Weekly Commentary
Looking Beneath The Surface Of The Rally
Looking beneath the surface of the rally. Stock markets in the United States moved higher last week on enthusiasm for artificial intelligence (AI), strong corporate earnings, and signs of resilience in the U.S. economy, reported Connor...
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The Stock Market Rally Continued
The stock market rally continued. April ended with the Standard & Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) and Nasdaq Composite Indexes at record-high levels, having delivered their best monthly returns since 2020, reported Connor Smith of Barron’s. In...
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It’s All About How You Slice The Index Pie
It’s all about how you slice the index pie.Last week, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500) closed at a new record high even though 329 of its 500 stocks lost value, reported Connor Smith of Barron’s.How is that possible? The S&P...
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The Market Completes A 180
The market completes a 180.One of the most exciting driving sequences in movies may be the scene from Baby Driver when “Baby” (a reluctant getaway driver) slings a red Subaru into a narrow 180-degree turn, slides backward between...
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Sunny With A Chance Of Rain
Sunny with a chance of rain. Last week, news of a two-week pause in the Middle East conflict was like a sunny day. Investors celebrated and the relief rally lifted U.S. stocks higher. “The cease-fire announced on Tuesday led to the...
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The First Three Months Of 2026 Felt A Bit Like Summer School.
The first three months of 2026 felt a bit like summer school. In summer school, students learn a lot in a short amount of time. A normal semester gives students about 15 to 17 weeks to learn, but summer classes cram all that...
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U.S. Stocks Moved Lower Last Week
U.S. stocks moved lower last week. The journey toward long-term financial goals is often interrupted by unexpected events that create stress and uncertainty. That’s one reason financial plans are built with a keen eye to risk tolerance...
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The Interest Rate Outlook Shifted
The interest rate outlook shifted.Last week, central banks around the globe met to set policy rates. While most chose to leave rates unchanged, many expressed concern about the potential economic consequences of the War in Iran,...
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Stagflation Worries Rise
Stagflation worries rise. Over the past couple of weeks, the term stagflation has been popping up a lot. The United States experienced stagflation, which is a combination of high inflation, slow economic growth, and high unemployment,...
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Energy Disruptions, Rising Prices, And A Weak Jobs Report Cloud The Economic Outlook.
Energy disruptions, rising prices, and a weak jobs report cloud the economic outlook.It would take a lot more space than we have here to discuss everything that happened last week and the many ways these events may affect financial...
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) Is The New Industrial Revolution.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the new Industrial Revolution. Last week, market volatility reflected uncertainty about how artificial intelligence will reshape the economy. Early in the week, a report titled “The 2028 Global...
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When It Rains It Pours
When it rains it pours.People respond in different ways when they’re caught in a downpour without an umbrella or rain gear. Some walk as they seek shelter, others run. Occasionally, on warm days, people may celebrate the storm by...
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AI Is Reshaping The World - And Markets Are Jittery
AI is reshaping the world – and markets are jittery.Last week, investor attitudes continued to shift. Instead of celebrating AI as a growth engine, they focused on its potential as a business disruptor. The catalyst for this change was...
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Investor Mood Matters
Investor mood matters.Over the past month, we’ve seen five sharp stock market declines – and five rebounds, reported Charles Riley of Bloomberg. He pointed out that market declines often go hand-in-hand with a change in the economic...
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It Was A Busy, Busy Week.
It was a busy, busy week.If you just looked at the weekly return for the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index, you might assume the United States stock market was relatively calm last week. It was not. A lot happened last week – and some...
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Geopolitics Roiled Financial Markets
Geopolitics roiled financial markets. Just a couple of weeks ago, many analysts and asset managers expressed broad optimism about the potential performance of United States stock markets in 2026 – and the stock market started the year...
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Investor Appetite Broadens
Investor appetite broadens.For a long time, investors have craved artificial intelligence (AI) related investments. Early in 2026, that’s begun to change. Paul R. La Monica of Barron’s reported: “Everywhere you look, stocks of all...
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A Change In Leadership
A change in leadership. Last week, investors were presented with a stew of economic and policy developments. These included the surprising announcement that the United States would “run” Venezuela, disappointing jobs data, signs of...
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Lots Of People Are Willing To Predict What's Ahead
Lots of people are willing to predict what’s ahead.If the past is prologue, few will be accurate. You don’t have to look far to find an example. In 2023, a majority of economists agreed recession was ahead. They were wrong. Tyler Cowen...
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What Is The Most Important Principle Of Investing?
What is the most important principle of investing? People have different opinions, but these three tend to be at or near the top of the list: Have a plan for reaching your financial goals.Hold a diversified portfolio that reflects your...
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Happy Holidays!
Happy holidays!Over the past year, financial markets reminded all of us that progress is rarely linear. As markets gyrated higher and lower, one truth remained constant – building wealth is the result of diversification, discipline,...
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Last Week, The United States Federal Reserve (Fed) Played “Would You Rather?”
Last week, the United States Federal Reserve (Fed) played “Would You Rather?” Would You Rather? is a board game that presents players with classic dilemmas and asks which options would be more palatable to them. For example, a game...
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It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Rate Cut
It’s beginning to look a lot like a rate cut… A lot of information about the economy arrived last week. Some was delayed by the government shutdown. Some was right on time. Investors took a look and decided their holiday wish could...
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A Change Of Direction
A change of direction… Stock markets in the United States reversed course last week, with two major indices eking out gains for the month, reported Callum Keown of Barron’s. There were some other important changes last week that also...
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Uncertainty Abounds
Uncertainty abounds. Investors were skittish last week. Share prices jolted higher and lower amid concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) data center spending, upcoming Federal Reserve rate decisions, and the strength of consumer...
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It Was Another Turbulent Week
It was another turbulent week. Investors cheered the end of the shutdown, pondered strong third-quarter earnings, and questioned the artificial intelligence (AI) spending spree. Some reduced their exposure to risky assets, while others...
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There Were Bearish Undercurrents In The Bullish Sea
The Markets There were bearish undercurrents in the bullish sea. While there are many reasons to be optimistic about the long-term prospects for U.S. stocks, investor concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) spending and the...
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Like Walking On Cobblestones
Like walking on cobblestones… If you’ve ever walked down a road paved with cobblestones, you know the uneven surface can be challenging. Today, financial markets are paved with a variety of challenges and concerns. A recent survey from...
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Stock Markets Celebrated, But Bond Markets Were Cautious.
Stock markets celebrated, but bond markets were cautious. Last week, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed that inflation for September was lower than economists had anticipated. Both headline and core inflation (the latter excludes...
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Emotions Were Running High in Financial Markets
Emotions were running high in financial markets. You may recall the week before last ended with the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index falling more than two percent after a flare-up in the trade war between the United States and China....
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Filling The Data Void
Filling the data void. Ancient Greek Philosopher Aristotle theorized that nature abhors a void and fills it. Anyone who has ever cleared a garden patch and delayed planting understands the idea. Before long, the empty ground is teeming...
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It Was A Stellar Quarter For Investors
It was a stellar quarter for investors. The last three months have delivered stock market gains amid signs the economy might not be doing as well as previously thought. Here’s what we saw: Stock markets advanced Solid corporate...
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The Economy Is All Right
The economy is all right. Last week, revised economic figures showed the United States economy grew faster from April through June than previously thought. The upward revision was primarily due to a revised estimate for consumer...
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The Bulls Were Running
The bulls were running. Last week, investors rejoiced after the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee (FOMC) lowered the federal funds rate by a quarter percentage point. Major U.S. stock indexes set new record highs. FOMC projections...
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What Are Your Expectations For Inflation?
What are your expectations for inflation? Inflation occurs when the prices of goods and services increase. Last week, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed that inflation moved modestly higher from July to August. Prices increased 2.9...
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Was The Jobs Report Good News or Bad News For the Stock Market?
Was the jobs report good news or bad news for the stock market? In financial markets, sometimes bad news is good. It looked like that might be the case last week. On Friday, the Employment Situation Summary was released. It showed U.S....
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Will the Bull Market In Stocks Continue?
Will the bull market in stocks continue? There is always a diversity of opinion about whether stocks are headed higher or lower. Last week, investors were feeling more bearish than bullish about where the stock market may be headed...
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Will The Fed Lower Rates?
Will the Fed lower rates? Last week, in a much-anticipated speech, Federal Reserve (Fed) Chair Jerome Powell said, “In the near term, risks to inflation are tilted to the upside, and risks to employment to the downside—a challenging...
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Was Inflation Higher, Lower. or Steady?
Was inflation higher, lower, or steady? Perspective has a tremendous influence on how we perceive the world around us. If you saw any three-dimensional chalk drawings on sidewalks this summer, you understand how perspective affects...
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U.S. Companies Have Been Hitting It Out of the Park!
U.S. companies have been hitting it out of the park! Earnings season happens four times every year. It’s the period of time when publicly traded companies report how they performed during the previous quarter. So far, in aggregate, the...
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Fast As A Snail
Fast as a snail. In July, the weather in Norfolk, England, was perfectly rainy as Bilbo Sluggins won the World Snail Racing Championship with a time of two minutes and 11 seconds. Fans and competitors traveled from the United States,...
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How Fast Will An AI-Powered Economy Grow
How fast will an AI-powered economy grow? Global economic growth has not always been robust. Until the 1700s, economic growth averaged about 0.1 percent per year and was closely tied to population growth. “Bigger harvests allowed more...
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This Is Not the Inflation You're Looking For
This is not the inflation you’re looking for… In general, everyone who buys goods or services in the United States would prefer to see prices trend lower – and that’s what happened in the earlier part of this year. Over the last couple...
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Are Financial Markets Too Complacent?
Are financial markets too complacent? In Aesop’s fable, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, a young shepherd repeatedly raises a false alarm. Eventually, the people in his village ignore his warnings. When a wolf appears, the villagers pay no...
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Investors Hold On For the Ride
Like riders on a giga coaster, investors experienced fear and exhilaration during the second quarter of 2025. From April through June, investors rode markets up and down, banking through twists of news and events that had market...
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U.S. Stock Indexes Racing - Look at the Key Drivers
Major U.S. stock indexes raced to new highs last week. In a remarkable recovery from April’s double-digit downturn, the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index raced to a new record high last week, and so did the Nasdaq Composite Index...
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Investors Are Taking It All In Stride
Investors are taking it all in stride. As Israel and Iran exchanged missile strikes last week, stock markets in the United States remained relatively steady, reported Michael Msika and Phil Serafino of Bloomberg. “On June 13th, as the...
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Investors Had a Lot To Think About Last Week
Investors had a lot to think about last week. A wealth of positive company and economic news lifted markets for much of last week. However, markets stumbled on news that Israel had launched an attack against Iran. Here’s what happened:...
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Employment Was Top of Mind for Financial Markets Last Week
Employment was top of mind for financial markets last week. Economists and investors hoped May employment information would provide insight to the state of the United States economy, as well as clues about when the Federal Reserve...
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Consumers Were Feeling Cautiously Optimistic
Consumers were feeling cautiously optimistic. When people talk about the United States economy, they’re usually referring to gross domestic product (GDP), which is the value of all goods and services produced in here. For the first...
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Nobody Likes To Balance The Budget
Nobody likes to balance the budget. Some pundits said Moody’s rating downgrade of U.S. Treasuries was a nothing burger. After all, the rating change didn’t provide investors with any new information. Moody’s was the third rating...
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Last Week, the U.S. Stock Market Showed Why It's A Good Idea to Stay Invested
Last week, the U.S. stock market showed why it’s a good idea to stay invested through bouts of volatility. Major U.S. stock indices notched sizeable gains as investors celebrated a trade truce with China and better-than-expected...
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MICHAEL TREIBERG NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED BY FORBES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FORBES RECOGNIZES MICHAEL TREIBERG AS A BEST-IN-STATE WEALTH ADVISOR TUCSON, Arizona — May 13, 2025 – Michael Treiberg, an independent advisor affiliated with LPL Financial has been named in this year’s list...
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The Winds of Uncertainty are Blowing, and the Waters Are Choppy
The winds of uncertainty are blowing, and the waters are choppy. In recent weeks, United States stock markets saw steady gains, recovered from the April downturn as investors set aside uncertainty,” reported Connor Smith of Barron’s....
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American Companies Did Well In the First Quarter
American companies did well in the first quarter. During earnings season, publicly held companies tell investors how they performed during the previous quarter with a particular focus on earnings, which reflect company profits....
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How's Everybody Feeling?
How’s everybody feeling? If you said, “Not great,” you’re not alone. There is an abundance of negative sentiment today. Many people – from consumers to small business owners, and from asset managers to investors – are feeling less...
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As The Market Turns
As the market turns... When investor preferences shift and money flows from one sector, industry, investment style or geographic region into another, it is called a market rotation. For years, stock markets in the United States have...
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All Eyes On The Bond Market
All eyes on the bond market. The scale of the tariffs introduced by the administration shocked investors, sparking a roller coaster of a week for stock markets. Last week, U.S. stocks: Rallied on a rumor. Fell when the rumor was...
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If You Can Keep Your Head When All About You Are Losing Theirs
“If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs…” The advice offered by Rudyard Kipling’s poem “If—” resonated last week. A sharp escalation in trade tensions sparked a stock market downturn despite news that the United...
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Special Update: Reciprocal Tariffs and the Market Reaction
On April 2, President Trump announced new tariffs on nearly all major trading partners. These tariffs are “reciprocal” in that they correspond to tariffs each country imposes on U.S. goods and are on top of previously announced duties....
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Risky Business
Risk-on. Risk-off. If you read the financial press, you may have seen the terms “risk-on” and “risk-off”. When investing, there is a risk-return spectrum. Stocks typically have higher risk and higher return potential than high-quality...
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The Market Whisperer
The market whisperer… Last week, the Federal Reserve (Fed) left the federal funds rate unchanged, and Fed Chair Jerome Powell soothed markets. He explained that conditions in the labor market were broadly in balance and inflation had...
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A Correction And A Bounce
A correction and a bounce. Last week, the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index moved into correction territory. The Nasdaq Composite Index (Nasdaq) was already in a correction, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (Dow) was close,...
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What Do Weather & Investing Have In Common?
What do weather and investing have in common? From 1991 to 2020, the average temperature of the United States was 54.7° Fahrenheit. Of course, that doesn’t mean the temperature in every state on every day was 54.7°F. The weather varied...
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Special Update: Trade Wars & Market Risk
Trade headlines continue to weigh on markets as new tariffs go into effect. President Trump recently confirmed tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, dashing hopes of more extensions or last-minute deals. Additional tariffs are expected...
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Is It Supposed To Be Doing That?
Is it supposed to be doing that? At the end of last year, economists believed the chance of a recession in 2025 was relatively low. In December, economist Torsten Sløk wrote, “The outlook for the US economy remains strong with no signs...
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A Difference of Opinion
A difference of opinion. Broadly speaking, there are two types of investors: individual investors and institutional investors. Individual investors buy and sell investments to grow their personal wealth. This group of investors often...
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Why Are Stock Markets Wary of Tariffs?
Why are stock markets wary of tariffs? In two of the last three weeks, tariff announcements led to late week stock market sell-offs. Stocks quickly recovered lost value, but uncertainty about the administration’s trade policy and the...
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Optimism Headed South on Friday
Optimism headed south on Friday. After rising for most of the week, stock markets lost momentum last Friday as economic data raised doubts about further Federal Reserve rate cuts, reported Rita Nazareth of Bloomberg. Late in the day,...
