Videos
Short videos from the industry's leading investment firms
Market Thoughts for Feb 2021
by Commonwealth Financial Network,
Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, recaps the market and economic news for January. Most developed markets were down slightly, including the Dow and S&P 500 in the U.S., as well as developed markets abroad. Despite the weak January numbers, markets remain near all-time highs. On the economic front, layoffs were high and retail spending dropped. But with federal stimulus payments, consumer confidence has begun to recover, boosting higher-frequency spending data. So, will the recovery remain resilient? Stay tuned to find out. Follow Brad at blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.
Market Thoughts for Jan 2021
by Commonwealth Financial Network,
Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, recaps the market and economic news for December. It was a great month for the markets, with gains across the board. Unfortunately, we saw rising economic damage. Job growth dropped, and layoffs rose. Consumer confidence and spending also declined as the medical risks drove governmental shutdowns. Still, business confidence and spending were solid, and December's federal stimulus bill should help revive consumer demand. So, could we be back on the road to normal in 2021? Stay tuned to find out. Follow Brad at blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.
Market Thoughts for December 2020
by Commonwealth Financial Network,
Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, recaps the market and economic news for November. It was a very strong month for the stock markets, with most up by double digits. With good news on vaccines and the resolution of the presidential election, investors gained confidence. But medical risks remain, and the economic risks rose. Layoffs increased, and consumer confidence declined. Business confidence remained high but has pulled back. So, is there reason to believe that things will improve in the months ahead? Stay tuned to find out. Follow Brad at https:www.blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.
Market Thoughts for November 2020
by Commonwealth Financial Network,
Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, recaps the market and economic news for October. The markets started the month strong but rolled over on rising medical risks. Fortunately, the impact was cushioned by better economic news. Layoffs dropped, and consumer confidence held at higher levels. As a result, spending held up better than expected, and the housing market has boomed. Business confidence and investment have also been healthy. With the election just around the corner, could we face more risks ahead? Stay tuned to find out. Follow Brad at https:www.blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.
Not All Tax Strategies for Investors Are Created Equal
What do tax strategies and headphones have in common? Listen in with Rob Kuharic, Director of Tax Managed Solutions at Russell Investments, as he breaks down the different approaches to help an investor maximize their after-tax returns. Hear how a total tax-managed investing approach can help. Learn more.
Market Thoughts for October 2020
by Commonwealth Financial Network,
Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, recaps the market and economic news for September. It was a tough month for the markets. They began September with a drop and ended the month with everything down, but by much less than feared. The economic news was better, with improved data from the labor market and consumer confidence bouncing back. Business confidence and investment were also healthy. Overall, the recovery looks to be on a solid foundation. But could the upcoming election pose a real risk? Stay tuned to find out. Follow Brad at blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.
Market Thoughts for September 2020
by Commonwealth Financial Network,
Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, recaps the market and economic news for August. It was a very good month for the markets. The Nasdaq and S&P 500 reached new highs, and investors continued to move back into the markets. We also saw infection numbers decline, and the economic recovery started to regain strength. Consumer confidence looks to have bottomed, and wage growth has ticked up again, supporting spending growth. We’re in a much better place than we were a month ago, but are there risks ahead? Stay tuned to find out. Follow Brad at blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.
CEF Yields and More
by Investius News,
Closed-end funds are known for leveraged income generation, but yields can come from a range of sources, strategies and products. John Cole Scott, founder of the Active Investment Company Alliance and chief investment officer of CEF Advisors, offers his perspective on the current CEF landscape and challenges presented by the coronavirus, not to mention the presidential election and recession recovery. Scott also shares his excitement about the AICA online CEF conference on Aug. 13, featuring the “best and brightest” minds in the CEF industry.
Market Thoughts for August 2020
by Commonwealth Financial Network,
Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, recaps the market and economic news for July. Overall, it was a good month for the markets. As July began, we saw strong job gains, declining layoff numbers, and rising consumer confidence and spending. Markets rose on this good news. But then infection counts went up, leading to state-level closures. This shift hit hiring and confidence, slowing the recovery. As a result, several market indices declined from their midmonth levels. Should we expect more volatility ahead? Stay tuned to find out. Follow Brad at blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.
Muni Closed-End Funds Update With Dave Lamb
by Investius News,
Municipal Bond Closed-end Funds, like most investments, have felt the impact of the coronavirus-stricken economy. But Dave Lamb of Nuveen says Muni CEFs have rebounded well, especially those with higher quality credits. Despite potential concern of a recession-driven shortfall of taxes supporting munis, Lamb is optimistic about the future. He says it’s an “opportune time to invest in closed-end funds.” He expects discounts to continue to narrow and notes the low cost of leverage has helped lead many funds to increase distributions.
Tales from the Front: BDC Exposure
by Investius News,
In recent years Business Development Companies may have caught your eye and your client’s attention as well. The growing BDC market offers broad access to potentially high-yielding private equity, if an alternative PE investment fits your portfolio needs.
2020 Midyear Outlook
by Commonwealth Financial Network,
Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, gives his 2020 midyear outlook. The rest of 2020 will be about the virus. We’re seeing localized outbreaks, but the necessary countermeasures are in place. So, we can reasonably expect the virus to remain under control. Despite the medical setbacks, millions of jobs have returned, along with consumer confidence and spending. The recovery remains on track and is likely to continue. And that's exactly what the markets are expecting. But will there be volatility ahead? Watch this video to find out. Follow Brad at blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.
Market Thoughts for July 2020
by Commonwealth Financial Network,
Brad McMillan, Commonwealth’s CIO, recaps the market and economic news for June. It was a great month for the markets. In part, markets were reacting to progress on the viral front, with drops in the daily case growth rate and increased testing. They were also responding to the continued economic recovery. Millions of jobs returned, and consumer confidence bounced back. Of course, there were setbacks, with some states seeing an uptick in virus cases. Will the recovery remain on track despite the risks? Stay tuned to find out. Follow Brad at blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.
