2017 Q2 Note

2017 Q2 Note

Often times in this business, firms and individuals spend an incredible amount of time and resources trying to sell and market to prospects. And completely overlooked is the actual research: the foundation of a thesis and the guideposts to build a portfolio. This isn’t to say that nobody does the heavy lifting in this industry, but more and more often, we see "really smart people” with “complex portfolios” who, at the end of the day, are simply passive investing. In other words, they are tracking an index. Whether it booms or busts. Ignoring the future prospects.

Q2 Commentary: Going Overseas and Why Active Management Isn't Dead

Q2 Commentary: Going Overseas and Why Active Management Isn't Dead

I recently read the autobiography of Sam Zell, an extremely successful real estate investor known for his uncanny ability to buy low and sell high. In the book he tells the story of his father’s foresight and decisive action that preserved his family in Pre-world-war-2 Poland. As a successful grain merchant, his father kept apprised of political and social happenings in Europe through his extensive travel and interest in short wave radio. While some people looked at this “hobby” of international politics as a complete waste of time, it gave his father a unique outlook on the world. With this perspective, coupled with decisive action, the Zell’s were able to start a successful new life in the United States.

Why Growing Small Firms Is So Painful

Why Growing Small Firms Is So Painful

Getting your company off the ground to a sustainable place should be the hardest part of starting a company, right? That’s what many think, and yet the growing pains and problems that occur within larger organizations go unaddressed until it’s too late. Rick was a recent guest on XeniumHR's Human Resources for Small Business podcast, hosted by Brandon Laws and they discuss the common issues companies experience when they grow from 10 employees to 20 employees and beyond, and how they can lay the groundwork for a successful organization – no matter its ultimate size.

Avoiding The Lowest Expected Investment Returns In 100 Years

Avoiding The Lowest Expected Investment Returns In 100 Years

If you are like most people, you have 75% or more of your stock market investment in US equities[1]. The truth is, it’s not just the lay investors that are subject to this “home country bias.” Most financial advisors and money managers are equally prone to this bias. With the US accounting for only around 50% of global output and at historically high prices, a diversified portfolio should consist of a much greater allocation to foreign stocks.

The Messy, Perilous Journey: Why You Must Read "Shoe Dog"

The Messy, Perilous Journey: Why You Must Read "Shoe Dog"

I’ve long been of the opinion that emotional intelligence (EQ) is one of the hardest skills to acquire. But with it, it’s a heck of a lot easier to admit what you don’t know. And ask for help. And seek out mentors, advisors, and people smarter than yourself. To share your dream with others and then trust they can help you figure out how to execute it. Phil Knight’s EQ is on full display throughout the founding of Nike and in his candor retelling the story some 50+ years later.

Register Now: 2016 Economic and Leadership Summit

Register Now: 2016 Economic and Leadership Summit

From workforce and employee engagement issues to changing technology to the skyrocketing real estate market, business leaders face an ever-shifting array of challenges and opportunities today. Constant awareness and evolution are vital to staying ahead of the curve and continually gaining momentum.

Please join us for the fifth annual Leadership and Economic Summit on November 29, 2016 at the Multnomah Athletic Club. We've gathered some of the region's most successful business leaders to share how they're approaching today's challenges, offer insight on their success, and discuss what's ahead in 2017.

Q3 Commentary: Inflation, Rising Interest Rates and What To Do About It

Q3 Commentary: Inflation, Rising Interest Rates and What To Do About It

For the last 7 years the vast majority of economists and analysts alike have incorrectly forecasted rising interest rates and the possibility of rampant, out of control inflation. Recently, however, these same soothsayers have flip-flopped and said that they now believe that interest rates will likely stay lower for longer.

Q2 Commentary: How to Manage a Sideways Market

Q2 Commentary: How to Manage a Sideways Market

A sideways moving market, as we have seen recently, requires a different mindset to navigate. Indeed global developed markets have been flat for a couple years now, emerging markets have been flat for 10 years, and US Small Cap stocks have had zero return since late 2013. Most Wall Street sources have described it as, “The most hated bull market ever.” The following charts have us asking ourselves, is it possible the bull market ended and no one noticed yet?

To Attend the Party Or Not

To Attend the Party Or Not

We just finished hosting a few open houses for friends of the firm, and whether it was one too many glasses of wine or the volatility we saw in the first quarter, I think we stumbled on an interesting topic. Truth be told, we are a little late publishing this newsletter. In spite of some volatility in the first two months of the year, not much has changed. Thus, at the risk of sounding like a broken record, we wanted to revisit a discussion (reference the earlier newsletter) regarding the emotion investors experience during market volatility.

We Already Wrote This Commentary

We Already Wrote This Commentary

As of this writing at the end of January 2016, the markets have been quite volatile. We have had a few conversations over the last couple years with clients wondering why we were so conservative. A few actually pointed to other investors who were earning a more substantial return, while their returns were more subdued. It is amazing how quickly the narrative in the market has changed from momentum-based risk taking to capital preservation.

When Brand Promise Matters to the Business Model

When Brand Promise Matters to the Business Model

I had grown to expect the offering from Wal-Mart for the variety of merchandise and competitive pricing. This is the essence of their brand promise, great selection and low prices. I do not, on the other hand, go to Wal-Mart expecting to receive exceptional customer service, be greeted by name or see a familiar face. Because whether intended or not, that too is part of their brand promise.

What Galloping Gertie Can Teach Us About Investing

What Galloping Gertie Can Teach Us About Investing

For those that have grown up in the Pacific Northwest, the story of the most famous suspension bridge to be built, and subsequently destroyed, in our own backyard is well known. For the rest of the world the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, more commonly known as Galloping Gertie, is no more than a footnote on a study of failure analysis for a university level structural engineering class.

Along with the sinking of the Titanic, the Tacoma Narrows bridge collapse was a sobering reminder of the devastating cost of hubris.

Riding the Rollercoaster Without Losing Your Mind: How to Prepare for the Next Market Downturn

Riding the Rollercoaster Without Losing Your Mind: How to Prepare for the Next Market Downturn

If you have been following the financial headlines of late you may have noticed a consistent theme around the ills of over stimulated markets. Every day we go deeper into this historic market run up the warnings become more pronounced. Even to the seasoned investor, the current state defies conventional logic.

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