Stocks versus Bonds
With 2 months remaining in 2023, stock and bond indexes are mixed. Prior to the end of July, all of the above were in the positive. Why the change? Interest Rates! The 10-Year US Treasury on July 31st yielded 3.95%. Last Friday the yield closed @ 4.845%. Inflation has moderated, corporate profits are holding up, […]
Perfect Storm? Or Not?
Starting with the good news! In the short-term, at least, much attention will be paid the Israel/Hamas war. In the past, similar issues abroad have only temporarily impacted our markets. As the blog is concentrated on the impacts of our economy, markets, and your retirement, watching the events unfold with the loss of life and […]
Interest Rates – Social Security & Medicare – The Markets
Interest Rates! Everyone realizes the cost of borrowing has a significant impact for our economy and each and every one of us. Directly or indirectly! Last week, several of the Federal Reserve representatives suggested the Fed may be done raising rates. Why? Market interest rates, which change daily by the supply and demand needs of […]
Inflation – Markets – Medicare
Last Friday’s job report sent the market in opposite directions. After the release, showing over 300K jobs created and the last 2 months numbers increased, stocks fell sharply. Later in the day, after realizing that wages only increased by .2%, stocks reversed course, ending the day higher. Friday’s action sums up the true uncertainty about […]
September – Good Riddance!!
September’s reputation held up well. Stocks and bonds both lost grounds however, we are now approaching what tends to be a positive quarter. The average return for the S&P 500 for the 4th quarter is 4.20%. Perhaps the best news, last Friday, the Fed’s favorite inflation gauge, the Personal Consumption Expenditure Index was reported increasing […]
Headwinds Converge
Late September is historically a challenging time for the stock market. This year, no exception as a few headwinds are converging. Last week, the Fed, after pausing on raising rates, issued it’s “dot plot” report. The average of the Fed members opinions concluded the Fed Funds rate will drop to 5.1 by the end of […]
Inflation Lingering?
How much longer do you think “inflation” will be the topic du jour. Covid was the lead topic for what seemed an endless amount of time, and still lingering. Last week the Consumer Price Index month to month increase without food and energy, was reported higher by .3%. Annualized going forward, 3.6%. The CPI with […]
Market Pullback, Orderly
First, I must say, it’s hard to believe it’s been 22 years since 9-11! My emotions snap back immediately! The recent market pull-back has been quite orderly. The S&P 500 is off (3.26%) from its recent 52-week high and now sits (7.5%) below its all-time high. The Nasdaq composite is off (4.75%) from its recent […]
Qualified Charitable Distributions
Support Worthy Causes, Reduce Your Taxable Income Charitable giving can do more than give you a sense of fulfillment for making a difference in people’s lives. It can also play a valuable role in your financial and estate plans. There are several ways to support charitable organizations, such as charitable remainder trusts, donor-advised funds, appreciated […]
