Markets rarely give us clear skies, and there are always threats to watch for on the horizon, but the right preparation, context, and support can help us navigate anything that may lie ahead. So far, this year hasn’t seen a full-blown crisis like 2008–2009 or 2020, but the ride has been very bumpy. We may […]
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4 things to Know About Fed Balance Sheet Runoff
The Federal Reserve (Fed) has stated that it would like to get its nearly $9 trillion balance sheet back down closer to 20% of GDP (its currently closer to 40%) so it has announced a plan to start to reduce the amount it currently reinvests, starting in June. Colloquially named quantitative tightening (QT), balance sheet […]
Read MoreAre You a Non-Spouse Beneficiary of an Inherited IRA? The IRS Has New Rules for You
If you are a non-spouse beneficiary of an IRA, proposed IRS rules regarding distributions may impact your situation. In February 2022, the IRS and Treasury Department reinstated SECURE Act RMD requirements for IRAs inherited in 2020 or later. The new rules apply to non-spouse beneficiaries and distributions and override earlier releases published in May 2021. […]
Read MoreApril 1st employment report was no joke: the labor market is tightening
The U.S. economy added 431,000 jobs in March and February job estimates were revised higher, pushing the 3 month average gain to 562,000. Unemployment ticked down to 3.6 percent, indicating a tightening labor market. Gains in Leisure and Hospitality sector alone added 112,000 jobs. Participation rates improved, increasing to 62.4 percent but still a full […]
Read MoreThree Things That Happened Last Week That Have Bulls Smiling
Last week was quite the week for stocks, as the S&P 500 Index gained 6.2% for its best week of the year and best weekly gain since the week of the US election in early November 2020. View enlarged chart. In the process there were some very positive signs for the bulls. First up, a […]
Read MoreWill Ukraine and Russia Impact The Usually Bullish March?
Good riddance to February. It was another negative month for stocks, but the clear headline was Russia invading Ukraine and the potential impacts that would have on the global economy and stock market. First things first, this means the first two months of 2022 have been in the red for the S&P 500 Index. “Seeing the […]
Read MoreWhat Could The End Of The Omicron Surge Mean For Inflation?
As COVID-19 cases in the United States linked to the Omicron variant have fallen dramatically during the past month we look once more to high-frequency data for signals on how quickly the economy is reopening and what this could mean for the inflation outlook. “With everything going on recently with market volatility, rate-hike expectations, and Ukraine, […]
Read MoreDown Week Puts U.S. Stocks Near Correction Territory
View enlarged chart. U.S. and International Equities U.S. Markets Lower The major equity markets finished the week lower as inflation, higher interest rates, and tighter Federal Reserve policy continue to be front and center on investors’ minds. Moreover, disappointing outlooks from some widely followed tech companies amid relatively high growth equity valuations are putting […]
Read MoreWhat You Should Know About Qualified Charity Distributions for 2022
Whether you are preparing to take your required minimum distribution (RMD) from a retirement account this year or are looking for ways to make the most of your charitable donations, you may be wondering whether a Qualified Charity Distribution (QCD) is a good use of your funds. For many, making a QCD before Dec. 31, […]
Read MoreTax Prep Checklist: Everything You Need to Be Ready for Tax Season
Regardless of whether you prepare your taxes yourself or use a professional’s services, it’s a good idea to gather the information and documentation you need well in advance of your actual tax filing date. Below, we’ve listed some key information you need when preparing this year’s taxes. Your Personal Information The personal information you may […]
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