Returns for week ending 1/2/09

Strategic Growth Model (SGM) portfolio, returns for past…
1 week: +1.3%
26 weeks: +5.5%
52 weeks: +34.4%

Value of $10,000 invested at inception: $53,684

The footprints of a Secular Bear

In a Secular Bear Market (US), US Treasuries perform better than US equities over a 10 year span. Here we see that the S&P 500 is down over 26% over the past 10 years. Note that several international indices have done much better.

Dow performance 2008

To put this year's performance in perspective, this chart illustrates the 15 worst calendar year performances of the Dow since its inception in 1896. As today's chart illustrates, the Dow's performance in 2008 ranks as the third worst on record. Only 1931 and 1907 endured greater declines. It is of interest that major banking crises occurred in 1931, 1907, 2008, and 1930 – the four worst calendar years on record in terms of stock market performance.

The Nasdaq Composite had its worst year ever in 2008, while the S&P 500 Index had its third worst year ever.

Here is the yearly performance for 2008.

Dow Jones industrials -33.84
S&P 500 -38.49
Nasdaq Composite -40.54
Russell 2000 small cap -34.80

Returns for week ending 12/26/08

Strategic Growth Model (SGM) portfolio, returns for past…
1 week: +1.0%
26 weeks: +6.6%
52 weeks: +29.0%

Value of $10,000 invested at inception: $52,995

Returns for week ending 12/19/08

Strategic Growth Model (SGM) portfolio, returns for past…
1 week: -2.1%
26 weeks: +7.5%
52 weeks: +27.8%

Value of $10,000 invested at inception: $52,446

Returns for week ending 12/12/08

Strategic Growth Model (SGM) portfolio, returns for past…
1 week: -1.3%
26 weeks: +10.3%
52 weeks: +28.3%

Value of $10,000 invested at inception: $53,544

SGM portfolio is on a SELL signal, next week’s holdings:
1/2 of funds in RWM
1/2 of funds in CASH

Returns for week ending 12/05/08

Strategic Growth Model (SGM) portfolio, returns for past…
1 week: +0.4%
26 weeks: +12.5%
52 weeks: +34.2%

Value of $10,000 invested at inception: $54,222

SGM portfolio is on a SELL signal, next week’s holdings:
1/2 of funds in RWM
1/2 of funds in CASH