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Wait! What Just Happened?
Wait! What just happened? Last week, investors were inundated with market-moving data and news. Stock markets gyrated as investors tried to process everything that was occurring. Here’s some of what happened: China surprised the...
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What Moves Financial Markets? The Short Answer is:
What moves financial markets? The short answer is: Lots of things! Almost one hundred years ago, Benjamin Graham and David L. Dodd wrote, “the market is a voting machine, whereon countless individuals register choices which are the...
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As The Markets Turn
As the markets turn. Last week, investors breathed a sigh of relief when the latest price data showed core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, moved lower in December. Investors has been worried because...
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Bond Yields are Rising - And They Have Investors' Attention
Bond yields are rising—and they have investors’ attention. Last year, the United States Federal Reserve (Fed) lowered the federal funds rate by one percent. (The federal funds rate is the interest rate the Fed charges banks. It...
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Hello, 2025!
Hello, 2025! As we head into a new year, it can be helpful to look back at the previous year—and 2024 was a doozy. Stocks in the United States delivered a double-double—posting double-digit gains for a second year in a row. That kind...
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Consumers Were More Optimistic. Investors Were Less So.
Consumers were more optimistic. Investors were less so. As we neared the end of 2024, U.S. consumers were feeling optimistic. Every month the University of Michigan Survey of Consumers conducts about 600 interviews with American...
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But That's Not What I Wanted!
But that’s not what I wanted! Last week, markets were about as happy as a toddler opening a gift they didn’t like. The first upsetting event followed the Federal Reserve (Fed)’s final policy meeting for 2024. The Fed met expectations...
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How High Can U.S. Stocks Fly?
How high can U.S. stocks fly? The U.S. stock market has delivered exceptional performance over the past few years and remains on track to deliver solid returns in 2024. “It isn’t a secret that U.S. stocks have outperformed the rest of...
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U.S. Stocks Thrive Amid Turmoil
U.S. stocks thrive amid turmoil. The performance of the U.S. stock market is striking. Last week, the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 closed at a record high for the 57th time this year,
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Not One, But Two!
Not one, but two! United States stock markets are serving another cup of cheer this year. The Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index returned more than more than 24 percent in 2023. This year, it was up 26.5 percent through the end of...
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The Post-Election Rally Resumed
The post-election rally resumed. Investors shook off concerns about interest rates and inflation, and U.S. stocks climbed higher last week. The Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index gained every day last week, and the rally wasn’t limited...
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The United States Stock Market Changed Course
The United States stock market changed course. Last week, the strength of the United States economy slowed investors’ roll. Federal Reserve (Fed) Chair Jerome Powell told business leaders in Dallas, Texas, that the performance of the...
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Stock Markets Celebrated the Results of the Presidential Election
Stock markets celebrated the results of the presidential election. Bond markets were less enthusiastic. Last week, United States stock markets rallied, and the U.S. dollar gained against other currencies, following the presidential...
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Are We Witnessing An Historic Event?
Are we witnessing an historic event? For an airplane or a spacecraft, a soft landing occurs when the vehicle “touches the ground in a controlled and gradual way that does not damage it,” according to The Britannica Dictionary. For the...
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Financial Markets Appear to Have Pre-Election Jitters
Financial markets appear to have pre-election jitters. The United States election is less than two weeks away. The candidates are neck and neck. The outcome remains uncertain. And expectations for volatility have been rising, with the...
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Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday! The bull market in stocks charged past its two-year birthday on October 12. “This unique bull market is still young relative to history and, for now, supported by relatively healthy breadth and broadening participation...
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There Was A Lot To Celebrate Last Week
There was a lot to celebrate last week! The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index closed above 5,800 for the first time—and that’s not all. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also notched a record high last week—and all three major U.S. stock...
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Living The Realities of Risk & Reward
Living the realities of risk and reward. Asset allocation is important because it helps investors manage the risk and rewards of investing. In general, investments have different levels of risk and the potential return (or reward) for...
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The S&P 500 Index Hit a New All-Time High Last Week
The Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index hit a new all-time high last week. The S&P 500 has had quite a year. Despite a sharp downturn in August when investor confidence was ruffled by concerns about economic growth, the Index was up...
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Rates Moved Lower & Stocks Moved Higher
Rates moved lower and stocks moved higher. In 2022, the United States Federal Reserve (Fed) began raising interest rates as it battled high rates of inflation. That year prices rose 8 percent, as measured by the Consumer Price Index....
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There Was A Lot Of Good News Last Week!
There was a lot of good news last week! Inflation continued to trend lower. The Consumer Price Index showed that inflation was 2.5 percent year over year (yoy) in August. That’s lower than economists had expected, and a significant...
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Investing In September
Investing in September can be like biting into a jelly doughnut and finding boiled cabbage—full of unwelcome surprises. “History suggests September is the worst month of the year in terms of stock-market performance,” reported Isabel...
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After Gyrating Wildly Throughout the Month
After gyrating wildly throughout the month, major U.S. stock indexes finished August higher. Despite a lot of uncertainty and some dramatic ups and downs, the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index rose 2.3 percent in August, while the Dow...
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The Near Future is More Predictable Than the Distant Future
The near future is more predictable than the distant future. Last year, the St. Louis Federal Reserve explored the accuracy of recession forecasts. They found that short-term predictions about whether there would be a recession in the...
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The Best Week of the Year?
The best week of the year? After two weeks of slow and jolting market performance, a bounty of positive news calmed investors and lifted stock markets higher last week. “Investors seem to have come to the realization that while the...
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Markets Were Gripped by August Jitters
Markets were gripped by August jitters. Last week, financial markets were volatile. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), which is known as Wall Street’s fear gauge, rose to the highest level in four years before cooling down. “While spikes...
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Stock Markets Swelled & Dropped Like Waves at the Olympic Surfing
Stock markets swelled and dropped like waves at the Olympic surfing competition in Tahiti. It is often said that markets hate uncertainty. There was a lot of uncertainty last week, and it showed. “The technology-heavy Nasdaq 100 Index...
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Americans May Be Witnessing Something Remarkable
Americans may be witnessing something remarkable. Earlier this year, we had the relatively rare opportunity to view a total solar eclipse – when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, blocking the sun completely – as it crossed...
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The Rate Cut Stars Are Aligning
The rate cut stars are aligning. For the last year, borrowing costs in the United States have remained relatively high as the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) waited for economic data to show that inflation was on track to reach the Fed’s...
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Will Deflation Continue?
The Markets Will deflation continue? In May, Pew Research asked Americans about the biggest problems facing our nation. The top three answers were: Inflation; The ability of Democrats and Republicans to work together; and The...
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Despite Some Volatility, Stock Markets Have Been Buoyant in 2024
Despite some volatility, stock markets have been buoyant in 2024. Enthusiasm for artificial intelligence (AI), optimism about inflation, and expectations that the United States Federal Reserve (Fed) will begin to lower rates this year...
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Some Good News & Some Volatility
Some good news and some volatility. Last week was a mixed bag as investors weighed positive economic news against concerns that stock prices for some chipmakers may not be sustainable. Here are the highlights: Inflation slowed to zero....
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Are We At An Inflection Point?
Are we at an inflection point? The transition to renewable energy has been moving forward and may be reaching an inflection point. In 2023, global renewable energy capacity increased by almost 50 percent, reported the International...
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Inflation is Lower - And So Are Some Retail Prices
Inflation is lower – and so are some retail prices. There was a lot of good news last week about the cost of products and services in the United States. First, inflation is slowing down. For the second month in a row, inflation slowed....
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Another Record High for the Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index!
Another record high for the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index! Last week, the S&P 500 Index hit its 25th record high for 2024. Investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence helped drive the index to a new high. About 30 percent of...
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Overall, May Was A Good Month for Investors
Overall, May was a good month for investors. The adage, “Sell in May and go away,” would have been poor advice last month. Major stock indices in the United States finished the month higher. Connor Smith of Barron’s reported: The...
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Perception versus Reality
Perception versus reality. A recent Harris poll, conducted on behalf of The Guardian newspaper, found that there is some confusion about the state of the American economy and U.S. stock market performance. A significant proportion of...
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Reading the Economic Tea Leaves
Reading the economic tea leaves. Tasseography practitioners read tea leaves to forecast the future. Some economic data serve a similar purpose. Policymakers, central bankers, economists, and investors look at leading economic...
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Higher Rates Are Doing What They're Supposed To
Higher rates are doing what they’re supposed to do. Last week, Federal Reserve officials spoke about keeping the federal funds rate higher until it becomes clear that inflation will reach the Fed’s two percent target rate. While people...
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What Will the Federal Reserve Do?
What will the Federal Reserve do? Uncertainty about the direction and timing of Fed rate cuts is causing stock markets in the United States to charge and retreat. U.S. stocks rallied for five consecutive months (anticipating rate cuts...
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The Economy Appears to Be Slowing Down
The economy appears to be slowing down. Last week, many investors were focused on economic data. The Personal Consumption report offers information about Americans’ income and spending over the previous month. It includes one of the...
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Recalibrating Expectations
Investors have been recalibrating their expectations. There is a lot going on in the world that could affect the value of financial markets – wars, tensions between major powers, a strong dollar, and rising oil prices – just to name a...
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Inflation and Geopolitics and Earnings, Oh, My!
Inflation and geopolitics and earnings. Oh, my! It was a rough week for stock markets. “The S&P 500 closed 1.5% lower on Friday, while the Nasdaq Composite dipped 1.6%. Every S&P 500 sector closed lower—and just about 40 stocks in the...
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The Bull Took a Breather
The bull charged from October 2023 through March 2024. Last week, it took a breather. Optimistic may be the best word to describe the first quarter of 2024. From the start of the year, investors were confident that an economic soft...
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An Inflation Plateau
The Markets What do dieters have in common with the Federal Reserve? If you’ve ever dieted, you may be familiar with the weight-loss plateau. Many people experience steady progress. The bathroom scale moves lower week by week – until...
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The Central Banks Have Spoken
The central banks have spoken. No one expected the United States Federal Reserve to announce a rate change last week – and it didn’t. But Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s comments and the actions of other central banks led to new records...
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The Tea on Stock Markets and Presidential Elections
Here’s the tea on stock markets and presidential elections. Last week, a slew of headlines mentioned stock market bubbles and frothy valuations. The implication was that markets might be headed lower because they’ve...
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Off To A Good Start
The week got off to a good start... In testimony before House and Senate committees, Federal Reserve (Fed) Chair Jerome Powell noted that prices had been falling and unemployment rates remained quite low. As a result,...
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The Bull Market is Alive & Well
The bull market is alive and well. “We know what investors are thinking,” reported Jacob Sonenshine of Barron’s. “The gains can keep coming, driven by an economy that is neither too hot nor too...
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Optimism abounds
Optimism abounds! Enthusiasm for everything related to artificial intelligence (AI) drove a global stock market rally last week. Equity markets in the United States, Europe, and Japan hit all-time highs after a leading chipmaker...
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Don't Fight the Fed
Don’t fight the Fed. The Federal Reserve (Fed) is the central bank of the United States. A longstanding bit of investment wisdom is: Don’t fight the Fed. It means that investors should align their strategies with the...
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Where Is the Momentum?
China is out of favor with investors. . Much of that cash is now heading for India, with Wall Street giants…endorsing the South Asian nation as the prime investment destination for the next decade. That momentum is triggering a gold rush...
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Layoffs but High Wages
We’ve been hearing a lot about layoffs. Last week, the January 2024 Challenger Report found that employers based in the United States cut more than 82,000 jobs in January. That’s a lot. In December 2023, about 35,000...
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Crushing Expectations!
Even better than expected! The United States economy is not performing the way anyone thought it would. Instead of tipping into a recession last year, it crushed expectations. Gross domestic product, which is the value of all goods and...
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Optimistic Consumers
Are you feeling optimistic or pessimistic? Consumers are a force to be reckoned with – and we’re all consumers. We buy coats and tweezers, electricity and bread, screens and fishing poles. We download apps and games...
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Is Inflation Retreating?
Is inflation retreating? Last week, we received a lot of information about inflation. Some seemed to support the idea that inflation was sticky, meaning it wasn’t moving lower, while other data suggested inflation was in...
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Welcoming News
And we’re off…to a slow start. Last week, investors appeared to suffer from a New Year’s hangover. The culprit was too much optimism. After its December meeting, with inflation easing and the U.S....
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The End of 2023
2023 was a big year for U.S. stocks. The story of 2023 has its roots in 2022, when the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Index lost almost 19.5 percent amid rising inflation and aggressive Federal Reserve rate hikes. As 2022...
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A Christmas Inflation Miracle
If all you wanted for Christmas was two percent inflation, you’re in luck! Barring unforeseen events, it appears the United States Federal Reserve (Fed) is on the cusp of accomplishing a feat many thought impossible...
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Have Rates Peaked?
Have rates peaked? Last week, at its final policy meeting for 2023, the United States Federal Reserve indicated that rates may have peaked. After the meeting, Chair Jerome Powell said: “As we approach the end of the...
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Exceeding Expectations
Still exceeding expectations. Last week, the United States Treasury market rallied. Yields fell and bond prices rose as some bond market investors enthusiastically embraced the idea that the Federal Reserve will soon change...
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The Four Stages of Business Cycle
We’re cycling along. It’s easy to forget that economic activity tends to move in cycles. A full cycle, known as the business cycle, typically includes four stages: Contraction occurs when economic growth slows...
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Optimistic or Pessimistic?
In November, investors were more optimistic than consumers. At the start of November, investors were decidedly bearish. During the week of November 1, the AAII Investor Sentiment Survey found that about 50 percent of respondents...
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Is It Done? (We’re not talking about the turkey)
Is it done? (We’re not talking about the turkey.) Last week, investors enthusiastically embraced the idea that the Federal Reserve (Fed) could be done raising rates – and that it might even begin to lower them. As...
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Growth in the Third Quarter
Earnings grew in the third quarter. Four times a year, during earnings season, publicly traded companies report how well they performed during the previous quarter. The strength of corporate earnings – also known as...
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What the Future Brings
Will there be a year-end rally? Last week, there was a lot of speculation about whether the United States will see a year-end stock market rally. Some say yes, and some say no. For example, at Bank of America,...
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The Mark Twain Effect
The Mark Twain Effect? Historically, economic theory was based on the idea that financial decisions were grounded in rational thought. In recent years, behavioral economists have recognized that people don’t always behave...
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The Bigger Picture
Stay calm and consider the big picture. Today, investors have a myriad of worries that are creating tremendous uncertainty. A September Investopedia survey found investors are concerned about how their investments may be...
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Slowly Slowing
Markets were resilient. Last week, investors had a lot to process – geopolitics, inflation, consumer sentiment, the possibility of government shutdown – and markets were volatile. Toward the end of the week, some investors...
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Inflation Slowing Down
Inflation is slowing but consumers aren’t feeling it. In August, for the first time in two years, inflation (excluding volatile food and energy costs) dropped below four percent. Last week, one of the Federal Reserve...
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How High Will They Go?
How high will they go? Just as the market anticipated, the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee (FOMC) chose not to raise interest rates last week. However, Fed officials made it clear another rate increase might be necessary...
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A Tasty Surprise
Adding new ingredients to the economic blender. The performance of United States economy in 2023 has been as unexpected as a lentil-avocado-cinnamon smoothie – a tasty surprise. Last week, economic data suggested the...
