Howard Capital Management Reviews - Wealth Watch & Global Weekly Summary
Tailored Investment Solutions from Howard Capital Management and J. Martin Wealth
Located in Roswell, Georgia, Howard Capital Management (HCM) is an SEC-Registered Investment Advisor Firm. They aim to deliver professional money management solutions to individuals seeking growth while maintaining a prudent investment approach. The firm offers the use of the HCM-BuyLine®, developed by Vance Howard, CEO and Portfolio Manager at Howard Capital Management Inc., which has been their cornerstone since 1996. This stop-loss safeguard is crafted to provide timely guidance during market volatility. The HCM-BuyLine® effectively reduces downside risk by moving from equities to cash and cash equivalents while actively identifying opportunities to boost equity exposure during a market upswing.
J. Martin Wealth, based in Arizona, provides fiduciary financial advice tailored to help you meet your financial goals. Led by Jeff Martin, our team focuses on personalized investment strategies that align with your risk tolerance, time horizon, and unique objectives. Whether planning for retirement, managing your investments, or seeking comprehensive financial guidance, we are here to provide solutions that put your best interests first. Serving clients in Gilbert, Chandler, Maricopa, and throughout Arizona, we are committed to delivering transparent, client-centered service.
Howard Capital - Global Weekly Summary
Expected Fed Easing Fuels Late Market Gains
December 19, 2025
- Posted By: Editorial Team
Global markets retreated sharply this week on adverse labor market data and apprehensions of an AI bubble. The week, however, ended on a positive note, buoyed by the announcement of cooling inflation data. Micron Technology outperformed the technology sector due to strong quarterly performance and an upbeat guidance for the second fiscal quarter.
On the geopolitical front, President Trump addressed the nation, recollecting the administration’s accomplishments in reducing border crossings and lowering prices. President Donald Trump also ordered a blockade on oil tankers entering or exiting Venezuela. Kevin Hassett’s candidacy for the post of Federal Reserve chair encountered increasing dissent from within the administration. The debate over the independence of the Federal Reserve was revived by President Donald Trump, suggesting an advisory role on interest rate decisions.
Global Updates
- The MSCI All Country World Index fell during the week, as investors reacted to soft labor market data, indicating slower non-farm payroll growth and a rise in unemployment, and brought renewed doubts about further Fed rate cuts.
- The US unemployment rate increased to 4.6% in November.
- The HCOB Flash Eurozone Manufacturing PMI fell to 49.2 in December.
- The annual inflation rate in the UK slowed to 3.2% in November, compared to 3.6% in October and forecasts of 3.5%. The largest downward contribution came from prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Ukraine signals a major shift in negotiations with Russia by dropping its demand for NATO membership, aiming to advance peace talks.
- President Donald Trump ordered on Tuesday a “blockade” of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, in Washington’s latest move to increase pressure on Nicolas Maduro’s government, targeting its main source of income.
- Pfizer fell after the drugmaker forecast a challenging 2026 due to weaker sales of COVID-19 products and squeezed margins.
- Diageo has agreed to sell its 65% stake in East African Breweries Ltd. to Japan’s Asahi Group Holdings Ltd. for $2.3 billion.
U.S. Equity
- U.S. equity markets retreated over the week, with major broad-based indices posting losses. The reemergence of fears of an AI bubble and labor market data indicating a four-year high unemployment weighed on investor sentiments. However, the markets recovered on Thursday following the release of data signaling cooler-than-expected inflation in November.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that consumer price inflation eased to 2.7% in November, down from 3.0% in September. Core inflation also declined, moving from 3.0% in September to 2.6% in November. The moderation in inflation was largely driven by lower prices for hotel stays, recreation, and apparel, along with a slowdown in shelter costs. However, economists expressed caution regarding the inflation data, citing potential distortions due to the absence of October price data.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the unemployment rate rose to a four-year high of 4.6% in November, while the economy added 64,000 jobs. The report also included partial October data, as complete figures were unavailable due to the government shutdown
- Micron Technology reported fiscal first-quarter earnings per share of $4.78, significantly exceeding expectations, on revenue of $13.64 billion, also above estimates. The company raised its fiscal second-quarter revenue guidance to $18.70 billion, citing robust AI-driven demand for computer memory.
