As 2017 closed, it has become clear that the "animal spirits" that guide the markets can shake off natural disasters, populist uprisings, a nuclear threat, and an ongoing stream of fodder for what once would have been Presidential scandals, but now pass for business as usual in the Trump Administration...

With the failure of Congressional Republicans to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, tax reform is now thrust to the front of the line as the White House and Congressional Republicans look for their first major legislative policy win.

Many U.S. based investors largely invest in domestic companies and institutions, whether through equity investments in U.S. companies, the purchase of debt issued by those same companies, or debt issued by state and federal governments. However, ignoring the myriad opportunities available outside the United States can potentially hinder performance in the long term.