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April 1, 2017

Dear Client: Returns for the major stock indices for the first quarter of 2017 and the current bond market yields are as follows: Index YTD 2017 Dow Jones Industrial Average 4.56% S&P 500 5.53%   Fixed Income Yields 1 year 5 year 10 year 30 year Municipals 0.85% 1.58% 2.26% 3.07% US Treasuries 1.02% 1.92% 2.39% 3.01%   The equity markets are off to a strong start in 2017.  The markets continue to grind higher despite fearmongering about a sell-off being around the corner and the misguided notion that bull markets can die of old age alone. We fully concede the market has had an eight-year run from its March 9th, 2009 low; but we believe this was a multi-generational low that corresponded with a mass confluence of structural issues, many of which have been reconciled.  We further understand that economic cycles are quite natural and the emotions and politics that accompany these cycles are often predictable and repeated.  Below are some of the indicators we monitor that are NOT yet in place to derail the bull market: An inverted yield curve/widening credit spreads. This is when long-term rates yield less than short-term rates. Translation: the debt market sees more risk in the short term than the long term. Stock prices relative to earnings ratios excessively above norms. Earnings are still rising and no significant earnings warnings have been announced. Euphoric buying/speculative excess in public equity markets. We see no signs of excessive speculation. Heavy inflows into equity funds. Investment into equity funds vs. bond funds is nowhere near comparable peaks in the markets. Significantly increased IPO activity. When...