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November 2024 Newsletter – Improving the Link Between Spending and Federal Deficits: How Efficiency Impacts Your Investments

Improving the Link Between Spending and Federal Deficits: How Efficiency Impacts Your Investments   Awareness Encourages Support of Policies That Promote Efficiency Dear Valued Investors, As you know, staying informed about the intricate workings of our government is paramount to making sound financial decisions. Government spending, national debt, and economic stability all have a ripple […]

October 2024 – Newsletter: Navigating the Election Cycle: A Technical Analysis Perspective

Navigating the Election Cycle: A Technical Analysis Perspective By Vaughn Woods, CFP, MBA Fear is a common emotion leading up to presidential elections, especially in September and October. However, history shows that markets often rebound after the election uncertainty subsides. We remain vigilant in identifying opportunities to profit from such market dynamics. As you know, […]

September 2024 Newsletter – Understanding the Sharpe Ratio and Market Outlook

    Understanding the Sharpe Ratio and Market Outlook By Vaughn Woods, CFP, MBA As you may know, the Nasdaq 100 Index (NDX) recently experienced a remarkable surge, with its Sharpe ratio reaching a staggering 4.4. This exceptional performance, indicative of a strong risk-adjusted return, might have led to a sense of optimism and perhaps […]

September Newsletter – Manufacturing Slump Deepens, Economy at Risk: Prudent Adjustments Amidst Uncertainty

Recent data paints a concerning picture for US manufacturing, raising questions about the overall economic outlook and exacerbating the challenges faced by consumers already grappling with rising prices across various sectors. The ISM Manufacturing Index hit its 5th consecutive contractionary level at 47.2, indicating a continued slowdown in the sector. New orders declined at their […]

August 2024 Newsletter – Healthy Corrections

Navigating Recent Market Volatility: A Healthy Correction or a Sign of Deeper Concerns? The recent stock market pullback, while unsettling, is a natural correction in a market that had become historically overvalued. Short-term technical indicators suggest further consolidation is likely, but the cyclical trend index projects a positive turn by August’s end. Several factors contributed […]

July 2024 Newsletter – At a Crossroads

At a Crossroads America’s Economic Future – Growth or Dirigisme? By Vaughn Woods, CFP, MBA In this month’s economic update, I introduce the idea that America is at a critical juncture. The United States federal debt is now estimated to be 123% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as of July 15, 2024.  This is only […]

June 2024 Newsletter – AI and Silos of Uncertainty

AI and Silos of Uncertainty   In an era marked by rapid technological advancement and socio-political shifts, investors face unique challenges that require a nuanced understanding of the artificial intelligence (AI) landscape. The emergence of AI networks, or what I call silos of data, and their potential to influence everything from social media copy to […]

May 2024 Newsletter – The Link Between Uncertainty and Risk Demystifying the Unknown

The Link Between Uncertainty and Risk Demystifying the Unknown   By Vaughn Woods, CFP, MBA   Are you keeping an eye on the intricate ballet of interconnected economic, geopolitical, and political forces that are, by uncertainty and risk, weaving together market unpredictability? Investments in sectors heavily impacted by government policies are likely to experience underperformance […]

April 2024 Newsletter – Access Struggles to AI and Energy in the Financial Sphere

Access Struggles to AI and Energy in the Financial Sphere By Vaughn Woods, CFP, MBA In the relentless rhythm of global economics, fossil fuels have historically served as the pulsating lifeblood, a critical element in the veins of our modern existence. Yet, an emerging force, artificial intelligence (AI), has swiftly elevated itself as an indispensable […]