Periodic Commentary

These commentaries were my attempt to communicate my thoughts to clients at the time they were written. They began when the stress levels in the financial markets were extremely intense. I recognized that it would be impossible to have a one-on-one conversation with every client and I deeply felt the need to do that. Fortunately, the internet made the communications listed below possible. I believe they served my clients well during the worst market decline since the 1930’s. Analyses, using rolling ten year periods produced similar results.

No. Date Sent  Subject Line [CLICK TO VIEW THE COMMENTARY]
22 06/17/09 Once-in-a-Lifetime Events
21 11/03/08 Birth of a Bull Market?
20 09/22/08 Unprecedented Events & Today’s Difficult Environment
19 03/03/08 2007 Mutual Fund Distributions
18 02/12/08 Yo-yos and Markets
17 10/01/07 Crazy Markets — What to Do?
16 02/28/07 Scary Days & Returns on Stocks
15 10/17/06 Four Years Later — History Lessons Confirmed
14 07/19/06 Thoughts on Real Estate
13 06/21/05 2005 — Something for Everybody!
12 12/15/04 Holiday & Year-End Thoughts
11 08/27/04 Third Quarter Newsletter — Electronic Copy Attached
10 06/23/04 Months of Drifting: Are we lost as sea? Is the wind shifting?
9 01/23/04 2003 — How Did We Do & What Can We Expect for 2004?
8 11/05/03 Bull Market — 13 Months & Counting
7 09/03/03 Mid-Year Thoughts – Question & Answer
6 07/15/03 Mid-Year Thoughts
5 05/19/03 If we’re getting better, why does it feel so bad?
4 01/09/03 It’s as bad as it gets; it doesn’t get any better than this!
3 10/31/02 October is History: Now What?
2 10/01/02 Bear Killer Months
1 08/09/02 Bear Market History & What If’s for the Decade 2000-2010
  Periodic Commentary - sent 06/17/2009
 

Hello Everyone,

RE:  Once-in-a-Lifetime Events

In just seventeen months, the S&P 500 declined by 57% (October 9, 2007 to March 9, 2009).  By June 2, 2009 the index had gained 40% from its Market Low on March 9, 2009.  For the S&P 500 to return to the October 2007 Market High would require an additional 66% gain. 

Date

S&P 500

% Change

Months

Notes

10/9/2007

1565

N/A

N/A

Bull Market High

3/9/2009

677

-57%

17

Bear Market Low

6/2/2009

945

40%

~3

Recent market recovery

Future Date

1565

66%

???

To regain 10/09/07 Market High

Attached are updates to my “What If’s” table for March 9 and 31, 2009.  The “Required Future Returns (What If’s)” columns implied that a rebound was long overdue on March 9, 2009.  Although some disciplined investors added to positions near these lows, no one is smart enough, or lucky enough, to buy only at once-in-a-lifetime lows.  

If history is our guide, we can expect values to reach, and surpass, the 2007 Bull Market High.  It is simply a matter of time.  How soon is the only real question.  Below is a table showing the returns for a number of scenarios. 

Years to Old High

Required Annual Return

1

65.7%

2

28.7%

3

18.3%

4

13.5%

5

10.6%

Behavioral economists tell us that expectations are heavily influenced by recent events.  Therefore, current consensus expectations are likely to underestimate future returns.  Scarcity creates value.  On March 9, 2009, optimism and courage were in short supply.  Those who saw value, and acted, in the midst of panic, have been handsomely rewarded. 

What would a knowledgeable investor do at this point?  Great wisdom and great luck are not required to achieve strong returns.  Opportunities remain.  Today’s environment requires far less courage than was needed on March 9, 2009.  Bumps on the road to new highs have always been looked back upon as buying opportunities.

Regards,  Jim

James O. Davis, Founder
The Financial Advisory Group
A Registered Investment Advisory Firm
299 Arguello Boulevard, Suite 306
San Francisco, CA 94118-1434
Phone: 415/752-6222
Web Site: http://moneyjungle.com/
Securities offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc.
A Registered Broker/Dealer Member FINRA / SIPC
James O. Davis, Registered Principal
California Insurance License: #0712211
Email: jdavis@moneyjungle.com

The preceding market commentary contains opinions of the author.  Statistics cited were obtained from sources believed to be reliable.  Past performance is no guarantee of future results.  Investments in stocks involve risks including possible loss of principal.

  Periodic Commentary - sent 11/03/2008
 

Dear Friends & Clients 

RE:  Birth of a Bull Market?

During the last nine recessions the stock markets bottomed 3-8 months prior to the economic recovery, gaining 36% in the six months following the market bottom (see attached).  On October 27th this year the Dow and the S&P500 were down 41.32% and 44.37% respectively.  At the Bear Market bottom in 2002, the Dow had lost 37.85% and the S&P500 was down 49.15%.

Fear and panic are normal at market bottoms.  Optimism and a long-term perspective characterize successful investors.  The path out is not yet clear.  Difficult challenges remain: 20% of U.S. homeowner’s mortgages exceed the value of their homes and investor confidence in financial institutions remains low.  However, positive signs are beginning to appear: lenders are starting to restructure home loans; oil has dropped over 50% since July; massive de-leveraging has taken place; and further government stimulus is on the way. 

That we will get out of this recession is certain, the only real question is when.  Panic selling eventually runs its course and even panicked investors eventually refuse to accept panic prices.  When the path back to growth is evident, prices will be far above the Bear Market Lows and early gains of the new Bull Market will be history.  Will this time come soon, or has it already arrived? 

On October 8, the world’s major central banks lowered their benchmark interest rates in a coordinated manner to make clear their resolve to combat the economic malaise.  World leaders are scrambling to stimulate their economies and end the worldwide panic.  On October 28th the S&P500 rallied by 10.79% despite the announcement that U.S. consumer sentiment had fallen to a record low and U.S. housing prices were continuing to drop sharply.

Recently, legendary investors have committed billions to equities.  Purveyors of panic point out that Warren Buffett bought before the market bottomed during the 1973-74 Bear Market, implying that it would be foolish to buy at today’s prices.  If the richest man in the world got to where he did without buying at the very bottom, long-term investors who buy at even lower prices stand to profit greatly.  The current environment is what all historic buying opportunities feel like!

October 2008 was truly historic!  The S&P500 experienced its worst month in 21 years (losing 16.83%) and the best week in 34 years (gaining 10.49% in the last five days).  October 27th was the low point for the month, down 27.12% from the September 30th close.  The gain in the last four days, October 28-31, was 14.12%!  Will the October 27th low prove to be the beginning of a new bull market?  Many months will pass before this will be known. 

New leaders will be elected tomorrow.  Actions taken by new leaders could contribute to the rebuilding of confidence, a restoration of rationality, and materially change the mood of the market.  In the long-term, any economy’s future is determined by innovation, productivity, and the desire of people to work hard to have a better life.  These basics are not changed by market prices! 

When markets decline significantly, opportunities are created—tax loss harvesting and other strategies.  Profits from these actions can materially improve after-tax returns.  If you’d like to discuss the specifics of your situation, give me a call.

Regards,  Jim

James O. Davis, Founder
The Financial Advisory Group
A Registered Investment Advisory Firm
299 Arguello Boulevard, Suite 306
San Francisco, CA 94118-1434
Phone: 415/752-6222
Web Site: http://moneyjungle.com/
Securities offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc.
A Registered Broker/Dealer Member FINRA / SIPC
James O. Davis, Registered Principal
California Insurance License: #0712211
Email: jdavis@moneyjungle.com

The preceding market commentary contains opinions of the author.  Statistics cited were obtained from sources believed to be reliable.  Past performance is no guarantee of future results.  Investments in stocks involve risks including possible loss of principal.

