Safian Investment Research

     Safian Investment Research, Inc., (SIR) and its predecessor firm, Smilen and Safian, Inc. have been providing institutional clients with uniquely creative and innovative investment research for almost half a century.  It all began in 1961 with the publication of “The Dual Market Principle,” a monograph which divided the market into two distinct sector averages each consisting of either “growth” or “cyclical” equities, and which showed that a bull and bear market could exist simultaneously.  The study was the introduction of modern “sector analysis,” which is now widely accepted.  The recent environment has produced greater government influence on economic conditions.  As a result, sector analysis has become an increasingly vital investment research tool.  SIR believes that great transition is occurring in the world and that a new era is developing which requires a different approach to industry and economic analysis.  SIR is confident that it has the experience and the record to produce the new thinking to provide such analysis.

     Over the years, the firm has refined and expanded its studies and has developed many original economic series and approaches for both stock market and economic forecasting purposes.  For example, in 1984 it introduced the Composite Forecasting Index (CFI), which successfully forecast each of the past three recessions of 1990-90, 2000-2001, and 2008.  Those were the only recessions which were forecast.  There were no false predictions.

       Based on its research SIR produced a Recommended Equity Portfolio for Institutions Investors, starting in 1972, which significantly outperformed both the Dow Jones and the S&P 500 averages.  SIR had managed money for many years and stopped managing money and issuing its recommended portfolio in August 2008.  Our clients’ assets are currently being managed by a former employee of Safian Investment research.

        Ken Safian, the president of SIR, is a graduate of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.  He started his career at Dreyfus & Co. where the legendary Jack Dreyfus served as his early mentor.  Another important mentor was Edward Johnson of the Fidelity organization.  Ken has served as a director of the NY Society of Security Analysts, as a member of the National Association of Business Economists and is currently on the Executive Committee of Edward Jones and Co.  He testified at a number of Congressional and other governmental hearings and has written articles for Barron’s Magazine and other financial publications.  He was a major shareholder and investment policy director for Regent Investor Services, which managed $3 billion and was sold in the early 1990s to Alliance Capital.

     In addition to the Composite Forecasting Index, SIR also regularly produces the following publications:

     The Investment Strategy Report, which covers various aspects of the economy and offers timely investment insights based on original research.  Various economic and technical series are discussed as part of this report.

      Political Notes, which reviews the impact of political development and governmental policies affecting the national economy and the stock market.  Ken has been consulting with government officials in Washington for more than 30 years.

      Payment for our research can be made by check and made payable to Safian Investment Research, inc. or through commission business directed to Grace Financial Group, LLC.  Grace is an “agency only” firm and does not make markets or engage in investment banking.  It is a member of FINRA, NFA, NYSE Arca, and SIPC, and clears all its business through Goldman Sachs Execution and Clearing LP.

              We would be happy to send you a recent copy of our Investment Strategy report if you contact us.