Reviewing major stories of 2020 and how they affected the major asset class performance
Investing
COVID Stocks versus Reopening Basket
To analyze impact of major COVID developments, I created two baskets of stocks. Each is a simple equally-weighted 20-stock basket with 5% allocation to every company. I chose the stocks subjectively and tried to represent various “angles” of the COVID trade without having too many airlines, online retailers or medical plays.
COVID Impact On Company Fundamentals
There were 38 companies in the S&P 500 with Q2 revenue decline of 50% or more. It makes sense that concerts, cruise operators, hotels/casinos, airlines and travel sites are heavily represented. There was very little activity in those areas in April, May and June. Energy sector is also featured prominently.
MARKET UPDATE 6/25/20
As this is being written, the wild ride for the stock market continues, although it is softened by the historically quick recovery from the market bottom of March 23.
Mid-year(ish) Market Review in a Global Pandemic
Now that the market has had a solid bounce off the bottom, I wanted to review where we stand.
Highlights of the Recent Government Actions in Response to Coronavirus
On Friday, March 25 the $2 trillion “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act” (H.R. 748) also known as the CARES Act was signed into law. Below is a summary of what it and other recent government actions mean to our clients.
Another Update About Market Turbulence
As the Coronavirus escalates and there are major developments every day, we want to stay in touch with you as much as possible. Of course, we are monitoring those developments and keeping your long-term interests at heart.
Addressing the Coronavirus Market Turmoil
This week has been a Coronavirus wild ride with the oil price war, quarantine in Italy, pandemic declaration, travel ban, and a cascade of cancellations.
Our Thoughts on the Coronavirus Market Sell-off
Thoughts on a very tough week for the market driven by fear of global Coronavirus pandemic
2019 Review: Sectors, Stocks & International
Cyclical sectors had a banner year lead by semiconductors, broader tech and homebuilders. On the international front, Greece, Russia and China did best.