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Weekly Market Insights: Hiring Cools; Recession Fears Rise.

Robert Winston, CFP®

Monday, April 10, 2023

Stocks ended a shortened week of trading mixed amid revived recession fears on Wall Street triggered by weak economic data.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.63%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.10%. The Nasdaq...

Weekly Market Insights: Mixed Message Provokes Volatility

Robert Winston, CFP®

Monday, March 27, 2023

Modest gains in major market indices masked sharp volatility amid the uncertainty arising from mixed messages emanating from public officials and revived banking fears. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.18%, while the Standard...

Weekly Market Insights: Markets Cautious After Banking Woes; Awaiting Fed Reaction

Robert Winston, CFP®

Monday, March 20, 2023

Amid the reverberations of two U.S. banks being taken over by regulators and the spread of uncertainty to European banks, stocks trended higher last week on the strength of the technology sector.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was...

Weekly Market Insights: Bad News Gives Markets a One-Two Punch

Robert Winston, CFP®

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Stocks tumbled last week as investors reconsidered their interest rate expectations after Fed Chair Powell’s Congressional testimony that rates may need to go higher. Stocks also were rattled when a west coast bank was placed...

Financial markets have experienced quite a bit of change this year in just two short months. We started the year hopeful that stocks would benefit from a better economic and monetary policy environment by the spring, but recent...

Investors put the economy on recession watch when the Fed started its “higher in a hurry” push with short-term interest rates in mid-2022.After the 10-year/2-year Treasury curve inverted in July 2022, it was “all...

The stock market can provide some head-scratching moments, which is why I like Warren Buffet’s quote, “...don’t watch the market closely.”Stocks have been strong this year, and they rallied sharply before...

"Is the bear market over?"That's a question I've been asked a number of times in recent weeks. And my answer is the same, "Let's give it a little time."But people are quick to remind me that stocks are off to a good start in 2023,...

January 30 to February 3, 2023, is Identity Theft Awareness Week. Anytime is a good time to tighten up your identity security, but if you haven’t been as careful as you intended, consider this your annual reminder. Here are a few...

The initial read on Q4 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) gets released on January 26, and private economists and Federal Reserve estimates have very different economic outlooks.In the accompanying, you can see that the Atlanta Fed’s...

The December inflation report had some encouraging news. It showed that consumer prices trended lower for the month, but more importantly, it confirmed that overall prices have been trending lower for the past six months.Now the ball...

In the final days of 2022, Congress passed a new set of retirement rules designed to make it easier to contribute to retirement plans and access those funds earmarked for retirement.The law is called SECURE 2.0, and it's a follow-up to...

Congress spent the final days of 2022 on new reforms designed to help Americans save more for retirement.You may hear the changes called SECURE Act 2.0, which is a follow-up to the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement...

The financial markets are complex systems. They can move from one event to the next so quickly that it's hard to know what’s driving prices.For example, look at the roundtrip oil prices in the chart below.Oil prices surged to...

It appears that America’s corporate leaders are preparing for the worst while hoping for the best.Almost half of S&P 500 CEOs in second-quarter conference calls pointed to “recession” as a potential headwind in 2023....

Over the years, the Fed has followed a similar pattern with interest rates. It raises interest rates, then pauses, so it can see how the economy is adjusting to the higher rates. The chart below shows the Fed’s pattern with...

October's Consumer Price Index (CPI) had some encouraging news for investors, but others asked, "Is this a game changer or another head fake?"While it's a bit early to know the answer, it was great to see that inflation rose at a...

Stocks posted big gains in October as “old economy” names reported solid earnings while mega-cap techs struggled. Click the video below to learn more in this month's Monthly Market Insights.

The Internal Revenue Service has released new limits for the coming year. After months of high inflation and financial uncertainty, some of these cost-of-living-based adjustments have reached near-record levels.Individual Retirement...

As inflation shows little sign of slowing, the Federal Reserve is trying something new.

Stubborn doesn’t seem like a strong enough word, but that’s how Fed officials are describing inflation.Inflation's “stubbornness” has been on full display in recent weeks: First, the Producer Price Index (PPI)...

Traditionally, I’ve been a little cautious when people say, “it’s different this time.” After all, the past few years have seen more financial “firsts” than most.But despite that skepticism, this...

