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August 4, 2026

by Mark Carlton, CFA®

Trademark Quarterly Commentary 2Q.2026

Summary Stocks roared back from a disappointing first quarter with a 14.1% gain in the second quarter.  That brought the year-to-date return up to 10.2%.  Technology did the heavy lifting – that sector rose 41.4% while the other ten sectors lagged the S&P 500’s gain.  In a complete reversal from the first quarter, energy was […]
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Investment Insights for Advisors

Ongoing market commentary and portfolio research from the team that manages the portfolios — designed to support the conversations you have with clients.

Market Perspective

Commentary on the events moving markets, written as the news develops. Each update gives advisors context for timely client conversations.

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Portfolio Strategy

Longer-form research on portfolio construction — asset allocation, structure, and how we manage risk across stocks, bonds, and beyond.

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Quarterly Perspective

A deeper review published each quarter — the events that mattered, the themes beneath them, and what we are watching next.

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The Trademark Take

A weekly look at the charts our investment team is watching, and what they suggest for portfolio management.

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Our Latest Insights

January 18, 2012

by Mark Carlton, CFA®

Quarterly Perspective for 4Q11

Summary As is so often the case with stocks, a very bad quarter was followed by a very good one.  Last quarter the stock market rose...
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January 12, 2012

by Mark Carlton, CFA®

Market Perspective for 1/12/12

Last Friday’s unemployment report was stronger than expected.  200,000 new jobs were created last month, and the overall unemployment...
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December 16, 2011

by Mark Carlton, CFA®

Market Perspective for 12/16/11

The Federal Reserve met Tuesday and decided not to do anything.  They were probably influenced by a slightly better employment report...
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