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Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Every investor knows there are highs and lows during the year. The challenge is remaining focused during the lows. As the 2025 tariff talks have progressed, stock prices have seen more down days than up days as the details get rolled...

Monday, March 31, 2025

Stocks moved lower last week as investors swung from exuberance to disappointment on news over tariffs and inflation. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.53 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index retreated 2.59 percent. The Dow...

Monday, March 24, 2025

Stocks notched a solid gain last week as upbeat comments from the Fed helped stocks snap their four-week losing streak. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.51 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index picked up 0.17 percent. The...

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

It’s been a busy few weeks as all the mixed economic signals have unsettled Wall Street—and market volatility is never comfortable for investors. Here’s a short recap, so grab some popcorn. We’re going to cover a lot of ground...

Monday, March 17, 2025

Investors endured another volatile, whipsaw week as ongoing trade talks and White House comments about the economy unsettled investors. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 2.27 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 2...

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Monday, March 10, 2025

Stocks continued their slide through a volatile week. U.S. trade policy drove much of the market’s movement, broadening investors' concerns about economic growth and inflation. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 3.10 percent,...

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

The price action in this year’s stock market has me humming the 1970s tune by The Carpenters called “Rainy Days and Mondays.” As the chart shows, Mondays and Fridays have been awful for investors, while the mid-week days have...

Monday, March 3, 2025

Stocks were mixed last week as investor concerns over inflation and trade policy combined to produce another volatile trading week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.95 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 0.98...

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

“Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful” is one of my favorite quotes by Warren Buffett. His words of wisdom encourage investors to be contrarian. He challenges investors to “go against the grain” when...

Monday, February 24, 2025

Stocks fell last week as concerns about sticky inflation and the pace of economic growth rattled investors. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 1.66 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 2.51 percent. The Dow Jones...

Monday, February 10, 2025

Stocks posted modest losses last week as tariff deals, January jobs data, and Q4 corporate reports injected volatility into markets. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slipped 0.24 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index lost 0.53...

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Warren Buffett once said, "If you mix your politics with your investment decisions, you're making a big mistake.” There appears to be some truth in Buffett’s quote following a contentious 2024 election cycle. Check out the chart below...

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles are set for Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, February 9. Over the years, the Super Bowl has gone from a mere championship game to a cultural event, earning both national and international...

Monday, February 3, 2025

Stocks were mixed last week as investors parsed market-moving news nearly every trading day—from an unsettling AI update to White House news to Q4 corporate reports. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.00 percent while the Nasdaq...

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Stocks roared back last week, fueled by upbeat Q4 corporate reports and economic news that stalled inflationary fears. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 2.91 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 2.45 percent. The Dow...

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Inflation is a very personal experience. How it affects you largely depends on the products and services you consistently buy. Over the years, some of you have developed different ways to measure how inflation impacts your daily lives...

Monday, January 6, 2025

Stocks dipped slightly last week, with the S&P 500 down 0.48%, Nasdaq off 0.51%, and Dow dropping 0.60%. A tech-led rally on Friday erased most losses. Key megacap tech stocks drove S&P gains, contributing 53% of returns over the past year.

Thursday, January 2, 2025

With 2024 coming to a close, I want to share my thoughts on America's current fiscal policy, geopolitical elements, and other factors that may help shape 2025's financial landscape. This transition period offers both challenges and...

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

In 2024, we all experienced inflation in different ways. Some felt it at the grocery store, others while traveling, or when dining out. In large part, that's because our personal economic choices dictated at least part of our...

Monday, December 16, 2024

Stocks finished the week mixed, bookending losses around midweek gains as investors digested fresh inflation data. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slipped 0.64 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index ticked up 0.34 percent. The Dow...

Friday, December 13, 2024

Is Santa Claus coming to Wall Street this year? December tends to be a cheerful month for stock prices, which has some investors keeping an eye out for a late-year visit from Santa. As you can see from the chart, since 1950, December...

Monday, December 9, 2024

Stocks were mixed in early December as tech led gains. The Nasdaq rose 3.34%, the S&P 500 gained 0.96%, and the Dow fell 0.60%. Strong tech earnings and a solid jobs report drove momentum, with the Fed’s next move in focus.

