The 150^th playing of Lafayette vs Lehigh football game was a tremendous milestone for both schools. The administrations of both schools took a significant financial risk, overcame many logistical challenges, and pulled off a great show. It was a tribute to the schools on a national level.

Since I have a degree from both schools, I could not lose regardless of the final score. Which school do I really favor? Well, that depends upon the topic because I feel I learned my social skills at Lafayette, and I learned my trade at Lehigh!

Thomas M. Riddle
President, VNFA

I love my new iPhone. The 6 plus is big enough to take the place of my iPad and small enough to fit into my pocket. Its operating system handles voice recognition very well for accurate dictation. The quality of the photo pictures and video is very impressive. Apple has improved the battery life, made it thinner, and reduced its weight. And, it does not bend, contrary to initial, unsubstantiated claims.

Thomas M. Riddle
President, VNFA

Most of the time the U.S. stock market looks to 3 factors (call them the “pillars” that support the stock market) to support its upward trend – let’s grade each of the pillars.

CONSUMER SPENDING: We grade this factor to A- (very favorable)

THE FED AND ITS POLICIES: We continue to grade this factor an A+ (extremely favorable) because the FED cannot do much more than it is doing to support the stock market and asset prices.

BUSINESS PROFITABILITY: We have raised this factor grade to a B+ (above average).

OTHER CONCERNS: The “Heat Map” is indicating the U.S. stock market is in good shape ASSUMING no international crisis. We have added the risk of an EBOLA pandemic to the “powder keg” in the Middle East to the situations to be watched. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest level of crisis, we rate these collectively as a 2. Risks continue to lurk, and they deserve our ongoing attention.

NOTE: There is no change from the previous Weekly Commentary.

I just returned from a four-day investment conference hosted by Charles Schwab in Denver. It was the 4^th of these annual Impact Meetings which I and several of Valley National advisors have attended in the last four years. I picked up some enlightening, actionable information which I intend to discuss in upcoming weeks. And I met some famous people. More information on this topic will be forthcoming.

Thomas M. Riddle
President, VNFA

It’s November. Already. Autumn is passing by too quickly. The windy weekend stripped most of the color from the trees, baseball season has ended, and the opportunities to play golf are few. The first snowfall could happen any day. Look forward, football season is entering the most exciting period and Thanksgiving is only several weeks away.  As Gordon Ramsay said, “I don’t like looking back. I’m always constantly looking forward. I’m not the one to sort of sit and cry over spilled milk. I’m too busy looking for the next cow.”

Thomas M. Riddle
President, VNFA

I attended the Penn State game and was disappointed with the outcome. But, the ride was Brilliant! The fall foliage was at its max color in central Pennsylvania. The trip up through the mountains along the Juniata River on Route 322 to State College from Harrisburg was breath-taking.   The Route 322 upgrade certainly propels it into the list of Pennsylvania’s most scenic roads.

Thomas M. Riddle
President, VNFA

Thanks to all of you who responded with your favorite restaurants in the Lehigh Valley for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Jo Anne and I intend to use your ideas to our culinary delight.

Thomas M. Riddle
President, VNFA

If you dine out in the Bethlehem area, you might bump into my wife Jo Anne and me at one of our favorites:

Breakfast or Lunch:

Jumbars – 1342 Chelsea Ave, Bethlehem. Colorful, unique, high quality food worth the wait. http://jumbars.com

The Hellertown Diner – 29 Main St., Hellertown. “Typical” diner with atypical food, service and prices.

Dinner:

The Kingfish – 3833 Freemansburg Ave, Bethlehem. Thank you to the owners of Beck’s Land & Sea to open a new restaurant in my nook. The wine bar uses an argon gas system to ensure each glass of wine is served perfectly at 59 degrees. Chilean sea bass and the pork chop is the best around town. http://www.kingfishbethlehem.com

Apollo Grill – 85 W Broad St, Bethlehem. A social bar setting and a wonderful, wide assortment of appetizers is a demonstration of good things to come. http://www.apollogrill.com

Jo Anne and I are always looking for a new cuisine experience. So, please share your favorites with us.

Thomas M. Riddle
President, VNFA

The Pittsburgh Pirates have made the playoffs as a “wild-card” team. The Pirates will play a one game contest in Pittsburgh against the SF Giants to determine who will face the Washington Nationals.

2014 will go down as a very successful year for the Pirates. The Pittsburgh batters were outstanding in the National League: 2^nd in team Batting Average, 2^nd in On Base Percentage, first in pinch hitting batting average, and 3^rd in home runs. Harrison and McCutchen finished with the 2^nd and 3^rd best batting average in the league.

However, their pitchers wobbled between periods of greatness to periods of disappointment. For the season, the Pirates pitching staff’s statistics were average.

The Pirates attendance and other revenues jumped in 2014. I suspect they can be much more competitive in retaining key players in the future. And, the farm system holds some great talent with bright prospects.

Regardless of what happens in the playoffs, the future looks bright for the Pirates.

Thomas M. Riddle
President, VNFA

I joined the Grandfathers’ Club!

On Thursday, my older daughter Erika delivered a healthy baby boy, Maxwell Petrozelli. “Max” like Erika and her husband Matt, has a full head of black hair. At birth, he weighed 8 lbs 3 oz and his length was 21 inches. Erika, Matt and Max live in Saucon Valley, a 17 minute drive from my house. I suspect the route between my house and Max’s will become a well worn path.

Thomas M. Riddle
President, VNFA