4%). The Dow Jones-AIG Energy Total Return Index ((JJE)) consists of Natural Gas, Crude Oil, Heating Oil, and Unleaded Gas. The DJ-AIG Grains Total Return Index ((JJG)) consists of Corn, Wheat, and Soybeans. The DJ- AIG Industrial [...]
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