The Back Porch

The Back Porch is where it all happens—relationships are formed, stories are told, advice is passed down. Here is where we share news, articles, advice and thoughts. Pull up a chair.

Man at the Top: Lessons on Wealth Management from the Boss

By Gracestone |

Lessons on wealth management from a rock and roll star? Really? If the rock and roll star is Bruce Springsteen, the answer is a resounding yes. Nearly 60 years into his career, Springsteen and compadres the E Street Band recently embarked on yet another sold out world tour, this one expected to last at least…

Merry & Wary

By Natalie Dopson Schweers, Casey Campana and Shannon Gentry Lanier |

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! We hope all of you are enjoying the season and spending quality time with friends and family. Unfortunately, the holiday season that brings so much joy also brings much fraud. We’ve recently seen it firsthand and want you to be on high alert. Please consider the following: 1. Treat emergency…

Keeping Your Cool When the ‘70s Come Calling

Investment Management 101: Keeping Your Cool When the ‘70s Come Calling

By Shannon Gentry Lanier |

“Do You Remember / Never a Cloudy Day / Yow.” Raise a virtual hand if you remember long lines at the gas station and 18% mortgage rates. Turn up the heat in the house? Put on another layer! Milk prices spiking 30%? Use water for your hot chocolate! No ham – it’s a bologna sandwich…

Lipstick

“Pour Yourself a Drink, Put on Some Lipstick and Pull Yourself Together”

By Natalie Dopson Schweers |

With all the concerns about inflation, rising rates, and labor shortages, this quote by Liz Taylor seems particularly relevant – assuming that drink is a strong cup of coffee. And the lipstick reference brings to mind the investment reference to the “lipstick effect.” The investment industry is full of witty quips that define the movement…

Inflation Train

Inflation Train

By Natalie Dopson Schweers |

The inflation train has left the station. Nobody’s even revisiting whether it’s transitory or not. BUT WHERE is the next stop – and at what elevation? Each month brings a new round of debates. Now that the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has officially been passed and signed into law, let’s examine the highlights of…

Investment Management 101: Consistency of Returns

Investment Management 101: Consistency of Returns

By Gracestone |

Returns are consistent over time. As of year-end 2021, the S&P 500 returned 10.5% per year going back to 1929 (the start of the Great Depression), 10.7% return per year gong back to 1957, and 11.2% per year from 1972. It pays to stay the course.

Investment Management 101: Bear Markets

Investment Management 101: Bear Markets

By Gracestone |

Let’s keep 2022 in context. We are experiencing a bear market (decline of 20% off recent high), which historically occurs every 3.5 years. Over the past 15 years, government intervention has disrupted the normal frequency. History teaches us the economy is cyclical; bear markets are a natural part of the cycle.

Bull vs Bear

Bull vs Bear

By Gracestone |

History teaches us that bull market gains are 11x greater than bear market losses. Since 1929, the average bull market lasts 32 months and returns roughly 400%. In contrast, the average bear market lasts 14 months and drops an average of 36%.

Volatility & Risk

Investment Management 101: Volatility & Risk

By Gracestone |

Volatility and risk are fundamental to investing; they are the price we pay for returns on capital. Going back to 1950, the S&P 500 averages a 14% pullback annually – and a drop of 20% or more every four years.