In the 1980s, T.J. Maxx’s slogan urged savvy shoppers to get “the max for the minimum,” emphasizing its low prices on quality products. Investors today can get the best bang for their buck by buying shares of its parent company, TJX Cos.

Year in Review For most investors, 2022 will be remembered but not missed. Using the S&P 500 Index as a proxy, it was the worst year for stocks since 2008. As for bonds, usually a steadier asset class, it was the worst year since 1994 for most benchmarks. This market distress was provoked by a…

Here We Go Again Mark Twain once observed that history doesn’t repeat itself, but it rhymes. Perhaps the same could be said of Bartlett’s commentaries. The latest rhymes with the message we sent in July and April because the viewpoints articulated then are just as relevant and timely now. We hope any lack of originality…

The Bear Facts We begin this quarterly message by acknowledging some sobering realities. Stocks entered “bear market” territory in June. At the recent low, the S&P 500 Index of large company stocks was down 22% from January record highs, while benchmarks of more aggressive stocks were almost 30% below 2021 highs. Foreign stocks generally paralleled…

Markets in Reverse Financial markets sputtered during the first quarter, with negative returns for both stocks and bonds. “Inflation + Putin” was a toxic combination for investors. As we write in early April, significant shifts are underway in economic and foreign policies, and the resulting uncertainties have taken a toll on investor confidence. Proper Perspective…