Monday, December 2, 2024

Stocks rallied during the short holiday week, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow posting strong gains. Highlights included a semiconductor surge, record highs, and investor optimism about economic data and policy changes.

Monday, November 25, 2024

Stocks advanced last week, powering ahead with pre-holiday optimism despite geopolitical tensions and two disappointing Q3 corporate updates. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.68 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 1...

Monday, November 18, 2024

Stocks fell last week as the postelection rally lost momentum amid an inflation uptick and cautious comments from Fed officials. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 2.08 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 3.15 percent...

Monday, November 4, 2024

Stocks fell last week with the S&P 500 down 1.36%, Nasdaq 1.50%, and Dow 0.15% as mixed Q3 earnings and economic data disappointed. A softer jobs report and weak tech outlook fueled Fed rate speculation ahead of the FOMC meeting.

Monday, October 28, 2024

Stocks were mixed last week as fresh economic data points and election-related uncertainty slowed market momentum. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 0.96 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 0.16 percent. The Dow Jones...

Monday, October 21, 2024

Stocks posted modest gains last week with the S&P 500 up 0.85%, Nasdaq 0.80%, and Dow 0.96%. Retail sales data helped momentum midweek, while tech sector gains capped the week. It marked the sixth consecutive week of gains for the Markets

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

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Monday, October 14, 2024

Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.5% increase in their benefit payments in 2025, according to the Social Security Administration. The annual cost of living (COLA) adjustment will affect more than 72.5 million Social Security...

Thursday, October 10, 2024

At last report, nearly six million Americans are under mandatory evacuation orders, making Hurricane Milton one of the largest evacuations in U.S. history. It’s a difficult number to even imagine as that number of evacuees is roughly...

Monday, October 7, 2024

Stocks were essentially unchanged last week as geopolitical tensions added some volatility to an otherwise quiet trading week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat (+0.09 percent), while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index ticked up...

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Elvis once sang, “Home is where the heart is.” Well, according to a recent study that parsed U.S. Census data, home is also where a good chunk of the money is. ResiClubAnalytics found that nearly 40 percent of owner-occupied homes...

Monday, September 30, 2024

Stocks rose last week as the Fed's rate cut and China's stimulus package boosted markets. The S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow gained, while international stocks surged. Positive economic data and a spending bill added to the momentum

Thursday, September 26, 2024

Wall Street knew a change was coming, but the Fed Chair hid the details until the end. At its September meeting, the Fed cut short-term interest rates by 0.50%, which unsettled some who thought Fed officials would be more cautious...

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Social Security beneficiaries can expect a 2.5% COLA increase in 2025, raising the average monthly benefit by $48 to $1,968. The official announcement is expected on October 10. This increase reflects inflation data.

Monday, September 16, 2024

Stocks rallied last week as investors received better-than-expected consumer and producer inflation data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.60 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 4.02 percent. The Nasdaq...

Monday, September 9, 2024

Stocks fell sharply last week due to weak economic data, raising concerns over the Fed's upcoming rate decision. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all posted significant losses as investors brace for potential market volatility.

Friday, September 6, 2024

Election years, particularly presidential elections, traditionally come into focus after Labor Day. This is when many American voters become fully engaged with the process. With that in mind, I often get the question: “Politics aside,...

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Now the only question is, “How much will short-term interest rates drop in September?” At his annual speech to global central bankers in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Fed Chair Powell laid out a strategy to cut short-term interest rates, but...

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

There were mixed results for stocks last week as upbeat economic data and a critical Q2 corporate report shaped the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.94 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index increased 0.24 percent...

Monday, August 26, 2024

Stocks surged as dovish comments from Federal Reserve officials spurred a market rebound. S&P 500 rose 1.45%, Nasdaq 1.40%, and Dow 1.27%. Global stocks also gained. Fed Chair Powell’s speech kept rate cut hopes alive, boosting confidence

Friday, August 23, 2024

The trader's adage goes, “The stock market takes the stairs up and the elevator down.” The saying helps illustrate the speed at which stock prices can move, especially over the last few days. Here's how the recent stock market drop...

