Recent Commentary

The Bull Market Powers Higher

As we expected, many companies (about 67%) are beating the bottom line consensus estimates for Q1. The earnings bar was set low by both the companies and analysts coming into earnings season making the forecasts easier to beat. And the prior periods of weak guidance...

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The Fourth Industrial Revolution

The Fourth Industrial Revolution

What a difference a quarter can make. Last week Fed Chairman Powell all but admitted that he and the Fed were wrong raising the Fed funds rate in December and all but called off interest rate increases in 2019. They expect one increase in 2020. The initial market...

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New Sector Leadership

The stock market continues its amazing run from the December 24th low and is now up about 18% since then. The percentage of stocks in the S&P 500 that are trading above their 50-day moving averages crossed above 90% for the first time in nearly three years. A...

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Can 2019 Earnings Drive Stock Prices Higher?

Can 2019 Earnings Drive Stock Prices Higher?

My business partner and co-author of these commentaries, Steve Riley, has decided to leave Clearview to pursue other interests.  His many contributions will be missed. This week marks the anniversary of the January, 2018 fevered peak in stocks. Since then stocks are...

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2019:  Money in Motion

2019: Money in Motion

Fourth Quarter Recap:  What a difference a quarter can make. The S&P 500 was up 9% through September but then declined 14% in Q4 to end (6.2)% for the year. Many other U.S. stock market measures were down more. And volatility raged throughout the quarter....

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Technical Analysis of the Stock Market

Technical Analysis of the Stock Market

One of the main reasons for the recent October/November correction in stock prices is the escalating trade war between China and the U.S. So investors cheered when progress was made last Saturday night at the G20 Summit in Argentina between President Trump and Chinese...

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Red October

Red October

Q & A It seems timely this is the month for our annual Q&A.  Here are the most frequently asked questions by clients and other professionals:   What is causing the current stock market correction?   Concerns seem to be piling on making this a deep pull back....

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Archives

Knowledge – Results

Experts in Risk Management

Are you prepared for the next market correction or financial crisis?

Knowledge – Results

Experts in Risk Management

Are you prepared for the next market correction or financial crisis?

Knowledge – Results

Experts in Risk Management

Are you prepared for the next market correction or financial crisis?

Knowledge – Results

Experts in Risk Management

Are you prepared for the next market correction or financial crisis?

Real Retirement Solutions

designed to improve
  • Wealth Preservation
  • Management of Risky Assets
  • Peace of Mind

This is achieved through an ongoing assessment of market risks given your specific financial situation and goals.

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Professional Expertise

Leadership Team

Richard Furmanski

Richard Furmanski

CFA

has been a portfolio manager and analyst for over 35 years. He manages conservative, tax-efficient portfolios for both pre-retirees and retirees. His lower risk approach appeals to investors who want less volatility and competitive risk-adjusted returns.

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Mary Ellen Adam

Mary Ellen Adam

Director of Operations

has been in office administration for over twenty years. Her experience includes customer service, firm operations, and office administration. She interacts with our clients on a day-to-day basis and handles any requests that may arise.

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you can't find the answer to your questions here, feel free to give us a call at 847-847-2505

Do you manage both stock and bond portfolios?

Yes. We build a portfolio of conservative, high-quality stocks and hold them for the long-term. The average holding period is 4 – 5 years. Our focus is on stocks that are suitable for retirement portfolios.

Our high-quality bond portfolios are designed to provide both income and stability of principal. Bonds provide the anchor for balanced accounts (those holding both stocks and bonds).

What is your investment philosophy?
We take great care in purchasing only high-quality stocks and bonds intent on a multi-year holding period. Portfolio turnover and taxable realized gains are modest in comparison to other active managers. We do not time the market but will become more defensive, in terms of stock holdings, when market conditions warrant.
Will the portfolio be managed in accordance with my financial goals?
Yes. Each of our clients has a custom-tailored portfolio. These custom portfolios are designed to meet specific client objectives with a thoughtful approach to specific constraints such as risk tolerance. And as each client’s situation changes, the portfolio does as well. There is no cookie cutter approach.
What kind of expertise do you have and how can that help me in difficult markets?
We have been working with high-net-worth clients like you since 1982. Over that time we have helped them to navigate several bear markets and financial crises (including the stock market crash of 1987). We hold the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designations.
Are you sensitive to taxes when managing portfolios?
Yes. Our holding period for an individual stock averages 4 plus years which means our turnover is low and realized gains can be carefully managed. Further, where possible, we tax loss harvest small losses as a way of offsetting gains taken elsewhere in the portfolio.
How have you performed?
Results will differ by client and the level of customization but we have provided competitive investment returns for many years.
How do you charge for your services?
We charge a management or consultant fee based upon the size and level of customization of the account. As the account grows, we benefit together.

Recent Commentaries

Stay up to date with all of our latest comments and analysis.

May 2025 Market Commentary

Earnings season has been strong. The results could have sparked more bearishness, but instead have generally been a...

June 2023 Market Commentary

We mentioned in our May commentary that the main theme for the next bull market could very well be Artificial Intelligence (AI).   Although fundamentals and valuation metrics lead us to believe we are not yet in a new bull market, no one has told investors in AI...

May 2023 Market Commentary

Corporate earnings season for Q1 is now about halfway completed. So far, modest expectations have been exceeded.  Coming in, investors expected a 6.3% drop in profits.  Now a 4.2% decline is expected.  Here are year-over-year earnings forecasts for the rest of 2023...

April 2023 Market Commentary

The S&P 500 had a solid month in March; up 3.5%.  But not everything rallied in March.  Small caps and mid-caps were down 3-5%.  Only 3 of 11 equity sectors are up March YTD.  And high quality stocks have been lagging all year as shown by the difference in...

Monthly Updates

October 2023 Mid-Month Recap

Corporate earnings season has just started for Q3, but early results are positive. Industry estimates for members of the S&P 500 indicate profits of 1.3% higher than a year earlier – a nice improvement from the second quarter’s decline of 2.6%.  S&P 500...

September 2023 Mid-Month Recap

One of the drawbacks of stronger economic data for the U.S. economy is that interest rates just won’t stop going up and are near recent highs from last fall.  If or when they break these higher levels, the short-term reaction from the stock market will likely be...

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