Blog
Millennial Inequality – Recovering Financially at Different Speeds
As if the 2008 recession wasn’t rough enough, hardships struck millennials again in 2020. Already facing professional and financial challenges, including a dismal job market, sky-high levels of student debt, and soaring living costs,...
Read MoreRetirement – Should You Take It Early or Late or Just on Time?
Imagine if Goldilocks was planning her retirement: “this date is too early” and “this date is too late” but “this date is just right”! Sweet retirement can’t come soon enough for some of us, but it’s important to know precisely when...
Read MoreOverlooked Tax Breaks & Deductions for the Self-Employed
Your business’s success is in your hands when you're self-employed, so you need to be knowledgeable about and take advantage of whatever assistance is available—especially when it comes to lowering your tax bill. It’s commonly known...
Read MoreStopping Identity Theft Especially During Tax Season
The face of identity theft has changed dramatically, evolving with the technology and economic landscape surrounding it. Understanding your exposure and staying informed of the trends and methods that thieves use to steal from you is...
Read MoreAvoid Costly Retirement Surprises
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...” ― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places...
Read MoreShow All
Retirement Options for the Self-Employed
This past year highlighted small businesses more than any other. The impact from a struggling economy has not gone unnoticed and the support from local shoppers has made the difference between open and closed for many small business...
Read MoreA Biden Victory - What Does That Mean for Me?
All 50 states and the District of Columbia have now certified their presidential election results, and President-Elect Joe Biden will drive our next four years. What does that mean for your investments as you move closer to retirement?...
Read MoreTop Tips to Prepare for Tax Season
Happy New Year! It’s a new year, a new you, and a new time to do things differently—like your taxes. Tax-filing season is officially here, and there are many things you can do to be prepared and organized. Here are a few simple tips...
Read MoreRetirement Surprise: Your Tax Bill Might Increase
Did you know it’s possible for your tax bill to go up once you retire? One possible reason: A portion of your Social Security benefits could be taxed. Another possibility: Your tax-deferred retirement account tax bill comes due when...
Read MoreSocial Security: What’s New For 2021
The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced that the 2021 annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for benefits will be 1.3%. That's a small but essential increase for millions of beneficiaries who will see a rise in...
Read MoreYour 2021 Savings Strategies for High-Income Earners
Go beyond maxing out your employee 401(k) to find the opportunities that could save you your hard-earned cash when it comes to paying taxes. Minimize the use of Active Management for Brokerage Accounts.The more you trade, the more...
Read MoreWill Your Credit Card Interest be a Tax-Deduction This Year?
Are you wondering if you can deduct your credit card interest this tax season to move to a lower tax bracket? The answer is most likely no. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed by President Trump in 2017 was the biggest overhaul of the...
Read MoreGifting with Tax Purposes in Mind
In addition to the emotional high that giving to those you care about brings, giving can now also be a savvy tax move for families with substantial wealth. That’s because both the present value and any potential growth of the...
Read MoreHybrid Coverage – Life Insurance Plus Long-Term Care Insurance
Consider this: about 70% of Americans will require long-term care, long-term care facilities cost between $80,000-$150,000 annually, and the average stay is approximately 3 years. Those figures all add up to one thing; it’s time to...
Read MoreMedicare Enrollment: What’s New For 2021
Medicare Open Enrollment ends December 7, 2020, and there are a lot of changes that will impact Medicare Advantage plans and Part D coverage options for those ages 65+. Premium and deductible costs – The standard premium for Medicare...
Read MoreDo You Really Need Long-Term Care Insurance?
Should you develop a health condition that requires part- or full-time care, and your health insurance doesn’t cover the costs, how will you pay for what you need? Answer: Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCi). The U.S. Department of Health...
Read MoreThe Importance of Knowing Your Net Worth
As we head toward the finish line of 2020 and gear up for 2021, setting goals and getting your life in order should be a priority. One of the best places to start is by understanding your net worth and determining if you are on track...
Read MoreYour Retirement and Required Minimum Distribution FAQs
You have worked hard to build up your retirement savings, but you can’t keep retirement funds in your account indefinitely. However, thanks to the recent SECURE Act, if your 70th birthday is July 1, 2019 or later, you can delay taking...
Read MoreHow Medicare Plays into Your Estate Planning
Medicare Open Enrollment starts October 15, 2020 and if you’re new to Medicare or if you need to review and make changes, it’s time to talk with your financial professional to ensure your future medical needs will be covered....
Read MoreCan Baby Boomers Count on Social Security During Retirement?
