Weekly Market Commentary

Hold on to your hats!

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Recently, stocks have delivered a wild ride. During Thanksgiving week, U.S. stock markets took investor uncertainty on the chin, suffering a 3.8 percent drop, which was the worst performance in eight months. Then, last week, stocks reversed course. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index and the Nasdaq Composite delivered their strongest weekly gains in seven years, reported Ben Levisohn of Barron's.

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So, what changed?

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Two things appear to have influenced investors last week:

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1. The Federal Reserve may be becoming more dovish on interest rates. Comments made by Fed Chair Jerome Powell were interpreted to mean the Fed could stop raising the fed funds rate after December. Thomas Franck of CNBC reported:

"Powell on Wednesday said that rates were 'just below' the level that would be neutral for the economy - meaning they would neither speed up nor slow down economic growth. The comment diverged from a previous remark from Powell that rates were a 'long way' from the bank's aimed neutral level."

Some analysts have pondered whether recent rate hikes have been a mistake that will lead to recession.

2. Trade tensions between the United States and China could be resolved. President Trump and President Xi Jinping will have a confab following the Group of 20 (G-20) meeting in Buenos Aires. Randall Forsyth of Barron's offered this insight:

"The best case that can be reasonably expected is for a truce to be declared between the United States and China, to allow talks to continue over the thorny issues of trade barriers and intellectual property. And, equally important, to avoid the consequences of the imposition of even more draconian tariffs on the world economy."

There is little doubt volatility feels a lot better when share prices move higher than when they move lower. While uncertainty remains elevated, we may see additional jolts up and down. It may be a good idea to ensure your portfolio is well allocated and diversified. Holding diverse assets and investments won't prevent losses during downturns but it can help minimize losses as investors pursue of long-term financial goals.

If you're a pet owner - and most Americans are - you may be looking for the perfect holiday gift for your dog, cat, bird, bunny, or reptile. Some pet owners will spring for a heated pet bed, a sparkling holiday sweater, or a new grooming set. Others may opt for a decadent pet treat.

Here are some of the indulgences available for today's pets:

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• A stay at a luxury cat hotel. Why not give your favorite cat the holiday of his or her dreams? Five star catteries have been established in Yorkshire and Kuala Lumpur (and, possibly, elsewhere). The VIP package in England includes, "...bedtime stories, catnip experience, relaxing Spa package, or a juicy prawn plate from [the] a la carte menu."
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• A relaxing day at the guinea pig spa. The British really know how to spoil their pets. Guinea pigs who travel to the English countryside can receive, "...the full works: a body massage with oils; full shampoo, condition, and blow-dry; haircut and styling; feet and ear massage; nails trimmed and filed; and even a photo shoot of the transformed pet."
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• A case of pooch hooch. Breweries and pubs around the world have begun to accommodate our desire to share all aspects of our lives with our faithful canine companions. Patrons can bring their pets to the bar and buy them a drink or a case of dog beer. According to VinePair.com, "Dog beer is non-alcoholic, un-carbonated, and doesn't contain hops. It does contain malt extract, along with a bevy of other healthy-for-dogs ingredients, so you might think of it like a nutritional homebrew, without the fermentation."
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• A few bottles of feline wine. You know how it is. The hounds are happy with dog grog, but cats have more refined tastes. They may prefer a pack of 'MosCATo' or 'Pinot Meow' - and now they can have it. One animal wine provider described its mission this way: "Our cat wine and dog wine creations started like any other radical idea...a product designed to help bridge the social divide between humans and their pets." What better way to ring in the New Year?

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Don't fret if you haven't found just the right gift yet. Pets are usually appreciative of whatever you give them.

"Owners of dogs will have noticed that, if you provide them with food and water and shelter and affection, they will think you are a god. Whereas owners of cats are compelled to realize that, if you provide them with food and water and shelter and affection, they draw the conclusion that they are gods."

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--Christopher Hitchens, author and journalist