Our theme for 2015 for both the equity market and the bond market has been rising volatility and we have certainly seen that play out as the year progressed. As markets have swung up or down depending on that days headline, whether it is apprehension of a Euro crisis driven by a Greek exit or an improving jobs report here in the US that raises concern of inflation, market volatility is becoming a concern.
The major US equity indices ended …
As we discussed in our January Riggs Report, Volatility But Higher, we expected to see increased volatility in both the equity and fixed income markets in 2015. So far, the year is playing out as we expected. We have seen a slowdown in U.S. economic growth and in the earnings growth for U.S. companies. As a result, the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average indices ended the quarter flat to down. The bond market has moved up and down …
U.S. equity market volatility increased in 2014 driven by slowing economies in Europe and Asia and an increase in regional conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. The U.S. markets served as the safe haven for investors where areas such as large cap equities and long term U.S. Government bonds benefited the most from the 2014 flight to safety.
As we turn to 2015, Europe is on the edge of deflation (risking a lost decade or worse), Asia continues …
The Riggs’ Investment Team manages investments with the belief that if you navigate well through high risk markets, the upside will take care of itself. So how does Riggs manage risk in the investment markets? First, we identify and pay for the best independent research sources we can find. From those sources, we get tremendous data—from current market momentum and strength indicators to historical similarities to previous markets to global economic data. Next, we use the perspective of our in-house …
When will we see a market correction? That seems to be the question we are getting most frequently from clients and others. For now, the answer is “not yet” as our indicators are still mildly positive with continued demand for stocks and low volatility in the market. We expect the stock market to continue to drift higher and the bond market to remain relatively benign through the summer.
As we look ahead, we do have some concerns looming on the …
The first quarter was one marked by rising volatility in the stock market with a correction in January where the S&P 500 pulled back -5.8% and the DJIA pulled back by -7.3%. By the end of March the S&P 500 was up slightly for the year while the DJIA was down slightly for the year. Through this we took the opportunity to capture some of the large profits earned in our equity portfolios over the past two years. With those …
Riggs’ clients had a good year in 2013 with both our equity and fixed income portfolios performing well. It was also a transition year where we saw the largest outperformance by stocks over bonds since 1958. We believe this is a theme that we will see replayed for many years to come.
So, with 2013 in the books what are our expectations for 2014?
In our January, 2013 Riggs’ Report, we discussed the fiscal cliff and debt ceiling negotiations at length. So here we are nine months later, in the midst of a government shutdown surrounded by rancorous debate on both sides of the aisle and the investment markets getting increasingly frustrated with the lack of leadership and governance at the federal level. But this is not new territory for our country. In fact, over the past 32 years, Congress has only passed the …
The first quarter of 2013 began with “Fiscal Cliff” concerns and a stalemate in Washington over the budgetary issues facing the United States. The quarter is ending with concerns over sequestration, the debt ceiling, saber rattling in North Korea, the Cypriot Banking system failure, and the inability of leaders in Europe to manage the issues facing the European Union. Underpinning all of this is the largest global expansion of Large Scale Asset Purchase Program (LSAPP) or Quantitative Easing (QE) in …
Despite some news‐driven volatility, the U.S. equity markets ended the year positive. While the zero interest rate policies from the Federal Reserve continued to pressure income‐oriented investors. Overall, 2012 was a good year for Riggs’ clients.
Looking ahead in 2013, we are starting to see signs that a growth phase may be re‐emerging in developing markets led by China. We believe the U.S. housing market will continue to recover and we believe there are opportunities for investors in the auto …
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.