Thursday, August 22, 2024

August is the month when many families take their final summer vacation. It’s also the month when back-to-school preparations start and football season comes into focus. But August has a more unsettling side for investors. It’s a...

Monday, August 19, 2024

Stocks posted solid gains last week, buoyed by robust economic data and constructive comments from Fed officials. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3.93 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 5.29 percent. The Dow Jones...

Monday, August 5, 2024

Stocks fell broadly last week as investors looked past upbeat Fed comments and focused on disappointing corporate reports and weaker-than-expected economic data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2.20 percent, while the Standard &...

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Stocks had a mixed, see-saw week as disappointing corporate reports unsettled investors who appeared to rotate away from some leading groups in favor of other names. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 0.75 percent. Meanwhile,...

Friday, July 19, 2024

I watch many economic trends and business issues evolve as a financial professional. The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) during the past year has been remarkable, and it has spotlighted the fast-paced decision-making in the...

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

The Standard & Poor’s 500 companies will start reporting on business conditions in Q2 in just a few days. Companies that are comfortable may also give a glimpse into their outlook for Q3 and beyond.1,2 Investors will hear from money...

Monday, July 8, 2024

Stocks rose over the holiday week: S&P 500 up 1.95%, Nasdaq 3.50%, Dow 0.66%, MSCI EAFE 2.30%. Slower job growth and slight unemployment uptick fueled optimism for potential Fed rate adjustments.

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Independence Day is a welcome reminder of the freedom, equality, and unity that forged our country. It's also a time to find joy in the simple pleasures of summer- be it a family barbecue, a dazzling fireworks display, or a simple...

Monday, July 1, 2024

Stocks finished the last week of June and Q2 mixed as investors digested a fresh round of economic data. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slipped 0.08%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average also dipped 0.08 percent. The tech-heavy...

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Stocks edged higher over the four trading days last week, with the three major averages taking turns leading based on various economic and artificial intelligence (AI) news. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.45 percent–its best...

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

The accompanying graph shows that most iPhone users are using models from the 13, 12, and 11 families, which will be 3 to 5 years old this winter. Will these users upgrade?

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Yogi Berra's "It ain’t over ‘til it’s over" guides Fed Chair Powell's inflation strategy. Despite easing, inflation is still high. The Fed now plans only one rate cut in 2024, not three. Adapt investment strategies based on goals and risks.

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

The challenge with managing inflation is that there are no brakes. Nothing can make inflation “stop on a dime” and then resume at a nice, predictable two-percent annual rate. Policymakers can only guide inflation to pursue a desired...

Friday, June 7, 2024

Ticketmaster is reeling from a data breach. Hackers stole the data of over 500 million customers, compromising information related to ticket sales, including credit card numbers.1 While this news is incredibly troubling, it’s also...

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Stocks edged lower in the final week of May as fresh news on economic growth and inflation failed to inspire investors. Stocks Slide Markets shrugged off news that the Q1 Gross Domestic Product was revised lower to 1.3 percent from...

Monday, May 13, 2024

Stocks notched a solid gain last week as rate-cut expectations paced the rally as the Q1 earnings season wound down. Stocks Climb Steadily Monday opened with stocks picking up where they left off the prior Friday. Stocks were still...

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Some have been waiting for the Fed to lower interest rates and confirm it will ease monetary policy, which may result in lower home mortgage rates, credit card rates, auto loans, and so forth. However, the Fed went another route at...

Monday, May 6, 2024

Stocks notched a solid gain last week, rallying behind upbeat earnings, a dovish Fed, and mixed economic data. Stocks Pop, Drop, Then Rally Markets began the week with an upward bump as positive news from some mega-cap tech companies...

Monday, April 29, 2024

Stocks staged a choppy comeback last week as investors cheered positive earnings, led by mega-cap tech stocks. The rally came to pass despite fresh data showing a slowing economy and increasing inflationary pressures. Stocks Bounce...

Friday, April 26, 2024

Bitcoin tends to pop in and out of the headlines. Few financial topics in recent memory have sparked as much imagination and criticism. Unsurprisingly, the latest development with Bitcoin has provoked much discussion and curiosity:...