Social Security (SS) faces a financial challenge from the impending retirement of the largest generation in American history, the 76 million people born in the “baby boom” years (1946 through 1964). These boomers began to hit...
Read MoreHow Siblings Care for Elderly Parents When No One Can Agree
For most families, navigating elder care decisions falls somewhere between adult siblings happily gathering together and planning for their parent’s future and siblings who barely speak making rash decisions in an effort to end a...
Read MoreRebounding Your Business From Negative Cash Flow
2020 came in like a hurricane and it’s still stirring up the landscape nine months later. Unemployment is at an all-time high and consumer spending at its lowest. Any changes from this year’s election won’t come in time to get your...
Read MoreProtecting Your Retirement Regardless of Election Results
The elections are coming up fast and with the current state of the country, we can expect a lot of changes to take place soon after the election, regardless of the outcome. Many of these changes will impact you financially so you want...
Read MoreEstate Planning in the Age of COVID-19
With COVID-19 at the forefront of everyone’s mind, many who have been holding off on estate planning are now prompted to quickly finalize estate plans so they will have something in place should illness or worse come calling. Without...
Read MoreLife Insurance for Young Families
For young couples just getting started, new commitments, such as buying your first home or having children, bring with them the responsibility of making sure your loved ones will be provided for financially. Life insurance can help...
Read MoreYou’re Interested in Annuities but Rumors are Holding You Back
If the fear of outliving your retirement savings really haunts you, then looking into income sources that will keep going as long as you do may not be such a bad idea. You can potentially alleviate this financial anxiety by considering...
Read MoreHow this Election Year Could Impact the Economy and Your Retirement
Election years historically bring uncertainty to the stock market, and uncertainty often translates to economic volatility. While the changing of the guard will have an impact on your retirement, changes you make today can determine if...
Read MorePodcasts: Tune in for Investing, Information, and Relaxation
Have you discovered the value of podcasts for financial insight? Gaining outside perspectives is a smart way to look at your financial future. There are podcasts for all ages, genres, and cultures and they can be fiction or nonfiction...
Read MoreUnderstanding Regulation Best Interest
As we head into the second half of 2020, you may notice a change in the way investment plans are presented to you by your financial advisor. The SEC implemented a new ruling called Regulation Best Interest (REG BI) that is aimed at...
Read MoreWithdrawing Retirement Funds During COVID-19
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced it has expanded retirement fund withdrawal eligibility to "take into account additional factors such as reductions in pay, rescissions of a job offer, and delayed start dates." The updated...
Read MoreCredit Card Concierge: Did You Know?
Select premium credit cards often come with a concierge service benefit and most cardholders don’t know or don’t take advantage of the service. Much like having an assistant at the office, a concierge can do the legwork for your...
Read MoreCOVID-19: Were You Prepared, What Will You Change?
The impact of COVID-19 is colossal and everyone is feeling the impact. We all know someone who needs extra care during this pandemic. Do you have the financial resources and peace of mind in place to help? Perhaps you are a child...
Read MoreAging in Place in the Wake of COVID-19
Everyone ages and, as a result, they eventually need personal and medical care in a comfortable living environment. Seniors are tasked with deciding what their care will look like and where they want to wake up each morning. With...
Read MoreReminder – Extended Tax Deadline Hits July 15
For some, the onset of COVID-19 brought about a much-needed reprieve from the traditional Spring tax deadlines. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) extended the deadline for all taxpayers to July 15, 2020. Anyone, including Americans...
Read MoreEmpowering Women for Financial Success
These days women not only have to worry about balancing their duties as a family manager, but must focus on their own identity as financial contributors as well. Despite being great savers and increasingly influential in the workforce,...
Read MoreImportant Insurance Issues to Discuss in a Divorce
“I’m getting a divorce.” When one hears that statement, the first thought that frequently comes to mind is prepare for an emotional roller coaster and all the expenses that come with it. Every divorce is emotionally and financially...
Read MorePreparing for Long-Term Care
Did you know that Medicare typically doesn’t cover nursing homes or any in-home care? According to statistics, someone turning 65 today has almost a 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care assistance.1 This includes...
Read MoreHome Improvements: Are You Properly Insured?
With warmer temperatures, longer days, and spending more time at home, summer may be the prime time for home renovations. Whether it’s repainting your home, building a backyard deck, or remodeling the kitchen, modifications can not...
Read MoreAnnuities: Protecting Yourself Against Uncertain Markets
When it comes to growing and preserving wealth, it’s important to bear in the mind the volatility of the markets and how it could impact your retirement income. Fortunately, there are ways to help shield your savings from market woes....
