2020 Q2 Quarterly Commentary & Opinion

Our year-to-date composite total return through June 30th was -1.99%. The total returns on the S&P 500, DJIA and Russell 1000 Value Index were -3.08%, -8.43%, and -16.26%, respectively.

The stock market’s dramatic rise from the first quarter’s lows seems to be a reaction to unprecedented Federal Reserve asset buying, and its stated commitment to keep interest rates near zero for the foreseeable future in support of financial markets and the economy. The near-term market benefit of this activity has been clear, but the real and sustainable economic benefit of these actions is not so clear. All this, against the backdrop of the coronavirus, and the reaction to the virus, continues to cause great concern and economic hardship for very many hard-working American families and businesses – whose future prospects for good health, wealth and employment are far from certain. Recently, there have been some positive indications on the health, economic and employment fronts as the U.S. economy works to reopen, but the longer term market, societal and economic effects of the Fed’s intervention and the coronavirus, presents us with a higher risk environment indicating a more cautious investment approach is warranted.Download PDF