What’s moving the markets?

Posted by & filed under Investments, Personal finance.

Jerome Powell resets expectations. When Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell spoke at the annual Jackson Hole Symposium, he let the world know that inflation is the Fed’s number one concern. He went so far as to explicitly state that the remedy to address inflation will lead to “some pain to households and businesses.” The comments did not Read More

What’s moving the markets?

Posted by & filed under Investments, Personal finance.

Interest rate hikes. The Fed is showing its biggest concern in the short run is fighting inflation. Understandable, as the prospect of continued uncontrolled price increases would strike fear in most any economist. Jay Powell and Co. are certainly showing they are going to address inflation now, with a 0.75 percentage point rate raise this week Read More

What’s moving the markets?

Posted by & filed under Investments, Personal finance.

Inflation and interest rates. The majority of the market movements these days are being driven by a single topic: inflation. Inflation keeps cruising at near double-digit rates, as the Federal Reserve responds with higher rates and tighter policy. The result is market volatility as investors act on conflicting forecasts of an impending recession or easing of Read More

What’s moving the markets?

Posted by & filed under Investments.

Inflation. Inflation continues to push itself to the top of the list of the market moving forces these days. Everyone (myself included) is parsing any and all data regarding the direction of inflation. Recent numbers potentially indicate that inflation could be beginning to decelerate, meaning we may be nearing the top of the inflationary hill. The Federal Reserve is Read More

What’s moving the markets?

Posted by & filed under Investments.

Federal Reserve. Rhetoric from relevant minds at the Federal Reserve escalated over the past month. Many important decision makers at the Fed have expressly stated that a half percentage point increase in interest rates is likely to occur when they meet next week. This is an acceleration in their tightening plans, which underscores two things: (1) inflation is Read More

Reality check: Homeownership

Posted by & filed under Financial Planning, Homeownership, Investments.

Reading on computer

Ah, homeownership. There’s so much to think about. First, a few things to keep in mind: This isn’t an anti-homeownership post. In fact, buying a house can be an excellent financial goal to accomplish. It can also be one of the biggest financial mistakes out there. Knowing what you’re really getting into is the best Read More

What’s moving the markets?

Posted by & filed under Investments.

War in Ukraine. The continued conflict in Ukraine remains the dominant headline moving the market. We expect companies in the energy and agricultural sectors to remain in high demand given both Ukraine and Russia’s significant exports in those areas. These companies can also serve as a decent hedge to inflation. The conflict will hopefully resolve Read More

What’s moving the markets?

Posted by & filed under Investments.

The Russia/Ukraine conflict. There is no doubt that the conflict in Ukraine perpetuated by a belligerent and hostile Russia has upended the market. This is THE issue currently moving the markets and will continue to do so until a resolution is reached. The disruption to the global economy from coordinated sanctions on Russia is real and Read More

What’s moving the markets?

Posted by & filed under Investments, Personal finance.

Inflation and monetary tightening. The Federal Reserve has been at the top of investment market minds lately. Market volatility has increased with the inflation numbers and expectations that the Fed will need to act more strongly to combat rising prices. Translation? Higher interest rates, less money supply, and a sped-up timeframe in which they aim to get there. None of Read More