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2023, A Remarkable Year Thus Far
All the work, work, work. 2023 has been a remarkable year so far. It has, “confounded economists, humbled forecasters, and rewarded investors. Despite a rapid rise in interest rates, the U.S. economy continues to grow....
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Passing Inflation Rates
Lowering inflation. If you’ve ever waited in traffic while the center section of a bridge lifts to allow ships and sailboats to pass underneath, you may have noticed the enormous counterweight that lowers as the bridge...
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MICHAEL TREIBERG NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED BY FORBES
Forbes' annual list spotlights the nation’s top advisors, evaluated based on a methodology developed by SHOOK Research. Advisors are also evaluated based on interviews, industry experience and revenue trends.
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The End of an Era
Higher bond yields may be good for income investors – and not so good for stock markets. After more than a decade of near-zero interest rates, the “free money” era – a time when people and businesses...
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Rising and Falling
Consumer sentiment is a lagging indicator. It’s also a contrarian indicator. After rising sharply in June and July, consumer sentiment leveled off this month. The preliminary August reading for the University of Michigan...
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An Unwelcome Surprise
An unwelcome surprise. Last week, Fitch Ratings startled markets by lowering the credit rating of United States Treasuries from AAA to AA+. It was the second rating agency to downgrade U.S. Treasuries; Standard & Poor’s...
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Bank Festivities
Central bank palooza! While music lovers attended concerts and festivals across the United States, central banks had a lollapalooza of their own. The U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) led things off last Wednesday, followed by the...
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Beyond Our Expectations
Better than expected. In January of this year, the Bloomberg’s MLIV Pulse survey collected and shared investors’ expectations for stock markets. Survey participants were generally a gloomy group. Seventy percent...
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Fresh Smell of Disinflation
Disinflation was in the air! To the great relief of the Federal Reserve, the American economy has been experiencing “disinflation,” which is a slowdown in the rate of inflation. For example, last week we learned...
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Federal Reserve
Markets are playing Federal Reserve (Fed) Clue. Last week, investors parsed the monthly Employment Situation Summary from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for clues about whether the Fed will raise the federal funds rate at its next...
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Resilience
Showing remarkable resilience.Throughout the first half of 2023, the U.S. economy and financial markets proved to be resilient – and so did investors. U.S. stock markets moved higher amid enthusiasm for artificial intelligence...
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Artificial Intelligence Express
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Express is traveling fast. Investors are enthusiastic about AI. Late last year, an AI research lab introduced a chatbot that could answer questions – and people were enthralled. Within two...
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It's All About Rebalancing
Rebalancing ahead! There is one decision all investors should make: how to allocate the money they’re investing. Asset allocation decisions are usually based on a myriad of factors: expected returns, potential volatility,...
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Up and Over
Leaping over the wall of worry. The “wall of worry” is an obstacle – or set of obstacles – that investors face. This year, the wall reached a considerable height as inflation, the War in Ukraine, United...
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Surprise, Surprise, Surprise
As Gomer Pyle used to say, “Surprise, surprise, surprise!” Gomer Pyle USMC was a popular American sitcom in the 1960s. It focused on a naïve, do-gooding auto mechanic from Mayberry RFD who joined the military....
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The 3-Ring Circus
It’s a three-ring circus! For centuries people have embraced the circus. Enjoying the sticky fluff of cotton candy while elephants, clowns and trapeze artists perform in the spotlights. Merriam Webster Dictionary defines the...
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Market Performance On The Rise
Investors aren’t happy, but stocks are up. If you ever participated in a fantasy football league, you may have experienced a run on a position during your draft. One person picks a kicker or defense mid-round and, suddenly,...
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Debt Ceiling
Brace yourself! The debt ceiling standoff continues. Consumers aren’t optimistic. The Consumer Sentiment Index fell to a six-month low in May, dropping 9.1 percent month-to-month. Participants in the University of Michigan...
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Growth in the Labor Market
The labor market just keeps growing…and growing… Last week, the April employment report for the United States arrived. It showed that unemployment dropped to the lowest level in more than 50 years – 3.4 percent....
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Real Return
Get real! Despite more than a year of aggressive Federal Reserve rate increases, the United States economy is still growing, albeit more slowly. U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) – the value of all goods and services...
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Better Than Anticipated
Better than expected. It’s earnings season – the time when publicly traded companies report on how profitable they were during the first quarter of 2023. So far, reports suggest that companies listed on United States...
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It's Anyone's Guess
Keep your eye on the big picture. Last week, there was nothing too surprising in economic and financial news. Inflation eased, as expected, although it remained above the Federal Reserve (Fed)’s target rate. The...
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Market Illusions
Ambiguous images. Some illustrations are optical illusions. When two people view the picture, they may see completely different images. A good example is Rubin’s Vase. One viewer may see a vase, while another sees two faces...
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The Pushmi-Pullyu Market
Perhaps we should call this a pushmi-pullyu market. The first quarter of 2023 brought Dr. Dolittle’s pushmi-pullyu – the rarest animal of all – to mind. It is the offspring of goat-antelopes and unicorns, and has...
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Risk and Reward!
What’s your jam? When you think of fun, are you running an Arctic marathon? Biking to your favorite burger place? Gaming with friends online? Each has inherent risk: Polar bears and hypothermia, traffic and flat tires, and...
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Focus on the Long Term
Unknowns and uncertainty. Financial markets were volatile last week as investors parsed the risks around bank closures, central banks offered additional protections for depositors, and regulators took a harder look at bank balance...
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Predictably Unpredictable
Thrown for a loop. Early last week, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell told Congress the Fed is committed to bringing inflation down to 2 percent. If economic data continues to come in hot, he said, then it’s likely the Fed...
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Stock Rivalry
Sibling discord. Stocks and bonds are two of the better-known asset classes in the family of potential investments. Last week, they were in opposition. Bond yields have been moving higher in anticipation of the Federal...
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Between the Good and the Bad
Is it good news or bad news? The answer depends on your perspective. Last week, we learned that: Consumer sentiment is at its highest level in more than a year. Consumers are feeling better about current economic conditions...
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Bumpy Bumpy Ride
Brace for a bumpy ride. There were some unwelcome surprises in last week’s economic data that caused markets to reassess expectations for 2023. For example: Inflation didn’t fall as fast as expected. Last week,...
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Rolling Hills or Rolling Recession?
There has been a lot of speculation about how the This time may be different...or it may not be. Federal Reserve’s policies will affect the United States economy. Economists have differing opinions about whether the country...
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Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!
What do Samuel Clemens (a.k.a. Mark Twain) and the current economic expansion have in common? Author and humorist Twain was prematurely reported to be dead. It first happened in 1897. Twain was on a speaking tour in London when...
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Inflation - The Vicious Cycle
The vicious cycle of inflation. Last week, we learned that pay increases at central banks in many parts of the world won’t keep pace with inflation. As a result, their employees may not be able to maintain the standards of...
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Soft Landing or a Bumpy Ride?
“It’s hard to be a contrarian for very long these days because the consensus seems to change so quickly,” opined Ed Yardeni via LinkedIn last week. We’ve certainly seen a shift in investors’...
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Bulls and Bears - Again
Bullish or bearish?After last year’s geopolitical turmoil, economic malaise, and tumultuous stock market decline, many financial professionals – from investors to asset managers – have strong opinions about what will...
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Innovation Nation
It’s being called the “Goldilocks” report.Last Friday, we learned that demand for workers in the United States remained strong in 2022. The unemployment rate dropped to 3.5 percent in December. (It was 3.7 percent in...
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Ring in the New Year!
It’s finally over.2022 was a dismal year for financial markets. Major United States stock indices moved lower, trimming or eliminating the previous year’s gains. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, which had gained...
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What a YEAR!
What a year! In some ways, it feels as though we lived through several years in 2022. The onslaught of events included, “The first major European war since the 1990s, unprecedented sanctions, energy-price mayhem, bail-outs,...
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Will the Growth Slow?
Bad news is bad news, once again.For months, investors have cheered bad economic news. When the United States economy showed signs of weakness, stock markets often reflected investor enthusiasm. The thinking was that bad economic news...
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What Is a Soft Landing?
What comes next?The U.S. stock market tends to be a forward-looking vehicle. Investors make decisions today based on what they think may be ahead for the economy, and how economic change may affect the companies they’re...
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Numbers, Numbers, Numbers!
What will it take to slow this economy down?In 2001, railway workers slowed a runaway train in Ohio by latching a second engine to the back of the locomotive and applying the brakes. In all, the train traveled sixty-six miles over two...
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Are the Winds Shifting?
There was a shift in the winds of monetary policy.Last week, it became clear the Federal Reserve (Fed) had softened its hawkish stance. The minutes of the central bank’s November policy meeting indicated the Fed was likely to...
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It's That Time of Year
IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR. In mid-November, people begin to prognosticate and predict, offering their thoughts about what the future may hold. While everyone else is future-gazing, we thought it might be interesting to look at some past
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Great Necessities, Great Virtues
Last week was remarkable for many reasons.One reason is that sky watchers around the world had an opportunity to see a total lunar eclipse. The moon, Earth and sun aligned, causing the moon to appear crimson. We won’t see another...
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Winter Planting, You Say?!
Rate hikes are like winter planting. It’s the lag time. To no one’s surprise, the Federal Reserve continued to battle inflation last week, raising the federal funds rate for the 4th time this year, reported Claire Ballentine of Bloomberg.
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Show Me The Earnings!
Some companies are doing better than others – a lot better.It’s earnings season; the time when companies share how well they performed during the previous quarter. Earnings reports are important because they provide...
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Earnings Season
Markets turned – again.Markets continue to be volatile. Last week, stocks headed north. Nicholas Jasinski of Barron’s reported the change of direction reflected investors’ desire for the market to finally hit bottom....
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Are We There Yet?
We’re not there yet.Investors are understandably eager for the stock market to hit bottom. Some hoped it happened last week, but it did not. Despite the Fed’s rate hikes, last week the Consumer Price Index showed the...
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Long Term / Short Term: Keep Watch
Bah humbug!Last week, OPEC+, which includes the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied oil producers like Russia, chose to cut production by two million barrels a day. The stated goal is to keep crude oil prices...
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There's a New Attitude
The third quarter marked a change in attitude. So far, 2022 has been a tough year for investing. We’ve experienced an unusual phenomenon – the simultaneous decline of stock and bond markets. Throughout the third...
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Tighten Those Belts
Central bank tightening sparked recession fears.Last week, the Federal Reserve (Fed) raised the federal funds rate for the fifth time this year. During 2022, the Fed has lifted its benchmark rate from near zero to 3.12 percent. Fed...
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Interpretation
It’s open to interpretation. Jackson Pollock was an action painter. He poured, dropped, and dripped paint onto horizontal canvases. Some people look at his work and wonder why it’s highly valued. Others find deep meaning in...
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What's Poppin'?
Central banks are hawkish. Stocks popped higher, anyway.Last week, despite signs that inflation is slowing, U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) officials emphasized their commitment to tightening monetary policy to lower inflation. Several...
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Give and Take
You may have heard this one: Don’t fight the Fed.The Fed is the Federal Reserve Bank of the United States. Among other things, the Fed influences monetary conditions in pursuit of price stability and full employment. As...
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Loud and Clear
Markets were tuned to the signals coming from Jackson Hole, Wyoming.During World War II, United States armed forces often relied on high-powered radio sets to communicate. When determining whether transmissions were garbled by static...
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The Bulls and Bears Debate
Is this a bear market rally or a new bull market? Investment professionals are in the middle of a heated debate. Since mid-June, United States stock markets have moved higher, regaining about $7 trillion as many investors who had sold...
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Rally, Really?
Rally caps were waving.In recent weeks, investors have embraced the idea that economic data will persuade the Federal Reserve to slow the pace of rate hikes. Last week’s inflation data fanned their enthusiasm.The big news was...
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Strength in Numbers
The strength of the United States economy continues to surprise.If you have ever been camping, you may have banked your campfire by covering the hot coals with ash. It’s a process that keeps the coals burning low so the fire can...
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A Dovish Note or Two-Stay Tuned!
Investors thought they heard a dovish note from the Federal Reserve and markets rallied.Last week, we learned from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that economic growth in the United States slowed for the second consecutive...
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Data: Pointing the Way
A lot of people are worried that a recession may be in our future. Some think it may already be here.Unemployment is low (3.6 percent), and inflation is high (9.1 percent). Both tend to occur when an economy is experiencing strong growth...
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Headlines on Blast
Nobody is happy, but Americans are feeling more optimistic.Last week, headlines blasted the new inflation numbers. Prices were up more than 9% year-over-year in June, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Consumer Price...
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Laser Focused
Rising inflation is a bit like a child throwing a temper tantrum in the grocery store.The red-faced parent, in this case the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed), tries to calm the child. Sometimes, it works and the child calms down (soft...
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Living History
The first six months of 2022 have earned a place in history books.2022 is likely to become part of the lore passed from generation to generation. Stories will be told about this bear market, as well as the remarkable political and...
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Bad News is Good News!
Unhappy consumers and slower growth in manufacturing made investors very happy. Consumer spending drives the economy. So, if consumers begin to spend less and economic growth slows, then the Federal Reserve may slow its rate hikes...
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The Fight Against Inflation
The fight against inflation intensified. Last week, the Federal Reserve (Fed) delivered a message that it is serious about fighting inflation. The fed funds rate is now 1.50 percent to 1.75 percent.
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Don't Lose Your Cool
Inflation news unsettled already volatile stock and bond markets. There was a hint of good news: the CPI, which excludes food and energy prices because they are volatile and can distort pricing trends, is trending lower, 6.0 percent in May.
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Opti Mystic - What do you see?
Despite high levels of pessimism, inflation-adjusted consumer spending has increased every month in 2022, supported by solid wage gains and abundant savings. Spending on: furniture, cars, clothing, food, shelter, fuel, and education.
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Bounce Back
Investors reassessed; markets bounced. Change in investor attitude may have been influenced by: Strong corporate earnings, more attractive share prices, optimism about the Fed's approach, and the possibility that inflation may have peaked.
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Bear Aware!
People define bear markets in different ways. Some people say a drop of 20 percent is bear market territory. Other people say it occurs when more investors are bearish than bullish. How bear aware are you?
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Different Stories
Economic and financial market data tell different stories, making it tough for investors to know where the economy is headed. Since markets move based on those stories and what investor predict for the future, they have been volatile.
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Correction and Contraction....
Investing lately has been like running a forest trail with unexpected obstacles appearing often – a fallen tree, a swarm of flies, a bear! Economic, pandemic, and geopolitical events have taken a toll on the markets, and the economy.
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Are You Up to the Challenge?
Remember the ice bucket challenge? Were you challenged to pour icy water over your head for a cause? Last week, the Fed poured a bucket of ice water over the U.S. stock market. The Fed’s challenge is to slow high inflation.
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Inflation Riddle
How can inflation be 8.5 percent and 6.5 percent at the same time? The answer is that it depends on how you measure it. Determining how quickly prices are rising or falling – and where they may be headed in the future – is not simple.
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Volatility Inducing Events
The first quarter of 2022 was jam-packed with volatility-inducing events: rising inflation, war in Ukraine, rising interest rates, sanctions on Russia, and a new COVID-19 outbreak in China. Here’s a brief review of what happened in Q1 2022.
