Bristlecone Blog

Whether you're embarking on the quest for a financial adviser for the first time or have been working with one for years, it's beneficial to grasp the primary categories and what these professionals can offer you.

In the next few decades, the global economy will need to lower its carbon footprint and continue improving social and governance standards. This will be disruptive and provide both investment opportunities and risks. For environmentally and socially concerned investors, what are the options?

The Federal Reserve, in its relentless push to re-ignite inflation, might want to check in with Stan Kroenke, real estate developer and owner of the Los Angeles Rams.

As fiduciaries, we continually question whether our investment process is sound and likely to deliver the returns that our clients need to reach their goals. We draw from history, academic studies, common sense, and apply the lessons to today’s environment. We are generally skeptical of the oft-repeated phrase: “This time it’s different.” It is often abused to justify poor assumptions and flawed decisions. Yet, the current pandemic triggered some unprecedented policy responses from governments around the world.

With anxiety comes an urge to do something. We agree, and here is what we are doing at Bristlecone, as well as some more recommendations for you to implement.

After a 4th quarter correction which bottomed out on Christmas Eve, U.S. equity markets have rallied for 8 consecutive weeks (through mid-February), with the S&P 500 index up 18% over that span (and 11% year-to-date). Small cap stocks rebounded even more swiftly, with the Russell 2000 index up nearly 24% from its December low (16% year-to-date). Investors shrugged off some negative macroeconomic news (December retail sales declined 1.2%, the largest drop since September 2009), seemingly giving more weight to a host of other positive developments.