Shows
Polaris PerspectiveOptimistic ProjectionsA year ago, business and economic leaders were looking beyond COVID to what they were perceiving as better times — when the pandemic would be a thing of the past, the economy would rebound, and ‘normal,’ as in the life we experienced before March of 2020, would return. Most of that, especially the parts about COVID being over and returning to normal, didn’t happen. And that explains why, a year later, amidst another strong surge in COVID cases, there is optimism about the year ahead, but also some significant hedging of bets.We just can’t predict wh...2022-01-1721 minPolaris PerspectiveYOUR ESSENTIAL YEAR-END FINANCIAL CHECKLISTThe end of the year always seems to sneak up on us. After Thanksgiving, the buzz of the holiday season keeps us busy through the New Year, and tax season probably isn’t even a distant thought yet. But there are a number of reasons to make year-end financial and estate planning a priority because when the year turns over there’s no going back. It’s safe to say we’re all ready to bid 2021 goodbye – but before you let the holidays take over completely, set aside some time to get your finances in order. Jeff Pow...2022-01-1724 minPolaris PerspectiveOmicron Could Knock U.S. Economic Recovery Off TrackThe emergence of a new COVID-19 variant is raising fresh uncertainty for the U.S. economy, even as President Biden vows that the country will not see more lockdowns. After wading through a summer surge in cases driven by the delta variant, the U.S. is now bracing for the arrival of omicron, a strain identified by the World Health Organization last week as a “variant of concern.” The U.S. economy held up much stronger against the emergence of the delta variant this summer than many analysts expected, despite an initial drop in consumer activity and trav...2022-01-1726 minPolaris PerspectiveStunning Decline on Unemployment ClaimsThe number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits last week fell to the lowest level in more than half a century. This is the latest sign of the labor market bouncing back from the coronavirus pandemic. Last week’s jobless claims totaled 199,000 when adjusted for seasonal swings, the lowest level since November 15, 1969.Jeff Powell and Jeremy Witbeck discuss the dramatic drop in last week’s claims and whether or not it indicates just how good things are in the labor market and the overall economy right now.2022-01-1721 min
Polaris PerspectiveA Take on Active vs. Passive InvestingThe last two years have come with many changes. The state of the world has caused many of us to make shifts in our lives, both personally and professionally. For better or for worse, some of these shifts may be short-lived and some may last much longer. And in thinking of our finances, worry might come to mind as more uncertainty seems to loom around the corner. This is why investment management is so crucial at this time – for investors at any stage in their journey. Investment management refers to the process of handling various se...2021-11-2927 min
Polaris PerspectiveConsumer Price Index SoarsConsumer Price Index Soars: What the jump in the CPI means for you. Wall Street’s main indexes fell on Wednesday as a surge in U.S. consumer prices last month deepened fears that high inflation is here to stay amid supply chain snarls. Inflation across a broad range of products that consumers buy every day was even worse than expected in October, hitting its highest point in more than 30 years, the Labor Department reported Wednesday. Jeff Powell and Jeremy Witbeck discuss what this means for consumers, investors, the economy, and the markets.2021-11-2925 min
Polaris PerspectiveWhat You Need to Know About the Jobs Reporthe U.S. Department of Labor’s employment report is the first piece of major economic data released each month. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) releases the employment or jobs report, on the first Friday of every month. It estimates the number of people employed and unemployed in the economy and the number of hours they worked (plus myriad related figures). The release of the employment data usually is followed by frenzied trading that can last from a few minutes to an entire day, depending on what the data shows and what the market was expecting. ...2021-11-1225 min
Polaris PerspectiveBiden's Massive Shift in Tax PlansThe White House and Democrats are reworking key aspects of President Joe Biden’s $2 trillion domestic policy plan, trimming the social services and climate change programs and rethinking new taxes on corporations and the wealthy to pay for a scaled-back package.While the plan is still in negotiations and changes to the legislation are likely, many of the proposed changes to the Internal Revenue Code not only would directly impact gift and estate tax planning but also owners of family businesses and their goals of transferring those businesses to beneficiaries. Jeff Powell and Jeremy Witbeck di...2021-11-0121 min
