One of the most remarkable aspects of the past half-decade has been a complete lack of change. Year after year, the economy grew at a subpar pace, inflation remained subdued and stocks have bounded ever higher. Simply owning a cross section of industries yielded solid annual results. #-ad_banner-#Yet in just the first five weeks of 2015, it’s become increasingly clear that we’ve busted out of the same old, same old. Across the global economy, major changes are afoot. And investors can no longer hang back and let the market simply work its magic. It’s time for a more active approach… Read More
One of the most remarkable aspects of the past half-decade has been a complete lack of change. Year after year, the economy grew at a subpar pace, inflation remained subdued and stocks have bounded ever higher. Simply owning a cross section of industries yielded solid annual results. #-ad_banner-#Yet in just the first five weeks of 2015, it’s become increasingly clear that we’ve busted out of the same old, same old. Across the global economy, major changes are afoot. And investors can no longer hang back and let the market simply work its magic. It’s time for a more active approach to portfolio management. Here are five key stats that explain why 2015 is already quite distinct from 2014. Rig Count The fallout from plunging oil prices began to be felt two-to-three months ago, but we’re just getting started. Consumers have been inclined to save the windfall thus far, but may be emboldened to start spending more once their bank accounts are sturdy enough. Meanwhile, capital spending and employment levels in the U.S. energy industry are only now starting to feel the impact, a trend which should strengthen with each passing quarter. The number of oil and gas rigs in… Read More