The Independent Market Observer

Market Thoughts for September 2015 [Video]

September 3, 2015

In my latest Market Thoughts video, I review the recent, surprising declines in U.S. and international markets and what contributed to them. I also provide an update on U.S. economic performance, highlighting an increase in job growth and consumer spending.

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Market Thoughts for August 2015 [Video]

August 5, 2015

In my latest Market Thoughts video, I discuss the U.S. and developed markets' recent bounce back after a difficult June. I also provide an update on U.S. economic performance, highlighting positive developments in the labor market.

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Market Thoughts for July 2015 [Video]

July 6, 2015

In my latest Market Thoughts video, I discuss recent difficulties in the U.S. financial markets, as well as ongoing problems in Greece and China. I also provide an update on U.S. economic performance in June.

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Market Thoughts for June 2015 [Video]

June 8, 2015

 In my latest Market Thoughts video, I discuss recent ups and downs in the market, including corporate earnings figures, U.S. economic growth, and job indicators. I also provide an update on the international markets, including news about Greece and the European Union.

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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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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.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is computed by summing the prices of the stocks of 30 large companies and then dividing that total by an adjusted value, one which has been adjusted over the years to account for the effects of stock splits on the prices of the 30 companies. Dividends are reinvested to reflect the actual performance of the underlying securities.

The Russell 2000 is a market-capitalization weighted index, with dividends reinvested, that consists of the 2,000 smallest companies within the Russell 3000 Index. It is often used to track the performance of U.S. small market capitalization stocks.

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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