Read MoreCOVID-19 and Life Insurance: Are You Covered?
Not too long ago, everything was normal and seemingly under control. Since then, the spread of the pathogen has shaken the foundation of the world we once knew and exposed the vulnerabilities of our health care systems. On March 26,...
Read MoreShould I Withdraw from My 401(k) During a Pandemic?
Over the past several months, the pandemic has led many Americans to financial hardships. Individuals are fearful of how they’ll meet their financial obligations. The stimulus package may help alleviate some of the concerns, but what...
Read MoreCARES Act: Retirement Provisions and What They Can Mean to You
In response to the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CARES Act contains a number of essential measures important to the financial security of the American population. This far-reaching legislation offers protection and...
Read MoreStir-Crazy Kids at Home? Take Them on Virtual Field Trips!
Kids and grandkids are out of school and many of us are looking for ways to keep them occupied and on track with their schooling. Below are a few free resources that you can use with your loved ones to explore the world with a simple...
Read MoreCOVID-19 and Your Retirement
Could COVID-19 change our lives forever? Undoubtedly so. The viral outbreak has absolutely upended our lives. With the stock market meltdown that began on February 20, 2020 and panicked headlines dominating the news, the financial...
Read MoreHow to Work from Home
Many of us are adapting to this new COVID-19-induced environment. While it can serve as a disruption, one can still be very productive in our work. To help you settle in and feel more in control of your own work while at home, we...
Read MoreWhat a Pandemic Could Teach Us About Our Finances
A pandemic poses a number of challenges that not only harms our health and our communities, but also our economies. As we’ve witnessed, the rapid-moving pathogen COVID-19 has brought daily lives of tens of millions of people to a...
Read MoreSettling into Life at Home
The coronavirus is keeping us indoors, but you may still have to step out for essential errands like grocery shopping, grabbing take-out meals or picking up prescriptions from the pharmacy. As you’re venturing out, be cautious of...
Read MoreFinancial Assistance Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic has shook the financial stability of millions of Americans. In addition to mortgage relief, many financial institutions of all sizes, including Ally Financial, Bank of America, Citi, and Fifth Third...
Read MoreThings to Remember During Uncertain Times
With uncertainty swirling over the coronavirus (COVID-19), the markets are undoubtedly taking a hit. And while market volatility can be unsettling, it’s times like these when it’s important to remember we’re always keeping a watchful...
Read MoreGet Mortgage Relief from the Financial Impacts of COVID-19
As the number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. continue to rise, Americans are seeing their hours cut, jobs disappearing, and expenses adding up. While the situation remains grim and many are waiting to return to work, homeowners are...
Read MoreWe’re Here for You!
In light of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we understand the concern and uncertainty you may be experiencing. As your entrusted financial professionals, we value not only the financial health of our clients and their families, but also...
Read MoreMaximizing Your Retirement Benefits
Retirement might sound like a far-off dream, but it’ll become reality sooner than you think. You’ve worked hard for it and if planned right, you can enjoy the retirement that you’ve always envisioned. Here are a few tips that can have...
Read MoreProtect Your Finances from Natural Disasters
In the past few months, we’ve witnessed a number of natural disasters. With Hurricane Season looming over our coastal areas, being prepared can help you, your family or your business minimize the impact of not just hurricanes, but of...
Read MoreAre You Aware of These Three Unique Social Security Benefits?
For many retirees, Social Security is a key component of retirement with 97% either receiving or will receive it.1 It provides a foundation of income on which workers can build to plan their golden years. Though Social Security remains...
Read MoreUnexpected Ways to Fund Long-Term Care Expenses
Believe it or not–someone turning 65 today has almost a 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care (LTC) service.1 When you think about it, the odds of being in a nursing home are a lot higher than totaling your car or losing...
Read MoreNew Parents: Plan for Financial Success
As parents, we bear the great duty of raising our children to be strong, independent, and better versions of ourselves. This responsibility comes with many financial obligations to balance for the goal of setting them up for success...
Read MoreTips for Getting the Most Out of Your Insurance Policy
Life can be full of surprises and you want to be ready for whatever lies ahead. Through life insurance, you can prepare for the unexpected by providing financial security for your loved ones in the event of your death. An important...
Read MoreThe Three Pillars of Happiness in Retirement
What does it mean to be truly happy in retirement? Is it financial independence, health, adventure, or all of the above? The vision of the ideal retirement is often different from person to person, but the foundation of a happy and...
