Glassman Wealth Services LLC

Despite one of the sharpest rallies in US equities in recent memory, emerging market equities have been left curiously behind in 2013.  Through last Friday, the market segment was down 1.0%, compared to an S&P 500 index that was up 10.0%.  This seems to violate the regime that investors have gotten used to over the past 10 years, whereby the emerging markets equity index served as a high beta proxy for the US equity market. Read More...

Every few months, inflation or deflation resurfaces as the featured topic of discussion. There seems to be an even divide of individuals who believe inflation is a foregone conclusion and those who feel deflation may actually be the bigger concern. Both outcomes are relevant in their own right, but there are growing signs that hidden inflation is creeping into the American economy. Read More...

Consumer data entered the fray last week to mixed results.  Personal income was up 0.3% in May, but concerns about the stagnating recovery resulted in no gains to personal spending.  With income and spending little changed, the personal savings rate also held steady at 5.0%.  The personal savings rate spiked in 2009, but fell after consumers were confident enough to dip back into their savings accounts.  Read More...

In our Monthly Economic report, we take an in-depth look at the changes in our markets and the effects of economic policy nationally and globally. This broader perspective provides greater clarity in understanding the forces that affect investment performance and future expectations. Click Here for report. Read More...

Barry Glassman moderated this morning’s conversation with David Rubenstein, billionaire, co-founder of the Carlyle Group, and one of the most world’s most successful business leaders. The event was held at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel in Washington, D.C. for over 475  attendees and Glassman Wealth Services guests. Read More...

Prior to the global financial crisis, many central banks were a misunderstood relic of the economic system. Since the crisis began, however, central banks became an integral part of the day-to-day functioning of the financial markets, and more broadly the economy. As we move past the financial crisis, central banks are in the unsavory role of unwinding support mechanisms while avoiding the throes of a new crisis. Read More...

While it is difficult to argue that inflation is officially a concern for the US, there is no doubt that inflation is heading higher. In each of the past three months, headline inflation – which includes the more volatile energy and food prices – exceeded economists’ expectations, the first time that this has occurred since May through July 2008. Read More...

Based on all common measures, inflation is entirely nonexistent at this point in time. But if you ask the typical person how they feel, you might wind up with a very different response. Read More...

The Yield Drought – Retirees’ Greatest Challenge  Read More...