  Periodic Commentary - sent -09/22/2008
 

Dear Clients & Friends,

RE:  Unprecedented Events & Today’s Difficult Environment

Last week (September 15-19, 2008) was a wild ride.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average:

  • Zigzagged by 26.23% of its value. 
  • Closed 7.53% above the low point for the week.
  • Gained 7.34% in the final two days.
  • Declined by 0.29% for the week.  

In response to U.S. actions, European markets rallied by 5.3% to 9.3% on Friday.  The United States is going through nerve-racking changes.  The price of oil, housing price declines, losses in mortgage-related securities and troubled financial institutions have stressed the markets and have everyone on edge.  Today’s challenges are truly historic and could require further dramatic governmental intervention.  Stock prices have been going down because of lower home values and the anticipated failure of more financial institutions.  Fortunately, the government is committed to stabilizing the situation and getting the economy back on track.

History shows that since 1926 there were ten five-year periods when stocks lost value.  Eight of these periods ended more than five years ago.  These eight periods were followed by an average gain of 14.74% in the following five years.  The loss periods averaged a decline of 5.25% per year.  That would result in $1000.00 falling to $763.65.  An average gain of 14.74% for the next five years would grow the $763.65 to $1518.69.  This comes to an 8.72% return for the ten-year period.  Few people are unfortunate enough to invest at the exact beginning of a five-year decline but based on history, even they would have earned a reasonable return, provided they stayed the course.

When a decline becomes a Bear Market—a decline of 20% from the prior high—it is generally too late to act.  The 2007-08 Bear Market became official in late June/early July for the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the S&P500, the NASDAQ and the Russell 2000.  Between 1950 and 2000, the U.S. experienced eight recessions.  During these recessions, the S&P500 began rising 3-8 months prior to the economy turning upward and posting gains, averaging 18.1% by the time the economy bottomed out.  Certainly, further significant declines are possible, but the probability of people who are presently in cash capturing the early gains is remote.  Early gains are normally a very large portion of the total Bull Market return.  To cash out at these levels and get back in at the bottom is unlikely.

What stops a falling market?  Markets bottom out when security owners refuse to sell at the prices prospective buyers offer (market prices).  Value is tied to earnings.  Price/Earnings Ratios (P/E’s) are the most common way to track this relationship.  The P/E of the S&P500 today is about 13x forecast earnings.  The average P/E for 1926-2007 was 15.7x.  In 1999, the P/E of the S&P500 topped out at 35.5x.  [Earnings yields (Earnings/Price) are another way to quantify value.  It is simply the inverse of the P/E ratio.  Earnings yields are expressed as a percentage.  This facilitates comparison to the yield of competing investments.  A market with a P/E of 13x has an earnings yield of 7.7%.]  Low interest rates strengthen stock prices and can be an important stabilizing force.  Interest rates are unlikely to increase significantly in the near future.

If the situation moves from Crisis to Panic, it is wise to remember that the irrationally low Panic prices are usually the best buying opportunities for those with confidence in the future and a long-term perspective.  The time for meaningful “CHANGE” is overdue.  The current problems seem certain to precipitate change.

Regards,  Jim

James O. Davis, Founder
The Financial Advisory Group
A Registered Investment Advisory Firm
299 Arguello Boulevard, Suite 306
San Francisco, CA 94118-1434
Phone: 415/752-6222
Web Site: http://moneyjungle.com/
Securities offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc.
A Registered Broker/Dealer Member FINRA / SIPC
James O. Davis, Registered Principal
California Insurance License: #0712211
Email: jdavis@moneyjungle.com

The preceding market commentary contains opinions of the author.  Statistics cited were obtained from sources believed to be reliable.  Past performance is no guarantee of future results.  Investments in stocks involve risks including possible loss of principal.

  Periodic Commentary - sent 03/03/2008
 

Hello Fellow Investors,

RE:   2007 Mutual Fund Distributions

2007 was a volatile year!  As sectors rotated out of favor, fund managers repositioned holdings to protect clients and improve returns.  Market turbulence creates opportunities and enterprising fund managers take advantage of those opportunities.  Fund manager actions in response to market turbulence contributed to significantly higher taxable distributions in 2007. 

Following the painful 2000 Bear Market, most mutual funds accumulated tax loss carryovers that allowed them to reduce their capital gain distributions for a number of years.  In some cases funds more than doubled in value without significant taxable distributions.

Included below are characteristics of mutual funds that are entirely normal but often forgotten:

  • Management of portfolios requires repositioning of holdings.
  • Successful portfolio management results in taxable capital gains.
  • Reinvested distributions are taxed the same as distributions that are taken in cash.
  • Significant swings in reported capital gains from year-to-year are normal.
  • Taxable distributions are often significantly higher, or lower, than gains inside mutual funds.
  • Unrealized gains within a fund are not taxable until the fund is sold.
  • Taxable gains are normally less than gains experienced by owners of the funds.

Other factors that influenced the 2007 gains were: 

  • Dramatic gains were realized in 2003 and 2004 without taxable capital gain distributions.
  • In 2005 and 2006 the tax loss carryovers were run down significantly.
  • By 2007 the tax advantages of the 2000 Bear Market were largely consumed.
  • Taxable distributions increased significantly in 2007.

Higher capital gains distributions in 2007 will result in higher taxes for investors.  Qualifying dividends and long-term gains enjoy a very significant tax advantage—15% tax instead of regular income tax rates.  The variability of reported gains results in both pleasant and unpleasant surprises in tax liability from year-to-year.  In times of higher than expected taxes, it is helpful to remember the small taxes paid on the strong gains since 2002 and the tax advantages that the current law provides.

Regards,  Jim

James O. Davis, Founder
The Financial Advisory Group
A Registered Investment Advisory Firm
299 Arguello Boulevard, Suite 306
San Francisco, CA 94118-1434
Phone: 415/752-6222
Web Site: http://moneyjungle.com/
Securities offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc.
A Registered Broker/Dealer Member FINRA / SIPC
James O. Davis, Registered Principal
California Insurance License: #0712211
Email: jdavis@moneyjungle.com

The preceding market commentary contains opinions of the author.  Statistics cited were obtained from sources believed to be reliable.  Past performance is no guarantee of future results.  Investments in stocks involve risks including possible loss of principal.

  Periodic Commentary - sent 02/12/2008
 

Hello Everyone

RE:  Yo-yos and Markets

Watching the short-term movements of the stock market is like watching someone playing with a yo-yo on a rising escalator—the slow change of the escalator is hard to distinguish.  The recent sell-off in equities has coincided with high levels of pessimism.  In 2007 two rapid sell-offs were followed by new highs.  Successful investors focus on fundamentals, ignoring the yo-yos.

The excesses that led to the painful 2000-2002 Bear Market have not recurred.  Ben Bernanke is a leading scholar of the role that government can play in controlling business activity.  The current slowdown could continue and become a recession.  Stimulative fiscal legislation was signed last week.  Accommodative monetary policy is in place.  This combination always accelerates economic activity.  High levels of insider buying and corporate buy-backs are signs that management recognizes the strong values that today’s prices represent.  Stock market bottoms often coincide with these conditions.

Between 1950 and 2000, there were eight recessions in the United States; the S&P 500 began rising 3-8 months before the economy turned up and gains averaged 18.1% by the time the economy bottomed out.  Will today’s investors be rewarded?  History suggests they will!

Attached is an updated "What If's" chart for December 31, 2007. 