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Checking in on Employment and Inflation
The Fed's purpose is to promote price stability and max employment. We now know that inflation keeps rising. Personal income rose too but not quite as quickly as inflation. Unemployment remained low. It's not the same for everyone though.
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Be Careful What You Ask For
In early March, two-thirds of survey respondents were in favor of a rate hike... and they got it. This makes borrowing more expensive, often reduces demand, thus lowering inflation. The change began to affect consumers in a variety of ways.
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Fall Back. Spring Forward.
"Spring Forward. Fall Back." is not only the mnemonic device we use to remember that clocks gain an hour in March and lose an hour in November. It is also a good way to explain the state of our economy, the pandemic and the world.
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With Change, Often Comes Opportunity
The world has experienced enormous change. The pandemic led to rapid growth of e-commerce, a new work order, innovation vaccines, and a rethinking of global supply chains. These changes have created opportunities for investors.
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Changing Reality
The world is adapting to a changing reality. As the war in Ukraine intensified, financial markets grappled with uncertainty. Sanctions have economists revising expectations for global growth and inflation. But War wasn't the only concern...
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War in Europe
Russian President Putin’s decision ignited the biggest military conflict in Europe since World War II. The war is already exacting a terrible human toll. It has also disrupted global markets and raised questions about the global impact.
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Uncertainty: Russia, Inflation and a College Degree
Volatility was high last week as investors guessed how markets would react if Russia invaded Ukraine. They also contemplated whether the Fed can tame inflation without hurting economic growth. And the old college debate is back! Uncertainty
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I'll Take Rising Inflation for $200... $400...
If the category on Jeopardy is "Reasons the Markets Finished Lower Last Week," what would you say? What is... rising inflation, expected rate hikes, political tensions? Any of those questions would win you that round. And many more...
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A Rosy View
To say that economists did not have great expectations for the January employment report might be an understatement. It was widely believed that the spread of the Omicron variant would mean dismal numbers. Instead, it was a rosy rearview.
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Change in Direction
The January stock market decline was interrupted by a Friday rally. The change in direction reflected: Confidence in the economy, strong corporate profits and/or buy-the-dip impulses. It’s difficult to know which direction they will go next
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The January Barometer
Last week several articles about the U.S. stock market used the adage, “As goes January, so goes the year.” The saying describes the January Barometer, which holds that the performance of the S&P500 Index in January has predictive value.
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Is the Economy Doing Well or Not?
You may have seen the headlines that retail sales declined 1.9 percent in December. The statistic has raised questions about the strength of strength of the economy. After all, how could retail sales move lower during the holiday season?
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The Stimulus Punchbowl
In the 1950’s, then Fed Chair William McChesney Martin described the Federal Reserve as “the chaperone who has ordered the punch bowl removed just when the party was really warming up.” In 2020, the opposite was true.
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A Look Back at 2021
2021 was a fizzing mints-in-soda kind of year. Everything shot higher – from COVID-19 cases and vaccinations to economic growth and global stock markets. Everything except optimism. As we head into 2022, let’s a look back at 2021.
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As We Say Goodbye to 2021...
As we say goodbye to 2021, investors are feeling bullish. Last week, the S&P 500 closed at a record high for the 68th time this year. That’s the second-highest number of record closes in a single year. But also a year filled with oddities..
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Markets Diverged
Stock and bond markets diverged. With inflation high and employment at full pandemic capacity, the FOMC met last week and decided to become less accommodating more quickly and begin to raise rates. Stocks declined and bonds rallied.
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Hottest Inflation in (Almost) Thirty Years
When the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) last week, it showed that inflation was at levels last seen in 1982. In November, prices were up 0.8 percent month-to-month and 6.8 percent year-to-year....
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Investors Look to the Future
Last week, employment and manufacturing data confirmed that the economy continued to strengthen in November, but it was all overshadowed by investors’ concerns about the spread of coronavirus and Federal Reserve policy changes to come.
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COVID-19 Strikes Again
As Thanksgiving approached in the U.S., there was concern that holiday togetherness would increase cases of COVID-19. Financial markets took it in stride but were less sanguine when the new variant of coronavirus "omicron" was reported on.
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The Possibilities
The S&P500 Index finished last week slightly higher and has gained about 6 percent during the past 25 days; however, investors have curbed their enthusiasm. Thinking about the possibilities, we have some thoughts on why.
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Investors Noticed
Economists like to joke that inflation is just right when no one notices it. Last week, investors noticed it. The U.S. saw the highest inflation in over 30 years and well above the Fed's goal of two percent. Officials are debating....
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Feeling Bullish
Investor bullishness ticked higher last week. Investor optimism may have been fanned by positive financial and economic news, include unemployment, a moderate approach to monetary policy changes and the strength of corporate earnings.
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Don't Get Spooked
Barron’s Big Money Poll is a survey of market sentiment among professional investors. Half are bullish about the coming year, 12% are bearish and the rest neutral. While 50% thinks stocks are fairly valued, 80% expect a market correction.
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September Strikes Again…
September strikes again… If you look back over the last 20 years, September has been the worst performing month for the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, according to Nasdaq. Following that trend, the S&P 500...
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Three C's: Central Banks, Cryptocurrency & China
Central bank policies influence investors, markets and economies. The Fed will start tapering before year-end. Cryptocurrencies are on the rise but China has banned any crypto transactions. What concerns you most?
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Settling After the Storm
Recently, bullish sentiment has drifted lower like sediment settling after a storm. Each month, Bank of America surveys global asset managers. In the September survey, fewer managers were optimistic about global economic growth.
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MANAGING EXPECTATIONS
The Delta variant could take a toll on economic growth. As infections surged across the U.S., expectations for growth dropped more sharply than anticipated. The Ig Nobels were awarded to imaginative projects to make us smile at least.
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Wave Power
What do you picture when asked about wave power? Almost three-quarters of the Earth is covered by water. Tides surge and retreat. Wind blows the waves. Freshwater and marine life drift on currents. The markets move similarly at times.
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Positive Second Quarter Data
Last week, Fed Chair, Jerome Powell’s, words helped grow equity market returns. Powell confirmed that the U.S. economy had made substantial progress toward the Fed’s maximum employment and price stability goals. Investors were delighted....
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Potential Cocktail for Economy
Markets were shaken last week by a potent cocktail of central bank tapering and economic growth concerns, mixed with coronavirus and a splash of the new Chinese privacy law. On Wednesday, the minutes from the United States...
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Consumers Drive the Economy
The Markets What is the most important driver of economic growth in the United States? The most common way to measure economic output is Gross Domestic Product or GDP. It’s the value of all goods and services produced in our...
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Are We There Yet?
Investors have long been wondering when the Fed will “normalize” its policies, which will eventually lead to higher interest rates. Last week, a better-than-expected jobs report sparked speculation that we have arrived at that point.
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The Chinese Dragon
The Chinese dragon cast a shadow over free trade and foreign investment last week. For decades, investors have recognized the investment potential of China. Since the country opened to foreign trade and investment in 1979,...
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Shortest Ever
The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) has announced the official dates of the 2020 recession. Economic activity peaked in February and bottomed in April, making it the shortest ever recession in history. The magnitude however....
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Peak Growth
The popular term “peak growth” is a catchphrase with the potential to mislead. It does not mean the economy has reached the pinnacle of growth and it’s all downhill from here. It means economic growth will climb at a slower pace.
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Gapers' Block
There was a gapers’ block in financial markets last week as equity investors slowed to see what the Treasury market was up to. U.S. Treasury bonds rallied last week. Yields on 10-year Treasuries dropped...
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Halfway to Normal
The world is about halfway back to normal. The Economist developed the global normalcy index to measure the recovery. In March 2020, it was at 35 overall, with 100 being normal. The U.S. recently reached 72.8 but it's been uneven road back.
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What Begins With The Letter “I”?
"I" is for Infrastructure, which is essential but often taken for granted. Our system recently received a very poor report card but a bipartisan plan has been announced. "I" is also for Improvement. And Inflation is also an "I". What else?
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Is That a Hawk?
The FOMC meets eight times a year to review economic conditions, assess price stability and economic growth, and adjust monetary policy. They met last week and while they did not change policy, they were a bit more hawkish this time.
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Inflation Psychology
Is Inflation going to transitory or is it here to stay? The markets took it in stride last week but it remains a top concern for consumers and investors. Inflationary psychology could take hold of many and perpetuate the cycle.
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Pulling the Economy Out of the Shed
When you store tools or machinery in a shed or garage for an extended period of time, you know they often need some care and repair to function properly. The same appears to be true of the pandemic economy. It just needs some TLC.
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The Collapse of Oil
Are we at a tipping point? One side effect of the pandemic was a collapse in demand for oil, which led to “the largest revision to the value of the oil industry’s assets in at least a decade. Courts and shareholders are weighing in.
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Uncertainty and Questions
Markets hate uncertainty and recently, there has been plenty of it. Questions plaguing us: Why aren’t people returning to work? What will the Fed do? Is inflation here to stay? If you have these or any other questions, give us a call.
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Normal Activity at Higher Prices
Inflation is here. CDC states that those vaccinated can remove their masks and people are more than ready to return to normal activity. Demand is surg aas supply chain shortages remain sending the CPI higher. What will normal cost now?
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Rethinking Work, Life and Our Brains
Unemployment numbers were a big miss last week but what does that mean? The pandemic is changing the way we think about our lives, work and finances. A new study makes us wonder if our brains have evolved to make optimal financial choices.
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Recovery is in the Air
It’s Spring and economic recovery is in the air. The U.S. economy grew at a 6.4 percent annualized rate for the first three months of 2021. While that’s good news, asset managers and investors are still cautious.
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The Price of Pork Chops
Last week, news was mixed. Corporate earnings have been positive but coronavirus cases are rising and inflation is ticking up. And, it's possible that capital gains tax will almost double. What does that mean for a price of a pork chop?
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Optimism and Concern
The direction of bond yields is influenced by investors’ expectations for economic growth, among other factors. There are reasons to be optimistic and reasons for concern. One main area of focus is financial well-being going forward.
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The Base Effect
Why didn't investors stumble over inflation last week? The year-over-year comparisons from last March are starting from a base much lower than normal so we may be seeing an upward distortion. Priced stability is a top priority.
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Full Speed Ahead
Big economies tend to recover from recessions slowly but may not be the case this time. We are seeing improvements in many sectors. We hope That it's full speed ahead for all of 2021 and longer.
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Looking Good, Feeling Good
Last week, unemployment claims were looking good, and consumers were feeling good. Markets were mixed but reflect strong recovery from last year. We will watch to see how delays in the Suez affect global trade on all levels.
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The World is Relatively Happy
For the first time in almost a year, the top worry of fund managers is not COVID but inflation, although most predict a strengthening economy. The World Happiness Report showed people around the world are surprisingly resilient as well.
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Michael Treiberg Nationally Recognized by Forbes
Forbes' annual list spotlights the nation’s top advisors, evaluated based on a methodology developed by SHOOK Research. Advisors are also evaluated based on interviews, industry experience and revenue trends.
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Fishing on the Moon
Good news continues to fuel optimism. The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan was signed, new cases of the virus are slowing, inflation stayed low and major indices soared, setting new records. What's next? Anyone up for fishing on the moon?
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Vaccines and a (Digital) New Normal
Per the CDC, vaccines have been effective in fighting the coronavirus, which is having a positive effect on the economy. As they roll out, what will the new normal include? Digital currencies are a good guess. But how do we evaluate them?
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Rising Yields
On Thursday, there was a historically unusual economic event. Treasury notes briefly matched the dividend yield for the S&P 500 Index. Normally, Treasuries tend to have higher yields... but these are not normal times.
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Contrarian’s Dream
Contrarian investors like to buck the trend. They buy when other investors are selling and sell when others are buying. Equities are at an all time high and asset managers are almost fully invested. Contrarians ears are starting to perk up
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Steepening of the Curve
The yield curve for U.S. Treasuries is steeper than it has been in a while. Yield curves provide insight to bond investors’ perceptions about the economy. Under current conditions, the steepening of the curve is a good sign.
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Views on Volatility
People often see different things while watching the same event. The social-media fueled volatility in some companies proved that. That activity overshadowed some events that will likely have more impact. Is this another new norm?
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Financial Literacy
Market optimism continues as vaccinations roll out but there are many reasons asset prices have remained high. Or are these just bubbles? What else might affect our recovery? Financial literacy helps. And, if you need help, give us a call!
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What's Next?
The continuing economic damage caused by the rising number of coronavirus cases is slamming recovery. What should we expect next? Inauguration riots? (In)effective stimulus? Inflation? Lockdowns? What's next?
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Stock Market Melt-UP?
Events at the U.S. Capitol didn’t deter global stock markets. The disruption to the democratic process was less significant than the Georgia run-offs. Add poor employment numbers and rising virus cases. Is this a stock market melt-UP?
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Year in Review
Last week was the cherry on top of a turbulent year. No one expected a global pandemic. Markets fell but rebounded as central banks took action. Optimism has kept the markets afloat, buoyed by new stimulus and vaccine rollouts. What a year!
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As We Happily Leave 2020 and Jump into 2021...
As we gladly leave 2020 and jump into 2021, risks are everywhere. Investor optimism is high, which fuels the markets. Stimulus was passed by Congress and Trump finally signed it, adding to optimism. Just in time to have a happy new year!
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Reasons to be Bullish
We are finally seeing a stimulus package from Congress. The Fed will keep rates near zero. Investor confidence remains high. There are all sorts of reasons to be bullish right now! Happy holidays to all!
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What Kind of Shopper (Investor) Are You?
Frothy beverages can be delicious. Are frothy markets good too? IPO's are hot as bullish investors want in. With contrarian indicators high, what kind of shopper (investor) are you? Do you enjoy a delicious frothy holiday beverage?
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When is Bad News Good News?
When is bad news good news? Last week, major stock indices hit all-time highs, despite dismal employment report and a surge in COVID-19 cases. Considering this news, why were markets bullish? Could stimulus be coming?
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Anxiety and Optimism for the Holidays
Vaccine optimism immunized investors against signs of economic weakness. Anxiety is high, unemployment is ending and stimulus is needed but people are shopping. Narratives are influencing all of it. Watch the trends for new opportunities.
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An Amazing Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is going to be different this year and Americans are rising to the challenge. People are getting very creative with how they share the holidays and their meals. Whatever you do with the day, make it an amazing Thanksgiving!
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“Vaccine” Can be a Powerful Word
The word "vaccine" is very powerful right now. Reports of a vaccine with positive results moved markets higher but a surge in cases, new restrictions and a lack of stimulus dampened enthusiasm. Stay calm and focus on the long-term.
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A Salute to Our Veterans!
Despite uncertainty about the U.S. elections, positive economic data boosted investor confidence and major stock indices moved higher last week. These are good signs but we'd like to pause and thank our veterans for their service.
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We Are All In This Together
Two economic stories are emerging. The economy grew, unemployment decreased and spending increased, yet coronavirus rose, stimulus is delayed and the election looms. Even with our differences, remember, we are more alike than we realize.
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Election Day is Almost Here!
Markets react to stimulus but it's unsure whether a new package will be approved prior to the election, which is just eight day away. People are worried about how the results will affect the markets. All you can do is get out and vote!