Wall Street is always searching for a hero to embrace or a villain to blame. And right now, Fed Chair Jerome Powell is the villain.After the September Fed meeting, Powell said interest rates may be heading higher for longer than...

You may have heard the expression, “You can talk yourself into just about anything.” If that’s true, corporate America better watch out.As publicly traded companies report quarterly sales and earnings, they often...

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. If you haven’t reviewed your insurance profile in a while, you may be surprised that what made sense in the past no longer fits your life.Here are some ways to quickly evaluate your...

When it comes to stock market performance, August was “the best of times, and the worst of times.” The strong market rally that peaked in mid-August was viewed by many analysts as a transition from a bear to bull market,...

The White House recently forgave up to $10,000 to student loan borrowers as part of a larger debt forgiveness program. There are still quite a few questions to be answered, but here are some key points to know.Pell vs. non-Pell: Loan...

We’re entering a tricky time of year: September and October have a reputation for bringing an extra measure of market volatility.Some of the stock market’s most challenging events have hit in September and October, and...

When you created your investment strategy, your asset allocation should have reflected your goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk.But over time, any of those three factors may have changed, and your portfolio may now need...

In the financial world, some weeks are more important than others, and we just lived through a big one. Let's unpack each of the four key stats:The Fed. As expected, the Fed bumped up short-term rates again at its July meeting. But the...

What would you do with a windfall? It’s a question I’ve read or heard a lot lately. Considering the Mega Millions jackpot has now grown to $1.02 billion, it’s safe to say most of us have thought about what it would be...

Government reports are telling a rather bleak story about the economy. The headlines talk about high inflation, rising interest rates, and a possible recession.But corporations are telling a more upbeat, optimistic story about business...

Summer travel is picking up this year. If you’re headed to Europe, you may notice that you get more bang for your buck.Why is that?For the first time in almost 20 years, the U.S. dollar and the euro have reached parity. Souvenirs...

With half the year behind us, now is a great time to consider what the remainder of 2022 may hold. However, with inflation and economic uncertainty causing many of us to delay or cancel vacations, large purchases, and more, it can be...

Both stock and bond markets have been challenging this year, but it’s important to focus on what this tends to mean looking forward. Consider that after the eight biggest quarterly stock market declines since WWII, the S&P 500...

In March, the House passed the Securing a Strong Retirement Act with a bipartisan 414-5 vote. The Senate is still weighing numerous proposals for their version, the Rise & Shine Act.Proposals under consideration include:Raising the...

In case you didn’t know, June is National Internet Safety Month. With nearly 4 billion people on social media worldwide, plus the risks of using online brokerage and bank accounts, the need for digital security has never been...

Last week was an “interesting” week. In a move unseen since 1994, the Federal Reserve has taken an aggressive stance toward inflation by raising the key interest rate by three-quarters of a percentage point.Investors...

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, marking the day when slavery came to an end in the United States. The observance of this holiday, formally recognized by the state of Texas in 1980, has continued to spread to the rest of the...

The bull market that began in March of 2020 came dangerously close to an end. From March 23, 2020 through January 3, 2022, the S&P 500 Index gained 114% (excluding dividends). From that January 3 closing high through the recent low on...

Are you preparing to retire? Your next chapter is about more thanthe money. Click here for other things to consider before retirement. Travel restrictions by country following the Omicron variant outbreak Just as many countries around...

Monthly Market Insights | November 2021 Stock prices notched solid gains in October as a strong start to the corporate earnings season fired up investors. Click the video below to learn more about this month's market insights. Medicare...

On November 11, we honor the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who have served America in the armed forces. This federal holiday – Veterans Day – is a time to reflect on their courage. Please take a moment this...

As you have noticed, the days are getting shorter – and we are coming to the end of Daylight Saving Time for the year. This Sunday, November 7th, at 2:00 am, most of America will “fall back” into Standard Time. Be...

Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up. The video below shows us 16 Wall Street clichés in 60 seconds. How many do you know? Five Trends Shaping The Future Of The U.S. Housing Industry We...

Medicare’s annual open enrollment period began October 15 and ends December 7. During this time, current Medicare beneficiaries have the option to adjust their coverage for the coming year. Any changes to your plan will go into...

Monthly Market Insights | October2021 Stocks hit some turbulence in September, turning cautiousamid slowing economic growth and policy debate inWashington. Click the video below to view more October monthly market insights. Five-hour...

