http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/Bill_Schmick? The Retired Investor/@theMarket Wed, 28 Oct 2026 01:10:56 EDT en-us http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/Bill_Schmick?bid=4689 http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/Bill_Schmick?bid=4689 Fri, 23 Oct 2026 13:56:00 EDT The stock market is trading lower, but still close to its all-time highs. That's somewhat unexpected given that it is October in an election year.   Historically, October and November are great times to buy equities. Since 1950, October has generated an average gain of 3... http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/Bill_Schmick?bid=4688 http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/Bill_Schmick?bid=4688 Fri, 16 Oct 2026 15:10:00 EDT This week saw three major changes in the financial markets. Bond yields fell, AI stocks plummeted, and inflation reared its ugly head. Markets didn't take that well.   Let's start with inflation, since for some reason, the higher Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price... http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/Bill_Schmick?bid=4687 http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/Bill_Schmick?bid=4687 Thu, 15 Oct 2026 15:49:00 EDT Third-quarter corporate profit results kick off this week. A lot is riding on what company management tells Wall Street. Both the stock market's present and future fortunes depend on what they say. It has been an extraordinary year for revenues, profits, and profit margins for many... http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/Bill_Schmick?bid=4686 http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/Bill_Schmick?bid=4686 Fri, 09 Oct 2026 13:51:00 EDT Once again, markets managed to stay above the waterline thanks to a handful of tech names. With corporate earnings right around the corner, investors are betting on stronger results to keep the markets afloat. That could prove difficult.   Depending on who you talk to, third-quarter... http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/Bill_Schmick?bid=4685 http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/Bill_Schmick?bid=4685 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 16:13:00 EDT PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Over the last month, equity investors have grown concerned with the rapid rise in U.S. Treasury bond yields. Higher interest rates should spell danger for stocks. And yet, equities are still less than 2 percent from all-time highs. What gives? Many financial... http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/Bill_Schmick?bid=4684 http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/Bill_Schmick?bid=4684 Fri, 02 Oct 2026 14:03:00 EDT One look at the U.S. dollar's continued climb should tell you all you need to know about the war, inflation, bond prices, and the present gloomy sentiment of most Americans. What strikes me most is how little confidence any of us have in the U.S. economy. And yet, the S&P 500 Index... http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/Bill_Schmick?bid=4683 http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/Bill_Schmick?bid=4683 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:15:00 EDT It's as if the world is against homebuilding. As mortgage rates top 7 percent, a combination of higher prices for key inputs, thanks to tariffs and the Iran war, has already decimated the sector. And yet, there is worse news for builders. ICE-inflicted labor shortages are suffocating profits... http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/Bill_Schmick?bid=4682 http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/Bill_Schmick?bid=4682 Fri, 25 Sep 2026 15:11:00 EDT PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Bond market volatility has thrown investors for a loop as yields across the board have risen to multi-year highs. Oil prices are also gaining, forcing global central banks into a higher-for-longer interest rate posture. Equity investors simply yawn. Thirty-year... http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/Bill_Schmick?bid=4681 http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/Bill_Schmick?bid=4681 Thu, 24 Sep 2026 16:25:00 EDT The airways are chock-full of stories bemoaning soaring gasoline and diesel prices lately. Much less attention is focused on rising heating oil prices this coming winter.   All the inflation data is reflecting how these rising energy costs are impacting your pocketbook. For diesel,... http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/Bill_Schmick?bid=4680 http://www.iberkshires.com/blogs/Bill_Schmick?bid=4680 Fri, 18 Sep 2026 13:07:00 EDT Yes, you read that right. For the first time in a long while, stocks celebrated what has historically been a reason to sell stocks the day after a rate hike. There are reasons why, and inflation is at the top of the list.   Historically, the S&P 500 Index has risen on only 35...