Investment Counsel Reports

A small group of technology stocks produced heady gains during the quarter. This elite exuberance is a concentration risk that should make investors wary. Our disciplined, low-risk approach favors a prudent investment approach over the long term.

The beginning of 2024 offered a continuation of positive returns for equity investors. Despite worrying data points and some echos of market risks from years past, the net results were rewarding.

Stock market averages raced higher to end the final 3 months of the year at a high point. There were real moments of weakness within the quarter and the year, as many stock measures were in negative territory for meaningful periods of time.

The impact of rising trends has been felt everywhere: inflation, Fed Policy, and higher rates make it harder for corporations to increase profits. Hence the negative influence on the stock market.