June 2023 - AMI's Equity Portfolio Manager Andy Zamfotis discusses the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the markets and society at large. “Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks requiring human-like intelligence, such as speech recognition, decision-making, and problem-solving. AI has the potential to bring numerous benefits to society. It can enhance efficiency and productivity across various sectors, including healthcare, transportation, finance, and entertainment. AI-powered technologies enable faster and more accurate data analysis, leading to improved diagnostics, personalized medicine, and optimized treatment plans in healthcare. In transportation, AI can enhance autonomous driving systems,...

May 2022 - AMI's Research Team discusses the recent market decline, what is driving it and where things go from here.   The stock market, as defined by the S&P 500, continued to decline in April falling 8.7% after posting a 4.60% decline in the first quarter. In Q1, the market focus was largely on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with rising commodities a secondary worry. In April, the focus shifted to inflation and the Federal Reserve interest rate hike response that would likely slow the economy and increase recession risk.   Inflation remains elevated with April CPI at 8.1%, leading investors...

February 2022 - The Russian invasion of Ukraine last week has increased uncertainty in the markets and thus pushed stocks lower. The situation is very fluid, and the ultimate outcome is far from known. We expect many twists and turns on the way to a resolution and we believe it will likely take some time to resolve. There are three main impacts to the U.S. stock market: geopolitical uncertainty increasing volatility, direct effects on companies that sell to Russia and Ukraine, and the secondary effects of potential sanctions against Russia.   The stock market does not like uncertainty and therefore, this has been...

January 2022 - The stock market, as defined by the S&P 500, ended 2021 near an all-time high, but has since slid 8% in a relatively short timeframe. We believe inflation fears, the Federal Reserve’s tightening of monetary policy, and fears of Russia invading Ukraine are the primary triggers for the selling. While inflation and the Fed have been known to investors for some time, the Russia situation is new and potentially concerning should the situation escalate. Nevertheless, we believe this is a normal and healthy correction that could stabilize and reverse with some good news. For reference, a correction is typically defined as...

September 2021 - The stock market is currently sitting at an all-time high even though the world is seeing a resurgence in COVID cases and hospitalizations. The best explanations for this dynamic appear to be that investors have become accustomed to life with COVID and it is looking increasingly likely that we will have to live with this disease for some time. Investors may also be looking past the current surge as the Delta variant could soon subside in the U.S. if it follows the same pattern as India. Moreover, corporate earnings should ultimately be what drives stock prices and earnings results...