Read MoreThree Tax Advantages of a Health Savings Account (HSA)
Many Americans are aware of the tax benefits such as individual retirement accounts, or 401(k) savings plans; but the less-known HSA can provide some major tax relief. Here are three ways:Tax-free contributions. All money you set aside...
Read MoreWhat Medicare Won’t Cover During Your Retirement
A person turning age 65 today has almost a 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care service. It’s considered one of the largest potential expenses in retirement with the average lifetime long-term care expenditure being $138...
Read MoreNovember 8, 2017 - How Life Insurance Can Help Business Owners
Owning a business in the U.S. is an integral factor of our economy. In fact, the U.S. has 28.8 million small businesses, comprising 99.7% of all business in America.1 And while risks abound in entrepreneurship, owners can take...
Read MoreOctober 4, 2017 - Tax Benefits Available as You Age
Finding any helpful reason to pull down your tax liabilities is a welcomed benefit, no matter one’s age. But, once you move into your golden years, exploring new tax benefits is worth the time and effort—you may have specific tax...
Read MoreSeptember 27, 2017 - Ways to Stay Active In Retirement
Once retired, many once-active people fall prey to the lure of the couch. With newfound time on their hands and a new life stage before them, finding ways to occupy themselves can be challenging. Yet, making a point to stay active and...
Read MoreSeptember 20, 2017 - Life Insurance Awareness Month: Facts to Know
September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, which aims to increase awareness about the importance and helpfulness of having life insurance coverage. Over the years, life insurance has become an essential way to protect one’s...
Read MoreSeptember 18, 2017 - Understanding Record Highs
After briefly stumbling the week of September 4, domestic indexes notched significant gains last week and hit record highs. By Friday, the S&P 500 exceeded 2,500 for the first time, the Dow closed at its highest level ever, and the...
Read MoreJuly 10, 2017 - Markets Start Second-Half Slow
As the country celebrated the Fourth of July last week, the markets experienced some volatility, though they finished a bit flat overall.[1] The Dow fell then rose to close the week up 0.30%.[2] The S&P 500 climbed a modest 0.07% for...
Read MoreJune 26, 2017 - Markets Slide Sideways
Last week, markets kept relatively quiet despite the continuing drop in oil prices. The S&P 500 rose by 0.21%, the Dow increased by 0.05%, and the NASDAQ - the week's best performer - jumped 1.84%.[1] Internationally, the MSCI EAFE...
Read MoreJune 26, 2017 - Markets Slide Sideways
Last week, markets kept relatively quiet despite the continuing drop in oil prices. The S&P 500 rose by 0.21%, the Dow increased by 0.05%, and the NASDAQ - the week's best performer - jumped 1.84%.[1] Internationally, the MSCI EAFE...
Read MoreJune 19, 2017 - Mixed Markets Continue
Markets remained mixed last week as the Dow closed at another record high, while the NASDAQ fell and the S&P 500 held steady.[1] By Friday, the Dow gained 0.52%, the NASDAQ fell -0.92%, and the S&P 500 gained a slight 0.05%.[2]...
Read MoreJune 12, 2017 - Mixed Markets. Mixed News.
Markets last week were mixed with leading tech stocks falling dramatically as some investors pulled profits.[1] The NASDAQ took the biggest hit, finishing 1.55% down on the week - its worst week of the year.[2] Meanwhile, the Dow rose...
Read MoreJune 5, 2017 - Stocks Advance, Economy Softens
Last week, the S&P 500, Dow, and NASDAQ closed at all-time record highs.[1] The S&P 500 rose 0.96%, the Dow gained 0.6%, and the NASDAQ grew by 1.54%.[2] Meanwhile, the MSCI EAFE gained 1.64% for the week.[3] Despite strong equity...
Read MoreMay 30, 2017 - Strong and Steady Markets
The markets marched ahead last week with the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ reporting all-time records, albeit just slightly above previous highs.[1] The S&P rose 1.43% over last week, while the NASDAQ was up 2.08%.[2] The Dow gained 1.32%...
Read MoreMay 15, 2017 - Markets Ignore the Politics
Markets tuned out noise from Washington last week and continued to focus on economic fundamentals. Mildly rebounding retail sales and strong consumer sentiment seem to point toward a modestly stronger second quarter.[1]After a...
Read MoreMay 8, 2017 - Markets Stay Steady
Last week, stocks rose but floated within a narrow trading range. By Friday, however, both the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ reached record highs.[1] For the week, the S&P 500 gained 0.63%, the Dow finished up 0.32%, and the NASDAQ rose 0...