- Cannabis stocks rallied during the week after President Trump approved the order for the reclassification of Cannabis which is expected to ease the existing restrictions on the industry.
- Oracle shares declined following reports that Blue Owl Capital withdrew from its planned collaboration on the Michigan data center project. Oracle later clarified that it is in discussions to negotiate a potential equity deal to support the project.
- Amazon is reportedly considering a $10 billion investment in OpenAI, which may include the adoption of Amazon’s AI chips.
- The Warner Bros. Discovery board has recommended a rejection of Paramount’s hostile takeover bid of $10.84 billion to its shareholders, citing the elevated risks with its financing structure.
- Tesla’s market capitalization rose to $1.63 trillion following reports of progress on its autonomous driving initiative and plans to test driverless Robotaxis in Austin, Texas.
- SpaceX is reportedly preparing for an insider share sale, which would value the company at USD 800 billion.
Fixed Income
- The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index was in line over the week.
- The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield edged down to 4.12%, and the yield on the 2-year note declined to 3.46% over the week.
- The U.S. Dollar Index edged up to 98.66 over the week.
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Wealth Watch: From the desk of Vance Howard
Don’t Blink: History Says January Predicts the Market with 73% Accuracy
Posted By: Vance Howard - December 26, 2025
The S&P 500 is very close to hitting our target of 7000 with a few trading days left in 2025. We are bullish in 2026 with our target of 7800. Of course, guessing where the S&P 500 lands brings with it a lot of unknowns, which is the case in any given year. January is critical, let me tell you why. The stock trader’s almanac states that January predicts the year’s course with a .733 batting average. Every down January on the S&P since 1950, without exception, preceded a new or extended bear market, flat market, or a 10% correction. If the S&P gains in January’s first five days, it precedes full-year gains 83.3% of the time. In other words, hope for a good January.
Alphabet Inc. (GOOG) looks like it is ready to break out. And look at IBIT, the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF, which is re-testing its lows, and it looks like it has based and is ready to move higher. Gold has been moving higher, which we feel is taking away from the Bitcoin trade and we should start to see a rotation back into IBIT.
We are hitting the sweet spot-on jobless claims. Initial claims for unemployment insurance fell 10,000 last week to a lower-than-expected 214,000. It was the sixth decline in the past seven weeks, keeping initial claims range-bound since late-2021 and low by historical norms. Despite slower job growth and other signs of the labor market cooling off, the initial claims data suggests that layoffs remain subdued, which is consistent with continued economic expansion.
Real GDP surprised to the upside in Q3, rising at a 4.3% annualized rate, the fastest pace in two years, and above the final GDP estimate of 3.5%. Most major GDP components made positive contributions, led by consumer spending and net exports. Government spending strengthened, and capex growth moderated, while residential investment remained a drag.
On a y/y basis, real GDP was up 2.3%, staying on track for a solid expansion this year, despite the policy upheaval and a likely dent to output growth in Q4 from the record-long government shutdown.
The HCM-BuyLine® Explained
Curious how the HCM-BuyLine® works—and whether it fits your investment strategy?
The HCM-BuyLine® is a proprietary, rules-based investment tool designed to help manage portfolio risk by using market momentum indicators. Instead of relying on emotional decision-making, the BuyLine® uses quantitative data to signal when to reduce equity exposure and when to re-enter the market. This can help protect capital during major downturns and participate in uptrends when conditions improve.
For investors seeking an alternative to traditional buy-and-hold strategies, the HCM-BuyLine® offers a more dynamic, tactical investment approach. Its methodology may be especially valuable during periods of volatility or economic uncertainty.
