The Economy & Markets

Weekly Market and Coronavirus Update with Phil Blancato

We’re continuing to monitor the markets as well as the impact the novel coronavirus COVID-19 is having on them around the world. In the meantime, we’re doing everything we can to provide useful, accurate information to our clients to ease the uncertainty many of us are feeling. Sometimes it helps to hear expert perspective, so we’re sharing The Most Recent Market Update from Phil Blancato, President and CEO of Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management and a well-known name in the investment industry.

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Is the U.S. Economy in a Recession?

Friday, November 11, 2022

It is hard to believe we are in the midst of yet another election cycle. With inflation soaring, economic growth slowing, and extremely choppy markets, midterm elections seem like an afterthought. But on Tuesday, November 8^th, 435 House of Representatives (House) seats and 35 of the 100 Senate seats will be contested.

Unfortunately, as market participants have already experienced this year, markets usually underperform in the 12 months preceding midterm elections. However, while investors may worry about the differences between candidates and their potential impact on equity returns, stocks have been positive in the last 15 elections regardless of which political party reigns supreme on election day.

This informative white paper, “Midterm Elections and Equity Market Performance,” provides an interesting historical perspective on how the markets have responded during election years. We hope it provides some insight into the complex relationship between politics and the markets! Give us a call if you have questions or would like to set up a time to meet.

Is the U.S. Economy in a Recession?

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

In an early July poll, 58% of Americans said they thought the U.S. economy was in a recession, up from 53% in June and 48% in May. Yet many economic indicators, notably employment, remain strong. The current situation is unusual, and there is little consensus among economists as to whether a recession has begun or may be coming soon.

Considering the high level of public concern, it may be helpful to look at how a recession is officially determined and some current indicators that suggest strength or weakness in the U.S. economy.

Tech Sector Turmoil and the Bear Market

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

During the intensely volatile first 100 trading days of 2022, the stocks of companies in the S&P 500 index delivered their worst performance since 1970. The S&P 500 continued to tumble, and the benchmark index descended into a bear market — typically defined as a sustained drop in stock prices of at least 20% —on June 13, 2022. When the market closed, the S&P 500 had dropped 21.8% from its January 3 peak, and the tech-heavy NASDAQ, already in bear territory, had plunged 32.7% from its November 19, 2021 peak.

Some investors who are nervous about the future and their portfolios seem to have taken a defensive stance by selling riskier assets, including investments in growth-oriented technology stocks.

Should You Be Concerned About Inflation?

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

If you pay attention to financial news, you are probably seeing a lot of discussion about inflation, which has reared its head in the U.S. economy after being mostly dormant for the last decade. You have likely seen price increases in some of the goods and services you purchase, and if so it's natural to be concerned.

The larger question is whether these price increases are temporary, or whether they indicate a fundamental imbalance that could cause widespread long-term inflation and hold back economic growth.

American Funds' Guide to Investing in an Election Year

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Presidential elections can be divisive and unsettling. At times, the fate of the world seems to hang in the balance. But when it comes to investing, do elections really matter all that much?

U.S. voters will have their say on November 3, but by maintaining a long-term focus, investors can position themselves for a brighter future regardless of the outcome at the voting booth. In fact, overreacting to short-term volatility during election cycles can be detrimental to investment returns.

In t his guide, we address top advisor questions about investing in an election year, drawing insights from our analysis of over 85 years of investment data across 22 election cycles.