Read MoreMay 1, 2017 - Strong Markets and Slow GDP
Stocks continued their advance on generally strong earnings reports this week despite the GDP report showing a slow first quarter economy. The S&P 500 rose 1.51%, the Dow gained 1.91%, and the NASDAQ added 2.32%.[1] On Tuesday, the...
Read MoreApril 24, 2017 - Stocks Gain. Questions Remain.
Domestic stocks posted losses on Friday, April 21, largely due to investor concerns about the French election.[1] Despite these daily losses, U.S. indexes broke their two-week losing streak, with the S&P 500 adding 0.85%, the Dow...
Read MoreApril 17, 2017 - Stocks Slip for Second Week
Last week, major indexes experienced losses for the second week in a row, with the S&P 500 falling 1.21%, the Dow giving back 1.01%, the NASDAQ dropping 1.26%, and the MSCI EAFE declining 0.14%.[1] Markets closed on April 14 for the...
Read MoreFebruary 13, 2017 - Taxes, Trade, and Record Highs
The political world has presented many topics of conversation lately. But one discussion has been relatively quiet: tax reform. Last week, however, the president announced that a "phenomenal" tax plan is forthcoming, and domestic...
Read MoreJanuary 9, 2017 - New Year Starts With Record Highs
The first trading week of 2017 is over, and during this time, all three major domestic indexes hit record highs. The DOW reached 19,999.63 in intra-day trading on Friday, January 6 - just 0.37 away from achieving 20,000 for the first...
Read MoreJanuary 3, 2017 - Special Update: 2016 in Review
Looking back on the final trading week of a very eventful year, we saw low volume and a break from the recent rallies for domestic indexes. While international stocks in the MSCI EAFE added 0.56%, all major U.S. indexes declined.[1]...
Read MoreDecember 27, 2016 - Slow, But Positive, Trading Week
In the last full trading week of 2016, domestic markets were relatively quiet, with many people out of the office for the holidays. Nonetheless, all three major domestic indexes ended the week in positive territory. The S&P 500 was up...
Read MoreNovember 14, 2016 - A Week of Surprises
Last Tuesday, many Americans watched in great surprise as Donald Trump won the presidential election. Just that day, the New York Times had placed Hillary Clinton's odds of winning at 85%,[1] based on a range of state and national...
Read MoreNovember 7, 2016 - Stocks Down but Long-Term View Up
We're in the middle of an interesting moment for the markets, where short-term volatility and uncertainty might lead you to believe that the economy is faltering. After all, the major stock indexes lost ground this week, with the S&P...
Read MoreOctober 3, 2016 - Why Deutsche Bank Isn't Lehman
Though the final week of the third quarter ended positively for the major indexes, stocks took a rocky path to get there. A presidential debate, surging oil prices, and concerns about a global bank all took their toll on the market...
Read MoreAugust 29, 2016 - LIBOR Surge May Rule Out September Fed Rate Hike
After rallying for weeks, the major indexes fell last week ahead of key remarks by Federal Reserve officials and turbulence in money markets.[1] For the week, the S&P 500 lost 0.68%, the Dow fell 0.85%, the NASDAQ dropped 0.37%, while...
Read MoreAugust 22, 2016 - NASDAQ Posts Eighth Week of Gains
The S&P 500 and Dow ended last week slightly lower, but the NASDAQ posted an eighth straight week of gains for the first time since 2010.[1] For the week, the S&P 500 lost 0.01%, the Dow fell 0.13%, the NASDAQ gained 0.10%,and the...
Read MoreAugust 15, 2016 - S&P 500, Dow, and NASDAQ Post New Records
Stocks ended last week mostly flat, falling slightly on Friday after the major U.S. indexes set new record highs on Thursday on positive earnings surprises. The NASDAQ also notched a seventh week of gains, its longest winning streak...
Read MoreAugust 8, 2016 - S&P 500 at New High After Jobs Blowout
Stocks bounced last week, ending sharply higher after a better-than-expected jobs report. For the week, the S&P 500 gained 0.43%, the Dow rose 0.60%, the NASDAQ added 1.14%, but the MSCI EAFE lost 1.41%.[1] Among last week's major...
Read MoreOctober 19, 2015 - Stocks Post Third Weekly Gain on Hopes of Fed Delay
Stocks ended last week on another strong note as markets surged on the strong possibility that the Fed won't raise rates this year. For the week, the S&P 500 gained 0.90%, the Dow grew 0.77%, and the NASDAQ rose 1.16%.[1] Investors...
Read MoreOctober 12, 2015 - S&P Posts Biggest Weekly Gain of 2015
Stocks ended last week on a strong note, regaining a lot of lost ground and giving the S&P 500 its best week of the year. For the week, the S&P 500 gained 3.26%, the Dow grew 3.72%, and the NASDAQ rose 2.61%.[1] Markets started off...