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Mental Accounting
Waves of good and bad news hit markets last week: upbeat earnings and retail sales, while the virus surges and vaccine trials pause. In a time when our mental accounting habits are important, don't let this hold you back from opportunity.
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YES. NO. MAYBE?
Markets focused on the on/off status of stimulus talks last week but global indices were bullish at the possibility of a deal. Earnings season starts this week but many companies will not offer annual guidance. More yes, no, maybes to come
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October Surprise
In Q3, stocks moved higher then pulled back. The economy improved but the pace is slowing. Stimulus talks resumed. Then the first day of Q4 delivered a doozy - the President has coronavirus. Will we have more October surprises?
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Pandemic Halloween
The U.S. stock market has sparked and sputtered, with pandemic-driven demand fueling investors. New innovations and vaccines are in development to meet the needs of the new normal. Traditional Halloween celebrations are changing too.
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Unsettled Markets
Investors were not happy with central banks last week. After the FOMC meeting, stocks dropped sharply. The Bank of England rattled markets after noting they will study negative interest rates. Is this just unsettling or worst-case scenario?
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The Power of the Wind
The incredible speed at which events have flown through financial markets is incredible. Although, this can be somewhat explained by COVID-19 and the upcoming election, it almost feels like the wind at times. Wind really does have power too
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The New Normal
COVID-19 has reshaped our world. Everything from how we work, educate, shop and interact has changed. Even the we breath is different. We have also seen extreme changes in the market behavior. What exactly is the "new normal?"
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Passing the Test
One test we use to gauge the markets, company earnings, doesn't pass. Yet the markets rallied in August. The new tests tend towards optimism and fiscal stimulus. What test do you use? Would you pass a test in stocks or American history?
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Understanding What We Don't Know
There are many things we don't know. Market indices hit record highs but the reasons are unclear. There are fewer job postings yet unemployment is improving. There is research everywhere but how can we understand what we just don't know?
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One Hundred Seventy-Five Days
Markets have recovered in just 175 days. This is remarkable in the midst of a recession and weak earnings. The economy has contracted sharply while valuations have rocketed higher. No one is certain what the next 175 days will bring.
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Better but Not Great
We got good and bad news last week. There was positive data about employment but it is still high. The economy is improving but not in great shape. Pro-sports resumed but with empty seats. Better but not great. What's the flip side?
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An Economic Mixed Bag and the Cost of a Big Mac
Last week delivered a mixed bag of news. Earnings are up, GDP is down, federal benefits are ending and stimulus has stalled. For some fun, we use the Big Mac Index to assess global currencies, which is another mixed bag!
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Where Are We?
Where are we on vaccines? Governments around the world are funding research to accelerate the development of vaccines for COVID-19. This virus has wrought economic havoc! It's hard to know where we're at. Let's hope we find a vaccine soon!
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Nothing Is Making Cents These Days
Is the economy recovering or faltering? It depends which data you consider. There are divergent stories everywhere. The U.S. Mint has even reported that it costs more to produce a penny than a penny is worth! Nothing is making cents today!
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Don't Scream!
A Japanese theme park recently asked patrons not to scream on the rollercoaster. How do you not? If the current financial rollercoaster, inspired by twists and turns of the coronavirus, has you thinking, come review your financial goals.
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Who Could Have Guessed?
Who could have thought a pandemic would inflate the markets? Who would have imagined we'd be facing a pandemic? Who would have guessed that drive-in movies would make a comeback? Economic recovery is tenuous. What's your guess?
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Coping with Pandemic Stress
If your stress and anxiety levels are reaching a breaking point, you’re not alone. A recent Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) poll found 45 percent of adults in the United States are feeling worry and stress related to the coronavirus....
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Happy Birthday, America!
2020 is destined to become an indelible chapter in American history. In just six months, we have suffered a pandemic, encountered economic and financial disruption, and tackled civil justice issues. After all that, we deserve a...
Read MoreHas the Economy Begun to Recover?
As coronavirus restrictions ease and businesses reopen, the American economy should gain steam. Data released in May and June, including employment, payroll, and manufacturing numbers, suggested the economy may have hit bottom in April...
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The New Leading Indicator
Markets retreated last week as new COVID-19 cases increased in America. We can't currently rely on traditional performance-drivers of economic growth. Leading indicators are now lagging and Covid-impaired results add to the puzzle.
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The Stories Investors Tell
U.S. markets marched higher despite a pandemic, an economic downturn, and social justice protests – many wonder why. Investors tell themselves varied stories resulting in confirmation bias and diverse outcomes. What story do you tell?
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - It’s Dad’s Day!
Break out the socks and neckties! It’s time to celebrate your dad. See what you know about Father’s Day by taking this quick trivia quiz: 1. When is Father’s Day in the United States? a. Second Sunday in Mayb. Third Sunday in Junec....
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Are You Questioning Your Choices?
Stock indices rallied last week on optimism about the reopening of businesses, then sputtered out. Market performance is inconsistent with the slow economic recovery path. Investors suffer "recency bias" and question their choices.
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A Few Silver Linings
U.S. stock markets responded enthusiastically to the news unemployment decreased to 13.3% in May, a silver lining in today's world. Many would prefer to be employed but some are creating innovative solutions for interesting questions.
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Green Shoots Starting to Sprout
If you have been paying attention, you may have seen a few green shoots last week, aka signs of improvement in a downturn. Restrictions ease, businesses reopen and consumer sentiment improves. Also, June is a month of holidays to enjoy!
Read MoreLife and Finances in a Pandemic World
Life as we know it has changed dramatically during 2020. As the coronavirus spread across the United States, cities and states issued shelter-in-place orders to slow the spread of the coronavirus and prevent healthcare facilities from...
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Optimism, Trouble and Many Unknowns
While U.S. stock rallied, we saw trouble in Hong Kong. Optimism for vaccines, followed by contradictory reports. The fates of small businesses and employees are still great unknowns. So many outcomes to consider and anything is possible.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Showing Gratitude on Memorial Day
At 3:00 p.m. local time on Monday, May 25, 2020, the National Moment of Remembrance takes place by silently thanking the men and women of the United States military who gave their lives for our country.1 Originally, Memorial Day was...
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Far From Business As Usual
America is reopening but it's far from business as usual. Unemployment benefits have increased salaries for some. Will this support consumer spending and sustain demand to match production? Recovery strategies differ and the debate goes on.
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The Stock Market Is Not the Economy
The U.S. stock markets are moving higher while the U.S. economy is contracting, leading to the conclusion that the stock markets are just not mindful of the present moment. Maybe, but the definitions and drivers can also be very different.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Moms are Priceless
Whether they stay at home or work for a company, moms rarely have just one job. They’re event planners, coaches, interior designers, chefs, art directors, judges (and juries), housekeepers, maintenance supervisors, network...
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Pandemic Life
The corona virus starts to retreat but we're still stuck at home. Between Zoom meetings, emails and kids, working from home and homeschooling present challenges. That's Pandemic Life! At least we can find some humor in it.
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Interesting Times
We live in interesting and unprecedented times. Negative oil prices. Stimulus Checks. Coronavirus restrictions. Do what you can now and hope for the future.
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Stay Optimistic. There Are Things You Can Do.
Last week’s economic data was about what you might expect. Demand is down. Earning are weak. Unemployment has skyrocketed. The crisis continues. Stay optimistic! There are a few bright spots and things you can do if you lose you job.
Read MoreResources to Help You Through the Coronavirus Crisis
If you have ever been flattened by a rogue wave while fishing or sunbathing on the shore, you probably recognize the emotional responses that have accompanied the pandemic wave crashing across the United States – shock, anxiety, and...
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Creativity and Quarantine
Why is the stock market doing so well when the COVID-19 pandemic has yet to peak? While we wait, many people are getting creative while they quarantine.
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We're Not in Kansas Anymore
In the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy says to her little dog, “Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore.” Today, many of us understand Dorothy’s trepidation and uncertainty better than ever before....
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The United States Set Some Records Last Week
The Markets The United States set some records last week. First, we became the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. Popular Science explained: “An increase of 15,000 known cases in just one day pushed the United States past Italy..
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Times Are Changing
The Markets The coronavirus (COVID-19) continued to spread across the United States last week. On Friday, March 13, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported there were 1,629 confirmed and presumptive cases and 41 deaths.
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One For The History Books
The Markets Last week was one for the history books. Mid-week, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus a global pandemic.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - A Celebration of Irish Culture on St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day is a day of unity. In the past, St. Patrick was celebrated by Irish Protestants and Irish Catholics. As it has been said, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. See what you know about this celebration of Irish...
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Markets Remain Volatile
The Markets Last week, market volatility reached levels that make many investors uncomfortable. On Monday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average surged higher, delivering its biggest one-day point gain in history.
Read MoreThe Coronavirus Correction
In late February, concern that efforts to contain Coronavirus Disease 2019 (a.k.a. COVID-19) might result in slower global economic growth disrupted global markets. Share prices fell as economists and financial analysts revised growth...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Coronavirus 101: The Basics
The coronavirus, which is now officially called Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), has received a lot of attention. Since the outbreak began in China, late in 2019, the disease and efforts to understand and manage it have made...
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Take A Deep Breath
Take a deep breath. We have experienced downturns before. Think back to 2018. During the last quarter of the year, major stock indices in the Unites States suffered double-digit losses, much of it during December.
Read MoreThe SECURE Act Changed Retirement, Estate, and College Plans
There was a little something for everyone in the ‘Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement’ (SECURE) Act, a piece of bipartisan legislation that was attached to the United States federal spending bill and signed into law...
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Risk On or Risk Off?
Risk on or risk off? The coronavirus appears to have inspired two distinct schools of thought among investors.
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Key Stock Markets Hovering Close To Record Highs
Many stock markets around the world moved higher last week. Investors’ optimism in the face of economic headwinds has confounded some in the financial services industry.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - The Changing Soundtrack of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day and love songs go hand-in-hand. If you’re looking for a way to show love and appreciation, consider sharing some of the most popular love songs of all time. Here are a few of the most popular, according to Billboard...
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Fourth Quarter Earnings Season Is Underway
The Markets Last week, major U.S. indices posted strong gains. That’s welcome news, but the drivers behind share price appreciation appear to have little to do with company fundamentals.
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Prepare Yourself
There is a good chance markets will be volatile in the coming weeks.
Read MoreWhere is Your Best Place to Retire?
The best place to retire in the United States is in dispute. There’s no formal debate, but a review of reliable publications showed surveys have named different states and cities as the “best” place to retire. For instance: • Iowa was...
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Markets Hunkered Down Last Week
News of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China unsettled investors around the world.
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The New Trade Deals Are Here!
The Markets The new trade deals are here! The United States and China signed a preliminary trade deal last week. The next day, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement was approved by the Senate.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Hang On to Your Optimism!
In 2019, a Pew Research Center survey reported many Americans were pessimistic about the future. Their worries included the national debt, the gap between the rich and the poor, and automation.1 Martin Luther King was sometimes...
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It Was A Nerve-Wracking Week
U.S. Treasury bond yields dropped sharply last week before rebounding. Financial Times reported the possibility of war caused global investors to seek out investments perceived to be safe havens.
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About Face!
2019 was a remarkable year for investors with many asset classes delivering positive performance.
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Do You Know What Your Smartphone Can Do?
Since 2011, the number of Americans owning smartphones has increased from 35 percent to 81 percent, although there remains a significant digital divide, demographically. A Pew Research survey found the vast majority of younger...
Read MoreRetirement: You’ve Got This!
Not everyone is financially prepared for retirement. Earlier this year, the Employee Benefit Research Institute estimated almost 41 percent of American households will run short of money in retirement. That’s an improvement over 2014...
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Hard Act to Follow
The Markets 2019 will be a hard act to follow. Investors may find themselves reluctant to ring out the old and ring in the new this week. During 2019, stock and bond markets delivered exceptional returns.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Celebrate the New Year Your Way
If you’re not fond of New Year’s resolutions, then start or adopt new traditions that help get the year off to a positive start. Your new tradition should be something you can repeat each year with family and friends. Here are a few...
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Let’s Hear It For 2019!
Major stock indices in the United States and overseas are poised to deliver double-digit gains for the year.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Wishing Joy and Laughter this Holiday Season
No matter what holiday you celebrate, we hope it’s filled with joy, laughter, and heartfelt happiness. That said, we know holiday cheer can be overwhelmed by the pursuit of perfection and opinions of relatives. Just in case your...
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So, What Comes Next?
Last week was a good week for investors. Ben Levisohn of Barron's explained: "The Federal Reserve and European Central Bank both pledged to do what they could to underpin their respective economies.
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Ahh, The Power of Distraction
On Friday, the unemployment report flashed its numbers like a hair model in a shampoo commercial. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 266,000 new jobs were created in November.
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It's A Shopping Revolution!
Sometime, probably not so long ago, comedian Dave Barry wrote, "Once again, we come to the Holiday Season, a deeply religious time that each of us observes, in his own way, by going to the mall of his choice."
Read MoreWhat’s the Best Gift this Holiday Season?
You’ve probably never asked your adult children and younger relatives whether they have security software on their computers and devices. Why would you? They’re digital natives, born with keyboards under their fingertips.It may be time...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - What Are You Thankful For?
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude. In 1621, the Plymouth colonists shared an autumn feast with the Wampanoag Indians. They were celebrating survival and friendship. It’s also a poignant story.1About one-half of the passengers who...
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Thanksgiving Is In The Air!
Year-to-date, the Standard & Poor's 500 Index, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq Composite have all gained more than 20 percent with dividends reinvested. The MSCI World Index also is up 20 percent year-to-date.
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No Signs of Slowing
U.S. stock markets climbed higher for the sixth week straight - the longest rally in U.S. markets in two years - and the Dow Jones Industrial Average surpassed 28,000 for the very first time, reported Bloomberg.
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Historic Highs
Last week, major United States stock indices finished at historic highs.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - What Do You Know About Veterans Day?
After World War I, many nations celebrated the end of “The Great War” by establishing Armistice Day. Eventually, the holiday was broadened to celebrate those who served in all wars. In the United States after World War II and the...
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They Did It
The Federal Reserve lowered interest rates last week, as expected. There were no enthusiastic fans singing the Baby Shark song, but the Federal Open Market Committee's decision was well received.
Read MoreDoes Your Company Offer a Retirement Plan?
One of the most discussed topics in the United States is retirement security. Few Americans have set aside enough savings to live comfortably throughout retirement. In fact, the most recent National Retirement Risk Index (NRRI)*...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Save Money with a Green Halloween!
Americans expect to spend $8.8 billion on costumes, decorations, candy, and other Halloween purchases, according to the National Retail Federation.1That’s enough money to purchase the New England Patriots ($3.8 billion), the Los...
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Money Managers Are Feeling Less Bullish
2019 has been a tremendous year for U.S. stocks. Through the end of last week, the S&P 500 Index had gained more than 20% year-to-date, the Dow Jones Industrial Index was up more than 15%, and the Nasdaq Composite had risen more than 24%.
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Unpacking Last Week
Last week was like an overstuffed suitcase that busts open on the baggage carousel. A lot was unpacked in a surprising and disorderly fashion.
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Steps Toward A Trade War Truce
The United States agreed to not increase tariffs from 25 percent to 30 percent on $250 billion of Chinese imports next week. In return, China agreed to purchase $40 to $50 billion of agricultural goods, including soybeans and pork.
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Is Recession Looming Closer?