Regards,  Jim

James O. Davis, Founder
The Financial Advisory Group
A Registered Investment Advisory Firm
299 Arguello Boulevard, Suite 306
San Francisco, CA 94118-1434
Phone: 415/752-6222
Web Site: http://moneyjungle.com/
Securities offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc.
A Registered Broker/Dealer Member FINRA / SIPC
James O. Davis, Registered Principal
California Insurance License: #0712211
Email: jdavis@moneyjungle.com

The preceding market commentary contains opinions of the author.  Statistics cited were obtained from sources believed to be reliable.  Past performance is no guarantee of future results.  Investments in stocks involve risks including possible loss of principal.

  Periodic Commentary - sent 10/01/07
 

Hello Everyone,

RE:  Crazy Markets -- What to Do?

Three quarters of the year is behind us.  Attached is my “What If’s” Chart for September 30, 2007.  So far the ride has been bumpy and returns have been reasonable, to above average.  Volatility has awakened and it can be expected to continue to prowl markets worldwide, frightening the weak and providing opportunities for those who have confidence in the future. 

Many are wondering what they should do.  The wall of worry which the stock market is said to climb is clearly in tact.  Many think we have gained as much as we will this year.  “The actual returns of the S&P 500 over the last 50 years (i.e., 50 separate 1-year returns produced from 1957-2006) has fallen outside of a range defined as ‘plus or minus 10%’ from the index’s average annual return 62% of the time” (source: “By the Numbers” referencing BTN Research)

Values in the equity markets remain strong in spite of year-to-date gains.  Historically, the end of the year has generated above average gains.  The returns for this decade are significantly below the long term averages (see the “What If’s” Chart).  Low interest rates and lower taxes on investment earnings are strong positives for the U.S. market. 

Bernanke has shown the flexibility to act decisively.  Markets have reacted.  Strong earnings growth since 2001 has not yet been fully reflected in equity prices.  The memory of the 2000 Bear Market will take years to fade from the memory of investors.  This will keep prices from overshooting values for years.

On August 16th intraday declines from the July highs were 11.79% on the Dow and 11.75% for the S&P 500.  This reminds me of the intense volatility of August 1982 that marked the beginning of great the Bull Market of the 1980’s.  I expect technicians to adjust their rules a bit in order to view August 16th as the long awaited 10% correction which will allow new highs to be achieved without their warning about the need for a 10% correction.

In short: summer is over; the Fed has acted; the re-pricing of risk in the credit markets is a manageable problem; we are approaching the strongest months for equities.  Higher short-term volatility of returns is the price of the higher returns for equities.  History has repeatedly confirmed that optimism is the winning strategy.

Regards,  Jim

James O. Davis, Founder
The Financial Advisory Group
A Registered Investment Advisory Firm
299 Arguello Boulevard, Suite 306
San Francisco, CA 94118-1434
Phone: 415/752-6222
Web Site: http://moneyjungle.com/
Securities offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc.
A Registered Broker/Dealer Member FINRA / SIPC
James O. Davis, Registered Principal
California Insurance License: #0712211
Email: jdavis@moneyjungle.com

The preceding market commentary contains opinions of the author.  Statistics cited were obtained from sources believed to be reliable.  Past performance is no guarantee of future results.  Investments in stocks involve risks including possible loss of principal.

  Periodic Commentary - sent 02/28/07
 

Hello Everyone,         

RE: Scary Days & Returns on Stocks

Yesterday, February 27, 2007, world stock markets fell significantly following a major sell-off in the Chinese market.  In harmony, the US markets experienced the largest one-day decline since September, 2001. 

Remaining calm at such times is difficult.  Looking at the bigger picture can help.  Investors demand higher returns to compensate for the intrinsic volatility of stocks.  That stocks provide higher returns has been shown to be true for as long as records have been kept in every country for which records exist.  Stocks are expected to outperform alternative investments.  Shortly, the fear that China could experience significant problems is likely to pass.  Less rapid growth in China would lower stress on the world’s resources, diminish pollution problems and slow the pace of problematic climate changes. 

China’s slowing could easily result in lower interest rates and more orderly and sustainable economic activity worldwide.  Sustainable growth and lower interest rates make for strong stock market performance over long periods.  Headlines focus on problems.  Investors exploit the opportunities that headlines ignore or conceal.

Panic selling can drive stocks to bargain levels.  Most economists view US markets as reasonably priced.

At last, investors may be given a long-awaited buying opportunity.

Regards,  Jim

James O. Davis, Founder
The Financial Advisory Group
A Registered Investment Advisory Firm
299 Arguello Boulevard, Suite 306
San Francisco, CA 94118-1434
Phone: 415/752-6222
Web Site: http://moneyjungle.com/
Securities offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc.
A Registered Broker/Dealer Member FINRA / SIPC
James O. Davis, Registered Principal
California Insurance License: #0712211
Email: jdavis@moneyjungle.com

The preceding market commentary contains opinions of the author.  Statistics cited were obtained from sources believed to be reliable.  Past performance is no guarantee of future results.  Investments in stocks involve risks including possible loss of principal.

  Periodic Commentary - sent 10/17/06
 

Hello Everyone,

RE:  Four Years Later – History Lessons Confirmed

Attached is an update to my What If’s chart and my S&P 500 Index: Annual Returns for 1-74 Years as of September 30, 2002.”  On October 1, 2002, I sent the “What If’s” chart on the performance of the U.S. equity markets.  Back then, I strongly felt that the equity markets were poised for a rebound (see: Periodic Commentary >> October 01, 2002).  This has taken place.  The initial rebound was dramatic; later gains have been far less dramatic.  During the last four plus years, profits have been in double digits for 17 consecutive quarters.  The quarter ending September 30, 2006 is expected to be the 18th

Geo-political stress and the rapidly rising commodity prices have kept everyone uncomfortable.  The memory of the once-in-a-lifetime decline in equity prices and the terrorist attacks on U.S. soil are deeply imbedded in the psyche of investors.  The rise of equity markets has been materially below the improved profitability of U.S. companies.  One can not expect this to change rapidly, but history suggests that it will change.

What does this mean for investors?  Market valuations are below fair value as calculated by many professionals.  Historically, equity prices highly correlate with corporate earnings.  If the historical norms are to remain a valid guide in the future, equity returns will move with expected earnings.  Over the next few years, it seems reasonable to expect equity investments to benefit from a reduction in the level of event-related stress and in a higher level of confidence for the future.  This is clearly implied by the “What If’s” charts.

Regards,  Jim

James O. Davis, Founder
The Financial Advisory Group
A Registered Investment Advisory Firm
299 Arguello Boulevard, Suite 306
San Francisco, CA 94118-1434
Phone: 415/752-6222
Web Site: http://moneyjungle.com/
Securities offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc.
A Registered Broker/Dealer Member FINRA / SIPC
James O. Davis, Registered Principal
California Insurance License: #0712211
Email: jdavis@moneyjungle.com

The preceding market commentary contains opinions of the author.  Statistics cited were obtained from sources believed to be reliable.  Past performance is no guarantee of future results.  Investments in stocks involve risks including possible loss of principal.

  Periodic Commentary - sent 07/19/06
 


Hello Everyone,

RE:  Thoughts on Real Estate

Here are some articles which, I think, you’ll find
of interest.  Please note the dates.  One is very recent; the other two
are from 2005 & 2002.

Real Estate
9/2002

Real Estate 3/2005
Real Estate 6/2006 

The reason that I’m sending the earlier articles is
to help put the current situation in perspective.  As many of you know,
I’ve felt that San Francisco residential real estate prices became
unsustainably speculative in May, 1999.  The dramatic reduction in
interest rates by the Federal Reserve to lessen the risk of economic
problems during the decline in the financial markets has supported real
estate prices for years.  Now, with interest rates dramatically higher,
the likelihood of significant real estate price appreciation has
diminished materially.

As I’ve frequently said, “If you keep saying
anything about markets, eventually you’ll be right.”  After six years of
being wrong, it would not surprise me to, finally, be right for a while.

As compared to the financial markets, changes in
real estate prices are notoriously slow.  I do not expect that the
adjustment period will be completed in less than five years and would
not be surprised if it takes eight years.  The good news is that it now
looks like the adjustment has been in process for about a year.

Regards, 
Jim

James O. Davis, Founder
The Financial
Advisory Group

A Registered Investment Advisory Firm
299 Arguello Boulevard, Suite 306
San Francisco, CA 94118-1434
Phone: 415/752-6222
Web Site:
http://moneyjungle.com/
Securities offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc.
A Registered
Broker/Dealer Member FINRA / SIPC
James O. Davis, Registered
Principal
California
Insurance License: #0712211
Email:
jdavis@moneyjungle.com

The preceding
market commentary contains opinions of the author.  Statistics
cited were obtained from sources believed to be reliable.  Past
performance is no guarantee of future results.  Investments in
stocks involve risks including possible loss of principal.

  Periodic Commentary - sent 06/21/05
 


Hello Everyone,


RE: 
2005  --  Something for Everybody!


Pessimists and optimists both have a great
deal to celebrate this year.  The pessimists can point out that the
major market indexes are below their December 31, 1999 levels and are
likely to close below these levels on December 31, 2005.  Optimists can
delight in the opportunity to buy at prices which have remained low for
many months.


Periods of rising interest rates always
stress both equity and bond markets.  News coverage provides endless
justification for delay, and always will.  This was also true in the
past, as long-term equity investors achieved strong real returns. 
Volatility has been very low for many months.  Long periods of low
volatility are often followed by periods of significant, rapid, change. 


The question is:  Which Direction
will Equity Markets Move? 


Attached is my
“What If’s”
table as of May 31, 2005.  Also attached is a copy of my table showing
Multiple Year
Performance of the S&P 500
.  It looks as if the S&P 500 will close
2005 below its December 31, 1999 close of 1469.25.  If six years below
the highs is not an indicator of a long-term bottom, history is of
little value as an indicator of the future—which is what some were
saying in the late 1990’s.  They were wrong.  After years of pain,
investing in equities takes courage and faith in the future.


Since “What If” tables from key times in
the past have provided valuable insights, I’ve added two buttons on my
web site [http://moneyjungle.com/]
to enable visitors to view recent “What If” tables and other analytical
work.  These buttons are Research
& Analysis
and
Periodic
Commentary
.”  
In addition, I will upload a new
version of the “What If” table to the site quarterly.

Regards, 
Jim

James O. Davis, Founder
The Financial
Advisory Group

A Registered Investment Advisory Firm
299 Arguello Boulevard, Suite 306
San Francisco, CA 94118-1434
Phone: 415/752-6222
Web Site:
http://moneyjungle.com/
Securities offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc.
A Registered
Broker/Dealer Member FINRA / SIPC
James O. Davis, Registered
Principal
California
Insurance License: #0712211
Email:
jdavis@moneyjungle.com

The preceding
market commentary contains opinions of the author.  Statistics
cited were obtained from sources believed to be reliable.  Past
performance is no guarantee of future results.  Investments in
stocks involve risks including possible loss of principal.

  Periodic Commentary - sent 12/15/04
 


Hello Everyone,


RE:   Holiday &
Year-End Thoughts


Happy
Holidays!
  Here’s the Hot Link to
a delightful Holiday Greeting:
 http://www.jsmagic.net/emissarypage1/

Click on one of the lighted
items and it jumps into another scene.  There are twelve pages in all. 
Children, and the young at heart, are likely to enjoy this!  Sometimes
the site is overwhelmed; patience may be required.


Following the worst market in memory,
investors are easily worried and apprehensive.  As a further reaction
to the 2000-02 Bear Market, equity markets in
2004 have fluctuated narrowly.  This has watered down the impressive
returns achieved in the first year of the Bull Market and moved them
toward sustainable, long-term levels.  Periods of low volatility often
precede significant market moves.  Corporate earnings and the economy
have improved, and are expected to further strengthen in 2005—thus
enhancing the value of equities.   


Looking at recent performance in light of
history can be helpful.  The worst decade since the Great Depression was
the 1970’s, when the S&P 500 Index returned 5.9%.  On October 9, 2004,
the current Bull Market had its second birthday.  Attached are my “What
If’s” charts as of October 8, 2004.  They show that if the S&P 500 Index
is to return 6.0% in this decade, it must run at 17.70% annually from
October 9, 2004 through December 31, 2009.  Just to close at this
decade’s starting point of 1469.25 would require a 5.29% annual gain
from October 9, 2004 through December 31, 2009.


History often proves to be our best guide
to the future.  A recent article listed “Five Investment Principles that
Have Stood the Test of Time.”  These principles are likely to serve
investors well in 2005, and beyond.  The principles are:


  1. Time Can Heal (Short-Term) Wounds


  2. You Can’t Predict The Market


  3. Diversify Your Investments


  4. Invest Regularly


  5. Stick with Equities for the Long Term


In addition to the
“What If’s”
charts, attached is a newly created chart showing
Multiple Year
Performance of the S&P 500
.  Negative returns over long periods are
rare.  In the last 60 years, negative returns for six and seven years
occurred only once—when the 1973-74 Bear Market
compounded the lackluster 1960’s.  The S&P 500 will post negative
returns for the five years ending December 2004.  Extremely strong gains
in 2005 would be necessary to pull the S&P 500 Index above the December
31, 1999 close of 1469.25.  If a long-term bottom has been established,
a long period of positive performance is likely to follow.


Happy New
Year!

Regards, 
Jim

James O. Davis, Founder
The Financial
Advisory Group

A Registered Investment Advisory Firm
299 Arguello Boulevard, Suite 306
San Francisco, CA 94118-1434
Phone: 415/752-6222
Web Site:
http://moneyjungle.com/
Securities offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc.
A Registered
Broker/Dealer Member FINRA / SIPC
James O. Davis, Registered
Principal
California
Insurance License: #0712211
Email:
jdavis@moneyjungle.com

The preceding
market commentary contains opinions of the author.  Statistics
cited were obtained from sources believed to be reliable.  Past
performance is no guarantee of future results.  Investments in
stocks involve risks including possible loss of principal.

  Periodic Commentary - sent 08/27/04
 


Hello Everyone,


RE:  Quarterly
Newsletter -- Electronic Copy Attached


As many of you know, I’ve been sending a
newsletter to clients and friends for many years.  Attached to this
email is an electronic image of my
Summer 2004 newsletter
.  To open the
attachment requires a free program from Adobe.  The hot link for this
downloadable program is: 

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
.


I thought you might find it convenient to
have an electronic copy, since over the years I’ve found that providing
a copy of my newsletter to someone is superior to simply giving them my
name and phone number.


Since it is during difficult times that
the value of good advice is greatest and because of the high level of
uncertainty in the securities markets this summer, I put extra effort
into this edition of the newsletter. 


I hope you will find the attached
newsletter useful now as well as in the future.

Regards, 
Jim

James O. Davis, Founder
The Financial
Advisory Group

A Registered Investment Advisory Firm
299 Arguello Boulevard, Suite 306
San Francisco, CA 94118-1434
Phone: 415/752-6222
Web Site:
http://moneyjungle.com/
Securities offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc.
A Registered
Broker/Dealer Member FINRA / SIPC
James O. Davis, Registered
Principal
California
Insurance License: #0712211
Email:
jdavis@moneyjungle.com

The preceding
market commentary contains opinions of the author.  Statistics
cited were obtained from sources believed to be reliable.  Past
performance is no guarantee of future results.  Investments in
stocks involve risks including possible loss of principal.

  Periodic Commentary - sent 06/23/04
  Hello Everyone,

RE:  Months of Drifting:    Are we lost at sea?   Is the wind shifting?

For months, U.S. Equity Markets have drifted aimlessly.  Some feel this is
the calm before yet another storm.  I do not.

The current situation may be an optimal reaction to a change in the wind of
interest rates.  Sailing with the wind feels deceptively safe:  the wind
over the deck is light and warm.  But, to sail faster, one must turn into
the wind.  This results in great disruption, as the boat lunges leeward and
loose items fly about the cabin.  To navigate often requires tacking from
left to right and back again.  With each of these shifts, loose items fly
about the cabin and one can be knocked overboard by the swinging mast.  Yet,
all this is necessary to sail successfully in the desired direction.

The pleasant, warm, breeze of record low interest rates has calmed the
equity markets.  Warm summer breezes, no matter how comforting, are only
part of the balance of the seasons; record low rates must end before they
create disruptions to the economic ecosystem.  The shift will create
temporary disruptions until the boat stabilizes.  The inexperienced will be
surprised as newly inflated bubbles deflate, or burst.  As we sail further,
tacking from left to right and back again will rearrange the cabin and
result in the inexperienced being knocked, or tossed overboard.  Only those
who stay the course, clinging to the rigging if necessary, will reach the
destination.

Since inception of the S&P 500 Index in the 1920's, there have been seven
five-year periods of negative returns.  Losses averaged 6.97% for these
periods.  The average annual return for the five-year periods immediately
following these periods was 15.01%, the worst was 10.67% and the best was
22.47%.  Both the five-year periods 1998-2002 and 1999-2003 resulted in
negative returns.  Will the five years following these periods generate
returns above the long-term averages?  No one knows.  With inflation
significantly below long-term averages, one can make the case that modest
nominal returns would result in superior real returns.

The recovery from the Bear Market Lows of October 2002 was very strong for
the first 15 months.  Since late January 2004, U.S. markets have lost their
sizzle and traded sideways, or declined.  This has resulted in falling
Price/Earning Ratios [P/E's] as U.S. companies achieved very strong earrings
growth.  Today, the P/E for U.S. companies is just slightly above the
40-year average of 14.0.  The months of sideways markets have significantly
reduced the bounce-back rate of return off the bottom.  Optimists find this
encouraging; pessimists find it the precursor of doom.  Competing
investments are generating returns dramatically below their long-term
averages.  How long will this continue? 

Economic equilibrium is more of an intellectual concept than a normal
condition.  Endless deviations from what is "theoretically correct" always
exist, sometimes for extended periods.  The greater the deviation, and the
longer it exists, the greater the likelihood of a change in the direction of
what can be logically justified and explained, at least in hindsight. 
Normally, long-term averages prove to be a good, although not perfect,
predictor of the future as the pull toward them is not only powerful but
also, generally, theoretically justifiable.

Months of unrelentingly discouraging news from Iraq, expectations of a
series of rate increases by the Fed, oil prices at historic highs, concerns
about disruptions to the world oil supply, the most acrimonious presidential
election in memory and the continuing threat of terrorist activity have kept
everyone on edge, and will continue to do so. 

Are these uncertainties providing investors an opportunity?  Time will
tell.  In the 26 elections years since 1900 the average gain was 9.5%.  It
is common for the early months of election years to underperform the later
months.  For 2004 to generate a +9.5% return, gains from the current levels
would need to be significantly above 9.5%.  As always, when it is clear what
should have been done, the optimal time to act will have passed. 

Attached are updates to my
What If's and
After the Bear charts and another
copy of my Bear Market
History
.  To open attachments requires a free downloadable program from
Adobe. Their hot link is: 

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/


For your reference, the hot link to my web site is: 

http://www.moneyjungle.com/

Regards, 
Jim

James O. Davis, Founder
The Financial
Advisory Group

A Registered Investment Advisory Firm
299 Arguello Boulevard, Suite 306
San Francisco, CA 94118-1434
Phone: 415/752-6222
Web Site:
http://moneyjungle.com/
Securities offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc.
A Registered
Broker/Dealer Member FINRA / SIPC
James O. Davis, Registered
Principal
California
Insurance License: #0712211
Email:
jdavis@moneyjungle.com

The preceding
market commentary contains opinions of the author.  Statistics
cited were obtained from sources believed to be reliable.  Past
performance is no guarantee of future results.  Investments in
stocks involve risks including possible loss of principal.

  Periodic Commentary - sent 01/23/04
  Hello Everyone,

RE:  2003 -- How Did We Do & What Can We Expect for
2004?

Strong performance for the U.S. Markets in 2003 pleased most U.S.
investors.  Dramatic fiscal and monetary stimulus gave the economy a
powerful jump-start.  The declining dollar stimulated exports.  Below are
some of the key statistics.
 

Index 2003 Performance
Dow Jones  Industrial Average +28.27%
S&P 500 Index +28.63%
NASDAQ Index +50.01%
Russell 2000 Index +47.25%

Will the economy continue to strengthen?   Like physical objects once in
motion, momentum causes economic systems to continue to move in the same
direction.  Since 1900, there have been three periods of consecutive down
years.  Each was followed by a multi-year recovery.  Below is a chart on
these periods.
 
 

Time Period 
Problem
Cumulative 
Decline in DJIA
Cumulative 
Return in DJIA
Time Period of 
Cumulative Return
1929-32  Depression -80.03% +200.33% 4 Years (1933-36)
1939-41  World War II -28.29% +37.21% 3 Years (1942-44)
1973-74   Recession -39.59% +63.05% 2 Years (1975-76)

Geopolitical issues and the elections are likely to result in above
average levels of stress and keep investors uncomfortable through November
2004, if not beyond.  This could provide investors periodic buying
opportunities in 2004.  The big question is:  Will these opportunities be at
higher or lower prices than today's?

Attached is an updated
"What If's"
chart based upon December 31, 2003 levels, plus my
"Bear Market History" and
"After the Bear" charts.  Since I
first created the "What If's" chart in July 2002, the "Required Returns"
necessary to achieve the assumed rate of return for the decade have dropped
significantly.  The carnage of the 2000 Bear Market was enormous!  Returns
for the remainder of the decade could be substantially above average without
causing the returns for the decade to be abnormally high.

To open these attachments requires a free downloadable program from
Adobe. Their hot link is: 

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/

For your reference, the hot link to my web site is: 

http://www.moneyjungle.com/

Regards, 
Jim

James O. Davis, Founder
The Financial
Advisory Group

A Registered Investment Advisory Firm
299 Arguello Boulevard, Suite 306
San Francisco, CA 94118-1434
Phone: 415/752-6222
Web Site:
http://moneyjungle.com/
Securities offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc.
A Registered
Broker/Dealer Member FINRA / SIPC
James O. Davis, Registered
Principal
California
Insurance License: #0712211
Email:
jdavis@moneyjungle.com

The preceding
market commentary contains opinions of the author.  Statistics
cited were obtained from sources believed to be reliable.  Past
performance is no guarantee of future results.  Investments in
stocks involve risks including possible loss of principal.

  Periodic Commentary - sent 11/05/03
  Hello Everyone,

RE:  Bull Market -- 13 Months & Counting

On October 31, 2002, I quoted Charles Schultze's optimistic outlook for the U.S. economy.  Much has happened since then; gains in excess of 30% have been posted by the broad-based market averages.  Normally, Bull Markets lead the recovery by 3-8 months.  In 2002, the market bottomed eleven months after 2001's March-November Recession.

The psychological scars of the 2001 Recession and the 2000-2002 Bear Market remain foremost in the mind of the typical investor.  The Geopolitical stress, which delayed the start of the bull market, promises to keep investors uncomfortable through the 2004 Presidential Election year.  No one knows what will take place in the short run.  Many express opinions.

Markets and Trains have a lot in common:

  • The market of the late 1990's could be viewed as a high-speed train to unbelievable wealth.  Hoards crowded aboard at every stop.  No one thought of getting off.  The future was bright and certain.  Technological change had eliminated risk.  "Get aboard or be left behind!"
  • Today's market is a local train winding through the mountains.  Upward progress is often hard to discern; there are many blind curves, uncertain bridges and dark tunnels.  The track is in disrepair and risk of derailment is significant.  Few express high confidence in the train reaching the summit.  At each stop, some exit thinking this is as high as it is safe to go, considering avalanche risk and weather conditions forecast for the balance of the journey.

Many problems which could derail the recovery are routinely reported by the media.  Respected market watchers advise that the market has advanced too quickly, that a "correction" is overdue.  Some heed this advice and delay participation, others sell in fear.  "Irrational exuberance" is no longer a risk.  "Irrational pessimism" could be a problem.  Pessimism creates opportunities.  The long-term is ignored; positive economic changes, such as higher productivity, are viewed negatively due to their short-term effect.

Obviously, the best and safest time to invest is at the market bottom.  Failing that, the second best time is as quickly as possible after it becomes clear that the market has bottomed.  First year gains experienced since 2002's bottom are in line with those experienced in other recent periods.  Below is the history of recent Recovery Gains.
 
 

Recession
Period
Gain in First
Six Months
Gain in First
Twelve Months
1969-70 24.02% 43.73%
1973-75 30.88% 38.01%
1981-82 45.41% 58.33%
1990-91 27.81% 29.10%

What is the life expectancy of this Bull Market?  No one knows for or sure.  Since 1950, there have been nine periods of expansion in the U.S. economy.  The average expansion period lasted over 59 months.  Since 1982, expansions have averaged 106 months.  During periods of economic growth, the stock market generally rises until future economic problems are foreseen.

For your reference, the hot link to my web site is:  http://www.moneyjungle.com/ .

Regards,  Jim

James O. Davis, Founder
The Financial Advisory Group
A Registered Investment Advisory Firm
299 Arguello Boulevard, Suite 306
San Francisco, CA 94118-1434
Phone: 415/752-6222
Web Site: http://moneyjungle.com/
Securities offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc.
A Registered Broker/Dealer Member FINRA / SIPC
James O. Davis, Registered Principal
California Insurance License: #0712211
Email: jdavis@moneyjungle.com

The preceding market commentary contains opinions of the author.  Statistics cited were obtained from sources believed to be reliable.  Past performance is no guarantee of future results.  Investments in stocks involve risks including possible loss of principal.

  Periodic Commentary - sent 09/03/03
  Hello Everyone,

RE:  Mid-Year Thoughts -- Question & Answer

Many have asked if the annual loss of 10.1% for the five years 1977-1981 was a "typo."  The answer is no!  Adjusted for inflation, Long Term Government Bonds experienced losses averaging 10.1% a year for those five years.  These losses made possible the 20+ years of rising bond prices since 1981.

By the end of July 2003, the ten-year Treasury Note lost 10.86% from it's June 13th high, as yields rose to 4.47% from low of 3.10%.  These losses came as a surprise to many who had grown comfortable with bonds.

One might postulate that whatever looks and feels the safest has the most risk, and vice versa.  Further evidence of this could be the unchallenged confidence investors had in equities at the peak of the stock market in late 1999 and early 2000.  At the top, voices of caution have been silenced or are ignored.  At the bottom, pessimists and doomsayers are believed.

Prudence suggested a longer term perspective.

Best,
Jim Davis
Founder, The Financial Advisory Group
A Registered Investment Advisor Firm
415/752-6222
Registered Principal, Centaurus Financial, Inc.
A Registered Broker/Dealer
Member NASD / SIPC
 

On 15 July 2003 "James O. Davis 415/752-6222 The Financial Advisory Group" wrote:

Hello Everyone,

RE:  Mid-Year Thoughts

A year ago I created my "What If" table to attempt to provide some perspective at a very difficult time.  In 2002 markets declined to levels which made the Bear Market of 2000 second only to the ten years following the Crash of 1929.  The Federal Reserve has driven interest rates to 45-year lows.  Since the October 2002 bottom, recovering markets have done little to comfort the man on the street.

In fact, the public has turned to the bond market which has provided strong returns as a consequence of the declining rates.  For bonds to yield returns higher than inflation from this point forward will be increasingly difficult.  Following the 1973-74 Recession, for the five years from 1976 to 1982, Long Term Government Bonds experienced losses averaging 10.1% a year when adjusted for inflation.  Memories fade.  Those who have sought refuge in bonds may be in danger of repeating this experience.

For the last fifty years, the average first-year Bull Market gain was 31.54%.  As of June 30, 2003 the gains from the 2002 lows for the widely followed averages are as follows:

    Dow Jones Industrials         23.32%
    S&P 500 Index                  25.46%
    NASDAQ Composite        45.66%
    NYSE Composite              23.64%
    AMEX Composite             25.57%
    Russell 2000 Index             37.10%

Attached is an updated "What If's" Chart based upon June 30, 2003 levels plus my "Bear Market History" and "After the Bear" Charts.

To open these attachments requires a free downloadable program from Adobe. Their hot link is:
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/

For your reference, the hot link to my web site is:  http://www.moneyjungle.com/

Regards,  Jim

James O. Davis, Founder
The Financial Advisory Group
A Registered Investment Advisory Firm
299 Arguello Boulevard, Suite 306
San Francisco, CA 94118-1434
Phone: 415/752-6222
Web Site: http://moneyjungle.com/
Securities offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc.
A Registered Broker/Dealer Member FINRA / SIPC
James O. Davis, Registered Principal
California Insurance License: #0712211
Email: jdavis@moneyjungle.com

The preceding market commentary contains opinions of the author.  Statistics cited were obtained from sources believed to be reliable.  Past performance is no guarantee of future results.  Investments in stocks involve risks including possible loss of principal.

  Periodic Commentary - sent 07/15/03
  Hello Everyone,

RE:  Mid-Year Thoughts

A year ago I created my "What If" table to attempt to provide some perspective at a very difficult time.  In 2002 markets declined to levels which made the Bear Market of 2000 second only to the ten years following the Crash of 1929.  The Federal Reserve has driven interest rates to 45-year lows.  Since the October 2002 bottom, recovering markets have done little to comfort the man on the street.

In fact, the public has turned to the bond market which has provided strong returns as a consequence of the declining rates.  For bonds to yield returns higher than inflation from this point forward will be increasingly difficult.  Following the 1973-74 Recession, for the five years from 1976 to 1982, Long Term Government Bonds experienced losses averaging 10.1% a year when adjusted for inflation.  Memories fade.  Those who have sought refuge in bonds may be in danger of repeating this experience.

For the last fifty years, the average first-year Bull Market gain was 31.54%.  As of June 30, 2003 the gains from the 2002 lows for the widely followed averages are as follows:

    Dow Jones Industrials         23.32%
    S&P 500 Index                  25.46%
    NASDAQ Composite        45.66%
    NYSE Composite              23.64%
    AMEX Composite             25.57%
    Russell 2000 Index             37.10%

Attached is an updated "What If's" Chart based upon June 30, 2003 levels plus my "Bear Market History" and "After the Bear" Charts.

To open these attachments requires a free downloadable program from Adobe. Their hot link is:
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/

For your reference, the hot link to my web site is:  http://www.moneyjungle.com/

Regards,  Jim

James O. Davis, Founder
The Financial Advisory Group
A Registered Investment Advisory Firm
299 Arguello Boulevard, Suite 306
San Francisco, CA 94118-1434
Phone: 415/752-6222
Web Site: http://moneyjungle.com/
Securities offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc.
A Registered Broker/Dealer Member FINRA / SIPC
James O. Davis, Registered Principal
California Insurance License: #0712211
Email: jdavis@moneyjungle.com

The preceding market commentary contains opinions of the author.  Statistics cited were obtained from sources believed to be reliable.  Past performance is no guarantee of future results.  Investments in stocks involve risks including possible loss of principal.

  Periodic Commentary - sent 05/19/03
  Hello Everyone,

RE:  If we're getting better, why does it feel so bad?

We are now six months beyond the October 2002 Bear Market low.  If we're
getting better, why does it feel so bad?   How long does it take for
investors to feel confident again after a Bear Market?

The difference between the joy of gains and pain of losses explains why
we do not perceive reality for what it is.  The pain of a loss is four to
five times as intense as the joy of a gain.  This is exacerbated by recent
market volatility, frequently bouncing by more than one percent in a single
day.  For these reasons, it will not be surprising if the public does not
recognize that the Bear Market has ended until months, or years, after the
new Bull Market has commenced.  Some consider this to be a problem.  In
reality, it is an opportunity.

Taking advantage of bargain prices is not easy.  Investment success
requires the triumph of intellect over emotion.  Perceived risk and real
risk are usually inversely correlated.  At market tops, risk is perceived to
be minimal.  At market bottoms, risk is perceived to enormous.  Successful
investors control their emotions and take actions based on logic.

Historically, gains in the first year of recovery have been significant. 
For the fifteen Bull Markets in the last fifty years, the average first-year
gain was 31.54%.  Attached is the detail on the S&P 500 Index for these
periods.

On March 24, 2003, Dr. David Kelly tied together many of the key issues
for investors today.  He has given me permission to share his thoughts with
you:

   Comparisons of the economy and markets during
the first Gulf War and today’s conflict suggest that despite a more
depressed investor mood, stock market fundamentals may be stronger now
than they were a dozen years ago.

Last week, the long, drawn-out uncertainty
about whether and when the nation would go to war came to an end. This
realization, along with early progress in the war, helped push both
stock prices and interest rates sharply higher. Today, news of setbacks
over the weekend pushed markets sharply in the opposite direction.

These wild swings in markets are inevitable.
The progress of the war can have a substantial impact on the short-term
outlook for both markets and the economy, and we can expect violent
moves from markets in both directions as the war proceeds.

Some have compared this war to the first Gulf
War of 1991 and there are significant similarities. The enemy is the
same, the terrain is the same, and the sense that ultimately there can
be only one outcome is also the same. From a military perspective,
today’s war appears to be a more difficult war, as urban warfare in the
cities of Iraq is a more daunting proposition than using overwhelming
air superiority to dislodge an invading army. Perhaps most importantly
for markets, the uncertainties of this war still largely lie in front of
us.

In 1991, the aftermath of the war saw a
dramatic increase in equity prices, with the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index
climbing 28% in the year following the war’s end. This time it may be
different – investors are clearly much more beaten up after a three-year
bear market than they were 12 years ago, and one observation does not
provide the basis for any reasonable statistical analysis.

STOCK MARKET FUNDAMENTALS MAY BE STRONGER TODAY

Some have alleged that stock market fundamentals
are also worse than they were in 1991. This is a point which can be
analyzed statistically and the analysis suggests otherwise.

In particular, one publication over the weekend
noted that the price/earnings ratio on the S&P 500 today is 27.7 times
lagged earnings compared with 15.5 times back in 1991. The problem with
this comparison is that these P/E ratios use “reported” as opposed to
“operating” earnings. Reported earnings have always run a little below
operating earnings, since they deduct certain special charges such as
the write-off of goodwill. On average from 1990 to 1999, reported
earnings were 10% lower than operating earnings.  In 1990, they were 6%
below operating earnings.

However, in 2002, because of massive one-time
write-offs of goodwill, reported earnings were 39% below operating
earnings. Since these one time write-offs have little to do with the
on-going profitability of the firm, P/E ratios calculated using lagged
reported earnings do not give an apples-to-apples comparison of market
valuation relative to a dozen years ago.

A more accurate comparison would be to look at
P/E ratios calculated by dividing the total value of U.S. corporate
equity by the after-tax profits of all U.S. corporations in the previous
year. This gives us a P/E ratio of 17.5 times today compared to 14 times
at the end of the first quarter of 1991.

This might still make stocks look more
expensive today, were it not for interest rates. To see the effect of
interest rates, we need to look at earnings/price ratios, sometimes
known as the earnings yield on stocks. Today’s P/E ratio of 17.5 times
translates into an E/P ratio, or earnings yield, on stocks of 5.7%. The
P/E ratio of 14 in March 1991 translated into an E/P ratio or earnings
yield on stocks of 7.2%.

This earnings yield on stocks is important
because over time it tends to go up and down with interest rates. It
should. If you buy a bond, you get a yield in the form of coupon
payments; if you buy a stock, you ultimately get a yield in the form of
earnings. Over the past 25 years, the earnings yield on stocks and the
yield on 10-year Treasuries have gone up and down together. Over the
past 40 years, the earnings yield on stocks has been just 0.4 percentage
points above the yield on bonds.

STOCKS CHEAPER TODAY RELATIVE TO TREASURY BONDS

This brings us to interest rates. Back in 1991,
the 10-year Treasury yield was 8.1%, almost a full percentage point
above the earnings yield on stocks. In other words, stocks were
relatively expensive compared to Treasury bonds. Today the 10-year
Treasury yield is at 4.0%, 1.7 percentage points below the earnings
yield in stocks, making stocks relatively cheap.

While there are similarities between 1991 and
today, the differences are enough to make short-term forecasts foolish.
However, one difference of importance to long-term investors is that
relative to Treasury bonds, stocks are significantly cheaper today than
a dozen years ago. This is a comforting thought as we weather the
national and market turmoil which has been unleashed by the second Gulf
War.

To open the attachment "After the Bear"
requires a free downloadable program from Adobe. The hot link to this is:  


http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/
.

For your reference, the hot link to my web site is: 

http://www.moneyjungle.com/
.

Regards, 
Jim

James O. Davis, Founder
The Financial
Advisory Group

A Registered Investment Advisory Firm
299 Arguello Boulevard, Suite 306
San Francisco, CA 94118-1434
Phone: 415/752-6222
Web Site:
http://moneyjungle.com/
Securities offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc.
A Registered
Broker/Dealer Member FINRA / SIPC
James O. Davis, Registered
Principal
California
Insurance License: #0712211
Email:
jdavis@moneyjungle.com

The preceding
market commentary contains opinions of the author.  Statistics
cited were obtained from sources believed to be reliable.  Past
performance is no guarantee of future results.  Investments in
stocks involve risks including possible loss of principal.

  Periodic Commentary - sent 01/09/03
  Hello Everyone,

RE:   It's as bad as it gets; it doesn't get any better than this!

A very successful investor told me that, some years ago, he purchased near the bottom of the market on the theory that:  "If it's as bad as it gets; it doesn't get any better than this!"  It is easy, in retrospect, to see that this counter-intuitive reaction to pricing is very prudent.  The tough thing is to avoid panic and act prudently during difficult times.

We've all heard of "The Panic of ......."   We all understand that this was a time when many people lost great sums.  Historians call them panics because, in retrospect, people acted imprudently.  Every "Panic" has been followed by a period of calming and a recovery with markets going to new highs.

We may have seen the worst of the Bear Market which began in 2000.  Or, we may not have seen the bottom yet.  But, even the most pessimistic forecasters are acknowledging that we are nearing the end of the Bear Market.  Are we just bouncing along the bottom?  It may not yet be "as bad as it gets."   Determining the absolute bottom is only possible in retrospect.  Since we can't invest in retrospect, possibly "it doesn't get any better than this."

Attached are updated charts which I've been sending during this difficult period.

To open these attachments requires a free downloadable program from Adobe. Their hot link is: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/ .

For your reference, the hot link to my web site is:  http://www.moneyjungle.com/ .

Regards,  Jim

James O. Davis, Founder
The Financial Advisory Group
A Registered Investment Advisory Firm
299 Arguello Boulevard, Suite 306
San Francisco, CA 94118-1434
Phone: 415/752-6222
Web Site: http://moneyjungle.com/
Securities offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc.
A Registered Broker/Dealer Member FINRA / SIPC
James O. Davis, Registered Principal
California Insurance License: #0712211
Email: jdavis@moneyjungle.com

The preceding market commentary contains opinions of the author.  Statistics cited were obtained from sources believed to be reliable.  Past performance is no guarantee of future results.  Investments in stocks involve risks including possible loss of principal.

  Periodic Commentary - sent 10/31/02
  Hello Everyone,

RE:   October is History:  Now What?

On October 9, 2002, the major indexes touched or slipped below the July
2002 lows, making this bear market the longest in sixty years.

Standard & Poor's has announced:  "We think the October 9 low of 776.76
in the S&P 500 is the low for this bear market."  Possibly, Charles Schultze
summarized the last few years best on the October 22, 2002 Nightly Business
Report when he said:

"During the boom of the 1990s, business investment
spending, especially in large parts of the high tech sectors, grew faster
than warranted by any reasonable expectation of future sales.  And when the
boom petered out several years ago, business investment fell sharply, faster
than in any other recession of the past 40 years, and it has yet to begin
recovering. Nevertheless, the economy didn't collapse; the recession itself
was about the mildest in postwar history. A number of developments saved us
from a potentially much more serious problem.  Computerized  information
systems had kept inventories in better check than in earlier booms.  Helped
by aggressive Federal Reserve easing, interest and mortgage rates fell
sharply, housing construction boomed.  Home prices and home equities kept
rising, offsetting the depressing effects of falling stock prices on
consumer spending.  And as they refinanced their mortgages at lower interest
rates, many homeowners cashed in some of their higher home equities, and
spent it on consumer goods.  The squeeze on profits from the overhang of
excess capacity was softened by surprisingly good productivity growth.  All
of this was enough to halt the recession and begin a recovery.  Investment
is likely to remain sluggish and recovery slow for awhile as the excess
capacity from the boom is worked down.  But the U.S. economy should get high
marks for weathering a difficult storm."

Attached are updated charts showing the returns on the
S&P 500 Index as
of September 30, 2002
and the average returns for the last seven
decades.  Also attached is an updated
"What If's" Chart
based upon October 9, 2002 levels and an updated copy of my
"Bear Market History"
Chart.

To open these attachments requires a free downloadable program from
Adobe. Their hot link is:

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/

For your reference, the hot link to my web site is: 

http://www.moneyjungle.com/

 

Regards, 
Jim

James O. Davis, Founder
The Financial
Advisory Group

A Registered Investment Advisory Firm
299 Arguello Boulevard, Suite 306
San Francisco, CA 94118-1434
Phone: 415/752-6222
Web Site:
http://moneyjungle.com/
Securities offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc.
A Registered
Broker/Dealer Member FINRA / SIPC
James O. Davis, Registered
Principal
California
Insurance License: #0712211
Email:
jdavis@moneyjungle.com

The preceding
market commentary contains opinions of the author.  Statistics
cited were obtained from sources believed to be reliable.  Past
performance is no guarantee of future results.  Investments in
stocks involve risks including possible loss of principal.

  Periodic Commentary - sent 10/1/02
  Hello Everyone,

RE:  Bear Killer Months

By now, it's old news that the equity markets in third quarter of 2002
turned in the worst performance since the Crash of 1987.  As the economy
slowly recovers and prices of equities continue to decline, valuations
continue to improve.  If we weren't all very concerned, the bear market
would probably continue until we were.

At some point, hopefully soon, the geo-political / economic outlook will
improve and those who have stayed invested will be rewarded.  Some say
September and October are the worst months for equity markets.  An optimist
could point out that these two months mark the beginnings of many bull
markets.

The S & P 500 Index has not broken below it's July 23, 2002 close of
797.70.  Attached are charts showing the returns on the
S & P 500 Index
as of July 31, 2002
and the average returns for the last seven decades. 
Also attached is an updated
"What If's"
Chart showing lows through September 30, 2002 and another copy of my
"Bear Market History"
Chart.

To open these attachments requires a free downloadable program from
Adobe. Their hot link is:

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/

For your reference,: the hot link to my web site is: 

http://www.moneyjungle.com/

Regards, 
Jim

James O. Davis, Founder
The Financial
Advisory Group

A Registered Investment Advisory Firm
299 Arguello Boulevard, Suite 306
San Francisco, CA 94118-1434
Phone: 415/752-6222
Web Site:
http://moneyjungle.com/
Securities offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc.
A Registered
Broker/Dealer Member FINRA / SIPC
James O. Davis, Registered
Principal
California
Insurance License: #0712211
Email:
jdavis@moneyjungle.com

The preceding
market commentary contains opinions of the author.  Statistics
cited were obtained from sources believed to be reliable.  Past
performance is no guarantee of future results.  Investments in
stocks involve risks including possible loss of principal.

  Periodic Commentary - sent 08/09/02
 

Hello Everyone,

RE:  Bear Market History & What If's for the Decade 2000-2010

Attached are two pages of information which I've created in an attempt to put current market conditions into perspective.

I hope you'll find them interesting and helpful.

They say, "If it doesn't kill you, it will make you stronger."  Let's hope this experience makes us all stronger.

No one enjoys difficult markets.  Fortunately, when the right circumstances are present, there are a number of very effective strategies that take advantage of lower prices. 

Regards,  Jim

James O. Davis, Founder
The Financial Advisory Group
A Registered Investment Advisory Firm
299 Arguello Boulevard, Suite 306
San Francisco, CA 94118-1434
Phone: 415/752-6222
Web Site: http://moneyjungle.com/
Securities offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc.
A Registered Broker/Dealer Member FINRA / SIPC
James O. Davis, Registered Principal
California Insurance License: #0712211
Email: jdavis@moneyjungle.com

PS:  My web site is now "live."   Here's a hot link to it:  http://www.moneyjungle.com/
 

The preceding market commentary contains opinions of the author.  Statistics cited were obtained from sources believed to be reliable.  Past performance is no guarantee of future results.  Investments in stocks involve risks including possible loss of principal.