October brings to mind the beauty of the leaves changing colors and a time to enjoy the colder weather. But October also holds another meaning for millions of people: it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Based on the numbers,...

Healthcare can be one of the priciest yet essential parts of life’s journey. And yet, many struggle to utilize the financial tools that may help. Take Health Saving Accounts (HSAs), for example. In 2019, 55% of those with HSAs...

What adventures will you have in retirement? Click below to see what path your journey will take. Poverty fell last year amid COVID-19 pandemic as government lifelines helped soften job losses Incomes fell last year but fewer people...

Monthly Market Insights | September 2021 Stocks rallied, fueled by an improving labor market, strong corporate earnings, and clarity on Fed tapering plans. Just as 9/11 changed travel forever, so has COVID. This is the new normal. Get...

These days, the cost of higher education can exceed USD100,000… per child. But there are several great ways to save up. Click the video below for a crash course on saving for college. Toys R Us to make a comeback with new toy...

The airline industry plotted a course for recovery in 2021, but recent difficulties may have put that plan into a holding pattern. While major airlines checked in with improving financial results for the second quarter, both they and...

Stocks notched a solid gain as investors looked past higherinflation and new COVID-19 cases. Amid the Labor Shortage, Robots Step in to Make the French Fries Fast-food chains are working with a host of startups to bring automation to...

Managing an Inheritance A windfall from a loved one can be both rewarding and complicated. Learn More Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion? Learn More Biden vaccine...

Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns. What's the real rate of return on your current investments? Learn how to keep inflation from taking the air out of your investment portfolio in the video below....

Today’s retirees are living longer than ever before and experiencing retirement in new ways. Gone are the days when people worked 50 years for the same employer, retired on a predictable pension, and settled down into a quiet...

Monthly Market Insights | July 2021 Stocks moved higher as investors looked past acceleratinginflation and the Fed’s pivot on monetary policy. Fauci Says Boosters Not Recommended 'Right Now' Dr. Anthony Fauci said federal...

Summertime rouses our desire to hit the road (or the airport) and travel. Here are a few things you’ll want to consider before you take off. Employment Issues for Airlines: Airlines have canceled hundreds of flights due to...

Inflation is defined as the general upward price movement of goods and services in an economy. The key word is “general.” Inflation tends to be uneven and affects the price of some items more than others. If you’ve...

It can be difficult to think about the future during times like these. But this fun, imaginative piece may help you stay thoughtful about your post-pandemic retirement. Imagine your ideal post-pandemic retirement with this animated...

Monthly Market Insights Stocks traded in a narrow range as technology and other high-valuation companies were under selling pressure. Learn more about what investors may be talking about this month in the Monthly Market Insights video...

Over Memorial Day weekend, gasoline prices hit the highest for this holiday weekend since 2014.1 With the Colonial Pipeline outage in the rear-view mirror and an ever-increasing number of adults vaccinated, formerly cooped-up motorists...

As our nation continues to recover from the effects of COVID-19, one economic trend has been capturing news attention as of late. Consumer prices are rising amidst economic recovery. In fact, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.8%...

Benjamin Franklin was a smart money manager who understood thepower of compound interest. Watch how he used it to make alasting contribution to his two favorite cities. The Costly Pursuit of Self-Driving Cars Continues On. And On. And...

Monthly Market Insights | May 2021 Stocks notched a solid gain, fueled by a succession of positive economic reports and a strong start to the first-quarter earnings season. Watch the video below for more on this month's market insights...

What is the Next Normal? This term describes the era that will emerge post-COVID-19. Essentially, many of us have been waiting for things to “get back to normal,” but as businesses look to return to office or adapt to...

Did you know that May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month? This year, we invite you to join us in celebrating the often-overlooked contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans to this great nation. Whether...

Why are 401(k) plans, annuities, and IRAs so popular? Deferring taxes can have a powerful effect on the potential growth of an investment. The dollars that would have gone to paying taxes remain in the investment, which means more...

So you've prepared for your goals and you believe you are on track for your financial goals. That's wonderful. What now? April is Financial Literacy Month. If you haven't put some thought into Asset Protection Strategy, now would be a...

