With fall upon us and students back in classrooms, it seems like a good time to reflect on the various tests that the U.S. economy and stock market have passed recently. When the economy and markets are tested, the foundation for future growth and capital appreciation gets stronger. The Federal Reserve (Fed) engineered one of […]
Stocks must have gotten the memo that August tends to be weak historically. July, the eighth positive month in the past nine, was quickly forgotten as the beginning of August greeted us with a selloff. The primary catalyst was August 2’s weaker-than-expected employment report, which ignited concern that the U.S. economy could tip into recession. […]
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Stocks finished the first half of the year the same way they started — with solid gains. Strong rallies from big tech names, combined with somewhat softer economic and inflation data, helped propel the S&P 500 to its seventh monthly gain in the past eight months and set dozens of new record highs along the […]
April showers brought May flowers as markets placed greater importance on economic growth and corporate profits than the “higher for longer” interest rate messages from the Federal Reserve (Fed). In fact, the S&P 500 ended May above where it ended March. So, as you prepare for summer vacations, how much should you worry about your […]
529 plans are a tool for those looking to save for college for their children, grandchildren, or any family member. While most people know that they are one of the most popular saving methods for college, many myths surrounding these plans may make you hesitant to open one. So, in honor of 529 College Savings Day, let’s dispel some of the most common myths associated with these plans. […]
For investors, cash and cash-like investments have been unusually attractive over the past two years, offering a safe haven with surprisingly robust returns. This appeal was primarily driven by the Federal Reserve’s aggressive interest rate hikes, a measure aimed at combating inflation. High-yield options such as Certificates of Deposit (CDs), money-market funds, and other similar vehicles have been delivering returns well above 5%, a rate that was virtually unheard of for such investments in the low-interest environment that preceded this period. However, as the landscape shifts with the Fed’s recent signal towards cutting rates, investors are finding the world of cash investments increasingly complex […]
Tips to navigating stock market peaks from the wise words of Warren Buffett
As the saying goes, “what goes up must come down.” In the world of investing, this adage holds true, especially during times when stock markets are reaching new peaks. While it’s tempting to ride the wave of euphoria and make impulsive decisions, seasoned investors like Warren Buffett advise caution. Here are five things to avoid when stock markets are peaking, along with wisdom from the Oracle of Omaha himself.
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As Gen X-ers and Millennials move toward retirement, long-term care expenses are poised to make up an even larger share of their retirement expenses. In 2021, long-term care cost American adults an average of between $35,000 and $108,000 annually—a hefty price tag for even the most diligent savers.1
But if you start planning early and focus on your goals, preparing for long-term care doesn’t need to be an insurmountable hurdle. Here are five tips to help guide your path. […]
After a strong first quarter for stocks, some April showers rained down as the S&P 500 fell about 4% last month. Hopefully those showers will bring some flowers in May, despite the widely cited stock market adage, “Sell in May and go away.” There is some merit to this old adage because the S&P 500’s best six-month returns have, on average, come from November through April, and its worst between May and October (recall bear markets often end in October). Still, historically the index has gained an average of 1.8% from May through October — hardly worth avoiding. […]