Polaris PerspectiveSeasonality in the Stock MarketsHave you ever noticed how much the different seasons can affect life? Oddly enough, the seasons affect more than just the weather. They can affect things like the stock market as well. Seasonality refers to the tendency of markets to perform better or worse during certain periods of the year. It’s perhaps most famously illustrated by the stock-market adage, “sell in May and go away,,” which refers to the historical tendency for the stock market to perform better from November through April than from May through October.As we start to wrap up one of the...2021-11-0125 min
Polaris PerspectiveInvestor PsychologyMany market commentators routinely throw around concepts such as ‘Fear and Greed’ and how instrumental they are in the behavior of individuals and markets as a whole. While both fear and greed play a role in individual and mass behaviors, they are part of a much larger set of attitudes and emotions that affects our investing decisions.In this weekly episode, Jeff Powell and Jeremy Witbeck provide concepts and understanding around behavioral finance and how people act, all of which can make you a better investor and potentially life-changing financial decisions.2021-11-0124 min
Polaris PerspectiveWhere Will the Real Estate Investment Opportunities Be?Not all investment real estate asset classes are created equal. The COVID-19 pandemic has been kinder to some real estate asset classes than others and are emerging from the pandemic in much better shape and pose much lower inherent risk.Jeff Powell, CIO & Managing Partner at Polaris Wealth, Jeremy Witbeck, Partner at Polaris Wealth and Chip Entwistle, Co-Founder at ACC Space discuss how investors can take advantage of opportunities with the potential to build wealth and generate income from investment real estate, particularly tax-advantaged investments.2021-10-1836 min
Polaris PerspectiveBusiness Succession PlanningFor many business owners, maintaining positive cash flow and a stable balance sheet can be an ongoing battle that consumes virtually all of their time. Even retirement often seems like a distant speck on the horizon, let alone plans to hand over the business. Establishing a sound business succession plan requires a series of logistical and financial decisions about who will take over your business upon retirement, death, or disability.Jeff Powell and Jeremy Witbeck of Polaris Wealth and Eric Johnson, C.E.O. of Dynamic Strategies Limited, discuss broad range of topics that business...2021-10-0422 min
Polaris PerspectiveSeeking the Narrative – Part 2: Market TransitionsWhen the stock market stumbled earlier this week, you may have been spooked, and understandably so. The market dip, which was partly attributed to investors’ concerns about the high debt levels of one of China’s largest real estate developers, was hard to stomach given the resilient bull market we’ve seen over the past year.Jeff Powell and Matthew Erickson, Polaris Wealth’s Senior Portfolio Manager, discuss the current state of the markets and some of their concerns for the remainder of the year.2021-10-0430 min
Polaris PerspectiveSeeking the Narrative: Market TransitionsThe stock market is in a weird place – it has fallen in most of the trading sessions this month. Equities have wavered and investors grapple with mixed economic data and the impact of the Delta variant’s spread front. Jeff Powell and Jeremy Witbeck discuss the wobbly week on Wall Street.2021-10-0425 min
Polaris PerspectiveThe Ending of Pandemic Unemployment Benefits - Part 1Over the weekend, enhanced unemployment benefits expired, including $300 weekly bonus checks, as well as coverage for freelancers and the long-term unemployed. This means more than 11 million people will get a smaller check, with roughly 7.5 million people losing their jobless benefits entirely.Jeff Powell, CIO, Managing Partner & Founder of Polaris Wealth & Jeremy Witbeck, Partner at Polaris Wealth, discuss what this all could mean, especially with the uptick in new delta-variant COVID-19 cases that could result in new quarantine restrictions and, consequently, more layoffs.2021-09-1522 min
Polaris PerspectiveThe Fed's Tapering and Its Impact on the MarketsThe U.S. economy continues to rebound from the coronavirus pandemic, and when the financial system is ready, the Fed will eventually start to raise interest rates and, before the end of the year, will gradually withdraw and wind down some of its easy-money policies. This process, in the financial world, is known as “tapering”.Jeff Powell, CIO, Managing Partner & Founder of Polaris Wealth & Jeremy Witbeck, Partner at Polaris Wealth, provide a deeper insight of “tapering” and the potential impact that’s bound to have on consumers’ wallets, busineeses, investors and markets for years to come.2021-09-0720 min