Spend today, save tomorrow? Okay, we've all been there. But if it seems you're always living paycheck-to-paycheck and never able to save anything for the future, then it may be time to make a change .April is Financial Literacy Month....

f your finances are not where you would like them to be for retirement, what can you do about it? April is Financial Literacy Month. This is a great time to start picking up the pieces and learn how to retire with confidence. After all...

Are your financial goals well-defined? While "I want to have lots of money" may sound like a great goal, it's just too vague. How much is "lots?" If you don’t know … how will you know when you have it? And will the "lots"...

Spring is here! And soon the landscape will turn greener and the weather warmer. Perhaps you are already thinking about what you would like to do – the trips you could take, that new look for your yard or your garden, a day at...

Tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day, the annual celebration of Irish culture! Celtic music, Irish pastries, corned beef and cabbage, the camaraderie, and the wearing of the green are just a few parts of the holiday we look forward to...

Monthly Market Insights | March 2021 The burgeoning economic recovery and decreasing number of COVID-19 infections lifted stocks during the month. Tired of following COVID-19 safety protocols? You have pandemic fatigue. Here's what to...

Powell Testimony Calms Investors Concerns over rising long-term bond yields and inflationary pressures were eased by two days of testimony by Fed Chair Powell. Powell reiterated the Fed’s intention to stick with its near-zero...

It can be easy to overlook the nation’s solid economic fundamentals when the financial media splashes stories every day about an army of amateur traders, short-selling mania, and initial public offerings (IPOs) that double in...

Retiring in a Post-Pandemic World Imagine your ideal post-pandemic retirement with this hopeful, animated video. Learn More Dreaming Up an Active Retirement When you retire, how will you treat your next chapter? Learn More Here's...

Despite the positive trends in COVID-19 data, volatility began to return to the stock market in the final days of January, as retail traders set their eyes on GameStop (GME) stock and other heavily shorted securities, captivating the...

Former Federal Reserve chair Janet L. Yellen was sworn in as the 78th Secretary of the Treasury on January 26, 2021. This was a moment for historical reflection, as Yellen is the first woman confirmed to this vital cabinet position.1...

In last week’s, Weekly Vision, we included an article regarding the IRS and their decision to begin accepting tax returns a little later this year, Friday, February 12th. Although the date change may seem disappointing to some,...

The personal savings rate in the United States, which is the amount of income left after taxes and household spending, has reached some significant milestones. In April, when much of the country stayed home to avoid the COVID-19...

The first week of 2021 has proven to be a very busy week for the stock market with many ups and downs. In today's issue of the "Weekly Vision", we are providing an overview of events that had the most influence on last week's market...

The new year offers plenty of reason for optimism as COVID-19 vaccines are becoming available and the economic recovery is gaining momentum. At Vision, we have set a few resolutions for this year and are looking forward to embarking...

I think we all can safely agree that 2020 has been rough. Emotionally, physically, mentally – just overall an exhausting year in all ways. Celebrating the new year is much anticipated and we want to share a few things you should...

For many of us, 2020 has been a year unlike any other. For some, it’s brought hardships that have tested the hardiest of souls. For others, it has brought unspeakable loss. Yet, we press on, and as we do, we may be surprised to...

Your investment strategy is a lot like a marriage. One day you may feel like everything’s going swimmingly. The next day, there might be an argument over who forgot to load the dishwasher. And even the best marriages and...

Monday, December 7 was the deadline for enrolling or making changes in Medicare Plans.1 Assuming you are already enrolled in Medicare, letting the date pass kept you in your current plan until the next enrollment period. However, what...

The outbreak of the coronavirus has upended the college experience for students across the country. With most institutions cancelling in-person classes and moving to online instruction, uncertainty about how college will look in Fall...

Wishing you and your family lots of good eats and gratitude this season! Happy Thanksgiving from Rob, Jerri, and Gerri! *In honor of Thanksgiving, our office will be closed from Wednesday at noon, until Monday. If you need to get in...

With recent changes to the tax code due to the CARES Act and other COVID-19 legislation, we want to help our clients prepare for the upcoming tax season as early as possible. In our Tax Planning guide below, we will explore where your...

The U.S. Presidential Election has come to an end, and we are all ready to focus on our financial futures. We last left off discussing the 6 key components of financial planning as October is known as Financial Planning Month. We've...

Throughout the history of America, the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces have made sacrifices to ensure all citizens of our great country have the freedom to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Our soldiers have...