Our Perspective on Industry News and Trends

In conversations with clients in recent weeks we have discussed a number of issues related to the economy, markets, and the unfolding situation. We’ve compiled our answers to the most common of these questions below, and we will continue to share our perspective in the coming weeks.

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2019 was a strong year for the financial markets with equities posting robust gains. Are we likely to see a repeat of that performance in 2020 or are we poised for lower returns? In this edition of the JIC Research Edge, Portfolio Managers Charles Rinehart and Dan Barnett recap what happened in 2019 and provide an outlook for 2020.

Jason Jackman, President, and Chief Investment Officer is joined by a panel of colleagues to discuss our current views on the markets. An overview of the 2020 political landscape is provided by guest speaker, Andy Laperriere from Cornerstone Macro.

This past year was a successful one for the firm on multiple fronts. It was a tremendous year for investment results in both absolute and relative terms. While we believed our “slowing but growing” economic outlook could provide a decent backdrop for the stock market, the returns exceeded our expectations. Our equity income approach to stock investing provided exceptional results. 2019 was the fourth consecutive year of net-of-fee outperformance relative to the S&P 500 Index. In addition, our outstanding track record of bond investing continued. These results reflect the excellent work of our dedicated team of portfolio managers and analysts.

2019 was an eventful year for the global economy, filled with geopolitical disputes and decelerating global growth.  In this edition of the JIC Research Edge, Economic Strategist Brandon Zureick and Portfolio Manager Skye Barry recap what happened in 2019 and provide our current views on the chance of recession.  They highlight the key indicators we’re watching to judge the health of the economy and provide our thoughts on phase one of the trade agreement between the United States and China.

Equity Income is one of our primary equity investment strategies at Johnson Investment Counsel.  Our clients participate in this approach both through a mutual fund and individual stock portfolios.  In this edition of the Research Edge, Portfolio Manager Charles Rinehart and Associate Portfolio Manager Tony Miliano introduce the Johnson Equity Income Fund and the goals it seeks to achieve.  They highlight our belief in the importance of investing in only the highest quality stocks and valuation's key role when making purchase decisions.

“Location, location, location” is a well-worn axiom keen-eyed investors employ when evaluating a potential real estate purchase. However, “location” can also be applied when thinking about the types of investment accounts that “house” stocks, bonds, and other investments. Some investors may reduce their tax liability and increase their after-tax returns by wisely allocating investments between taxable and non-taxable (retirement) accounts.

An up-and-down second quarter resulted in further stock-market gains, capping off the best first half for the S&P 500 Index since 1997. The market volatility that began last October continued in the first half of 2019. Stocks plunged nearly 20% in late 2018 on fears of rising interest rates, trade uncertainty, and Chinese economic worries. The S&P 500 bounced back in a big way in the first quarter, gaining 13% as the Fed tempered expectations for rate increases and trade tensions seemed to ease.

In this edition of the JIC Research Edge, Industrials Research Analyst Bryan Andress joins Portfolio Manager Jon McEvoy to discuss the ongoing trade war between the United States and China.  They provide a practical explanation of how tariffs work, recap the major U.S. policy changes, and discuss the impact on U.S. companies.

Now that tax season has come and gone, most taxpayers are aware (in some cases, painfully) of the impact of the changes brought about by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Each tax return has its own unique wrinkles, and few situations are the same. Still, one broad conclusion that has been made about the new law is the sharp reduction in the percentage of taxpayers who itemized deductions. 

In this edition of the JIC Research Edge, Fixed Income Portfolio Manager David Theobald joins Simon Buchman to introduce the yield curve and why it's used as an economic indicator.

Jason Jackman, President and Chief Investment Officer of Johnson Investment Consel is  joined by a panel of colleagues to discuss our current views on the markets, and an update on tax planning.

In this edition of the JIC Research Edge, Portfolio Manager Dale Coates joins Laura Mattern to discuss what happened in the markets in 2018 and what to potentially expect going forward.