Polaris PerspectiveCOVID – 19A little more than a year and a half ago, the world was blissfully, dangerously ignorant of the existence of a coronavirus that would soon turn life on earth on its head. In the 16+ months since the SARS-CoV-2 virus burst into the global consciousness, we’ve learned much about this new health threat.Jeff Powell, CIO, Managing Partner & Founder of Polaris Wealth & Jeremy Witbeck, Partner at Polaris Wealth, provide their perspective on the virus and the impact it has had to date as well as discuss what the possible next steps are in terms of the U.S...2021-08-3121 min
Polaris PerspectiveActive vs. Passive ManagementWhenever there’s a discussion about active or passive investing, it can pretty quickly turn into a debate because investors and wealth managers tend to strongly favor one strategy over the other.Jeff Powell, CIO, Managing Partner & Founder of Polaris Wealth & Jeremy Witbeck, Partner at Polaris Wealth, & Matthew Erickson, Senior Portfolio Manager, provide their thoughts on their roles and responsibilities as investment managers and their approach of portfolio management for Polaris Wealth Clients.2021-08-2427 min
Polaris PerspectiveThe Politics of Financial MarketsHow do financial markets react to political events such as elections or regulatory decisions? And what are the political repercussions of financial market events? Jeff Powell, CIO, Managing Partner & Founder of Polaris Wealth & Jeremy Witbeck, Partner at Polaris Wealth, discuss the relationship between politics and the financial markets.2021-08-2415 min
Polaris PerspectiveThe Stock Market’s Fear Gauge is Hitting Fresh HighsWall Street’s favorite gauge of stock-market volatility rocketed to its highest level since mid-June on Wednesday as rising COVID-19 cases and renewed lockdown efforts spurred fears of a prolonged economic slowdown. While record-high coronavirus case counts have fueled concerns about the pace of economic recovery, the prospect of timely fiscal support is all but exhausted. Jeff Powell, CIO, Managing Partner & Founder of Polaris Wealth & Jeremy Witbeck, Partner at Polaris Wealth, discuss the recent volatility in the financial markets.2021-08-2420 min
Polaris PerspectivePRELIMINARY REACTIONS: ELECTION + MARKETSCurious, hopeful, nervous…. The U.S. presidential election map took shape — amid concerns over drawn-out counts in some states. Jeff Powell, CIO, Managing Partner & Founder of Polaris Wealth & Jeremy Witbeck, Partner at Polaris Wealth, discuss election results today and the potential impact on financial markets.2021-08-2421 min
Polaris PerspectivePost-Election Landscape: The Economy & The VaccineJeff Powell, CIO, Managing Partner & Founder of Polaris Wealth & Jeremy Witbeck, Partner at Polaris Wealth, assess the post-election landscape for financial markets and discuss the recent development of Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine .2021-08-2422 min
Polaris PerspectiveMarket Landscape: We are More Optimistic. Why You Should Be Too.The year of 2020 will be remembered for the COVID-19 pandemic, protests against racial injustice, debates over returning to school or the office, and political posturing. It will also be remembered for the confounding behavior of financial markets. They rallied, even though the world and the economy still feel chaotic and broken. Jeff Powell, CIO, Managing Partner & Founder of Polaris Wealth & Jeremy Witbeck, Partner at Polaris Wealth, explain why they are more optimistic, particularlly for next year.2021-08-2418 min
Polaris PerspectiveWhat’s Ahead for the Stock Market?Wall Street got the new month started on the right foot on Tuesday, as majxor market benchmarks continued their upward surge and retained much of their momentum from November. Market participants have proposed a number of explanations for the strong performance in stocks lately. Yet largely going unnoticed is a dramatic shift in the way that investors think about the stock market. Jeff Powell, CIO, Managing Partner & Founder of Polaris Wealth & Jeremy Witbeck, Partner at Polaris Wealth, discuss how the change in view certainly explains the gains, but it also raises some concerns for the near-term future.2021-08-2431 min
Polaris PerspectiveSitting on a Pile of CashA majority of American investors are optimistic about U.S. stocks, but they are still sitting on piles of cash. In fact, the U.S. Investors are sitting on the largest pile of cash ever. The amount of cash in bank accounts is now at a record $16 trillion, more than twice as much as 2009 levels. Jeff Powell, CIO, Managing Partner & Founder of Polaris Wealth & Jeremy Witbeck, Partner at Polaris Wealth, discuss what that could means for stocks and what they should be doing with all that cash.2021-08-2429 min
