Business cycles play a significant role in financial planning. Why? Because they are inevitable and have distinct phases, as I discuss below. Understandably, I have received many calls from clients concerned with the recent stock market decline. The post-election rally has “round-tripped” and then some. The uncertainties of the times have given many investors a…
Here follow perspectives on the market given a nervous start to 2025 to help set expectations for your investment portfolio. Concerns About the Stock Market in 2025 The stock market has struggled in recent weeks as concerns have grown around interest rates, market valuations, the direction of the economy, and more. Some industry sectors, like…
How does the national debt affect investors, especially when it is so large? Let’s explore. According to the U.S. Treasury, the national debt is quickly approaching $36 trillion, a fact that has fueled concerns among investors and economists. This means that the federal debt has nearly quadrupled since before the 2008 global financial crisis, and…
Rising oil prices tend to conjure frightening thoughts: rampant inflation, and rising transportation and energy costs. You might even flashback to the 1973 Arab oil embargo and how it led to severe gasoline shortages… Yet, rising oil prices can also be a natural byproduct of healthy growing economies. Middle East Conflict and Oil Prices With…
As an investor, have you considered what broadening market performance means for you? Let’s explore. From the Magnificent 7 to a Broader Set of Sectors Over the past week, there has been a change in the internals in the stock market. With a positiveCPI report, the prospect of lower rates has re-entered investor sentiment. We…
Earnings play an important role in guiding investors, particularly during difficult markets. With markets nervous about stubborn inflation, a gradually slowing labor market, and the timing of the first Fed rate cut, investors are more focused on this corporate earnings season than usual. This is because while the economy has avoided a “hard landing” corporate…
Would you combine baseball and investing in one sentence? We would, and here’s why. I invite you to reach out with your financial questions so we can discuss them. I am using new retirement planning tools to assist clients in framing their investment path to retirement. What Makes Baseball Stand Out? Focus on the Long…
2023 was a difficult year for investors but as we take a breath and after assessing 2023, it can best be summarized as The Bard wrote, “All’s well that ends well.” Bears Controlled the 2023 Narrative In 2023, the Bears controlled the narrative – inflation and interest rates were going to move unstoppably higher, recession…
It hardly seems it but we are halfway through 2023. Just as unbelievable is that the stock market is having a good year. >> To subscribe to this monthly newsletter, click on Subscribe! Something for Every Investor! The S&P500 is up just over 18%. The bond market has been ok too. There has been a lot…
Since October 2022, the stock market has steadily climbed higher and is now up over 20% from those lows. This begs the question of whether we are now in a new Bull market. Let’s explore along with concerns about commercial real estate. >> To subscribe to this monthly newsletter, click on Subscribe! Persistent Negativity Despite Upward…
