Markets 2025
The Federal Reserve Interest rate decision along with President Elect Trumps agenda is front and center. Will the Fed cut rates by another .25%? Last week, for the 4th month in a row the CPI increased .3%. Down significantly from our recent inflation highs, the math is not yet pointing to the Fed’s desire, a […]
Taxes, who pays?
Is the Income tax system truly fair? It depends on your knowledge of the system and your perspective. I recently read an article in the Wall Street Journal, stating 38.3% of taxpayers paid 61% of all Federal Income Tax in 2022. Breaking it down, the top 1%, which represented 1.5 million returns, had an Adjusted […]
Home Stretch – What’s Next?
Home Stretch of 2024. Less than 7 weeks until we usher in 2025! The major US stock market indexes are enjoying double digit gains: The major international stock market index averages are trailing the US: Bond yields have remained range bound most of 2024, however the 10-year US Treasury ended last week with a yield […]
Welcome back to our weekly retirement blog!
Much has transpired since our last blog! The Election and the Fed The Presidential election has both candidates promising to spend more taxpayer’s dollars. Hey, the easiest money to spend, someone else’s! Increased government spending in the short-term increases economic activity and can uplift corporate profitability. Combine our massive government spending along with recent productivity […]
So What’s Next?
The Fed funds rate was cut .50% after holding steady since July 2023. After Fed Chair Powell announced the rate reduction, stocks shot higher with all major US stock indexes finishing over 1% for the week. Small cap stocks rose 2.47%. Bond yields were interesting, at least for a couple of days. Prior to the […]
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 […]
September – A Crescendo of Uncertainty!
As the stock market reminded us last week, September can be a notoriously tough month for investors. Historically, this time of year brings heightened volatility, and 2024 may be shaping up to be no different. With uncertainty swirling around the economy, markets, and politics, it’s important to maintain a clear head. After all, volatility is […]
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 […]