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Over the next four weeks, the vast majority of publicly traded companies will update shareholders on business conditions in Q1. It's called "earnings season," and it happens four times a year. So buckle up because it's relatively...

Monday, April 22, 2024

Stocks declined for a third week amid Middle East tensions and Fed's mixed messages on rates, despite strong retail sales showing robust consumer spending.

Monday, April 15, 2024

You’ve heard the expression, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” The same can be true for the financial markets. “A market rally creates wealth (and may help manage debt, too).” As you can see in the first chart, U.S. households have...

Monday, April 15, 2024

Stocks fell last week as investors sorted through conflicting inflation reports and assessed geopolitical tensions. Inflation Spooks Markets On Wednesday, the March Consumer Price Index (CPI) report rattled markets, revealing that...

Thursday, April 11, 2024

This week, I've seen more than a few outlets covering gold's increase in value. Although it's true that the commodity recently reached a record high, it's essential to understand what factors are driving the most recent rally that...

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Economists describe a Goldilocks economy as one that’s not too hot and not too cold; it’s just right. And 2024 is starting to feel just right. When the Fed started to raise short-term interest rates in early 2022 to rein in inflation,...

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Stocks dropped last week as investors focused on “what's next” for interest rates after mixed comments from multiple Fed officials. Fed Officials Weigh In Stocks struggled out of the gate again last week, ending Monday and Tuesday in...

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

On financial websites, you may read, "First-quarter corporate reports were better than expected.” And that’s true. So far, 73% of Standard & Poor’s 500 companies have reported actual Q4 earnings per share above estimated earnings per...

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Stocks were narrowly higher for the week as investors digested mixed economic news about consumer confidence. All three of the major averages posted gains for Q1 2024. Stocks Finish Strong Markets slipped for the first half of the...

Monday, March 25, 2024

Stocks posted their best week of the year, sparked by news that the dovish Fed decided to keep rates steady and signaled three rate cuts were still possible this year. Stocks Bounce Back As widely expected, the Fed left rates...

Monday, March 18, 2024

Stocks fell for the second straight week on inflation concerns despite a report on consumer prices that was initially well received by investors. Stocks Slide Tuesday was the only bright spot during the week as stock prices rose after...

Monday, March 11, 2024

Stocks were down for the week as investors appeared to take some profits and traders parsed Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s Congressional testimony. Markets Wobble  Stocks had a rough start to the week, with the Dow, S&P 500, and...

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

On financial websites, you may read, "First-quarter corporate reports were better than expected.” And that’s true. So far, 73% of Standard & Poor’s 500 companies have reported actual Q4 earnings per share above...

Monday, February 26, 2024

Stocks vaulted to new heights last week on the back of an artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductor company, marking investors’ belief that AI has the potential to transform the U.S. economy. Stocks Rally to Record Highs Stocks...

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Stocks fell last week as investors reacted to disappointing inflation updates and other economic reports that fell short of estimates. Stocks Snap Winning Streak Markets were quiet Monday but opened lower Tuesday in response to the...

Monday, February 5, 2024

Stocks pushed higher last week as investors cheered mega-cap tech corporate reports and a better-than-expected employment report. Stocks at New Highs At the beginning of the week, stocks surged, anticipating fourth-quarter corporate...

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in early January made it easier to own Bitcoin, putting a smile on some faces but causing furrowed eyebrows on others.1 Mainstream investors have long wanted a way to buy and sell Bitcoin...

Monday, January 29, 2024

By almost any measure, 2023 was a terrific year for stock prices. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index finished up 24%, closing out the year with a nine-week winning streak.1 But throughout January, the naysayers were out in force...

Monday, January 22, 2024

Stocks finished higher last week, with big tech again leading amid lingering uncertainty over how continued economic strength would influence the Fed’s rate decision. Stocks Dip, Then Rally  Stock prices dropped early in...

Monday, January 8, 2024

Stocks retreated in the first trading week of 2024, struggling a bit after a celebratory end to last year as investors second-guessed Fed signals and fretted over lingering inflation concerns. New Year Blues Stocks got off to a rough...

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Stocks posted a slight gain last week amid a shortage of news and light holiday trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.76%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 0.49%. The Nasdaq Composite index advanced 0.32% for...