Soft Landing?
A slowing economy without tipping into a recession is the current definition of a soft landing. Are we on pace? As of now, I vote the answer is yes, however, far too early to conclude. Inflation continues to modestly abate, as last week the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reported in line with expectations. Unemployment claims […]
Fed – Third Times a charm? Social Security – % Applying Early
The Chair of the Federal Reserve remains one of the most important positions in the global economy. I cannot imagine the various forms of pressure that filter into decision making. We are in a time of our economy, monetary policy needs to get it right. Looking back, Fed Chair Powell, in fall of 2018 was […]
Federal Reserve and Interest Rates
The stock and bond market are attempting to price in the “right” amount of Federal Reserve interest Rate cuts over the next several months. Powell and company next rate announcement will be on September 18th. Last week we heard both the Producer Price Index (PPI) and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reported as desired. The […]
Sea-Change in the Markets?
Was last week a one-off or the start of a sea-change? There have not been many weeks in 2024 when the Nasdaq has underperformed the other major stock indexes. The major economic news last week was the headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell .01 last month. The tame CPI report impacted investment returns last week […]
Social Security Survivor Benefits – Be Careful
Be careful who you ask, regarding the Social Security claiming rules. It can cost you money. Recently I enrolled a Divorced client for her Full Retirement Age, Retirement Benefit. Part of the data input on the Social Security website is about prior marriages, the time frame, and if the ex-spouse is alive. In this case, […]
ID Theft – Protect Yourself!
Most of us know someone who has had their credit, debt card information stolen, their email hacked and worse! As technology continues to infiltrate our lives to make everything more convenient and faster, it’s up to each of us to “take the time” to protect our information. How many times can you recall needing to […]
New Sheriff in Town – Changes are Coming!
Markets Pause? The news of President Elect Biden’s new rescue $1.9 Trillion plan could not keep the markets moving higher last week. Perhaps, progress about the vaccine distribution process is starting to concern the markets a bit. The markets have been fixated on monetary (the Fed) and economic stimulus since 2009. More and more each […]
Stock Market Predictions for 2021
The major brokerage firms have made their US Stock Market Predictions for 2021. Year end 2021 targets for the S&P 500 range from a low of 3800 by Bank of America and Citi to a high of 4700 by Goldman Sachs and 4800 by J.P. Morgan. The S&P 500 finished 2020 at 3756, so all […]
Stimulus 2.0 is Here! / China- Important? / Happy New Year!
Stimulus 2.0 is here China- Important? Happy New Year Finally, after months of debate, Stimulus 2.0 is ready to go. Stimulus checks should be in process rather quickly. The stimulus includes $600 checks to eligible individuals, expansion of the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses, Medical Expense Deduction hurdle made permanent, Charitable Contributions, Flexible Spending […]
