Don’t Fall for the September Effect

By: Jeff Pollock It’s difficult to dispute the seasonal weakness that September historically accompanies. Many call it the “September Effect”. Going back almost a century, it’s the only month of the year when the S&P 500 statistically posts a loss more often than a gain. Since 1930, September has delivered a median return of -0.4%. […]

There’s No Margin of Safety When You Buy Using Leverage

Buying stock on margin occurs when you borrow money to purchase securities. It’s called leverage because it magnifies your results in both directions.  Warren Buffett has said “if you’re smart, you don’t need it; if you’re dumb, you shouldn’t use it.” For example, imagine you have $100,000 of your own money to invest but you […]

How Fed Up Will the Market Get After a September Rate Hike?

Many have said “bull markets don’t die of old age; central bankers kill them.” The conventional wisdom is that once rates start to head higher, stocks are less attractive because the cost of borrowing becomes more expensive and investors are offered an income-producing alternative by the bond market. However, history says they are wrong. The […]

Should You Expect Astronomical Returns From SpaceX?

SpaceX shares made their long anticipated debut to the public market on Friday, June 12.  The demand was unprecedented. Not only was it the largest offering in history after raising over $75 billion, but brokerage firm Charles Schwab also said it was the fifth most active day in their company’s 50-year history. SpaceX’s pre-open price […]