U.S. equities were higher last week (S&P 500 +1.9%) after three weeks of declines. Markets continued to reprice upward Fed rate expectations. Best sectors were materials (+4.0%), communication services (+3.3%) and industrials (+3.3%); worst performers were utilities (-0.7%) and consumer staples (-4.0%). 1. There is clearly not yet enough progress on inflation to satisfy the Fed which means higher risk of ongoing hikes. This factor coupled with declining money supply and the inverted yield c… View More
Dear Clients, Today is the 1st Annual Coachella Valley Giving Day. CV Giving Day brings the region together as one community, raising money and awareness for local nonprofits in the Coachella Valley. Fortem Financial is a long-time supporter of the local non-profit, Martha's Village & Kitchen, where their mission is transforming lives of the impoverished and homeless. All donations made today up to $20,000.00 will be matched. Visit the Martha's donation page here: CV Giving Day Martha'… View More
"There are two types of economists," said famed economist John Kenneth Galbraith, "those who don't know, and those who don't know they don't know." This, along with movie producer William Goldman's assertion that "nobody knows anything" are two quotes that remind us to be humble when making forecasts about the future path of the economy and the financial markets. To the extent to which economics will always be a social science and never a hard science like, let's say, chemistry, it is incumbent … View More
U.S. equities were mixed last week (S&P 500 -0.2%) with some early week strength surrendered in multiple risk-off sessions impacted by economic data and hawkish Fed commentary. Fed peak rate expectations moved higher on a stronger than expected inflation report. Best sectors were consumer discretionary (+1.7%), consumer staples (+0.9%), and utilities (+1.1%); worst sectors were energy (-6.5%), REITs (-1.3%), and materials (-0.9%). Source: Bob Doll, Crossmark Investments Chart r… View More
In observance of Presidents' Day, the New York Stock Exchange and bond markets are closed on Monday, February 20, 2023. Our office will be closing at 1:00PM PST on Friday, February 17, 2023, and will reopen on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at 6:30AM PST. Sincerely, Fortem Financial(760) 206-8500team@fortemfin.com … View More