Polaris PerspectiveLast Call for End of the Year Tax MovesThe end of the year is a good time to check on your financial accounts. The last day of December is sometimes a significant deadline so it can make sense to do some year-end housekeeping, including evaluating tax strategies and making plans for the coming year. Jeff Powell, CIO, Managing Partner & Founder of Polaris Wealth & Jeremy Witbeck, Partner at Polaris Wealth, address key year-end tax moves you want to make in the last few weeks of 2020 in order to help reduce next year’s tax obligations.2021-08-2418 min
Polaris PerspectiveA Year to RememberIt can be hard to feel optimistic when there are still so many challenges ahead. In early 2020 the entire world underwent a transformation – not only because of the pandemic but also due to heightened concerns over racial justice and climate change. Most of our normal routines changed immediately. As 2020 comes to a close, Jeff Powell, CIO, Managing Partner & Founder of Polaris Wealth & Jeremy Witbeck, Partner at Polaris Wealth, review some of the year’s milestones and what they are looking forward to in 2021.2021-08-2421 min
Polaris PerspectiveFinancial Resolutions 2021December is winding down, and that means it’s time to think about resolutions for the upcoming year. After a year like 2020, financial resolutions are probably top of mind. The beginning of the year is the prime time to focus on what’s going on with your money. With the right plan in place, you can stick to your financial resolutions and end the coming year in a better place than you started it.To help you get started, Jeff Powell, CIO, Managing Partner & Founder of Polaris Wealth & Jeremy Witbeck, Partner at Polaris Wealth, review some resolutions to s...2021-08-2419 min
Polaris PerspectiveExplaining the Inflation PuzzleIf it feels like your dollar doesn’t go quite as far as it used to, you aren’t imagining it. The reason is inflation, which describes the gradual rise in prices and slow decline in purchasing power of your dollars over time.It’s been decades since the U.S. faced double-digit inflation rates, and years of small, steady increases may have left consumers unprepared for the extended inflationary environment that continues to be ahead as inflation rates rise in the U.S. And we are left to question, if this a temporary phenomenon or a long-l...2021-08-2423 min
Polaris PerspectiveGeorgia Runoff ElectionsControl of the Senate is at stake. The candidates have shattered spending records.The Georgia Senate race holds far-reaching implications. Jeff Powell, CIO, Managing Partner & Founder of Polaris Wealth & Jeremy Witbeck, Partner at Polaris Wealth, discuss market and policy impact of Georgia Election results.2021-08-1920 min
Polaris Perspective2020 Market Recap / 2021 Market OutlookIn 2020, stocks fell and went up drastically as COVID altered the very fabric of our lives. Tens of millions were infected as over a million died around the world. Millions of jobs were lost. A feeling of insurmountable fear and darkness grew.Despite the volatility of 2020 and now with several more vaccines on the horizon, Jeff Powell, CIO, Managing Partner & Founder of Polaris Wealth & Jeremy Witbeck, Partner at Polaris Wealth, discuss why they feel more positive than before.2021-08-1924 min
Polaris PerspectiveUnderstanding Fixed Income MarketplaceFixed income investing can offer a number of benefits, such as providing a predictable source of income, helping to preserve capital and offering attractive diversification benefits to your portfolio.However, fixed income investments are not all created equal and the bond market it is a tough nut to crack.Jeff Powell, CIO, Managing Partner & Founder of Polaris Wealth & Jeremy Witbeck, Partner at Polaris Wealth, discuss how bonds react differently to changes in interest rates, the economic outlook and other market factors2021-08-1922 min
Polaris PerspectiveInvestment Buzzwords Part 1You don’t have to know everything to start investing. In fact, if you wait until you know everything before you get started, you’ll probably never start investing at all! But there are some basic terms you might want to have in your investing arsenal.These terms will be helpful to understand, so you don’t end up missing something you should know, or veering away from your financial goals. Jeff Powell, CIO, Managing Partner & Founder of Polaris Wealth & Jeremy Witbeck, Partner at Polaris Wealth, discuss in detail key industry terms and several investment saying...2021-08-1921 min
Polaris PerspectiveInvestment Buzzwords Part 2You don’t have to know everything to start investing. In fact, if you wait until you know everything before you get started, you’ll probably never start investing at all! But there are some basic terms you might want to have in your investing arsenal.These terms will be helpful to understand, so you don’t end up missing something you should know, or veering away from your financial goals.Jeff Powell, CIO, Managing Partner & Founder of Polaris Wealth & Jeremy Witbeck, Partner at Polaris Wealth, continue their discussion on technical and funny industry investment terms...2021-08-1920 min
