Friday

Happy Friday! Markets continued swinging throughout the week and could probably use some rest this weekend. After a relatively quiet period last year, 2018 has ushered in a new regime of volatility. However, this is quite standard; it was 2017’s quiescence which was abnormal. Market indicators continue suggesting the path of least resistance is up, but Atlas is not complacent.

Atlas has noticed a pattern in recent economic data.  Our economy’s growth rate pushed through the 3.0 percent level (adjusted for inflation) during the middle quarters of last year; since then, the indicators have not been as strong.  Slower might best describe the recent developments.

Atlas' Monday note covered the most recent employment report.  If you did not have a chance to see it or want to reference it, click here.  One of the more positive developments to come out of the report was an increase in average hourly earnings.  This is an important statistic because it sug

Last year will go down as record setting.  The number of global billionaires increased by more than ever before.  According to a study by Oxfam there were 2043 billionaires in the world at year’s end 2017, with a new one now being minted every two days.  When juxtaposed against some of the poorest people on earth, this growth rate seems to be a bit much; Oxfam estimates bil

As the dust settled, it became apparent that 2017 was one for the records.  Unfortunately, natural catastrophes were what set many of the records.  According to Munich Re (a reinsurer), insured disasters globally reached an all-time high cost of $135 billion., nearly three times higher than the annual average of $49 billion.  Sadly, this figure covers just 41 percent of the total

Our modern world is full of distractions.  Beeps, buzzes, custom ringtones, and dings interrupt thoughts daily.  These intrusions often keep us from completing tasks at hand because they consistently cause our interests to change.  In other words, our rate of interest grows for the present distraction while declining from a relatively longer-term goal, possibly sacrificing poster

Retirement goals are often met with a little help from friends, specifically those from subsequent generations.  Pensions are perfect examples.  As one works and contributes to defined contribution plans (think Social Security), the design of the scheme is rarely self-financed.  Outcomes tend to be best if the next generation is larger and wealthier than the one before it. 

Newsworthy events were not in short supply this year.  Right out of the gate, America swore in its 45^th president.  Shortly thereafter, North Korea began firing ballistic missiles across the Sea of Japan.  Then the United Kingdom triggered article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, starting Brexit negotiations.  And these all happened in the first quarter of the year! 

Atlas loves poring over data.  Turning data into actionable information is the firm’s primary effort.  Our process is designed to observe dispassionately financial markets, searching for places your money will be well served.  For many, headlines create distractions to investment decisions.  Atlas’ data-driven approach seeks to minimize the constant noises of a 2

Natural disasters make headlines each year, and 2017 has been no exception.  To the best of my knowledge, friends of Atlas have escaped relatively unscathed despite living in Florida, Texas, New Orleans, California, and on the east coast.  It is The Golden State’s turn to lead the stories above the fold as Santa Ana winds fuel fires from Ventura to Los Angeles to San Bernardino.