Economic Commentary – November 4, 2024
The interest rate decision coming up this Thursday by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the Federal Reserve is front-and-center, especially following a number of mixed signals in the recent economic data. October’s nonfarm payrolls growth of all of 12,000 jobs was a surprise to everyone; strikes and hurricanes certainly played a role, but […]
Wealth Planning Commentary – November 4, 2024
Digital Death and Incapacity Planning Legacies today extend well beyond traditional photo albums and letters. Today, an online presence—including social media and email— forms a substantial part of one’s personal and financial legacy. Digital death and incapacity planning addresses the transfer and management of these online assets. This planning helps ensure that personal wishes are […]
Why The Next Two Weeks Are So Important…
By John Lau November 4, 2024 – It is not an exaggeration to say that the next two weeks could likely determine if stocks hold (or even extend) the YTD gains or if volatility resurfaces and we have a tumultuous end to what has been, so far, a good year in the markets. This is […]
Investment Commentary – October 28, 2024
Market Observations A positive corporate profit backdrop and expectations of Fed rate cuts have sustained the risk on phase. Although policy rate cuts will likely not match the expectations previously priced in the US forward market, the Fed will likely ease more over time. For now, the positive outlook of global profits and lower policy […]
Wealth Planning Commentary – October 28, 2024
Medicare Open Enrollment and Prescription Drug Updates We are in Medicare Open Enrollment, which started on October 15 and continues through December 7. Seniors enrolled in Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage should have received an Annual Notice of Change, a letter that Part D and Medicare Advantage prescription drug providers send yearly. This notice […]
Economic Commentary – October 28, 2024
After two marginally interesting weeks of US economic data, patient observers will now be rewarded with almost more than can be readily absorbed. Multiple measures of growth, most of which are expected to describe an expanding, possibly accelerating, economy, will arrive on the very threshold of US elections, guaranteeing headlines and perhaps some controversy. The […]
Demand Your Client Bill of Rights
The Essential Questions You Should Ask ANY Financial Advisor (Even if You’re ALREADY a Client) John Lau, CPA, CFP® Evaluating financial advisors isn’t easy. “Do I need a fiduciary?” “Do I need an advisor or a planner? Or both?” “How much is it going to cost me?” The questions can seem endless, and that leads […]
Economic Commentary – October 21, 2024
Following the widely-anticipated European Central Bank rate cut last Thursday, virtually every member of the decision-making body will be giving speeches this week, some of which might even usefully explain what they are doing and why. For a long time, Fed-watcher, if not quite a card-carrying monetarist, it has been quite amazing to see how […]
Investment Commentary – October 21, 2024
Overview Everyone’s talking about the Fed, the election, and geopolitics. However, we believe fundamentals matter. The US Federal Open Market Committee cut the policy interest rate in September amid slowing inflation and a cooling labor market. We believe that lowering rates will help sustain the economy, corporate earnings, and the stock market. The yield on […]
Wealth Planning Commentary – October 21, 2024
What You Need to Know About Social Security The media is covering the future of Social Security, and it’s no surprise that concerns are growing. While headlines often fuel fear about the program’s long-term viability, the reality is more measured. Let’s start with some good news: The Social Security Administration recently announced a 2.5% Cost […]
The Efficient Frontier: Why Consider Investing There?
By Joe Delaney In the world of finance, the efficient frontier represents a set of optimal portfolios that operate the highest expected return for a defined level of risk. Modern portfolio theory suggests that rational investors will choose a portfolio that lies on this frontier since it provides the best risk-reward trade-off. However, traditional investment […]
Economic Commentary – October 14, 2024
The US housing market is increasingly a focus of attention, with falling mortgage rates raising expectations for increased sales activity. Specifically, it is hoped that falling rates will free up the log jam, blocking entry-level buyers from moving into the market because homeowners have been unwilling to trade up to higher-priced homes in an expensive […]