CIG Asset Management Update September 2019: The Surge in Safe-Haven Assets
Although global equities generally lost money in August, the S&P 500 Index(1) closed just 3.3% below its all-time high. However, investors’ uneasiness dramatically drove market participants concerned about the escalating trade conflicts, slowing global growth and possible Chinese incursions into Hong Kong to safe-haven investments. The number of dramatic daily moves in bonds, one safe-haven […]
CIG Asset Management August 2019 Update: Top of the Ninth Inning
The end of July and beginning of August has proven to be very tricky. The S&P 500(1) declined almost 100 points. Bond yields plunged almost 25 basis points. Some of the culprits behind these movements included Federal Reserve Chairman Powell’s “mid-cycle adjustment” comment post the recent rate cut, and Trump’s new tariffs announcement. A number […]
An Introduction to Socially Responsible Investing
1. What is socially responsible investing (SRI)? Socially responsible investing, along with sustainable and impact investing, takes into consideration social, ethical, environmental and corporate governance and applies one or more of these criteria as an additional filter during the investment selection process. Simply put, it is a way for an individual or an organization to […]
CIG Asset Management July 2019 Update: Central Banks Drive Market Rebound
Reversing their sharp declines from May, global equity markets came roaring back in June as global central banks appeared more accommodative because of subdued inflation, ongoing trade war anxieties and waning economic data. The S&P 500(1) gained 7%, while the MSCI EAFE Net Index(2) of developed international equities and Emerging Markets Net Index(2) were up […]
Active Wealth Management over the last five years and CIG’s Approach
As has generally been true since the market turn in 2009, active investing over the last five years has been especially difficult. Traditionally, active wealth management meant active investors sought to buy the highest quality companies at the cheapest price. However, a review of stock prices since 2014 reveals this strategy has been hard to […]
Why is employing an active investment strategy important today?
Successful investing in the future will look different. During the current bull market (a period over the last 10 years where stock prices have risen consistently), passive investment strategies have reigned supreme. A buy and hold strategy allowed an investor to ride the market up. All without having to do a lot of critical evaluation […]
Using 529s as a tax-free gifting tool
529 plans can be a fantastic way to save for education expenses, but did you know they can also be used as a key part of your family’s gifting plan (i.e., estate plan), even if you don’t have children or intend to use the money for college or K-12 approved tuition expenses. The key here […]
CIG Asset Management Update June 2019: Economic War Throttles Market in May
China and the U.S. entered into an economic war in May and the markets suffered. Very quickly we have moved past the stage of trade tensions, trade frictions, a trade dispute, or even a tariff war between two superpowers. At month end, tariffs were also announced on Mexico. Given the ratcheting up of national security […]
Find your 529 plan’s Magic Savings Number
A quick glance at the tuition page of a favorite college or university’s website is enough to give parents or grandparents sticker shock. Tuition has grown faster than inflation for more than two decades, long to enough to drive the average annual cost of a public four-year college in 2018-2019 to $10,230 for in-state tuition […]
CIG Asset Management May 2019 Update: Stocks Continued their Run in April
In April, The Federal Reserve continued to buoy the U.S. stock markets with statements about being patient and leaving open the possibility that the next move could be a rate cut. The S&P 500(1) broke through the key 2900 level and was up 3.9% last month, putting it up 18% year-to-date. International equities increased 2.8%, […]