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Economy & Markets

Knowledge of the economy and markets is essential to informed investing. In broad terms, an economy comprises the wealth and resources of a country or region, especially in terms of the production and consumption of goods and services. Financial markets refer broadly to any marketplace where the trading of securities occurs, including the stocks, bonds, currencies, among others. These articles could help broaden your understanding.
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Asset Allocation Chart of the Month

Asset Allocation Chart of the Month

Our analysis of past rate-cutting cycles suggests that stock investors should welcome this first rate cut.
Economy & Markets
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Touchstone Asset Allocation Guidance

We believe we can add value by adjusting portfolio weights in response to changing market conditions and in anticipation of changing fundamentals. History demonstrates that risk assets move through repeated boom and bust cycles. While the economic cycle influences these cycles, they do not necessarily overlap with the risk asset cycle.
Economy & Markets
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U.S. Debt Burden

“The U.S. Federal government is on an unsustainable fiscal path.…it’s probably time, or past time, to get back to an adult conversation among elected officials about getting the federal government back on a sustainable fiscal path." - Federal Reserve Chair J. Powell on 60 Minutes 2/3/24
Economy & Markets
767x370_InvestmentLetter 2024

2024 Investment Outlook: Little Fires Everywhere

One thing we feel strongly about is the Fed's commitment to get inflation down to their 2% target. We also note that the Fed is setting policy using data out of the rearview mirror. Given the lagged effects of monetary policy, this approach increases the odds for a Fed overshoot. This is at the core of our more cautious stance in asset allocation positioning.
Economy & Markets
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Economy & Markets Insights

Explore timely insights on the economy and markets. We evaluate historical data and statistical relationships to identify drivers or signals as of August 31, 2023.
Economy & Markets
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Asset Allocation Investment Outlook: April 2023

Crit Thomas shares his views on the market and timely insights about asset allocation.
Economy & Markets
US Debt

Concerns About Our Growing Debt Burden are Well Founded

Many are concerned about the absolute amount of debt held by the U.S. government as well as the increasing debt burden given higher interest rates. 
Economy & Markets
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Is There an Unsettling Debt Ceiling Fight on the Horizon?

Explore perspectives on the debt ceiling. We evaluate and analyze relevant points of view and directions. 
Economy & Markets
2023 Investment Letter

2024 Investment Outlook: Preparing for Opportunities to Knock

We see 2024 as a transition year and one that will offer opportunities to add more risk exposure.
Economy & Markets
Recession

2022 Investment Outlook: Recession Risk & Implications

With the risk of a recession likely; Crit touches on what kind of recession and how the markets may respond.
Economy & Markets
Update April 2022

Quarterly Themes Investment Update: April 2022

This is an update to the latest information presented in the Quarterly Themes Insights from February 28, 2022. We evaluate historical data and statistical relationships to identify drivers or signals as of April 15, 2022.
Economy & Markets
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Quarterly Themes Investment Update

This is an update to the latest information presented in the Quarterly Themes Investment Update from February 28, 2022. We evaluate historical data and statistical relationships to identify drivers or signals as of April 15, 2022.
Economy & Markets
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Food & Energy Prices Are Spiking

What does that mean for inflation and spending on other items?
Economy & Markets
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Russia Exposure

Touchstone Funds Exposure to Russian Securities in light of Ukraine Invasion and Russian Financial Markets Turmoil
Economy & Markets
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Market & Election Update

Crit Thomas offers a brief update on his views of the markets, then shares his thoughts on the upcoming general election. Here’s his latest assessment.
Economy & Markets, In the News
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Stay Focused on the Long Term

History has demonstrated that long-term investors are best served by staying focused on their long-term strategic goals.
In the News, Economy & Markets
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Crit Thomas on Considering Coronavirus

The speed of this market decline has likely created market dislocations. Opportunities may exist for an active portfolio manager.
Economy & Markets, In the News
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COVID-19: Addressing the Changing Backdrop for Investors

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues to create uncertainty. Here are our thoughts and three rational actions for most investors to consider now depending on their situation.
Economy & Markets, In the News
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Why Is Market Timing So Hard?

The answer may be found in studying every S&P 500 bull market since 1935.
Economy & Markets
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