Commentary

The bumpy ride in financial markets that marked the first quarter, continued into the second. A combination of mixed economic data, rising interest rates and a steady flow of political drama contributed to investor unease and ongoing volatility.

As long as the global economic backdrop remains strong, we think the current corrective phase in the markets will run its course and markets will eventually head higher before marking the peak for the current economic cycle.

In light of the steep decline in the markets over the past few days, followed by today’s dramatic rebound, we recognize that the wild market swings and volatility can be unnerving.

2017 was a year marked by the strange juxtaposition between an improving global economy and buoyant financial markets, and a distressing geopolitical landscape.

“Given all the crazy stuff that is going on in the world, how come the stock market keeps going higher and higher and how long can this last?”

We are in the late innings of an extended economic growth cycle, marked by high valuation levels and growing complacency about risk.

In a recent interview, Warren Buffet cautioned investors that it can be a big mistake to mix politics with investment decisions. We tend to agree.

A Trump presidency, combined with other changes in the world creates a greater range of potential outcomes, both positive and negative.

It has been a year of unexpected turns and twists, where conventional expectations have been turned on end.

“Leopards break into the temple and drink the sacrificial chalices dry; this occurs repeatedly, again and again; finally it can be reckoned upon beforehand and becomes part of the ceremony.”