What Determines Stock Prices?

There are two forces investors need to understand when determining the path of stock prices. The first is the Fed and the second is corporate earnings.  >> To subscribe to this monthly newsletter, click on Subscribe! Earnings, Interest Rates, and Stock Prices Stock prices are a function, among other items, of their estimated future earnings discounted…

The Implications of Tax Changes: Start Early!

Tax changes have implications and it’s a good idea to get an early start on tax planning for 2023.  Understanding some of the new rules can help you as you go through the year.  Here are some of the major tax changes for 2023. Beneficial 2023 Tax Items First, there are some beneficial tax items…

A Bad Month for Stocks and Bonds

December 2022 was a bad month for stocks and bonds.  The S&P500 fell 5.9% for the month. As measured by the intermediate corporate ETF, LQD, bonds were down 2.2%.  A combination of uncertainty over rates and recession as well as a particularly aggressive tax-loss harvesting season hurt securities.  >> To subscribe to this monthly newsletter, click…

How Financial Planning Helps You Navigate Lifestages

What value does financial planning brings to your life? Ultimately, it helps you plan for the unexpected in life so you remain financially sound. This article explores the different life stages, highlighting how planning can benefit you financially along the way. The Game of Life and Financial Planning at Every Age Are you familiar with…

Third Quarter Earnings and Prospects for 2023

The markets have bounced following a lousy September on the heels of corporate earnings, steady employment, and an October CPI that showed inflation may be cooling.  Both stocks and bonds have had big daily swings as money flows react to each piece of economic data.  >> To subscribe to this monthly newsletter, click on Subscribe! Third…

Why Choose a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Practitioner

CFP stands for Certified Financial Planner. This article explains why you should always choose a Certified Financial Planner to work with. Reprinted by PermissionCopyright © 1998-2001, Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. All rights reserved. Choosing a financial planner may be one of the most important decisions you make for yourself and your loved…

Negative Surprises in Bear Markets

The bear market is still alive and well, and full of surprises. I read a Tweet posted by long-time technical analyst Walter Deemer that said, “In a bear market, the surprises tend to be negative.” >> To subscribe to this monthly newsletter, click on Subscribe! Stronger Consumer Price Index & Wild Dow Jones Swings This was…

Risk and Return When Investing in the Market

As a serious investor, you regularly weigh risk and return as you consider what to invest in, what to divest, and how to react to market news and attempts to manage economic forces. In this article, you’ll get a taste of the market’s response to pain, higher short-term interest rates, and falling bond prices. >>…

The Renewable Energy Investment Landscape

It would be an understatement to say that investors in the renewable energy space have been frustrated.  After a strong run in 2020, shares in renewable energy companies have been in a steep bear market. To illustrate, the Invesco Solar ETF (symbol: TAN) was down 25% in 2021 and was down another 25% to the…

Questioning Persistent High Inflation and Deep Recession

In the past week or so, the markets, I suggest, have begun to question the prevailing conventional wisdom that inflation will remain persistently high and that the economy is likely to fall into a deep recession. This article explores why. >> To subscribe to this monthly newsletter, click on Subscribe! Commodity Prices & Payroll Suggest Moderating…