All posts by lowefs

Negative Interest Rates Expanding Their Reach

The investment landscape has followed a remarkable path over the past several years, and interest rates in particular. Despite countless forecast to the contrary, most market interest rates have continued to trend lower. Now more recently a growing array of deposit accounts and fixed income securities have moved through what was thought to be a
Read more

Brad Williams: Solid 2014 Makes for Six-in-a-Row

Bradley Williams, Lowe Wealth Advisors Chief Investment Officer January 12, 2015 Despite international turmoil, mixed global economic data and the wind-down of the Fed’s quantitative easing program, the U.S. equity markets enjoyed another year of solid gains in 2014. The S&P 500 delivered a total return of 13.7% and marked its sixth consecutive annual gain –
Read more

Anirban: U.S. Economy is Almost Ready for Liftoff

New Economic Drivers are Required It’s all systems go for the U.S. economy. Well, nearly all systems go. Job growth recently has been superb, with the nation adding nearly three million jobs last year. Job quality has improved with construction, manufacturing and financial services each chipping in a considerable number of net new jobs. Gas
Read more

Energy Sector Call (Dec. 15, 2014)

Lowe Wealth Advisors is pleased to present a replay of our December 15 call on the energy sector. By listening to the call you acknowledge that you have read the below disclaimer and compliance information. Listen to the replay here:   Compliance Disclaimer Lowe Wealth Advisors is an SEC registered investment adviser that maintains a principal place
Read more

No Thanksgiving Pardon for Oil

No Thanksgiving Pardon for Oil While markets here in the U.S. were closed for the Thanksgiving holiday, OPEC leaders were meeting in Vienna to discuss production cuts that could help offset the precipitous price decline oil has experienced since hitting an interim high in July. As is more often the case, however, the members of
Read more

October Economic Commentary

U.S. Economy Gains Steam, World Hits the Brakes America Widens the Growth Gap The second and third quarters of 2014 represent a marked improvement from the weather-afflicted start of the year. Construction projects that were delayed by the harsh winter are now underway, auto sales are surging, the nation supports 2.635 million more jobs than
Read more

Market Notes October 13, 2014

Last week was volatile and saw broad-based declines, with the weakest performance still associated with smaller companies. The main cause was weaker economic data from Europe and commodity price declines, although other factors such as the international health crisis caused by Ebola and select earnings warnings factored into the mix.  The correction in the S&P
Read more

Market Notes September 16, 2014

Last week, Greg, David, Jennifer and Josh attended the Financial Planning Association of Maryland’s two day symposium.  The program featured a presentation by T. Rowe Price economist Alan Levenson, an analysis on optimal portfolio withdrawal strategies, an update on estate planning laws and many more sessions.  The program was insightful and provided practical knowledge which
Read more

Chief Investment Officer Q&A with Lowe Wealth Advisors

1. What is Brad’s background and what will his role be with Lowe Wealth Advisors? Brad brings more than 15 years of experience in investment analysis and portfolio management to Lowe Wealth Advisors.  He will oversee our research, strategies and portfolio management. 2 Why hire a CIO? In short, we believe that having a CIO
Read more

Market Notes August 29, 2014

Domestic equity markets have by and large recovered from the volatility of July and August with many reaching new all-time highs.  We see four key areas that have been driving up the markets: A strengthening economy and rising corporate earnings Low interest rates (even if they are artificially induced by the Fed Policy) Low oil
Read more