Posts Tagged ‘investments’
Monthly Market Insights | August 2022
View Matt’s Monthly Market Insights on YouTube Here US Markets Stocks posted big gains in July, erasing some first-half losses. Investors attitude was encouraged by potential lowered inflation and recession worries and a better-than-expected start to the second quarter earnings season. The Nasdaq Composite lead the indices gaining 12.35% while the Standard & Poors 500…
Read MoreMonthly Market Insights | July 2022
US Markets June was a tough month for the markets as recession talk prompted investors to recalculate risk in their portfolios. The Dow Jones Composite Average led the indices to lose only 6.84% while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 8.39%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite dropped the most losing 8.71% in the month of…
Read MoreMorning Market Commentary for Q2 2022
By the end of the first quarter, it seemed as if we had gone through a much-needed correction, and we were on our way to a recovery. That theory ended quickly as the 2nd quarter turned into something much worse as we entered bear market territory for the first time since March of 2020. It…
Read MoreMorning Market Commentary for Q1 2022
We mentioned a couple of quarters ago that volatility was beginning to make its way back into this market. The evidence is now clear. There is no denying that this past quarter was one of the most volatile in recent years. There were many factors that stirred the pot this quarter. Turning the calendar is…
Read MoreManaging Bond Risks When Interest Rates Rise
After dropping the benchmark federal funds rate to a rock-bottom range of 0%–0.25% early in the pandemic, the Federal Open Market Committee has begun raising the rate toward more typical historical levels in response to high inflation. At its March 2022 meeting, the Committee raised the funds rate to 0.25%–0.50% and projected the equivalent of…
Read More5 Empowering Investment Strategies for Women
On International Women’s Day this year, we had the honor of speaking to a group of professional women about financial planning strategies they can implement today. We wanted to share with everyone an overview of what we covered as so many could benefit from taking these simple strategies. Think about your life as it is…
Read MoreQ4 2021 Stock Market Commentary
For the third consecutive year, the stock market posted a double-digit positive return. The S&P 500 gained 26.9% for the year, the Dow Jones Industrial Average posted an 18.9% gain, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 21.4%. Double-Digit Returns Despite Challenges The market confronted and largely ignored a lot of events that normally would have sent…
Read MoreYear-End Tax Tips for 2021
As we wrap up 2021, it’s important to take a closer look at your tax and financial plans. This year likely brought up questions that significantly impact your personal and financial situation. Now is the time to work on your current tax strategies to make sure they are still meeting your needs and take any last-minute steps that could save you…
Read MoreRetirement Planning: The Basics
You may have a very idealistic vision of retirement — doing all of the things that you never seem to have time to do now. But how do you pursue that vision? Social Security may be around when you retire, but the benefit that you get from Uncle Sam may not provide enough income for…
Read MoreIncome Tax Planning and 529 Plans
The income tax benefits offered by 529 plans make these plans attractive to parents (and others) who are saving for college or K-12 tuition. Qualified withdrawals from a 529 plan are tax free at the federal level, and some states also offer tax breaks to their residents. It’s important to evaluate the federal and state…
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