MORGAN’S CORNER

By Morgan Christen
CFA, CFP, CDFA, MBA, CEO and CIO

Welcome,

A certain Latin term has been prevalent on the news over the last few weeks. In fact, that term was “googled” over two million times. A few weeks ago, I heard Charles Schwab (the actual Chuck) talk and it reminded me of another Latin term, ‘vestri optimus interest,’ which means ‘your best interest.’

Chuck started Charles Schwab and Company to help the little guy: Main Street versus Wall Street. He wanted a brokerage firm with low barriers to entry, low costs, and he would not pay his brokers a commission. He felt that earning a commission misaligned the interests of the investor and broker.

Stocks

The last month saw the market move ahead with the hope of the China “phase one” trade deal getting completed, better-than-expected payroll numbers, good housing data and the Fed lowering rates in October. Let’s start with the trade deal: Far from complete, investors still hang on the hope of a completion, and a deal not fait accompli. Of more concern is “phase two” – the meat of the deal. Missing from phase one are items such as intellectual property theft, technological transfers and supply chains. Phase two, we assume, will be more difficult to complete.

Jobs & Spending

Investors have tuned in to the jobs report, as any weakness would reverberate to the consumer and their spending habits. Job creation was strong as labor force participation rose. The market was happy to see more people entering the job market and pushing up the participation rate. While the consumer is working, they are showing signs of frugality. Recently reported earnings at Home Depot and Kohls showed weakness, while discounters such as Wal Mart, Target and TJX (TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Home Goods) showed strength. The consumer is continuing to spend, but they are looking at alternatives to stretch their dollar.

And?

What could slow this rally? Business capital expenditures continue to weaken, leaving economic growth on the back of the consumer — a consumer who is taking out longer car loans and shopping for bargains. The Fed is still accommodative, and rates remain low, but as Ned Davis Research notes, the Presidential election cycle suggests bumpiness ahead.

Tip of the Hat

We are often asked why we chose Schwab to custody your assets. There are many reasons including low costs, size and technology. But it is also what Chuck built and after hearing him speak, my faith in him and his eponymous firm has been reaffirmed. Chuck wanted a world where investors would get a fair chance at making a buck. A place where incentives were aligned with the client. He believed that a traditional broker was trying to take your capital and turn it into their income as soon as possible.

Spinnaker was built on the principles of treating our clients fairly and in a fiduciary manner. We charge a fee for our service, there is no incentive to push product on our clients. I think the following quote from Chuck, sums up our belief.

As 2019 approaches the end, we are the third; we are looking forward to continuing to build your cathedrals. Our commitment to our clients will always lead our every decision.

We hope that you have a great holiday season and try to tune out the noise. There are a lot of distractions, and as another Charles (Charles Schultz) once said, “don’t worry about the world coming to an end today. It is already tomorrow in Australia.”

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Disclosure

The information contained herein is based on internal research derived from various sources and does not purport to be statements of all material facts relating to the securities mentioned. The information contained herein, while not guaranteed as to the accuracy or completeness, has been obtained from sources we believe to be reliable. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice.