Recent Market Trends

Memo on Continued August 2011 Market Volatilty (50 KB)

This memo provides a brief discussion regarding the continued market volatility that has persisted throughout the month of August. 

Released August 2011 by Pension Consulting Alliance, Inc.
Copyright 2011 Pension Consulting Alliance, Inc.

Memo on August 2011 Market Issues (53 KB)

This memo provides a brief discussion regarding the recent market turmoil.  Please contact your PCA consultant for further discussion.

Released August 2011 by Pension Consulting Alliance, Inc.
Copyright 2011 Pension Consulting Alliance, Inc.

Response to Possible Downgrade of U.S. Treasury Debt (229 KB)

Recent headlines have been dominated by the debt ceiling debate with outcomes remaining uncertain.  PCA clients should review their fixed income guidelines to consider temporary and preventative steps to avoid the forced selling of U.S. Treasury securities or other government bond holdings into a potentially volatile market. 

Released July 2011 by Pension Consulting Alliance, Inc.
Jeremy Thiessen
Copyright 2011 Pension Consulting Alliance, Inc.

History Lessons (183 KB)

June 2010 by Pension Consulting Alliance, Inc.
Paul Mouchakkaa
Copyright 2010 Pension Consulting Alliance, Inc.

A discusson on the current downturn in the commercial real estate market

Comments on Federal Reserve Independence (102 KB)

January 2010 by Pension Consulting Alliance, Inc.

Review and Investment Recommendation on PPIP Investment Opportunities (71 KB)

August 2009 by Pension Consulting Alliance, Inc.

Review and Investment Recommendation on TALF Investment Opportunities
(280 KB)

July 2009 by Pension Consulting Alliance, Inc.

Real Estate Market Commentary - As of July 15, 2009 (22 KB)

July 2009 by Pension Consulting Alliance, Inc. - Real Estate Group

A Review of Interest Rate Spreads - As of May 31, 2009 (163 KB)

June 2009 by Pension Consulting Alliance, Inc.

The landscape for interest rates and credit spreads since the end of 2008 continues to change dramatically as investors are beginning to see the potential for profits in credit.

A Study of the Worst Weeks (33 KB)

Updated 10/10/08. Review of the worst calendar week on record for U.S. public equity market performance.

A Recap of Significant Market Declines (21 KB)

Updated 10/7/08. A brief perspective, comparing recent market results with a few other major market declines occurring over the last five decades.

A Brief History of Market Crisis (39 KB)

Updated as of 9/30/08. Market performance in light of certain market crises as exhibited by the VIX index (a measure of implied volatility on the S&P 500)