Polaris PerspectiveStock Market FrenzyThere has been a lot of interest in the stock market over the past week after investors from the Reddit message board managed to give shares in GameStop a huge boost and send prices of a few struggling companies (GameStop, AMC, BlackBerry…) soaring.Jeff Powell, CIO, Managing Partner & Founder of Polaris Wealth & Jeremy Witbeck, Partner at Polaris Wealth, discuss story so far, with an explanation of stocks, short-selling and what has been happening with GameStop.2021-08-1929 min
Polaris PerspectiveBooming Markets?In financial markets, as with everything else, no one can predict the future. Nevertheless, the beginning of the year marks the time when investing analysts and researchers make their predictions for the year ahead in the stock market.The continuing strength of the stock market even as the coronavirus pandemic batters the U.S. economy has baffled many observers.Jeff Powell, CIO, Managing Partner & Founder of Polaris Wealth & Jeremy Witbeck, Partner at Polaris Wealth, discuss factors that explain the continued market recovery and why to expect another good year for investors.2021-08-1924 min
Polaris PerspectiveInterest Rate EnvironmentBond yields have jumped over the past couple weeks, jolting investors. The rise has triggered worries that faster economic growth could generate inflation and pose a threat at a time when the S&P 500 is at valuation levels not seen since the dotcom bubble.Jeff Powell, CIO, Managing Partner & Founder of Polaris Wealth & Jeremy Witbeck, Partner at Polaris whether the level of rates is becoming a threat to investors and equity valuations.2021-08-1920 min
Polaris PerspectiveWhat are Derivatives Really?Billion derivative contracts are being traded yearly and most companies and investors use derivatives to lower risk. – So, what are Derivatives and should you invest in them?Jeff Powell, CIO, Managing Partner & Founder of Polaris Wealth & Jeremy Witbeck, Partner at Polaris discuss how financial derivatives work, are used and whether you should consider using adding financial derivarives to your financial portfolio.2021-08-1921 min
Polaris PerspectiveUnderstanding Your Financial TermsYou are likely to encounter terms that you do not understand. These terms will be helpful to understand, so you don’t end up missing something you should know, or veering away from your financial goals. And it never hurts to know the basics.Jeff Powell, CIO, Managing Partner & Founder of Polaris Wealth & Jeremy Witbeck, Partner at Polaris Wealth, expand their discussion on investment terms you might want to have in your investing arsenal.2021-08-1824 min
Polaris PerspectiveThe Stimulus EffectPresident Joe Biden has signed the $1.9 trillion coronavirus aid bill into law, saying he is taking aggressive action to speed up COVID-19 vaccinations and move the country closer to normality by July 4.The package provides $400 billion for $1,400 direct payments to most Americans, $350 billion in aid to state and local governments, an expansion of the child tax credit and increased funding for COVID-19 vaccine distribution.Although subject to a great deal of uncertainty, Jeff Powell and Jeremy Witbeck analyze how the fiscal package could affect the overall economy.2021-08-1826 min
Polaris PerspectiveWhat’s Driving the Market? The major averages are struggling after yesterday’s decline and the markets are continuing its volatile run in March as the rally to record highs took a pause with investors reassessing the growth picture.Jeff Powell and Jeremy Witbeck discuss the choppy trade in stock markets this week and trends they are seeing in U.S. economy.2021-08-1826 min
Polaris PerspectiveBiden’s Post-Pandemic Infrastructure PlansPresident Joe Biden unveiled a more than $2 trillion infrastructure package on Wednesday as his administration shifts its focus to bolstering the post-pandemic economy.Jeff Powell and Jeremy Witbeck discuss Biden’s proposal that would invest in infrastructure, education, work force development and fighting climate change, with the aim of making the economy more productive.2021-08-1819 min
Polaris PerspectiveIs that you, Q2 2021?As society starts to turn the page on the pandemic, local, national global economies, markets and investors are beginning to imagine how “normal” might look like. So far, 2021 isn’t looking too different from where we ended 2020. But we see the second quarter bringing greater economic re-awakening, underpinning our constructive outlook for U.S. stocks.Jeff Powell and Jeremy Witbeck discuss recent activity in the capital markets and offer viewpoints on the U.S. economy, international markets and asset classes, as well as a special topics of interest to investors.2021-08-1823 min
