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
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
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
It’s been a long time coming. The federal government has made substantial changes to the rules governing retirement account withdrawals, known as RMDs. As Americans are generally living longer and nest eggs are relied upon for additional years, an overhaul was certainly warranted. The recent rules shift has the potential to offer more income planning Read More
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
Stock market tremors can feel like a roller coaster ride. Even the thought of the market potentially hitting the skids deters many young people from starting to invest to begin with. Others don’t even realize they’re uncomfortable with their investments until the market takes a nosedive. Then they panic and frantically instruct their advisors to Read More
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
People dream of retirement for decades, diligently saving to grow their nest egg. Unfortunately, when the time comes to start drawing off those funds, worry often ensues. The “what if I run out of money” anxiety is all too common. For your entire career, money steadily flowed into your savings pile. You likely had a Read More
Omicron variant. The arrival of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 sent a jolt through the equity markets the Friday after Thanksgiving. We have seen the market react to news of new COVID-19 variants in a similar fashion as this disease continues to evolve along with our treatments and vaccines. The shortened trading day and lighter Read More
Earnings in the spotlight. Corporate earnings have once again taken center stage in the market movements as companies continue to deliver strong revenue and earnings growth. Positive earnings were expected and seem to be providing some much needed stability to the markets following a more volatile September and early October. Inflation anxiety. Inflation is still supplying Read More
