Asian equities were mixed overnight, Europe as well this morning, while U.S. stocks are on balance off a bit; Dow down 110 points, S&P 500’s off .2%, Nasdaq down .2%, with the Russell 2000 bucking the early-morning trend, up .3%.
The VIX (SP500 volatility) is down .12% at a still too-high-for-comfort 24. VXN (Nasdaq volatility) is up 2%.
Oil’s down .6%, Gold’s up another $14, silver’s taking a breather, down 2%, copper’s up .2% and ag commodities are roughly split down the middle.
Treasuries are higher (yields lower).
Our core portfolio is essentially flat so far this morning, +.09%, with gold, healthcare, base metals, consumer staples and utilities all nicely flashing green. Everything else (materials barely) bleeding a bit this morning.
To really drive home for you the precariousness of current conditions from a purely asset performance standpoint, just two things you need to know: gold is up 23.5% on the year, and if you’re willing to lock up your money for 10 years, the U.S. treasury will pay you 0.58% on your money annually.
Uhh, yeah, hedge!
Have a great day!
Marty
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