Polaris PerspectiveFinancial Literacy – Your Money or Your LifeFor nearly 20 years, April has been recognized as Financial Literacy Month. The goal is to highlight the importance of improving money management skills and establishing and maintaining positive, healthy financial habits.Jeff Powell and Jeremy Witbeck kickoff this month with some key lessons on how to protect your wealth.2021-08-1823 min
Polaris PerspectiveFinancial Literacy – The Evolution of SavingsCreating a financially secure life can feel like a daunting task that requires the skills of an expert mapmaker and GPS programmer. You need to figure out where you are today and where you want to get to. As if that’s not stressful enough, you’re then in charge of finding the best route to get from here to there without veering off into costly detours. Jeff Powell and Jeremy Witbeck continue their discussion on Financial Literacy this month and focus on the evolution of savings and the different strategies people can use.2021-08-1823 min
Polaris PerspectiveThe $1T Infrastructure BillThe Senate on Tuesday approved a roughly $1 trillion proposal to improve the nation’s roads, bridges, pipes, ports and Internet connections, advancing a historic burst in federal spending after years of failed attempts on Capitol Hill to invest anew in the country’s aging infrastructure.Jeff Powell, CIO, Managing Partner & Founder of Polaris Wealth & Jeremy Witbeck, Partner at Polaris Wealth, expand their discussion on infrastructure and discuss what the bill is looking to accomplish and the possible impact of the bill once it is passed by Congress.2021-08-1821 min
Polaris PerspectiveUNDERSTANDING YOUR FINANCIAL TERMS – PART 2You are likely to encounter terms that you do not understand. These terms will be helpful to understand, so you don’t end up missing something you should know, or veering away from your financial goals. And it never hurts to know the basics.Jeff Powell, CIO, Managing Partner & Founder of Polaris Wealth & Jeremy Witbeck, Partner at Polaris Wealth, expand their discussion on investment terms you might want to have in your investing arsenal.2021-08-1824 min
Polaris PerspectiveWhere to Invest When Yields Are LowHow does an investor extract a livable income stream from a retirement portfolio in such a low-yield environment?In this session of the Polaris Wealth Podcast, Jeff Powell and Jeremy Witbeck discuss why it might be a good time to consider adding alternative investments to your investment portfolio. 2021-08-1824 min
Polaris PerspectiveInsurance as a Financial Planning ToolLife insurance is a key financial planning tool that can often be overlooked. As you build your wealth, it’s important to protect your assets against any unforeseen events. While not as direct a way of saving as investing, insurance planning can save you significant amounts of money over the long-term.In this session of the Polaris Wealth Podcast, Jeff Powell and Jeremy Witbeck discuss how insurance can essentially make it easier to navigate financial obstacles that could thwart your financial goals.2021-08-1814 min
Polaris PerspectiveInflation Nation: Transitory vs. PermanentWith the U.S. economic recovery now well under way, one of the more heated debates between economists and policymakers and a discussion that may seem irrelevant and confusing to the general public is whether the price surges that have coincided with accelerating activity will be permanently higher or will those eventually pass. Some experts are sounding the alarm over rising inflation in the United States, despite assurances from the Federal Reserve. While the topic is dry, Jeff Powell and Jeremy Witbeck discuss how its resolution is of critical importance. Depending on the answer, mortgage costs could rise, stock...2021-07-1321 min
Polaris PerspectiveThe Song Remains the SameWe’re halfway through 2021. Where do the financial markets stand? Well, the short answer is that the “Song Remains the Same”. The global reopening remains on track as COVID-19 vaccination rates climb. Inflation is the new concern, but the spike so far looks transitory. Fiscal and Monetary Policy remains highly supportive of accelerating growth in the US economy. And, we still like the pandemic-recovery trade that favors equities over bonds. For this week’s podcast, Jeff Powell and Jeremy Witbeck provide their thoughts on the midway point of the financial markets.2021-07-1318 min
Polaris PerspectiveBiden's Big SpeechYesterday, President Joe Biden addressed a joint session of Congress, on the eve of his first 100 days in office. He pressed his so-far popular agenda, which includes a $2 trillion infrastructure plan and a newly unveiled, $1.8 trillion plan for families, children and students. With these proposals announced Wednesday night, Biden is looking to sustain economic growth following the passage of his massive Covid relief and stimulus plan. Jeff Powell and Jeremy Witbeck discuss what President Biden’s big speech means and what it actually means for the economy, the markets and more importantly, the investors.2021-07-0827 min
