Managing Your Wealth Plan as Inflation Stabilizes and Tariffs Loom
Managing Your Plan Amid Inflation Shifts February inflation data was released last week, showing signs of stabilization. Consumer prices were up 2.8% in February from a year earlier, per the Labor Department (Wall Street Journal). However, this could change with the introduction of new tariffs in the coming months. A slightly higher long-term inflation rate […]
Investment Commentary – March 17, 2025
What Happened The S&P 500 fell into “correction” territory (a drop of 10% from a recent peak) as markets continue to worry that uncertainties and potential inflation due to tariffs and the administration’s heavy-handed job and spending cuts will weigh on economic growth and, in turn, on corporate earnings. Wall Street analysts have begun reducing […]
Economic Commentary – March 17, 2025
A consensus is growing that the first quarter’s economic growth has slowed to 1%, possibly less. As would be expected, this has taken some of the heat out of the inflation fire, making the Federal Reserve’s job considerably more straightforward (“easier” is not the word I would choose to use.) However, the effects of recent US […]
Economic Commentary – March 10, 2025
It is a measure of how worried investors are about economic growth when Fed Chairman Powell pushes the equity markets UP by signaling no that interest rate cuts are coming any time soon. A few short months ago, this message from the Fed would have been viewed as a cold, wet blanket on a smoking hot […]
Investment Commentary – March 10, 2025
Equities The S&P 500 returned -3.1% as uncertainty over tariffs and weak economic data roiled markets. The U.S. dollar saw its longest losing streak since last September, ending the weak down 3.5% while treasury yields climbed amid worries that tariffs would spark inflation. The ‘Magnificent 7’ stocks again dragged on the market, returning -4.5%. Financials […]
Proactive Strategies to Guard Against Wealth Planning Risks During Market Volatility
Staying Ahead of Volatility Even with seemingly stable economic data and company fundamentals, there’s an undercurrent of fear and uncertainty that may lead to further market volatility. It’s important to stay alert during these turbulent times and proactively guard against risks. One area to review is leverage in the form of margin loans and pledged […]
Economic Commentary – March 3, 2025
The data keeps piling up on the side of economic caution and weakness for this first quarter of 2025. Retail sales, residential real estate (including home improvement), consumer spending (including on services), business spending, and inventories all have indicated a slower pace for US economic activity for the start of the year, coming off a […]
Investment Commentary – March 3, 2025
Equities The S&P 500 returned -1.0%; the damage would have been worse if not for a 1.6% window-dressing rally in the final two hours of month-end trading. The NASDAQ dropped -3.5% as the Mag 7 stocks fell 4.0% for the week. Treasury yields fell to their lowest level of the year amid a host of […]
IRS Layoffs During Tax Season: What It Means for Your Filing and Audits
IRS Layoffs During Tax Season The administration’s cost-reduction plan has led to IRS staff layoffs, affecting approximately 6,700 employees right in the middle of tax season. The new DOGE cuts primarily impact the Small Business/Self-Employed Division, which focuses on compliance for businesses with under $10 million in assets. As a result, those who file their […]
Economic Commentary – February 24, 2025
Was last Friday’s US Purchasing Managers Index for Services the proverbial shot across the bow? It was certainly an attention-grabber, coming in below expectations and indicating the first monthly contraction in the service sector in two years. Although it is not unusual to see a certain amount of drop-off in January spending following a robust holiday […]
Market Volatility Warning Signs: How to Protect Your Portfolio Now
Market Jitters Recent economic indicators suggest the economy may be cooling, including a decline in the US Purchasing Managers Index for Services and a weaker-than-expected Michigan Consumer Sentiment Survey. This could lead to market volatility and increased uncertainty. A brief review of your plan may reassure those concerned about market fluctuations. Modeling a scenario with […]
Investment Commentary – February 24, 2025
Executive Summary The S&P 500 hovered near its all-time highs, while the bond market ended the week with gains (price up / Yield down) as weaker-than-expected retail sales rekindled hopes for Federal Reserve rate cuts. A rally in Treasuries drove the 10-Year Yield below 4.5%, marking its fifth consecutive week of gains—the longest streak since […]