Last year the stock market was down over 18%. So far this year, stocks are up about 8%, but we face potential headwinds of a recession. Is now a good time to invest? To best answer this question requires a quick review of the stock market’s history. In the short term, the stock market can […]
Following the Bretton Woods agreement post World War II, and the agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia in the 1970s to trade oil in US dollars, the US dollar stood alone as the preeminent global currency for almost 80 years. While the United States continues to enjoy this status, concerns are increasing around […]
Time is fast running out, but you may still be able to score a tax break for 2022 with an Traditional IRA contribution. Here’s what you need to know: For 2022, your maximum contribution limit is $6,000; plus an additional $1,000 if you were age 50 or older in 2022. Eligible couples could save $3,500 […]
The recent rise in “risk-free” short-term interest rates has many people reconsidering the risk vs. reward dynamic relative to the stock market. While the increase in yields is welcomed relief compared to the historically low interest rates of the past 15 years, it is important for investors not to lose sight of the primary purpose […]
Last year was a challenging year for investors, to say the least. The overall stock was on the cusp of a bear market, declining close to 18%. Unfortunately, the bond market did not do much better and was down almost 13%. Good financial management demands that you periodically review and monitor both your portfolio performance […]
Access to lending on short notice can be a valuable asset. When we need to borrow money, we often think of traditional lending from a bank. However, one quick source of funds at competitive rates is a margin loan against your investment portfolio. With a margin loan, you put up your personal investment account as […]
In 2022, the market suffered a hangover after almost 12 years of fiscal and monetary accommodation on the backend of the financial crisis of 2008-09 and Covid-19 in 2020. What brought the party to its end was the emergence of inflation and the Federal Reserve’s response to it via increased short-term interest rates and quantitative […]
With the S&P 500 currently down over 19% and the US Aggregate Bond Index down over 12%, the desire for many investors to move on from 2022 is understandable. But before we do, it’s essential to learn lessons from this year’s market to avoid repeating the same mistakes in the future. It reminds me of […]
With the end of the holiday season right around the corner, we start looking ahead to a new year and new financial opportunities that can help impact our goals. Now is a great time to begin planning for 2023 and the perfect opportunity for you to save more in tax-deductible retirement plans. For weekly insights, […]
It is no secret that the stock market and bond market have both taken big hits this year. The Federal Reserve is on a tear with raising interest rates in an effort to tamp down inflation. So far this year, the Fed has raised rates 5 times, but inflation continues to persist. Last week’s Consumer […]