From trade wars to impeachment inquiries, investors had a lot to ponder during the third quarter.
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - The Secret Life of Data
What data about you is most important?The data that identity thieves are after – social security, credit card, and bank account numbers – is important, as well as more basic data which is being collected by companies whose devices you...
Read MoreWill There Be A Recession?
The simple answer is probably.Historically, the American economy has grown in fits and starts, otherwise known as recessions and expansions. As a result, it is likely there will be another recession in the United States.What are...
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They Say Bull Markets Climb A Wall Of Worry
The University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers indicated confidence improved in September, which appeared to be positive news. However, the report suggested positive sentiment is eroding.
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There's A New Theory In Town
Renowned economist Robert Shiller's new book suggests investors may be able to predict and prepare for economic events by tracking popular stories. Applying the theory might have been a challenge last week.
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Where's Inflation?
If you enjoy searching for Waldo, the visual nemesis in a red-striped sweater and cap, you may appreciate the quandary of central bankers in many wealthy nations. For almost a decade, they've been trying to find inflation.
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Remember the Movie Groundhog Day?
Bill Murray's character is a crotchety newsman who lives the same day over and over again. The movie came to mind last week when the United States and China headed to the negotiating table. Again. Global stocks rallied on the news. Again.
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What, Me Worry?
Last week finally brought some relief. It was the best week for major U.S. stock indices since June. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq Composite all gained between 2 and 3 percent.
Read MoreUnused Vacation Days Can Be Costly
Would you give up a share of $62 billion?Would you give up a share of $62 billion?If your answer is no, then you may be a member of the relatively small group of Americans (36 percent) that takes all of the vacation days available to...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Labor Day is an Important Day
Just over 100 years ago, Americans typically worked physically demanding jobs. Adults toiled 12 hours a day, seven days a week for low wages. Americans did not take lunch breaks. They did not get sick days or vacations. They were not...
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Markets Unsettled
The Markets Have you ever watched a lake in a thunderstorm? Heavy rain pummels the surface. Dark clouds drop the sky closer to the water. Gusty winds crash waves ashore. Up top, on land, damage may occur. Underneath, in the deeper...
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Don't Let Volatility Get You Down
It's possible we're nearing the end of the longest bull market for U.S. stocks. Further inversion of the yield curve last week suggested recession could be ahead. However, it's unlikely to arrive immediately.
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Global Selloff. Quick Comeback.
Investors boomeranged from stocks to safe havens and back as trade tensions between the United States and China intensified last week.
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Tariffs Strike Again
The Markets The Federal Open Market Committee completed what it called 'a mid-cycle adjustment' with a quarter-point rate cut last week.
Read MoreProtect Yourself in a Smart and Connected World
The world is becoming smarter and more connected all the time – and that has serious implications for people who want to protect their personal data and their privacy. If you’ve been enjoying the convenience of smart utilities and...
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Two Sides To Every Story
It has been said there are two sides to every story. Just look at world financial markets. Stock markets and bond markets are telling very different stories.
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Rate Cut Likely?
Did last week mark the start of a new policy for the Federal Reserve? The U.S. Federal Reserve has a reputation for providing little transparency about the timing and direction of potential rate changes.
Read MoreLifestyle Newsletter - A Prescription for Dementia Prevention
A Prescription for Dementia Prevention If you’ve ever played a party game that asks you to make difficult decisions, you may have run into a question like this one: Would you rather enjoy good physical health all of your life or good...
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What Will The Federal Reserve Do Now?
The Markets There was unexpected economic news last week. On Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced 224,000 new jobs were added in June, which was more than analysts had anticipated.
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Who'd A Thunk It?
The Standard & Poor's 500 Index finished the second quarter up about 17 percent year-to-date, according to Ben Levisohn of Barron's. The index gained 6.9 percent in June, its best performance since 1955.
Read MoreLife, Liberty, and Tax-Advantaged Investing
Life, Liberty, and Tax-Advantaged InvestingAmericans are passionate about taxes. We have reason to be. In recent years, Americans have spent more on taxes than on food, clothing, and housing combined.1 The Tax Foundation estimates...
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Everything Went Up - And That's Unusual
The FOMC met last week (they decide whether the central bank of the United States should push rates higher or move them lower). It left rates unchanged but indicated a willingness to lower rates in support of economic expansion.
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Are We On The Cusp of Change?
The economic facts are encouraging, but recent events have potential to knock the U.S. economy off its tracks. The most significant threat may be a second round of oil tanker explosions in the Gulf of Oman.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Collect the Best Recipes for Dads’ Cook Book
Most dads have at least one recipe they like to cook for family and friends. Some have dozens. This year, celebrate Father’s Day by collecting the recipes from the men in your family. Bring a notebook to your next family celebration...
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Surprise! It Was a Great Week for Markets
Since the U.S.-China trade conflict resumed in early May, investors have been off balance. The possibility of escalating tariffs on Mexico heightened economic uncertainty.
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Tariff Trouble
The Markets Just two weeks ago, the U.S. government lifted tariffs on Mexico and Canada. So, it was a surprise last week when President Trump tweeted the United States would impose an escalating tariff on all goods imported from Mexico...
Read MoreWhere There’s a Will, There’s a Plan
Throughout history people have made inheritance choices that are inexplicable to others. In 1926, Harry Houdini left his magical equipment to his brother, his pulled-from-the-hat rabbits to the children of friends, and a series of...
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US Stocks Have Had A Great Run
The Markets During the past decade, the profitability of U.S. companies increased rapidly. Strong corporate earnings helped the U.S. stock market outperform markets in other nations by a significant margin.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Memorial Day Quiz
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance. It’s the time when we pay our respects to the men and women who died fighting for our country. See what you know about this important holiday by taking our Memorial Day quiz.1. What did the...
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Trade War Trade-Off
There was some good news on trade, last week. The United States took steps to reduce trade friction with the European Union, Canada, Mexico, and Japan.
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Trade Talk Trouble Took a Toll Last Week
Major U.S. stock indices moved lower when trade talks between the United States and China broke down.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Moms are Unique
Moms are like snowflakes. No two are exactly alike. So, when you’re thinking about what to give your mom for Mother’s Day, consider a gift that is as unique as she is -- share your memories with her. Here are some prompts to get you...
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Off to the Races
Despite the exceptional performance of U.S. stock markets year-to-date, and data that suggest economic growth remains steady, some analysts and investors have been pecking at Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
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Well Above Consensus
Economic growth in the United States was strong during the first quarter. The Bureau Of Economic Analysis announced gross domestic product (GDP), which is the value of all goods and services produced in the United States, increased by 3.2%.
Read MoreFinding the ‘Goldilocks’ Retirement Plan
Where do you set aside the money you’re saving for retirement? If you’re like many Americans, you save for retirement primarily through an employer’s retirement plan, according to Pew Research.1Unfortunately, less than one-half of...
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And The Answer Is...
A Jeopardy! contestant captured the nation's attention last week by setting multiple records for the most money earned in a single episode. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index has been setting some records, too.
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Investors Took An Intermission
The curtain appeared to close on the first act of 2019 last week - and what an impressive act it was. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index delivered some dramatic returns and is less than 1 percent away from a new all-time high.
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The First Quarter of 2019 Brought A Welcome Reversal
While the U.S. stock market has delivered attractive returns year-to-date, suggesting investors anticipate strong economic growth ahead, the bond market has been telling a different story.
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Sleep: It’s More Elusive as We Get Older
If someone tells you older people need less sleep than younger people do, don’t believe it. Older Americans need about eight hours of sleep, just like everybody else. What’s different is quality sleep is harder to come by as you age....
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Fascinatingly Counterintuitive
Through the end of last week, the Standard & Poor's 500 Index was up more than 13 percent year-to-date, despite falling corporate earnings and modest consumer spending gains.
Read MoreHow Will Rising Healthcare Costs Affect Your Retirement?
It’s no secret healthcare costs are going up. Medical expenses have been steadily increasing for years. In 2007, costs were up almost 12 percent. However, the rate of increase slowed to 6 percent during the past five years and that...
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The Fed Revises Guidance
Wonder what the Federal Reserve's 40-yard dash time is? On Wednesday, the Fed juked like an NFL running back and left investors wondering whether they should buy or sell.
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Stock and Bond Markets Rallied
Last week, major U.S. stock indices finished higher for the 10th time in 12 weeks.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day
On St. Patrick’s Day, it’s okay to celebrate even if you’re not Irish. St. Patrick himself wasn’t Irish. As we celebrate, we would like to share some of our favorite facts and tidbits about St. Patrick’s Day:1 • St. Patrick’s Day is an...
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Markets Were Rattled Last Week
The market hates surprises, especially when the surprise comes from a central bank. Last week, the European Central Bank (ECB) unexpectedly reversed course and took a more accommodative stance on monetary policy.
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Is It A Soft Landing?
If the Federal Reserve lifts rates enough to prevent the economy from overheating without jolting it into recession, then it has engineered a soft landing.
Read MoreBaby Boomers and Digital Assets
How many password-protected accounts do you have?If you keep mental inventory, use a password manager, or have a written record of your passwords (which is not recommended by anyone), take a quick count. You’re likely to find you may...
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The Fed In Focus
The Fed delivered its semi-annual Monetary Policy Report to Congress last week.
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Why Did The Stock Market Do That?
With no clear driver, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained more than 3 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite and Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index moved higher by about 2.5 percent. It was a puzzler.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Valentine’s Day Spending
Valentine’s Day means different things to different people. Some welcome Valentine’s Day as a time for romance, while others see it as an opportunity to cherish friends and family. No matter how it’s celebrated, Valentine’s Day...
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Central Banks Take A Turn
At its first policy meeting of 2019, the U.S. Federal Reserve changed direction. After four rate increases in 2018, Chair Jerome Powell announced interest rates were on hold.
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Time for Celebration
The FOMC met on Wednesday, January 30, 2019, to discuss the state of the economy and determine policy. After the meeting, Fed Chair Jerome Powell offered a positive assessment of U.S. economic strength that was leavened with a few concerns.
Read MoreMake Sure Your Smart Home is Safe from Cyber Attack
Whether you own a house or rent an apartment, building a smart home is easier than it has ever been. Homeowners and renters can purchase kits that integrate specific smart items or they can select smart home products, such as light...
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Taking a Breather
The Standard & Poor's 500 Index, which has gotten off to its best start since 1987, ended the week with a slight loss, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq Composite finished slightly higher.
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We're Off To A Good Start
Investors who remained steady during December's wild ride are probably pleased with their decision as stocks have gotten off to a strong start in 2019.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - A Day On, Not a Day Off
In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation establishing the third Monday of January as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.1 Dr. King, who is remembered for his powerful oratory and transformative ideas, once said, “Life’s most...
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The January Effect
The original theory of the January Effect held that tax-loss harvesting pushed stock prices lower in December, making shares more attractive to investors the following month.
Read MoreJust Another Member of the Family
Bella. Coco. Charlie. Lucy. Max. No matter the name, many pets are considered to be members of the family, providing companionship, protection, and unconditional love. The pet-owner relationship has some powerful benefits, which may...
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Growth Slowdown
Investors will think of the last quarter of 2018 for years to come, but they won't remember it fondly. Last quarter's volatility and the slide in share prices owed much to uncertainty about economic growth.
Read MoreTax Season is Here Again
It’s only January, but you may want to jumpstart your 2018 taxes since there are a slew of new regulations that may affect you. The Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 goes into effect this year so make sure you understand how tax...
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December Debacle
Investing during the month of December was like traversing an icy mountain stream. It delivered a staggering shock to the senses that triggered the instinct to, “Get Out!”
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - How to Keep a New Year's Resolution
Eat healthier. Get more exercise. Save more money. Those were the top New Year's resolutions for 2018, according to Statista.1 Few people achieved them. One of the reasons so few resolutions become reality is because people tend to...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Fill Your Holidays with Happiness
Holidays can be joyful and a little stressful. Here are a few ways to bring a moment of happiness into your life and the lives of those around you:1 • Take time to call an old friend.• Buy coffee for a stranger.• Briefly chat with your...
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We're Off To A Slow Start
December is usually the best month of the year for the stock market. It has been since 1950, according to Randall Forsyth of Barron's, but not so far this year. Two issues made investors particularly uncomfortable last week...
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Are Future Rate Hikes On Pause?
Powell on Wednesday said that rates were 'just below' the level that would be neutral for the economy - meaning they would neither speed up nor slow down economic growth.
Read MoreAre Volatile Stock Markets Good for Investors?
When the ups and downs of stock markets leave you stressed and wondering whether stocks really will help you pursue your long-term financial goals, there are two things to remember:1. Historically, over long periods, stocks have tended...
Read MoreAre Volatile Stock Markets Good for Investors?
When the ups and downs of stock markets leave you stressed and wondering whether stocks really will help you pursue your long-term financial goals, there are two things to remember:1. Historically, over long periods, stocks have tended...
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The U.S. and China Continue to Spar Over Trade
The Organization for Economic Coordination and Development (OECD) anticipates global economic growth could stumble if trade tensions escalate.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Thanksgiving: A True American Holiday
Thanksgiving is a true American holiday. It celebrates generosity and gratitude, and it recognizes the relationships that helped colonists who arrived on the Mayflower in 1620 survive beyond their first winter. History.com explained:1...
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Keep Your Eyes On The Horizon
Last week, stock markets finished lower. MarketWatch reported U.S. stocks moved higher on Friday after President Trump indicated he might not pursue tariffs against China.
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Mid-Term Elections in the Rear-View Mirror
Some votes are still being counted but investors appear to be happy with the outcome of mid-term elections. Major U.S. stock indices in the United States moved higher last week...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Gratitude for Our Veterans
There are more than 20 million veterans living across the United States. These men and women fought in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, the Iraq War, the War in Afghanistan, which continues today, and many...
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Unemployment Rate Remains at Record Low Levels
Major U.S. stock indices faltered Friday after the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported on a popular 'lagging' economic indicator - unemployment.
Read MoreShould Parents Pay for College Tuition?
It’s a pricey question.It’s a pricey question.College Board estimated the average cost for full-time, in-state students who live on campus at four-year public colleges or universities during the 2017-18 school year is $25,290...
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Risk Factors That Are Concerning Investors
You have probably heard the saying, "Markets hate uncertainty." Recent volatility seems to be the result of uncertainty and it is possible uncertainty will cause stock markets to bounce around for some time.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Halloween Jokes for Children
If trick-or-treating in your neighborhood requires a trick to get a treat, your little ghosts and goblins will need some short and easy-to-remember options. Here are a few that were recommended by Reader’s Digest:1• What has hundreds...
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Worldwide Markets
Strong economic growth and robust earnings helped U.S. stocks significantly outperform other regions of the world during the third quarter of 2018.
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Our Old Friend Volatility
Like an unexpected gust of wind that blows the hat off your head or flips your umbrella inside out, last week's stock market performance startled investors.
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Just Give Me that Countryside…
Remember the television classic, Green Acres? Eddie Albert, who portrayed a New York City lawyer, and Eva Gabor, who portrayed his sophisticated spouse, move from the big city to the country – and it’s not quite what they expected...
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Yields On The Rise
Last week offered some insight to economics and stock market behavior. The U.S. unemployment rate reached its lowest level since 1969 and wages moved higher, yet major U.S. stock indices lost value.
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The Fed Is At It Again
The Federal Reserve raised rates for the third time in 2018, as expected. In addition, the Federal Open Market Committee projects economic growth will continue for three more years.