Polaris PerspectiveMarket OutlookThe economy is rebounding. The earnings reports show S&P 500 companies are on track for their highest rate of profit growth in more than a decade. As the world’s largest economy recovers, Jeff Powell and Jeremy Witbeck discuss potential factors that could move the market.2021-07-0724 min
Polaris PerspectiveBecause the Fear Is RealIn the US, the Dow fell 474 points – its largest one-day drop since late February. Investors are getting nervous about several risks, and inflation data for April spooked markets and raised concerns that the Fed is wrong about rising prices being just temporary. If the Fed is incorrect, that means that it could begin to unwind its easy policies quicker than expected and ultimately raise interest rates.2021-07-0720 min
Polaris PerspectiveShould You Be Worried... About Inflation?Inflation may be an unavoidable economic fact of life, but it’s starting to make a lot of people very nervous. Economists, investors and everyday folks believe inflation is primed for rapid growth as trillions in federal stimulus spending is layered on top of the Federal Reserve’s rock-bottom rates, a nascent economic recovery and hordes of newly vaccinated shoppers who are eager to spend. The question is whether the coming wave of inflation will be a modest, easily managed wave or a dramatic flood that will roil markets, kneecap savers and cause the Fed to rapidly hike rates, impe...2021-07-0726 min
Polaris PerspectiveTrading SidewaysIn recent weeks, investors have received positive economic news that usually would push markets higher – however, as the U.S. edges toward a full economic reopening, investors continue to struggle with one of the most pressing questions of today’s market… Is there more pain ahead for growth stocks, meaning it’s wise to rotate into value stocks? So, why haven’t the large-cap indexes really gone anywhere? Jeff Powell and Jeremy Witbeck discuss three significant factors that will influence the length of the sideways financial markets.2021-07-0726 min
Polaris PerspectiveUnderstanding CryptocurrenciesSo, what is cryptocurrency? Well-known cryptocurrencies include Bitcoin, Dogecoin and Ethereum. And, they have become nearly impossible for even the biggest skeptics to ignore and that’s especially the case for investors. Even for individuals who today swear up and down that they will never touch cryptoassets, it still requires being educated on the subject. Jeff Powell, Jeremy Witbeck and Brett Miller discuss what cryptocurrencies are, why they are popular (especially in the news these days) and whether or not they serve as a viable investment option that could fit into an investment portfolio.2021-07-0726 min
Polaris PerspectiveA June Gloom?In Southern California, the weather is beautiful most of the year. However, there is the annual June Gloom weather pattern that results in cloudy, overcast skies with cool temperatures during the late spring and early summer, most commonly occurring during the month of June. Similarly, that saying can apply to the financial markets as well – especially during the summer months all the way to Labor Day. These months can be dangerous for investors, because many are away on vacation and, as a result, volatility is higher since liquidity is lower than it otherwise would have been. As a result, st...2021-07-0721 min
Polaris PerspectiveSeasonalityThe business and financial world have pithy little sayings – “The January Effect”, “June Gloom” and among the oldest and most oft-repeated: “Sell in May and go away” – all of which are worth investigating as an investor. These adages revolve around the concept of market seasonality – where sectors/stocks/indices and the economy are influenced by weather events (temperature in winter vs. summer, probability of inclement conditions, etc.) and calendar events (quarterly reporting expectations, announcements, etc.). For this week’s podcast, Jeff Powell and Jeremy Witbeck discuss the effects of seasonality when analyzing markets from a fundamental point of view, as it can have a big...2021-07-0320 min
Polaris PerspectiveInflation Scare Doesn’t Match RealityIn the last few months, inflation has been a hot topic, especially as Americans can’t escape rising prices. Go to the grocery store for some pork, and you’ll pay nearly 5 percent more than you did last spring. Go to the gas pump, and filling your tank may very well empty your wallet. Check out that open house in the neighborhood, and you’re liable to see an asking price 15 percent higher than you thought it would be.For consumers and policy-makers alike, a defining question of our economic moment is this: Are today’s price rises th...2021-07-0223 min