Have you seen this kind of strategy from your current financial advisor? Are you looking for an investment philosophy that adapts to changing market conditions?
At J. Martin Wealth, we believe in aligning your financial plan with tools that are built to adapt. The HCM-BuyLine® is one example of how data-driven investing can support long-term goals while managing downside risk.
The HCM-BuyLine® is a proprietary indicator and does not guarantee investment results or prevent losses. All investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal.
Ready to Learn More?
Schedule a complimentary consultation to explore how the HCM-BuyLine® and other tactical strategies may fit into your overall investment plan.
Who is Vance Howard?
Vance Howard embarked on his professional career in the financial industry in 1992, establishing Chartered Financial Services, Inc. He subsequently founded Howard Capital Management, Inc. in 1999, a fee-only Registered Investment Advisor. Mr. Howard brings expertise in the analysis, creation, and execution of diverse trading strategies.
Prior to his focus on financial services, Mr. Howard founded Delta Waste Services in 1988, a waste management company he later sold in 1992. Additionally, he co-published investment-focused newsletters, "The Savvy Investor" and the "SI Intermediate-term Trader", which garnered an international readership across over 25 countries between 1992-1999.
Demonstrating a commitment to community, Vance has served on the Huntsville, Texas city council for four terms, including two terms as mayor pro tem. His civic involvement extends to roles such as Huntsville's City Finance Chairman, Chairman of the Huntsville/Walker County 911 Emergency Service, and board positions on the Houston/Galveston Economic Development Council and the District 910 Legal Grievance Committee. He is a former President and active member of the Huntsville Rotary Club.
Outside of the professional sphere, Vance collaborates with family members in the operation of the Bar C Ranch in Madisonville, Texas, where they specialize in raising registered longhorn cattle. His leisure interests include travel with his wife and children, cycling, kayaking, scuba diving, and hiking.
“We aim to take emotion completely out of the equation. Trading with emotions, in our opinion, ruins long-term returns.”
— VANCE HOWARD, CEO + PORTFOLIO MANAGER
Disclosure:
Howard Capital Management, Inc, issues this communication. It is for informational purposes and is not an official confirmation of terms. It is not guaranteed as to the accuracy, nor is it a complete statement of the financial products or markets referred to. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. Howard Capital Management, Inc. may maintain long or short positions in the financial instruments referred to and transact as principal or agent. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, this is not a recommendation, offer, or solicitation to buy or sell, and any prices or quotations contained herein are indicative only. To the extent permitted by law, Howard Capital Management, Inc. does not accept any liability arising from using this communication. Howard Capital Management is an SEC-registered investment advisor that only does business where it is properly registered or is otherwise exempt from registration. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission nor indicates that the advisor has attained a particular skill or ability. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
This newsletter is a publication of Howard Capital Management, Inc. It should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed, nor should the newsletter be construed as personalized investment advice. All expressions of opinion reflect the author's judgment as of the publication date and are subject to change. It should not be viewed as legal or tax advice. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your legal or tax situation. There can be no guarantee that the HCM-BuyLine® indicator will perform as anticipated. Stoploss protection will not necessarily limit your losses to the desired amounts due to the limitations of the HCM-BuyLine®, market conditions, and delays in executing orders. It is not an actual stop-loss order that automatically sells securities in the portfolio at a certain price.
Past performance is not indicative of future results. The material above has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from thirdparty sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed, and J. Martin Wealth Management makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information, which should not be used as the basis of any investment decision. Information contained on third party websites that J. Martin Wealth Management may link to are not reviewed in their entirety for accuracy and J. Martin Wealth Management assumes no liability for the information contained on these websites. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of writing and are subject to change without notice. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission from J. Martin Wealth Management. For more information about J. Martin Wealth Management, including our Form ADV brochures, please visit https://adviserinfo.sec.gov or contact us at 480-630-6177.