Read MoreWomen and the Retirement Crisis
Here’s a number that will knock your socks off: $400 trillion.1By 2050, the retirement savings shortfall in eight of the world’s largest economies is expected to reach $400 trillion, according to estimates from the World Economic Forum...
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Get Ready For Smart Microwaves
A tech company introduced a microwave you can turn on using Wi-Fi - as long as you have one of the company's voice assistants at home.
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All Investors Are Consumers, but Not All Consumers Are Investors
The September installment of University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Survey reported Americans are feeling pretty optimistic. Consumer sentiment rose to the second highest level since 2004, and consumer expectations reached the...
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Remember: Volatility is Normal
Major U.S. stock market indices climbed into record territory during August. They gave back some gains last week. Peter Wells of Financial Times explained: "Speculation about a fresh round of tariffs on Chinese imports from the Trump...
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Canadian Conundrum
Markets were fired up last week after the United States and Mexico agreed on new trade rules. The Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P 500) Index reached an all-time high and finished the month of August up about 3 percent.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Labor Day and Labor Unions
Labor Day is set aside to celebrate the social and economic achievements of American workers. It was proposed as a holiday by Matthew Maguire in 1882 while he served as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York, NY. The labor...
Read MoreCan Social Security Benefits Help with Longevity Risk?
How long will you live? How long will you live? It’s not a question anyone can answer with any certainty, and that creates a significant risk when planning for retirement. Your retirement may last for a long time, and you will need to...
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Federal Reserve Minutes In Focus
Not everybody loves meetings and even fewer enjoy reading the minutes, but investors make an exception with the Federal Reserve. This week the Fed published the minutes from its August 1st meeting.
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Corporate Buybacks Are Shrinking The Global Markets
The global equity market is shrinking at the fastest pace in at least two decades, as a wave of corporate share buybacks swamps the overall volume of companies going public, issuing new stock or selling convertible debt.
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Turkey Sparks a Global Selloff
So, how did a country that represents just about 1.4 percent of the world's economy spark a global selloff?
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Pay for Gains - Not Inflation
A capital gain is any increase in the value of an asset, such as an investment, a home, land, etc., between its purchase and its sale. The amount of a gain is determined by subtracting the purchase price from the sale price.
Read MoreReady, Set, Trade War?
In recent years, investors have largely ignored geopolitical risks. Russia’s invasion of the Crimean Peninsula, the Brits’ vote to leave the European Union (EU), unrest in the Middle East, and other global events have not affected...
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Strong Second Quarter Results
Economic growth in the United States was strong during the second quarter. Gross domestic product (GDP), the value of all goods and services produced in the United States, grew by 4.1 percent. That's the fastest growth in four years.
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Lower Tax Rates Are Offsetting Rising Costs
Corporate earnings have been strong. As of July 20, 17 percent of the companies in the Standard & Poor's 500 Index had reported second quarter results. More than 85 percent of those companies reported positive earnings surprises.
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The Market Tide Isn't Lifting All Stocks
Investors are becoming more discriminating. Trade tensions escalated as the U.S. administration expanded tariffs on Chinese goods last week. You wouldn't have known by watching the performance of benchmark indices, though.
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Quarterly Earnings Are In!
As the second quarter of 2018 began, investors were feeling less optimistic than usual. As the quarter progressed, investor optimism increased on signs of economic strength.
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Are You a Subscriber?
In the olden days, the word ‘subscription’ typically was applied to just magazines and newspapers. Today, that’s not the case. Americans are buying everything from meal kits to baby products to vitamins by subscription. A McKinsey &...
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China in Bear Market Territory
There's a bear in China - and it's not a panda. The Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) Composite Index, which reflects the performance of all shares that trade on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, dropped into bear market territory last week.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Out of Revolution a New Nation was Born
On July 4, 1776, the American colonies banded together and declared independence from Great Britain. The countries had been at war for more than a year due to a number of issues, particularly in regards to harsh taxation and a lack of...
Read MoreWhat Happens When the Well Runs Dry?
To the relief of many South Africans, Day Zero has been pushed back to 2019. Day Zero is the date on which Cape Town will run out of water, and its four million residents will begin to collect daily water rations of about seven gallons...
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The Yield Curve Is Looking a Bit Flat
The yield curve may be the pocket watch of economic indicators. It's been around for a long time and it's often right, but not always.
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Trade Tensions
Last week opened with heightened trade tensions between the United States and its allies. It closed with the United States imposing new tariffs on $50 billion of Chinese goods. The Chinese declared it was the start of a trade war.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Make It All About Dad
There are many perceived requirements of being a dad. “One of the jobs of a good dad is to help kids become a little tougher, a little more resilient, a little more separate…dads push kids to leave the nest; they brush off the dirt...
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G7 Meeting Makes for Good Reality TV
G whiz! Never before could the Group of 7 (G7) Summit have been mistaken for reality TV. The generally dignified annual meeting of leaders from the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom...
Read MoreHow to Prepare for a Changing Bond Market
The words ‘bear market’ have been bandied about a lot lately. When you read or hear them, remember to respond the same way you would if you saw an actual bear in the woods – by staying calm and keeping your wits about you. A changing...
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Capturing the Media's Attention with the Good, Bad, and Unexpected
World markets were buffeted by a clamor of good, bad, and unexpected news last week. Events that captured media and investor attention...
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U.S. Markets Move Higher in the Face of Global Uncertainty
Geopolitics is the intersection of geography, economics, and politics. Last week, there were some fine examples of the ways geopolitical events can create uncertainty.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Mindfulness and Memorial Day
If you’ve ever composed a grocery list in your head while driving carpool and listening to your children discuss who got in trouble at school and why, then you know what it’s like to have your attention divided. If you’ve ever worked...
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Oil and Yields Are On the Rise
US stock markets were relatively calm, although they finished the week lower. US Treasury yields hit a 7-year high and finished the week above 3%. While these were notable, the most remarkable events last week occurred beyond our borders.
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Tightening Labor Markets
How do employers lure staff in a tightening labor market? The curly tail grubs and spinnies of the business world are higher wages and better benefits.
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - 10 Reasons Moms are Important
Mother’s Day is almost here! We all have moms and, whether they gave birth to us or not, they have helped us become the people we are today. Here are 10 reasons moms are so important, adapted from Psychology Today:11. She gave birth to...
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Record Low U.S. Unemployment
U.S. unemployment fell to 3.9 percent, which is the lowest it has been since 2000. Typically, low employment is a sign of a strong economy.
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The Search for Yield
The Federal Reserve and the U.S. bond market appear to be in agreement about the direction of interest rates. The latest increase, along with signs of higher inflation, helped push bond rates higher.
Read MoreKnowledge is Power, Especially When It Comes to Money
Understanding family attitudes towards money may improve financial decisions and reduce financial stress. Understanding family attitudes towards money may improve financial decisions and reduce financial stress. People inherit more...
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Reasons Debt is a Cause for Concern
There are numerous reasons high levels of government debt (the amount a government owes) and significant deficits (the difference between how much a government takes in from taxes and how much it spends) are a cause for concern including...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Life in the Future
Technology is a life changer. GPS has improved interpersonal relations by eliminating arguments about asking for directions. Apps for car services, food delivery, video streaming, news media, and social media have changed the way we...
Read MoreHome is Wherever You Make It
“There’s no place like home.”1Conjuring an image of ‘home’ was a lot easier for Dorothy than it is for people who are on the cusp of retirement. After all, isn’t retirement supposed to be a new start? Aren’t retirees supposed to wave...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - St. Patrick and the Irish
It’s almost time to don green and gold. That’s right, March 17 is upon us. There’s more to the holiday, however, than eating corned beef and cabbage and celebrating the Irish. For instance, St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland,...
Read MoreTwo Ideas Worth Thinking About When Markets are Moving
Here’s a number most people would like to see on an annual statement: 21.6 percent. That was the annual return for the Standard & Poor (S&P) 500 Index during 2017. In general, U.S. stock indices did quite well last year – and the year...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - It’s Almost Valentine’s Day
If you’re looking for a gift that will express your love better than chocolates or a bouquet of flowers, don’t fret. Trendhunter.com has some innovative and unconventional suggestions:• Literary love tattoos. Perhaps, you’d like Rainer...
Read MoreWhat Would You Do?
Here’s a riddle for you: Some people are reluctant to start me, unless I’m automatic. I’m frequently exhausted when I don’t roll over. I’m sometimes left behind. Retirees devour me. What am I? Answer: A retirement savings plan.New jobs...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - What Do You Know About Martin Luther King, Jr.?
Most Americans know Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Baptist minister and the leader of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States until he was assassinated in 1968. Test your knowledge with this quiz about Dr. King.1. Before...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Are We Ready for the Baby Boom Retirement?
Fifteen years ago, a Health Services Research report described the challenges ahead for the United States as the Baby Boom generation aged into retirement. Four issues were paramount: 1) improving payment and insurance systems for...
Read MoreWill Interest Rates Move Higher?
The last bear market in bonds began in the middle of the last century and lasted for about 31 years. Some investors who bought bonds in 1950 locked in relatively low rates of return for a very long time. On January 1, 1950, 10-year U.S...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - 2018: A Really Big Year!
New years bring new adventures, and 2018 is no different. To paraphrase Ed Sullivan: 2018 could be a really big year. Here are a few of the events we can look forward to:• Men’s World Cup in Russia. CBS’s power rankings put Brazil at...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Finding Joy During the Holidays
“The holidays are often seen as a time of joy: ruddy cheeks, festive parties, and twinkling laughter, all wrapped in a warm, tinsel-framed glow. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! It may be the ‘season to be jolly,’ but not...
Read MoreAre You Ready to Retire?
There is a simple and unsettling reality in the United States. Most Americans are not financially prepared for retirement. There is a simple and unsettling reality in the United States. Most Americans are not financially prepared for...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Let’s Talk Turkey!
Thanksgiving is the mother of all family dinners. It’s a celebration of our great nation and the many blessings that occur when people unite together in the spirit of communication. As you’re gathered around the table this year, here’s...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Fight for the Brave Men and Women Who Fought for Us
All too often, we assume the men and women who fought for our country can take care of themselves. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. There are some important ways ordinary Americans can help those who are returning from battle...
Read MoreMaximizing Your Social Security Benefits
Retirement and Social Security are inextricably linked. Not only did Social Security help establish the official U.S. retirement age at 65, it also provides a significant portion of today’s retirees’ incomes. Retirement and Social...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Halloween Trivia Anyone?
Halloween is almost upon us! Whether you’re wearing a costume, decorating your yard/house, or handing out treats, you won’t be alone. More than 179 million Americans are expected to participate in 2017’s Halloween festivities – and...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - A Sturdy Case Isn’t All You Need to Protect Your Smartphone
Smartphones are incredibly handy. That may be why about three of every four Americans own them.1 On average, smartphone users spend almost three hours a day – 86 hours every month – using their phones. They send texts and email,...
Read MoreCollege is Coming – Have You Started Saving Yet?
How times change! In 1940, half of Americans finished their education in eighth grade. College degrees were relatively rare. Just 6 percent of men and 4 percent of women had one.1During the past 80 years, college has become far more...
Read MoreEquifax Data Breach
Greetings, Last week, one of the big four credit reporting agencies, Equifax, announced it experienced a security breach resulting in criminals accessing personal information of approximately 143 million Americans between May and July...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Happy Labor Day!
Labor Day is about a lot more than the end of summer and the start of a new school year. The holiday, which celebrates American workers, became a federal holiday in 1894 and was created to recognize the contributions and achievements...
Read MoreAfter the Diagnosis: Making a Plan for Alzheimer’s
In a 2002 interview with Mike Wallace, former First Lady Nancy Reagan said she often reread the love letters written by her husband, former President Ronald Reagan. The letters, which had sustained and enriched their relationship,...
Read MoreBeware of Spam!
While some may be concerned about the iconic American meat that arrives in a rectangular 12-ounce tin (and is inexplicably popular in certain island states and American territories), more should be wary of its namesake – the spam that...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Artificial Intelligence Deserves Some Thought
The idea of Artificial Intelligence (AI) may bring to mind movies like Terminator, Wall-E, and Transcendence, but the reality of AI is expected to help people find answers to some significant issues. For example, a PwC survey found:1 •...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Happy Birthday, United States of America!
On July 4, 1776, the American colonies claimed independence from Britain. This declaration eventually led to the formation of the United States. As we celebrate the birth of our great nation, test your knowledge with this brief quiz.1...
Read MoreWhat Comes Next? Bull, Bear, Correction?
The bull market in U.S. stocks has been charging ahead for more than eight years.1 While that’s young in people years, it’s ancient in bull market terms. Since World War II, the longest bull market in U.S. stocks lasted for almost...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Getting to Know Your Dad
You’re probably familiar with ‘20 Questions.’ It’s a classic long-distance-car-trip game that encourages creativity and deductive reasoning. On this Father’s Day, try playing a version that can help you learn a lot more about your...
Read MoreSupersize Me: Here’s a Way to Fatten Up Your Retirement Savings
Wouldn’t it be something if you could plump up your retirement savings as easily as you can put on a few pounds eating fast food? Here’s one way to do it: Open a health savings account (HSA). It offers a triple tax advantage and you...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - What Do You Know About Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have given their lives in the service of our country. See what you know about Memorial Day by answering a few questions from an AARP quiz.1 1. Memorial Day was created to honor...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - The Joys and Doubts of Motherhood
Changing diapers, arranging play dates, driving car pools, calming squabbling siblings, attending musicals and sporting events, chaperoning proms, coaching teams, helping with college applications…moms have a lot of responsibilities....
Read MoreIt's Time to Talk About Aging
We are all, inexorably, marching toward old age. By 2030, 72 million Americans will be age 65 or older.1 The good news is longevity has been improving, and people are remaining healthy and vibrant at older ages. The bad news is...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Name a Device – Any Device – That You Can't Live Without
Some people may name a medical device or implant, such as a hearing aid, an artificial joint, or a pacemaker. Others may say they couldn't live without their electric bikes, GPS devices, tablets, or food processors. A surprisingly...
Read MoreBeware of Schemes During Tax Season
It’s tax season! Every year, around this time, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publishes its dirty dozen – a list of scams criminals use to try and ferret out personal information and/or steal money.1 For example, if you received an...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day
It has been said everyone in America is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Whether you have Irish ancestry or merely enjoy a good celebration, test your knowledge of the old country by taking this quiz. 1. What is Gaeltacht?1a. A region of...
Read MoreMedicare Premiums and Copayments
More than one-half of working Americans know little or nothing about Medicare costs.1 Not knowing can be expensive. On average, people who haven’t yet retired estimate they’ll spend approximately $50,000 on health care after retirement...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Valentine’s Day: Why Chocolates?
The celebration of Valentine’s Day is attributed to Geoffrey Chaucer who wrote a poem about love and St. Valentine in the 1300s. Although this poem did not mention chocolate, the tasty treats have since become a Valentine’s Day...
