Defying the Skeptics “Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.”              – John Adams The latest facts on the U.S. economy have been favorable and encouraging. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported continuing employment growth…

2015 in Review The Dow Jones Industrial Average began the year at 17,823 and ended at 17,425, this venerable index of thirty blue-chip companies showing the stagnation in U.S. equity markets. Broader U.S. and foreign equity benchmarks had similarly weak performance. Bond and cash returns remained subdued amid historically low interest rates. Source: Interactive Data…

Stocks in Reverse Equity markets soured in the third quarter with declines in all categories. Falling stock prices paralleled a downward reassessment of the global economic outlook amid lackluster growth, minimal inflation, and a chaotic selloff in China’s stock market. Investor sentiment was also compromised by less measurable factors. For instance, recent political developments confirmed…

Clients and Friends, As we write on Monday morning, U.S. and foreign equity markets are selling off again, adding to declines sustained last week. At times like this, we feel it is very important for Bartlett to share helpful perspective and analysis. Our goal is to provide insight to keep you focused on long-term investment and…