Sand Hill Market Update October 29, 2018

Following very strong third quarter stock market returns, volatility in October has picked up significantly, culminating this week with a correction that caused the S&P 500 to move into negative territory for the year. Given the severity of the sell-off, (down 10% since late September) as well as the significant daily volatility, we thought you … Continued

What is Red and Blue and Green All Over?

The world of investing is ever changing and teaches new lessons to even the most astute investors. For many in the industry, this is the hallmark of what keeps our work interesting and rewarding, even though the process can be incredibly humbling and frustrating at times. The last ten years underscore this inherent challenge, and … Continued

Brenda Vingiello’s October 5, 2018 Appearance on CNBC’s Halftime Report

We are proud to announce Sand Hill’s Chief Investment Officer Brenda Vingiello, CFA, is now a regular contributor on CNBC’s Halftime Report program. Watch Brenda’s most recent appearance as she discusses the interest rate and corporate earnings landscape. Her commentary begins at the 2:30 mark. The content was produced and provided by an unaffiliated third … Continued

Is This What “Normal” Feels Like?

When the year began, it seemed like the economic landscape was great and only getting better. Congress had just passed a sweeping tax reform package, leading economic indicators suggested acceleration in economic growth, corporate earnings growth was being revised higher, and even tensions in North Korea appeared to be softening. The stock market reacted favorably … Continued

The Facts Ma’am, Just the Facts

As we reflect on the eventful year just passed, it is a good reminder of how difficult it can be to predict market outcomes. Even in the eighth year of a business cycle, and during a period when domestic policy struggles and geopolitical tensions were probably at their highest level in a decade, capital markets … Continued

Politics Aside

In the months leading up to the presidential election, and now almost one year into President Trump’s term, there has been a great deal of ongoing speculation about how this President and Congress might influence the financial markets. In particular, and top of mind for many market participants, is the degree to which potential tax … Continued

Mixed Signals

Investors have had a lot to be excited about thus far in 2017.  With stocks reaching new all-time highs and longer-term interest rates trending lower, every asset class, with the exception of commodities, has delivered a positive return.  However, two important markets – the U.S. stock market and the U.S. bond market – have begun … Continued

The Plot Thickens: More Than Meets the Eye

As we reflect on the last eight years, various stages of the economic and market recovery have unfolded like chapters in a book.  Many parts have told a predictable tale and, at various times, we have been left wondering if there would be an unpredictable twist or a surprise ending.  While the story may be … Continued

Tales from the Shift: “Have Share Buybacks Peaked…?”

When companies have excess cash on their balance sheet, they have a few buckets they can allocate towards. However as it relates to sharing that cash with stockholders, it all comes down to buybacks and dividends. Whereas companies have long returned cash to shareholders, momentum shifted earlier this decade towards share repurchases with corporate America … Continued

A Return to the Old Normal

The U.S. stock market performance during 2013 can be described as nothing other than extraordinary. Not only were new highs achieved, but overall return levels were the highest in 15 years for the S&P 500 and the highest in 18 years for the Dow.  While the markets rose significantly, the underlying economic condition was less … Continued