Read MoreSeptember 21, 2015 - Fed Cites These 3 Factors Behind Last Week's Decision
Uncertainty about the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates weighed on markets last week, pushing the Dow and the S&P lower. For the week, the S&P 500 lost 0.15%, the Dow fell 0.29%, while the NASDAQ gained 0.10%.[1] On...
Read MoreSeptember 14, 2015 - Will Interest Rates Go Up for the First Time in Nearly a Decade?
Stocks rebounded during the holiday-shortened week as gains in overseas stock markets spurred buying activity, giving the Dow its best week since March. Despite the buying pressure, investors curbed their enthusiasm ahead of the...
Read MoreAugust 25, 2015 - Global Stock Markets Slide on China Fears
U.S. stocks ended a defensive week in the red as investor sentiment deteriorated in the face of fresh worries out of China. For the week, the S&P 500 fell 5.77%, the Dow lost 5.82%, and the NASDAQ slid 6.78%.[1]Much of last week's...
Read MoreAugust 24, 2015 - 4 Things You Shouldn't Do Right Now
U.S. stocks ended a defensive week in the red as investor sentiment deteriorated in the face of fresh worries out of China. For the week, the S&P 500 fell 5.77%, the Dow lost 5.82%, and the NASDAQ slid 6.78%.[1]When markets take a dive...
Read MoreJuly 20, 2015 - Stocks Rise on Earnings & Greece
Stocks surged in an action-packed week, giving the NASDAQ two record closes in a row. For the week, the S&P 500 gained 2.41%, the Dow rose 1.84%, and the NASDAQ soared 4.25%.[1] Investors around the world breathed a sigh of relief when...
Read MoreApril 20, 2015 - Earnings Season Is Still Young: Here Are The Facts
Events in China and Europe triggered a modest worldwide sell-off last week, and lackluster corporate earnings in the U.S. contributed to market doldrums. For the week, the S&P 500 fell 0.99%, while the Dow and the NASDAQ both lost 1...
Read MoreApril 13, 2015 - Fresh Data Suggestions: Economy Still On Track
Stocks ended the second week of the new quarter on a high note, giving the Dow its first close over 18,000 for the month. Investors took confidence from some major corporate deals as well as fresh data that suggests the economy is...
Read MoreApril 6, 2015 - Stocks End Q1 Flat
After a volatile winter, stocks ended the quarter about where they started. Oil prices, a strong dollar, and concerns about interest rates contributed to the volatility and uncertainty remains as we enter the second quarter. For the...
Read MoreMarch 30, 2015 - Stocks Retreat Ahead of Earnings
Markets lost ground again last week, giving up most of the previous week's gains as investors tread water ahead of earnings season. For the week, the S&P 500 lost 2.23%, the Dow fell 2.29%, and the NASDAQ dropped 2.69%.[1] Though...
Read MoreMarch 23, 2015 - What Will the Fed Do Gradually?
Markets finally snapped their three-week losing streak and rebounded as investors bought the dip and rallied after a Fed meeting. For the week, the S&P 500 gained 2.66%, the Dow rose 2.13%, and the NASDAQ added 3.17%.[1] The Federal...
Read MoreMarch 16, 2015 - We've Come a Long Way
Markets ended another week down after mixed economic data, lower oil prices, and a strengthening dollar made investors nervous ahead of the next Federal Reserve meeting. For the week, the S&P 500 lost 0.86%, the Dow fell 0.60%, and the...
Read MoreMarch 9, 2015 - Markets Slide on Fed Fears
Markets closed Friday with losses after a turbulent week as investors began to worry that strong labor market growth might signal rate hikes next quarter. For the week, the Dow fell 1.52%, the S&P 500 dropped 1.58%, and the NASDAQ lost...
Read MoreMarch 2, 2015 - What's Grown At the Fastest Pace in 4 Years?
Stocks ended the week mixed after losses related to a lower fourth-quarter Gross Domestic Product estimate. However, after a lackluster January, the major indices ended February on an upbeat note, with the S&P 500 posting a 5.5% gain...
Read MoreFEBRUARY 23, 2015 - Dow Sets First Record Close of 2015
Stocks rallied on the news that Greece reached a new deal with its creditors, sending the Dow and the S&P 500 to new record closes and bringing the Nasdaq close to its own record set in March 2000.[1]For the week, the S&P 500 gained 0...
