2017 saw a spike in investor confidence and complacency, as volatility fell significantly and appetite for risk fueled many stocks higher. Chad Morganlander, Portfolio Manager at Washington Crossing Advisors, was with us to discuss whether he expects more of the same for the year ahead.
Morganlander says we are at point in the market cycle where global growth is predictable in the short-term. His firm is somewhat optimistic, but aware that valuations are becoming quite stretched, he adds. Morganlander believes markets are entering a period of low growth for next several years, predicting a 4% to 6% return in U.S. equities.
One of Morganlander's top picks for the year is Hershey’s. He suggests investors stick with "big and boring" companies. With Hershey's, investors can go to sleep for 3-5 years and wake up with tremendous returns, according to Morganlander. Hershey's has also entered a bid for Nestle's U.S. confectionary business, which includes brands such as Butterfunger and Baby Ruth. The potential acquisition is not baked in to Washington Crossing Advisor's outlook. He also recommends shares of Hormel Foods and Dr Pepper Snapple.
Frances Stacy, Optimal Capital Director of Strategy, breaks down why the latest data indicates the economy may be struggling more than expected, plus some sectors she’s watching.
The Federal Trade Commission is suing to block a proposed merger between the two grocery stores. The FTC says the $24.6 billion deal would eliminate competition and lead to higher prices for millions of Americans.
Terecircuits CEO Wayne Rickard explains some of the other companies set to benefit from the Nvidia-led chipmaking rally, including manufacturing and toolmaking companies.
Axios reporter Erin Doherty breaks down the results from the South Carolina primary as former President Trump gets closer to winning the GOP nomination.
Jay Woods of Freedom Capital Markets shares thoughts on how the latest inflation report will impact the market, and why he expects a ‘cascade’ of IPOs if Reddit’s public debut goes well.
During AT&T's widespread outage Thursday, landline phones were a working alternative — which most of the U.S. does not have. Over half of Americans are estimated to have ditched landlines altogether.