April 12, 2021 Financial Perspectives

One of my favorite comedians has always been Steve Martin. One of his funnier routines was “let’s get small.” Lately small company stocks have been outperforming their large company counterparts and it’s hard not to notice. What is a small company and why the outperformance recently?

March 22, 2021 Financial Perspectives

Many indicators say the US and global economy are growing at rates faster than expected. Most of this is welcome news given the past 12 months. But is there a danger the economy could overheat? Inflation continues to be on the minds of some, should it be on yours as well?

March 8, 2021 Financial Perspectives

In 2020 interest rates hit an all-time low, and now interest rates are on the move again. It seems like investors are taking notice. This week, Matt Moklestad looks at interest rates, bonds, and inflation expectations.

February 22, 2021 Financial Perspectives

Every week it seems there is a new story about which investment, which “trade”, is making amazing money. Each new story brings a sense of urgency, act quickly before it’s too late. You can’t afford to miss out on this one. There are at least 3 important risks investors should pay attention to, some are urgent, some are important, some are both, some are neither.

February 8, 2021 Financial Perspectives

After 3 weeks of GameStop stories, it seems like the game may be stopping or at least slowing down. The question remaining is who made money and is the market any worse for wear when the dust settles.

January 25, 2021 Financial Perspectives

Four years ago, Donald Trump was elected President of the United States and small company stocks went up over 20% in three months post-election. In the three months since Joe Biden was elected President of the United States, small company stocks are up over 30%. Do small company stock investors just like new Presidents?

January 11, 2021 Financial Perspectives

2020 had some very real rollercoaster moments – the question for markets and the economy is whether there is any reason to think they won’t hold up during and after our latest ride?

May 29, 2020 Financial Perspectives

0:55 - This Week's News
2:39 - This Week's Financial Highlights
4:36 - Why Is the Stock Market Up When the Economy Is Down?
5:12 - Stock Prices Are Forward Looking
8:06 - Average Returns After Downturns Have Been Positive

May 22, 2020 Financial Perspectives

0:51 - Recap of the News this Week
2:40 - Market Results for the Week
3:42 - What Do Low Interest Rates Mean for Investors?
6:40 - Fixed Income Analysis
7:45 - Corporate Bond Default Rates
8:21 - Corporate Bonds vs Treasuries

May 15, 2020 Financial Perspectives

0:58 - Recap of the News this Week
2:14 - Market Results for the Week
3:01 - What Companies Will Do Best Coming Out of the Crisis?
3:40 - Quality and Growth
7:04 - Growth or Value
9:32 - Growth or Value or Something Else?

May 7, 2020 Financial Perspectives

2:03 - Recap of the News this Week
4:17 - Market Results for the Week
4:45 - Largest US Companies in the NASDAQ Index
9:15 - A Historical Look at NASDAQ Returns

April 24, 2020 Financial Perspectives

Kent gives a quick recap of market performance so far this year and why it’s important for investors to stay invested. He also takes a look at the oil price shock and how oil and energy prices have affected the economy historically.

Concentration Can Be a Killer

Matt Moklestad gives a brief reminder of why diversification is important, especially in these volatile times.

April 17, 2020 Financial Perspectives

Kent gives a recap of the market over the past week including a look at the current state of unemployment. He also takes a look back at the past 20 years of asset class returns.

April 3, 2020 Financial Perspectives

In this Foster Group update, Chief Investment Officer, Kent Kramer gives an investment recap from the past week and discusses bear markets, recessions, and recovery.

March 27, 2020 Financial Perspectives

In this Foster Group update, Chief Investment Officer, Kent Kramer gives a financial recap from the past week and discusses portfolio rebalancing.