Read MoreOnline Security: Avoiding Account Vulnerability
How many times did you login to a digital account today? It probably was more than once. Some people access digital sites via computer or tablet, but many others rely on their phones. Deloitte recently reported the essentials of life...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - The Nobel Peace Prize of 1964
In 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. received the Nobel Peace Prize. He accepted the award and took the opportunity to articulate his hope the civil rights movement would be successful, as well as his hope for all mankind:1 “…I must...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Retirement Can Be a Bed of Roses…
…And, it may have some thorns. There’s something you should know about retirement. It’s not as easy as everyone makes it seem. Remember what life was like when you tied the knot? How about once you had children? Or, when you accepted a...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - New Year's Day
Holiday Greeting - The Way You Eat in 2017 What can we expect in the New Year? If international food consultancy Baum + Whiteman is correct, we may find ourselves embracing new food trends including:1 • Restaurants without seats. We...
Read MoreRetirement Income
Retirement IncomeHere’s a million dollar question: How will you transform your savings into income that will last throughout your retirement?1There are probably as many answers to that question as there are retirees. However, all...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Stay Safe Online While Traveling and Shopping
We hope your holidays will be filled with family, friends, merry-making, and good cheer. One way to ensure a happy holiday season is to stay safe online. Here are a few tips that may help. 1. When using public Wi-Fi at a hotel, coffee...
Read MoreIs the End of the Bond Bull Market Finally Here?
For about 35 years, investors have enjoyed a bull market in bonds. At the start of 1982, the interest rate on 10-year U.S. Treasury bonds was 14.2 percent. By November 1, 2016, interest rates had fallen to 1.8 percent.1 Since bond...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Thanksgiving is Almost Here!
Thanksgiving is America’s second favorite holiday,1 and it offers something for everyone. You can enjoy family togetherness, feasting, football, school plays, parades, gratitude, and, of course, shopping. If you’re a traditionalist,...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Why Do American Soldiers Fight?
“American soldiers in battle don’t fight for what some president says on TV. They don’t fight for Mom, apple pie, the American flag. They fight for one another. ”1 Stars and Stripes used the words of Lieutenant Colonel Harold “Hal”...
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Markets hate uncertainty - and that may create opportunities
Last week, investors experienced another bout of election jitters, and the Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P 500) Index fell for the ninth straight session. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), a.k.a. the fear gauge, which measures the expected...
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It's almost over...
During July 2016, Pew Research reported almost 60 percent of Americans were suffering from election fatigue. They weren't uninterested in the election. They were just worn out by never-ending news coverage that focused on candidates'...
Read MoreThe Uncovered Costs of Increased Longevity
In the 1970s, a TV episode of The Odd Couple taught viewers never to assume.1 It’s a lesson we appear to have forgotten. Many Americans assume Medicare will provide financial assistance to help with long-term care costs in retirement....
Read MoreThe Uncovered Costs of Increased Longevity
In the 1970s, a TV episode of The Odd Couple taught viewers never to assume.1 It’s a lesson we appear to have forgotten. Many Americans assume Medicare will provide financial assistance to help with long-term care costs in retirement....
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - It’s Almost All Hallows’ Eve!
People of a certain age will remember ‘It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.’ The animated television special debuted in 1966,1 way back when there were only a few channels and you had to get out of your seat to change them from one...
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"Verrrry interesting"
"Verrrry interesting." Arte Johnson's catch phrase from Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In may not have described U.S. stock markets last week, but there were some interesting economic, cyber-security, and consumer developments around the world...
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'Tis the season!
Third quarter earnings season, that is. Every quarter, companies report earnings to let investors know how profitable the companies were during the quarter. When profits grow, a company's share price may move higher. When profits...
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Which Way...Was It Good News or Wasn't It
The U.S. unemployment rate ticked higher last week. The September jobs report showed the United States added 156,000 new jobs in September. That was 16,000 fewer than economists were expecting and 11,000 fewer than were added in...
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A Look Back...Quarter in Review
Markets were relatively calm during the third quarter of 2016, yet they delivered some attractive returns overall. In the United States, all three major U.S. indices posted record highs twice during a single 7-day period in August,...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - And, the Answer is: More than $260 Billion
That’s how much Americans had spent on pain relief medications and treatments when the Institute of Medicine (IOM) completed its report in 2011. If you factor in lost productivity, the economic cost of pain rose to more than $560...
Read MoreStart Talking About Retirement
If you ask people what creates stress in their lives, money is often at the top of the list. Stress in America: Paying With Our Health found money was a somewhat or a very significant source of stress in the lives of 64 percent of...
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As Expected, Not Everyone Was Thrilled
The Markets As expected... The U.S. Federal Reserve left rates unchanged last week and markets celebrated. Across the globe, national stock market indices finished the week higher. In the United States, the Standard & Poor's 500 Index...
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If it's not one thing, it may be another.
Economic data released last week will factor into this week's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decision on whether to push interest rates higher in the United States. Some of the August data supports the idea economic growth was...
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Blame it on the central banks!
After 44 consecutive sleepy, summer days when Barron's reported the Standard & Poor's 500 Index opened and closed without a 1 percent move in either direction, the index tumbled last week - and so did indices in other markets around...
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Jobs, Brexit, and Priates. The Makings of a Cloudy Crystal Ball
"We can never know about the days to come, but we think about them anyway..." --Carly Simon Economists and market analysts have been thinking a lot about the Federal Reserve and the actions it may take before the end of 2016. Friday's...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - It's Almost Labor Day!
Labor Day weekend — the three days dedicated to celebrating American workers — marks the end of summer and, for some, the start of a new school year. It’s a good time to relax and ponder thoughts about work and play: “No work is...
Read MoreWhat’s New in the Longevity Market?
You may not have heard of the Longevity Market but, if you’re older than 50, you’re one of its 74.9 million members.1 It may be easiest to think of the Longevity Market as another way of describing the Baby Boom and preceding...
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U.S. interest rates may be moving up and it might happen this year.
The Market Attention investors: U.S. interest rates may be moving up and it might happen this year. During last Friday's speech at the Federal Reserve's annual economic symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Fed Chairwoman Janet Yellen...
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Olympic Week - Clues to an Interest Rate Hike
The Markets Last week, Wall Street was speculating about monetary policy with the enthusiasm of commentators trying to predict who will bring home Olympic gold. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is expected to introduce another...
Read MoreDid You Buy Low After the Brexit Vote?
Most investors are familiar with the maxim ‘buy low and sell high.’ The unfortunate reality is that it’s a difficult principle to follow. Buying low often means investing in a company when its shares are priced below full value.Of...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Working While Retired
Would you accompany a group of high school students studying photojournalism and social change in Argentina? How about a group learning about language and culinary traditions in France? Does working for a season or two in a great place...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Fourth of July Quiz
Our Founding Fathers structured American democracy and left a legacy that has greatly influenced the world. This Fourth of July, see what you know about the Founding Fathers by taking this brief quiz. 1. Who were America’s Founding...
Read MoreWhen Your Children Leave Home, Will You Save More for Retirement?
You may be asking yourself whether that’s a trick question. After all, almost one-third of 18- to 34-year-olds are still living at home with their parents. It is, in fact, the most common living arrangement for this age group and a...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Dad: Breadwinner and Caregiver
For several years, researchers at Boston College have been studying the experiences and expectations of fathers. As you might suspect, the way in which men understand the role of ‘Dad’ has been changing. While some still believe their...
Read MoreRetirement Alchemy: Turning After-Tax Plan Contributions into Roth Savings
In medieval times, alchemists sought methods for transforming ordinary metals into gold. Today, just about every adult searches for a means of transforming savings into a retirement’s worth of income. Recently, they received help from...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Put the Memorial Back Into Memorial Day!
Before the big barbecue, take time this Memorial Day weekend to honor the men and women who gave their lives fighting for our country. If you’re looking for a way to remember those brave Americans, here are a few suggestions:1 • Raise...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - The Neuroscience of Motherhood
Scientists have been mapping our mothers’ brains! They haven’t found eyes in the back of her head, or a way to help her worry less, but they are beginning to understand the mother-child bond better:1 “After centuries of observing...
Read MoreStock Markets and Election Years
Super Bowl winners, the length of hemlines, and Sports Illustrated covers – all of these have been used to develop theories about the direction in which stock markets may be headed. Presidential elections and terms have also inspired a...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Beware Scammers Claiming to Be the IRS
If you receive a voice or email message from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), or you field a phone call from an IRS agent informing you “you owe back taxes” and “you better pay now or be arrested (or deported)...
Read MoreCollege Loan Confusion
College students have steep learning curves. In high school, they were tasked with doing well academically, participating in extracurricular activities, complying with the rules of their parents’ homes and, possibly, having a job...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - If Wars Were Fought with Words…
If wars were fought with words, Ireland would be ruling the world. --Irish proverb1 The wit and humor of the Irish is legendary, as is their ability to weave words into poems, prose, folk tales, and song. On this St. Patrick’s...
Read More7 Reasons a Roth IRA May Be a Good Idea for You or Someone You Love
It’s almost tax time. During April, many people take advantage of the opportunity to reduce taxes by funding a Traditional IRA. While that makes sense for some Americans, others may benefit by contributing to a Roth IRA that...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Saying ‘I love you’ on Valentine’s Day
Are you looking for just the right Valentine’s Day message for someone you love? Here are a few suggestions that have a decidedly financial twist from 14 Ways an Economist Says I Love You by Liz Fosslien. The messages are...
Read MoreWhy is the Federal Reserve So Controversial?
The world’s first central bank offered unprecedented convenience. It gave 17th century Swedes the option to pay with paper notes rather than 40-pound copper plates, which were the currency units of the Swedish empire at the time....
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Acts of courage: Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a complex man who took an unconventional approach to a difficult problem. He used non-violent protests to focus attention on civil rights in the United States. While he fought the status quo, he...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Understanding 2016’s Higher Medicare Part B Premiums
Understanding 2016’s Higher Medicare Part B PremiumsOne-in-seven Medicare enrollees will pay higher Medicare Part B monthly premiums during 2016. Their premiums will be $121.80 each month, an increase of 16 percent. While...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - How Do You Celebrate the New Year?
From early Babylonians to present-day Americans, people have been celebrating the beginning of every new year for almost four thousand years!1 Here are a few ways people celebrate the holiday in the United States:2 61 percent of...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - There is A Lot to Celebrate During December!
December is full of high spirits and good cheer. If you browse online, you’ll find some surprising holidays amidst more well-known celebrations. Just in case you need more reasons to celebrate the season, here is a list of major...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - What Do You Know About Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving traditions aren’t quite as straightforward as the elementary school plays about Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a feast would have us believe. History.com suggests that’s because Thanksgiving is,...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - It's Veterans Day!
Veterans are skilled leaders and problem solvers who have a lot to offer in and out of the service. Got Your 6, a campaign to empower veterans in America, offered some interesting insights about the men and women who have chosen to...
Read MoreThe Basics of Tax Loss Harvesting
You may have heard of tax loss harvesting. Some people harvest losses every year, while others do so only when they have taken significant capital gains or have received more income than expected during a given year (perhaps they sold...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting – By the Numbers
A number you’re probably not looking for is 1.5 billion. That’s the number of pounds of pumpkins grown every year. History.com said that’s more than twice the weight of the Empire State Building. Here are a few other interesting...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Uncommon Knowledge: Prescription Interactions
If you’re 57 or older, it’s a pretty good bet you take at least one prescription medication. If you take more than one, it’s really important to understand how the drugs may interact with one another in your system – particularly, if...
Read MoreA New Tool for Parents of Children with Special Needs
Twenty-five years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, guaranteeing disabled Americans – people with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities – equal opportunity in employment, transportation, government...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Food for Thought at Your Labor Day Picnic
Workers are essential to innovation and success. According to the London School of Economics (LSE), they’re a source of ideas for new products, new services, new approaches to work, and new business models.1Worker-led innovation must...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Food for Thought at Your Labor Day Picnic
Workers are essential to innovation and success. According to the London School of Economics (LSE), they’re a source of ideas for new products, new services, new approaches to work, and new business models.1Worker-led innovation must...
Read MoreStay Calm and Open a Health Savings Account
Healthcare. Retirement. Those may be two of the most stressful words in the English language today. Especially when you include them both in the same sentence. For instance, a married couple that saves $326,000 has a 90 percent chance...
Read MoreStock Buybacks
How Do You Make Money in Stocks?Have you ever watched Family Feud? Perhaps you were a child when Richard Dawson hosted the game show or maybe you enjoy the current version. No matter, take a moment and:• Name a three-letter word that...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - What is Character?
People think about character in many different ways. You have probably heard or may have commented on someone else’s character by saying:• She is a woman of good character.• What a character!• That was really out of character.• He has...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - What Do You Know About America?
Achieving U.S. citizenship can be life changing, but it is not easy. Those who aspire to become American citizens must pass a 100-question naturalization test and answer six of 10 questions correctly during their naturalization...
Read MorePaying for College
While your high school student is taking standardized tests, parsing college choices, and raring for graduation, you’ll probably find yourself spending some time with net income calculators on college websites. Whether your family’s...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - What is a Father’s Role?
Modern dads are a diverse bunch. They may go to work or stay at home with the kids. They may be single, married, or dating. They may be birth parents, adoptive parents, or step-parents.1 They may be expected to teach children morals...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - A Day for Gratitude
There are many ways to show gratitude for the sacrifices made by the men and women who have died while fighting for our freedom. In 1868, General John Logan issued a Memorial Day Order that said:1“Let us, then, at the time appointed,...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - What Makes Your Mom So Special?
When you think “Mom,” it’s likely your brain conjures up a scent or a story or a song that feels like home. Here are a few inspiring and heartfelt words that have been written about the value and importance of mothers:“A mother enables...
Read MoreWhere is the Best Place to Retire?
It all depends on you. Thanks to the Baby Boom generation, pre-retirees and retirees have a lot more options than did previous generations of Americans. There is a lot to consider before you decide where to live during retirement: your...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - The Future is Almost Here!
Before you know it – thanks to smart phones, tablets, and wireless technology – your home will be connected to the Internet of Things. Sure, home automation costs a few shekels, but just imagine it! You could be the envy of Jane Jetson...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - What Do You Know About St. Patrick?
St. Patrick, the apostle of Ireland, is one of the most well known and popular Catholic saints. Of course, he wasn’t actually Irish and his birth name wasn’t Patrick! Maewyn Succat was born to Calpurnius and Conchessa, a Roman couple...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - The Economics of Love
Romantics welcome Valentine’s Day and having the opportunity to lavish loved ones with attention. Economists appreciate Valentine’s Day, too. Sure, the $13 billion spent on Valentine’s Day is just a drop in the $17 trillion bucket of...
Read MoreThe Need for Something New
You have probably heard the term ‘planned obsolescence.’ It’s also known as ‘shortening the replacement cycle.’ No matter what you call it, the strategy was developed by manufacturers to ensure consumers would buy products more than...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
If you were to create a list of Americans who’ve had great influence on our country during the past 100 years, it would not be complete without the name Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. While he’s best remembered for fighting for civil...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Giving Great Gifts
Some people have a gift when it comes to gifts. Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, baby shower, Christmas, Hanukah, or some other occasion, they always seem to find just the right thing for each person. If you’re not an insightful gift...
Read MoreHoliday Greeting - Make Something Memorable
In addition to making wonderful memories during the holiday season, almost two-thirds of Americans – including people of all income levels – make the gifts they give to family and friends. It will come as no surprise more women than...
Read MoreLifeStyle Newsletter - Get Up! Stand Up!
Sitting is bad for your health. Whether you’re sitting at a desk doing work, in a classroom listening to a lecture, or on a ship sailing the ocean, research suggests extended periods of sedentary behavior may increase the likelihood of...
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