Blog

Modern Portfolio Theory: Elegant Math, Mediocre Outcomes

Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT), introduced by Harry Markowitz in 1952, revolutionized investing by shifting the focus from picking individual "winning" stocks to constructing portfolios that optimize the trade-off between expected return...

The Ladder of Life & Living Standards

Each rung of the "Ladder of Life & Living Standards" outlines typical characteristics across living standards, financial markers, financial independence status, security, sovereignty/authority, and the evolving scarcity-abundance balance.

Would an Intelligent Advisor Just Give It Away?

Would an Intelligent Advisor Just Give It Away? Phil Hammond, CFP® September 2021 In order to produce above market averages, one must have some sort of strategy insight or intelligence edge that other investors do not. And if...

TrendCalc Market Insights 2021.03.23

TrendCalc Market Insights 2021.03.23 Conventional Wisdom vs Market Professional Wisdom Yesterday, the S&P 500 again advanced +0.70%, bringing the 2021 total back above 5% for the year. Assets classes and sectors were mixed. Computers...

TrendCalc Market Insights 2021.03.04

TrendCalc Market Insights 2021.03.04 Wednesday, the S&P500 again declined (-1.30%) bringing the 2021 year-to-date to +1.96%. Of the last 16 market days, only 5 have been positive. Although we are not day traders in these TrendCalc...

TrendCalc Market Insights 2021.03.02

TrendCalc Market Insights 2021.03.02 Monday, the S&P500 got March off to a positive start (+2.38%, +4.17% YTD) which is a welcome contrast to the way it finished February last week. Sectors and asset classes were mostly positive across...

TrendCalc Market Insights 2021.02.25

TrendCalc Market Insights 2021.02.25 Wednesday, the S&P500 was a strong positive day (+1.14%), bringing the YTD return to +4.75%. With few expectations, virtually all sectors and asset classes were also positive for the day, led once...

TrendCalc Market Insights 2021.02.23

TrendCalc Market Insights 2021.02.23 Monday, the S&P500 was once again down (-0.76%). This was the 5th down day bringing its YTD return to +3.44%. Sectors and asset classes were mostly negative but there were several pockets of...

TrendCalc Market Insights 2021.02.22

TrendCalc Market Insights 2021.02.22 Friday, the S&P500 was once again down (-0.18%). In spite of that being the fourth down day in a row, the S&P500 was only -0.68% for the week, bringing the YTD to +4.24% YTD. Sectors and asset...

TrendCalc Market Insights Weekly Review Feb. 15-19, 2021

TrendCalc Market Insights Weekly Review Feb. 15-19, 2021 Any significant and growing outperformance of what we classify as wealth creation model portfolios doesn’t surprise us at TrendCalc as we see the dividing line between...

TrendCalc Market Insights 2021.02.19

TrendCalc Market Insights 2021.02.19 Yesterday, the S&P500 had another down day (-0.44%) continuing its negative streak for the week. It now stands at +4.42% YTD. With few exceptions, almost all sectors and asset classes were also down...

TrendCalc - Purpose and Wants

I find true joy and purpose in helping others find the best in themselves and gaining some sense of true independence that allows for a richer, joyful, and more purpose-driven life. This certainly involves money and wealth, but...

TC Market Intelligence: Trump Covid-19 Positive and Markets React

Yes, the markets and futures around the globe have been off big early this morning and continue to be negative now because of the knowledge that Trump tested positive for COVID-19. This is noise causing (enough) investors to react in...

TrendCalc Market Intelligence - Only Fools Rush In or Sit on Their Hands

During this current market downturn, governments and central banks worldwide are trying to stimulate the economy. Read on for more thoughts about why no one really knows the future, but can only theorize...especially in this strange...

CARES Act and Student Loans

During the current circumstances, some changes in legislation can positively impact both employers and employees. Read more about the recently-enacted CARES Act and its provision for student loan relief and tax-free contributions...

TrendCalc Market Intelligence - Market Volatility & Bear Markets

Your experienced market professional, TrendCalc Dynamics, understands how the markets work during market volatility, as in times of bear markets. Read on for a historical perspective...

TrendCalc Market Intelligence - Buy Hold Sell

Understanding how the markets work is key during these days of market volatility. Your market professional, TrendCalc Dynamics, is experienced in making (pre-)defined and disciplined buy-hold-sell decision-making. TrendCalc provides...

Wall Street Performance and Monkey-See-Monkey-Do

As the Stock Market continues wild swings, it looks like Monkey-See-Monkey-Do behaviors. Advisor Phil shares some words of experienced Market Intelligence. Read on...

Another Wild Week on Wall Street - Read on for the Latest Market Intelligence from Advisor Phil

We at TrendCalc continue to closely follow the financial markets and the continued volatility that is impacting investor confidence. Read on for words from your experienced market professional...

TrendCalc Capital Markets Notes - Importance of Genuine Understanding of How Capital Markets Work

TrendCalc Capital Markets Note 2/28/2020 TC Capital Markets Note – 2020.02.28 Importance of Having a Genuine Understanding of How Capital Markets Truly Work. This has been a wild week on Wall Street! From fears associated with...

Markets react to viral uncertainty. Read more...

TrendCalc Capital Markets Note - Markets React to viral uncertainty

Essential Observations that are a Basis for TrendCalc Advice and Strategies

Essential Observations that are a Basis for TrendCalc Advice and Strategies What 30 years of experience as an investment advisor and a lifetime of study have taught us. History tends to repeat itself. “The Street” (all...

New Year Review

Tax Rules When Selling Your Home

How the gains from the sale of a primary residence are taxed has changed in recent years. If you have recently sold your home, or are considering doing so, you may want to be aware of these new rules. HOME SALE If you owned and lived...