Read MoreJanuary 12, 2015 - Perspectives On a Volatile Week
Stocks ended the first full week of 2015 in the red, pulled in different directions by a mixed December jobs report, fresh oil declines, and renewed terrorist fears in the West. For the week, the S&P 500 lost 0.65%, the Dow fell 0.54%,...
Read MoreJanuary 5, 2015 - Special Update: 2014 in Review
With 2014 behind us, let's take a look at some of the factors that influenced markets last year. With the economic recovery in its fifth year, 2014 was the year in which Americans finally became confident in the economy and their...
Read MoreS&P 500 Gain: Biggest In Nearly 2 Years. Erases December Losses.
Markets ended a rollercoaster week on an upbeat note, giving the S&P 500 its biggest weekly gain in nearly two years and erasing December losses.[1] Markets were pulled in different directions by several factors, including central bank...
Read MoreDecember 15, 2014 - Special Update: The Oil Price Decline in 4 Charts
Markets were jarred by plummeting oil prices last week, giving the Dow and S&P 500 their worst weeks of 2014.[1] For the week, the S&P 500 lost 3.52%, the Dow fell 3.78%, and the Nasdaq dropped 2.66%.[2] Markets reacted badly to crude...
Read MoreThe Clues Within November Jobs Report - December 08, 2014
Markets ended the first week of December with a bang, rallying for the seventh straight week, though the Nasdaq gave in to selling pressure and closed slightly down. Investors used an upbeat November jobs report as an excuse to rally,...
Read MoreDecember 01, 2014 - Holiday Season Kicks Off With Bang
After a choppy October, November was a very good month for stocks. Falling oil prices, new moves by central banks, and solid domestic fundamentals gave both the Dow and the S&P 500 new record highs. For the month, the S&P 500 gained 4...
Read MoreNovember 24, 2014 - Assertive Moves By Major Players
Markets rallied for the fifth week in a row on global and domestic good news, sending the Dow and S&P 500 to new record highs. For the week, the S&P 500 gained 1.15%, the Dow grew 0.99%, and the Nasdaq added 0.52%.[1]Investors cheered...
Read MoreNovember 17, 2014 - A Slow Week Ends in New Highs
Markets ended a sluggish week of trading slightly up, notching another record close for the S&P 500. For the week, the S&P 500 gained 0.39%, the Dow grew 0.35%, and the Nasdaq added 1.21%.[1]Though last week's data was sparse, several...
Read MoreNovember 11, 2014 - Why Do We Care About Vehicle Sales?
Investors doubled down on the market rally, sending the Dow and S&P 500 to new highs after Friday's October employment situation report showed that the unemployment rate dropped again.[1] For the week, the S&P 500 gained 0.69%, the Dow...
Read MoreNovember 3, 2014 - Upside After A Turbulent Month
Investors took advantage of a data-heavy week and rallied strongly, raising the Dow and the S&P 500 to new records. Upbeat economic reports and fresh hope for the global economy contributed to the market's optimism. For the week, the...
Read MoreOctober 27, 2014 - Signal, Noise & Fundamental Factors
After several weeks of dismal performance, equities shook off their worries and rallied enthusiastically on solid quarterly earnings giving the S&P 500 its biggest weekly gain of the year. For the week, the S&P 500 gained 4.12%, the...
Read MoreOctober 20, 2014 - Special Edition: Putting Market Corrections Into Perspective
October 20, 2014 - Special Edition: Putting Market Corrections Into Perspective Markets posted another week of losses amid continued fears, though markets trimmed losses on Friday on better-than-expected earnings results from top...
Read MoreSeptember 8, 2014 - Why Another Uptick in Spite of Bad News?
Markets chalked up another win last week, pushing the S&P 500 to another record close. After several days of cautious trading, Friday's August jobs report finally gave investors the push they needed to extend gains for a fifth week....
Read MoreSeptember 2, 2014 - S&P 500 Tops 2,000 - May Slow Down
Despite volatility around geopolitical concerns and sluggish growth in Europe, U.S. stocks had a phenomenal week, lifting the S&P 500 to a new record close, and giving the index its best August performance since 2000.[1] For the week,...
Read MoreAugust 25, 2014 - Economists: Labor Market is Growing Less "Fluid"
Despite lingering concerns about the Ukrainian crisis, markets picked up steam last week, giving the Dow and S&P 500 their best weekly performance since April. For the week, the S&P 500 grew 1.71%, the Dow gained 2.03%, and the Nasdaq...
