Commentary

Global economy and markets face major cross-currents: slow growth, political paralysis and pervasive pessimism; offset against extraordinary monetary policy, strong corporate fundamentals and reasonable valuation levels.

The “Fiscal Cliff” is a made-—for-—television drama worthy of the Super Bowl or a category 5 Superstorm wrapped into one

Despite looming risks ahead, major intervention by Central Banks has buoyed financial markets, lifting stocks and lowering interest rates.

The absence of effective political leadership and governance in the face of large and growing problems is not unique to the United States.

Unprecedented intervention by governments and central banks creates topsy-turvy investment world, requiring new way of looking at investing and investments.

Feeling lost? As the New Year begins, it is hard to remember a time with greater awareness about our challenges, and yet more uncertainty about where we are headed and where to invest.

It seems like hardly a day seems to go by without some European head of state stepping down.

After the most recent quarter, there can be no doubt that the world economy has hit a soft patch, in economic terms, but more importantly, in terms of political leadership, common sense, and effectiveness.

The cause of recent turmoil is not some short-term phenomena, but rather the large, growing, and unsustainable level of debt that has accumulated throughout the developed world.

Most of the measures of economic health we look at are still in positive territory and corporate earnings have been generally strong, but the trend is negative.