The recent dip in the markets has many investors nervous; this is understandable given current headlines from dysfunction in Washington, policy shifts by the Federal Reserve and geopolitical risk on the Korean peninsula. However, at least so far this is looking like a normal seasonal pullback in the equity markets.
In our most recent Riggs Report, we discussed our outlook for the equity markets for the second half of 2017, in that Report we stated:
The first half of …
The U.S. economy continues to hum along and we are now seeing signs of economic expansion in China and Europe as well. The equity markets have rallied higher the first half of 2017 and, historically, a good first half of the year bodes well for continued stock market growth in the second half. As global economies gain momentum, we are seeing Central Banks move forward with unwinding their accommodation policies. As you know, the actions to promote economic growth by …
The first quarter of 2017 saw a marked rise in investor optimism as expectations of an improving economy drove U.S. markets higher. The sectors most impacted by an increase in U.S. regulations and a decrease in fiscal spending over the last eight years—financials, industrials, and materials—were the equity market rally leaders following the November U.S. Presidential election. Riggs’ clients were well-positioned for this rally. Not surprisingly, after such a quick run up in the U.S. equity markets, the markets are …
Our clients and friends are used to receiving Investment Market Reports from the Riggs’ Team. This week we thought we would mix it up a bit and give you a sense of what the Riggs’ Team has been up to the last month or so.
In early October, Chief Compliance Officer, Susan Shoemaker, along with our Regulatory Attorney, Thomas Giachetti, Esquire conducted an onsite review of our compliance policies and procedures. As a best practice, the Firm conducts a periodic …
As the U.S. and the rest of the world woke up this morning, we witnessed a changing of the guard in Washington. This election was much like the Brexit vote, the pundits and prognosticators never saw it coming.
The last time we saw an election outcome like this was in 1948 when President Truman defeated Thomas Dewey.
While that will no doubt be the discussion for talking heads on TV, Facebook, and Twitter, our discussion today is what does this …
With the U.S. Presidential Election less than a week away, we have received several phone calls asking what happens to the stock market, if “Fill in the Name” is elected President. We thought we would share our thoughts on some of the likely outcomes.
It appears there are three likely outcomes (in no particular order):
In …
On June 24th, we sent out an Investor Alert to clients and friends regarding the Brexit vote. We noted at that time:
In a historic referendum, last night British citizens voted to leave the European Union. While there were many reasons for the “leave” vote from a rise in nationalism, frustration with the political elite, and economic policies that seemed to have little to no benefit to the populous, the outcome remains the same—the European Union continues to …
The volatility we saw in 2015 has continued into 2016 driven by commodity prices, negative interest rates in Europe and Japan, concerns over China, and a concern that the global economic slowdown could spread to the U.S. economy. Layer on to those concerns the ramping up of Presidential election rhetoric and it is not surprising that volatility in the investment markets continues.
During this period, we have maintained strong cash positions and are taking advantage of bargains as they present …
2015 was a disappointing year for most investors. With the stock, bond and commodities markets all down for the year, investors had few opportunities to make money. Perhaps the best description of 2015 was that this past year was like taking a ride on a roller coaster – lots of action little progress.
The chart to the right shows the S&P 500 Index Cap-Weighted (black line) and the S&P 500 Index Equally-Weighted (red line). The fact that both were …
As investors, being patient with the markets is sometimes the hardest part of our job. Since the beginning of the year, we noted the increase in volatility in the U.S. stock market. Earlier in the year we began to raise cash in your portfolios as a hedge against a possible market correction. The good news and the bad news is our concerns were warranted and a market correction did occur. Typically, during a market correction you will get a bit …
We mentioned Craig’s powerlifting days never exactly ended. He still competes in the Masters 2 division and practices martial arts. Craig still loves to fly planes. He also enjoys relaxing with his family.
Understandably, a fighter pilot gets used to a certain level of adrenaline. Now that he’s got an office job, John seeks out adventures when he takes a pause from building lasting business relationships.
John enjoys surfing and alpine mountain climbing. He spent New Year’s Day 2020 climbing Antarctica’s highest peak, Mt. Vinson, with friends.
And of course, he still flies, and he loves to command vintage warplanes whenever he gets the chance.
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A former collegiate swimmer, this busy mom of three now helps her children find their own talents from ultimate frisbee to fly fishing, tennis and ballet.
Susan likes to run, play tennis, ski and garden. She uses her love of gardening to teach her children the importance of our environment and sustainability.
And when they all need a break they head to New York City for an action-packed recharge.
Michelle enjoys quality time with her husband and son, which means you’ll find her enjoying a sporting event, volunteering for her son’s boy scout troop or dreaming up a delicious meal to cook for them. Family and friends mean everything to her. It’s really not a surprise, she’s a real people-person.
Ann Marie loves to spend time with her family. Whether she’s cooking a delicious dinner to share or enjoying a little quiet time around the house, her smile is at its brightest when family is around.
She’s quite the movie and music buff, too. She really enjoys kicking back and listening to music on her deck in the summer. It’s the perfect way to unwind.
There’s a good chance you’ll find him talking shop in between touchdowns, stirring up a conversation about the market over dessert or helping a charitable organization find new ways to profit in his downtime.
Alan and his wife, Laurel, have been married for more than 40 years. They are proud parents and grandparents. Alan enjoys traveling to New York and Philadelphia to spend time with his granddaughters, son and daughter-in-law.
Alan is passionate about helping people thrive. When you pair that with his love for business and finance, it’s easy to understand why he spends so much free time helping family and friends with their businesses and finances.
Every once in a while, Alan heads to the links where he tears up the course—literally. Then he waits a couple of weeks before playing golf again to give the greens a chance to recover. Everyone has a talent, right?
Flying jet fighters in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s was one of the most exciting and dangerous jobs in the world, particularly in combat. It was a constant and massive adrenaline rush where the least loss of focus or inattention was often fatal. Golf on the other hand is just the opposite—a completely relaxing sport allowing one the opportunity to spend a few hours with friends and family in some of the prettiest and most peaceful places in the world.
When Bob is not focused on the investment markets, you can find him on the golf course either in Pennsylvania or North Carolina working to improve his game.
A gourmet cook, Bob and his wife, Deborah, love to host a large Thanksgiving dinner for family and friends at their home each year.
Bob, Jr. is the father of two children, Bobby (a recent college grad and current working stiff) and Jacquie (a college senior). Bob enjoys debating politics and economics with his son, traveling to see his daughter’s college soccer games and spending time with Deborah (they’ve been married more than twenty years). He also enjoys hiking with his dogs, Remy and Harry, at the state park near his home.
That’s not to say he’s a stranger to the golf course. Somehow he always manages to work a little time on the course into his busy schedule.
Most people with a schedule like Liz’s would be exhausted by the time the weekend rolls around, but not her.
Liz loves to ski and golf, in fact, she competed in both sports growing up. If she’s not on the slopes or the course, you’ll find her swimming, kayaking, walking with her dog, Scout, or simply enjoying the company of family and friends.
Her love for travel and exploring leads her around the country and the globe, but she finds great comfort in her cottage which is situated at a beautiful lake in Pennsylvania.