Read MoreAugust 19, 2014 - Markets Fall on Ukraine Fears, Still End Positive
Markets Fall on Ukraine Fears, Still End Positive WEEKLY UPDATE - AUGUST 19, 2014 Despite a late-week selloff due to renewed concerns about the situation in Ukraine, the major indices ended the week on a positive note. For the week,...
Read MoreAugust 11, 2014 - Markets Fired Up
Markets regained steam and ended the first full week of August on a strong note. Solid jobs data and hopes that Russia may be de-escalating the Ukrainian conflict contributed to the gains. For the week, the S&P 500 gained 0.33%, the...
Read MoreAugust 4, 2014 - Markets Tumble on Fed Fears
Caution was the name of the game last week as equities tumbled, marking the worst weekly loss for the S&P 500 in two years. Though the week was packed with market moving events, most of the week's losses can be attributed to worries...
Read MoreJuly 28, 2014 - Mixed Growth Expectations Stoke Volatility
Markets ended another volatile week mixed, pummeled by concerns about global growth but buoyed by better-than-expected earnings results. For the week, the S&P 500 ended flat, the Dow lost 0.82%, and the Nasdaq gained 0.39%.[1] As of...
Read MoreJuly 21, 2014 - Markets Shake Off Global Worries
Despite a tumultuous week that had it all - earnings, volatility, geopolitical shock, and monetary policy news - markets were still able to chalk up a win. For the week, the S&P 500 gained 0.54%, the Dow grew 0.90%, and the Nasdaq...
Read MoreJuly 14, 2014 - Markets Slump As Investors Wait for Earnings
Stocks checked their advance last week as investors weighed earnings reports and waited for more news. Worries at one of Portugal's largest banks also contributed to mid-week losses. For the week, the S&P 500 lost 0.90%, the Dow fell 0...
Read MoreJuly 7, 2014 - Markets End Quarter on High Note
After a slow start to the year, the second quarter of 2014 may be a redemption story. Multiple indices reached new records and the S&P 500 logged its longest quarterly rally since 1998.[1] For the quarter, the S&P 500 gained 4.66%, the...
Read MoreJune 30, 2014 - Markets Close Mixed
Markets lost some momentum on slow trading and ended the week mixed. Despite the sluggish behavior, equities are up strongly for the quarter and the S&P 500 is poised for its longest rally since 1998.[1] While the S&P lost 0.10% and...
Read MoreJune 23, 2014 - Is the Bull Market Over?
Markets rallied strongly last week and closed at new records for the S&P 500 and Dow. Though stocks ran in circles early in the week, they picked up the pace after Wednesday's reassuring Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting...
Read MoreJune 16, 2014 - Markets End Slow Week Lower
Markets snapped their winning streak and ended the week down slightly as investors decided to take some profits off the table. The light economic calendar led to sluggish activity since investors were reluctant to commit to positions...
Read MoreJune 9, 2014 - U.S. Economy Regains All Jobs Lost in the Recession
Markets rallied for the third week in a row, sending stocks to new all-time highs on the back of a strong May jobs report.For the week, the S&P 500 rose 1.34%, the Dow gained 1.24%, and the Nasdaq grew 1.86%.[1] Markets shot up on...
Read MoreJune 2, 2014 - Markets End May at New Highs
Markets rallied for most of last week, pushing the S&P 500 and the Dow to new record closes. For the week, the S&P 500 rose 1.21%, the Dow gained 0.67%, and the Nasdaq grew 1.36%.[1] Despite some volatile weeks, markets ended May on an...
Read MoreMay 26, 2014 - Markets Rally on Housing Data
Despite some volatility, markets rallied on better-than-expected housing numbers, putting the S&P 500 above 1900 for the first time.[1] For the week, the S&P 500 gained 1.21%, the Dow gained 0.70%, and the Nasdaq grew 2.33%. The...
Read MoreMay 19, 2014 - Why Are Bond Yields So Low?
After several days of negative performance, stocks rallied in the last two days to close generally flat. For the week, the S&P 500 lost 0.03%, the Dow fell 0.55%, and the Nasdaq gained 0.46%.[1] Economic data last week was generally...
Read MoreMay 12, 2014 - Choppy Week Ends Mixed
The major indices closed out a volatile week on a mixed note, though the Dow was able to notch another all-time closing record on Friday.[1] Though stocks showed some momentum mid-week as investors bought the dip, they lost conviction...
Read MoreMay 5, 2014 - Special Update: The Labor Market in 4 Charts
Markets ended another volatile week on an upbeat note after a wave of economic data showed that the economy is still on the right track. For the week, the S&P 500 gained 0.95%, the Dow grew 0.93%, and the Nasdaq gained 1.19%.[1] One of...
Read More