Nearly a decade into this historic bull market run, the S&P 500 Index posted its first calendar-year loss since 2008, finishing with a total return of -4.4%. This modest decline seems far worse after the fourth-quarter selloff.

In this edition of the JIC Research Edge, Consumer Analyst Joe Edelstein and Portfolio Manager Michael Stanis break down Procter & Gamble's recent Investor Day. Joe examines management's key priorities, assesses the investment community's reaction to the event, and discusses activist investor Nelson Peltz's impact on the company.

As this historic bull market grinds ever-higher, some commonly-used axioms seem  apropos to stock investors. “Patience is a virtue.” “Don't miss the forest for the trees.” “Good things come to those who wait.” But the phrase “hindsight is 20/20” also applies.

Jason Jackman, President and Chief Investment Officer of Johnson Investment Counsel is joined by a panel of colleagues to discuss our current views on the markets, and an update on tax planning.

In this edition of the JIC Research Edge, Research Analyst Chris Godby breaks down Apple's new iPhones and discusses what he believes is the company's biggest risk.

It's safe to say most people have seared into their memory a few important numbers: Social Security number, home address, phone number, kids' birthdays and wedding anniversaries (hopefully).

In this edition of the JIC Research Edge, Economic Strategist Brandon Zureick and Portfolio Manager Scott Wyckoff address tension over global trade.  Brandon discusses the Trump Administration's trade goals, recent tariff implementations, and potential economic implications if the "trade war" escalates.

In this edition of the JIC Research Edge, Research Analyst Aaron Taylor and Portfolio Manager Jon McEvoy discuss the recent jump in gas prices, provide an outlook for the remainder of the year, and discuss the impact on the equity markets and energy sector.

In this edition of the JIC Research Edge, Research Analyst Joe Edelstein and Portfolio Manager Scott Wyckoff break down the "Amazon Effect." They discuss how Amazon's eCommerce leadership is disrupting the retail landscape and examine how Ohio-based companies like Kroger and Macy's are responding.

After nothing but smooth sailing in 2017, volatility returned with a vengeance in the first quarter of 2018. A very strong January rally was followed by two consecutive months of losses for the broader market.

In this edition of the JIC Research Edge, Economic Strategist Brandon Zureick and Associate Portfolio Manager Sandy Appel provide an Economic Outlook for 2018.

JIC Portfolio Manager Charles Rinehart recaps what happened in the equity markets in 2017 and provides an outlook on what to expect in 2018.

2017 was a banner year for stock markets worldwide, and several other asset classes also finished with healthy gains. The S&P 500 Index has posted a positive return for 14 straight months, and 2017 was the first year ever in which the index's total return was positive every single month.

JIC Research Analysts Chris Godby and Joe Edelstein provide an update on the 2017 Holiday Shopping season.

In this edition of the JIC Research Edge video series, Economic Strategist Brandon Zureick discusses Congressional tax reform efforts.

JIC Research Analysts Joe Edelstein and Chris Godby examine Procter & Gamble management's victory over Nelson Peltz in his proxy fight to win a board seat.

JIC Research Analysts Joe Edelstein and Chris Godby discuss P&G's upcoming proxy vote. They provide an overview of what a proxy fight entails and examine the issues presented by activist investor Nelson Peltz and P&G's management team.

Stocks jumped in the third quarter, with only a brief pause in August. Stocks in the U.S. continue to reach new highs despite several headwinds.

In our first installment of the JIC Research Edge, Research Analysts Chris Godby and Joe Edelstein preview the new iPhone and discuss how important it is to Apple.

Research Analyst Chris Godby introduces the JIC Research Edge video series.

The first half of 2017 turned out to be a good run for stock and bond markets. The rally in stocks sparked by the U.S. election last November carried over into the New Year and continued on steadily through June.

In the final days of the first quarter, Republicans in the House cancelled a vote to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Conservative and moderate factions within the party could not come to terms on what the bill should contain.