The Independent Market Observer

Chris Fasciano

Chris Fasciano is chief market strategist in the Investment Management and Research group at Commonwealth. He joined the firm in December 2014 and helps manage the Preferred Portfolio Services® (PPS) Select portfolios. Chris is responsible for asset allocation, security selection, and ongoing portfolio monitoring. In addition to his responsibilities on the PPS Select platform, he also assists Commonwealth advisors with questions pertaining to their own model portfolios. Chris earned his degree in economics from Bates College and his MBA from the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.

Recent Posts

Unpacking My Suitcase: The Fed, Policy, and International Markets

March 24, 2025

Last week, I had the pleasure of presenting at a Commonwealth conference. I love spending time and sharing ideas with our advisors. They are the best in the business.

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The Market Has Corrected: What’s Ahead?

March 17, 2025

As of the end of trading on Thursday, March 13, the S&P 500 closed down 10 percent from its all-time high, marking an official correction. It was the first correction since October 2023—17 months ago. From an investment horizon perspective, that isn’t that long. While there wasn’t an official correction in 2024, there was an 8 percent drawdown. Still, those two years ended with the S&P 500 up 24 percent and 23 percent, respectively.

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The Market Observatory: What Will the Fed Do Next? [Audio]

March 12, 2025

In our Market Observatory audio series, Sam Millette and I break down the latest market and economic signals that we believe will shape the month ahead. From tariffs to big tech, we share our perspective on what's happening now and what it could mean for investors going forward.

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All Eyes on the Consumer: Is the Economic Engine Sputtering?

March 10, 2025

As the consumer goes, so goes the U.S. economy. Consumers make up roughly 70 percent of U.S. GDP. Our collective spending has powered the economy since the COVID-19 pandemic and proven wrong the 2022 and 2023 recession predictions by economists and investors. I like to call it the most telegraphed recession that never happened.

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Policy Uncertainty Begins to Weigh on Investors

February 4, 2025

Brad here. As many of you know, I have been working on a much wider range of things here at Commonwealth, and as such, I have stepped back from a lot of the public-facing work I was doing. And that was fine as long as everything was going well. But when things become uncertain, we need someone to be able to explain what is happening—and why.

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Early Election Thoughts

November 6, 2024

From beginning to end, the 2024 election cycle will be looked back on as historic. It was hard fought and contentious on both sides. But at the end of the day, polls and political pundits don’t decide elections—voters do.

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What Will the Election Mean for Markets?

October 24, 2024

The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves. We have had our summer evenings; now for October eves!”
— Humbert Wolfe

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The Fed Goes Big: What’s Next for Asset Allocation?

September 25, 2024

“Sometimes the questions are complicated, and the answers are simple.”
— Dr. Seuss

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Market Volatility: Is the Dust Settling or Blowing in the Wind?

August 16, 2024

“Do you believe in miracles? Yes!”

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Surveying the Economic and Market Landscape

July 19, 2024

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
— Ferris Bueller

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The Market Observatory

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February 19, 2025

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January 22, 2025

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December 17, 2024

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Certain sections of this commentary contain forward-looking statements that are based on our reasonable expectations, estimates, projections, and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.

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