The Independent Market Observer

Market Thoughts for May 2015 [Video]

May 6, 2015

In my latest Market Thoughts video, I discuss the economy’s mixed performance in April, focusing on key economic indicators and the stock market. I also share how recent employment figures fit in with the recovery.

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Market Thoughts for April 2015 [Video]

April 7, 2015

In my latest Market Thoughts video, I discuss some of the reasons why March was such a tough month for the markets, employment and job creation, and the housing market

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Market Thoughts for March 2015 [Video]

March 3, 2015

In my latest Market Thoughts video, I discuss the U.S. economy, the global markets, and the recent economic rebound from earlier this year.

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Market Thoughts for February 2015 [Video]

February 4, 2015

In my latest Market Thoughts video, I discuss the ongoing U.S. economic recovery, the difficult month U.S. financial markets just experienced, and changes in the global markets.

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Market Thoughts for January 2015 [Video]

January 6, 2015

In my latest Market Thoughts video, I discuss the U.S. and global economic recoveries, the falling price of oil, and the strength of the U.S. dollar. 

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Market Thoughts for December 2014

December 1, 2014

In my latest Market Thoughts video, I provide an update on U.S. economic growth and explain how a sluggish Japan and Europe factor into the recovery. You'll also hear my thoughts on holiday consumer spending.

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Market Thoughts for November 2014

November 6, 2014

In my latest Market Thoughts video, I provide an update on the market’s recent drop and subsequent recovery, as well as discuss risks, the end of the Federal Reserve’s bond-buying program, and more potential good news for the market.

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Market Thoughts for October 2014

October 6, 2014

In my latest Market Thoughts video, I provide an update on the difficult quarter-end for the markets, international volatility, and the status of the U.S. economy. 

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Market Thoughts for September 2014

September 4, 2014

In my latest Market Thoughts video, I provide an update on the financial markets and the U.S. economy, including potential risks, as we head into fall. 

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Market Thoughts for August 2014

August 6, 2014

In my latest Market Thoughts video, I talk about the U.S. economy, international turmoil, and the U.S. market's performance at the end of July.

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The information on this website is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation.

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.

The S&P 500 Index is a broad-based measurement of changes in stock market conditions based on the average performance of 500 widely held common stocks. All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly in an index.

The MSCI EAFE (Europe, Australia, Far East) Index is a free float‐adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the U.S. and Canada. The MSCI EAFE Index consists of 21 developed market country indices.

One basis point (bp) is equal to 1/100th of 1 percent, or 0.01 percent.

The VIX (CBOE Volatility Index) measures the market’s expectation of 30-day volatility across a wide range of S&P 500 options.

The forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio divides the current share price of the index by its estimated future earnings.

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