Newsletter 2021

The Armbruster Capital Management News & Education section of our website incorporates articles, vidcasts, and newsletters specifically geared towards issues that our clients are facing today.

ACM Journal - Investment Management
14 Jan

Portfolio Review – Q4 2021 Newsletter

The fourth quarter of 2021 was a microcosm of 2021 as a whole. Many of the trends that we saw throughout the year continued into year end. The emergence of a new COVID variant contributed to reimposed restrictions, supply chains disruptions, and rising inflation. And, the stock market responded similarly to prior COVID scares: a knee-jerk reaction down followed immediately by a rally that culminated in new record highs. Other trends also continued as international stocks continued to trail their US counterparts despite more attractive valuation metrics, and bonds delivered another quarter of lackluster results.

ACM Journal - Investment Management
14 Jan

Should I Worry About Inflation? Stock Market 2022

It is well known that the stock and bond markets have generally gone up over time. Why else would anyone invest? Sure, there have been a few “speed bumps,” such as the Great Depression and the decade of 2000 when things didn’t work out so well (see nominal return graph), but generally investors have made money by being invested. But what happens when you factor in inflation?

ACM Journal - Investment Management
14 Jan

Firm News: A Big Year – Q4 2021 Newsletter

Another year has come and gone. In our business the New Year means lots of reporting. Certainly, clients like to know how the year went for their portfolios, and doing those meetings is the fun part of our jobs. However, the other type of reporting that we could do without is filing documents each year with the SEC and other regulators. Still, it forces us to look at our business and take stock of our progress.

ACM Journal - Investment Management
15 Oct

A Sober Look Ahead – Q3 2021 Newsletter

Despite a weak September, the stock market has generally fared well of late. Returns have been strong year-to-date, and over pretty much any trailing period. There have certainly been bumps in the road, such as the COVID correction in March of 2020, but the last major disruption was thirteen years ago in 2008. While rising stocks are generally good, there can be too much of a good thing. We may be getting to that point, and the same may be true for the bond market.

ACM Journal - Investment Management
15 Oct

Chris’s Corner – Q3 2021 Newsletter

Social Security is a topic that is sure to arouse emotions. The “entitlement” nature of it bothers some folks. Some just don’t like the thought of not working and surrendering their retirement security to the government. Others don’t believe it will be around since the Social Security Trust Fund is basically broke. Also, deciding when to take Social Security involves some uncomfortable topics, such as life expectancy. However, Social Security is really a good thing that should be part of a deliberate retirement income strategy. Spoiler alert: it will be there for you when you need it.

ACM Journal - Investment Management
21 Jul

Stone Ridge Alternative Lending Risk Premium Fund (LENDX) – Q2 2021 Newsletter

There has been quite a bit of activity lately for one of our alternative funds, and we thought it would make sense to provide an update.

The Stone Ridge Alternative Lending Risk Premium Fund (LENDX) buys small consumer, business, and student loans.  It does this through on-line lending platforms like Lending Club, Square, Sofi, and others.  These loans are made to high quality borrowers with average FICO scores above 700.  The interest rates on these loans are relatively high, as they are generally too small to be of interest to traditional lenders, such as banks.

ACM Journal - Investment Management
21 Jul

Chris’s Corner – Q2 2021 Newsletter

Traditional retirement savings largely takes place within company-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k) plan. The premise is simple: put money away directly from your paycheck and save money on taxes. However, for those with unique tax circumstances, Roth 401(k) plans are also available. The idea is the same as with a traditional 401(k), except that you don’t get a tax deduction when you make the contribution, and the money grows tax free thereafter and may be withdrawn tax free during retirement.