Blog
The U.S. and Europe’s Diverging Inflation Fights
April 26, 2024
Inflation showed little signs of letting up in March, with the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge stalling. This has pushed the presumed timeline for the Fed to begin cutting interest… Read more
Blog
GDP Growth Falls Well Below Expectations in First Quarter
April 25, 2024
U.S. economic growth got off to a weaker-than-expected start in 2024, even as prices continued to climb, according to the Commerce Department’s report on gross domestic product (GDP) in the… Read more
Blog
IMF Raises Global Growth Forecast Amid ‘Surprisingly Resilient’ Economy
April 22, 2024
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised its outlook for the global economy for the rest of the year, citing data that shows a global economy that has been “surprisingly… Read more
Blog
Retail Sales Jump As Consumers Power Through Inflation
April 19, 2024
Rising prices did little to deter consumers in March, as retail sales rose at a much faster pace than expected. Retail sales, which include spending online, in-store, and at restaurants,… Read more
Blog
Visualizing the World’s Growing Senior Population
April 5, 2024
As people live longer and healthier lives, a great demographic shift is taking place across the world. In recent decades, the number of people over the age of 65 has… Read more
Blog
Last-Minute IRA Contributions: Maximize Your 2023 Tax Benefits
April 4, 2024
As we approach the tax deadline for the year 2023, many of us are busy gathering documents and filing returns. However, there’s still a valuable opportunity available for those looking… Read more
Video
Q1 2024 Market Commentary Video
April 4, 2024
Watch the video “Q1 2024 Market Commentary” Read more
Blog
Eurozone Inflation Unexpectedly Cools, Paving the Way for Rate Cuts
April 3, 2024
Inflation across the 20-nation eurozone unexpectedly eased in March, boosting expectations that the European Central Bank (ECB) will begin cutting interest rates this summer. Eurozone inflation eased to 2.4% in… Read more
Blog
Fed’s Preferred Inflation Gauge Puts Spotlight On Cuts
April 1, 2024
The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation metric fell in line with expectations in February, leaving many to wonder if inflationary pressures will subside enough this spring for the central bank to… Read more
Blog
Chinese Youth Unemployment Continues to Climb, Despite Methodology ‘Fix’
March 23, 2024
In the latest sign of China’s ailing economy, the nation’s youth unemployment continued to climb in February. The unemployment rate among 16-24-year-olds rose to 15.3% in February, up from 14.6%… Read more
Article
Financial Planning and Tax Bulletin – Estate Taxes and Gifting
August 25, 2023
Estate planning is something that many of us may not want to think about for years or even decades. Unfortunately, changes to the tax code are creating a sense of… Read more
Article
Risks in the Banking System
March 17, 2023
The sudden collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has roiled the markets, panicked investors, and left many observers wondering whether we are on the precipice of another financial crisis. The… Read more
Article
2023 Retirement Contribution Guidelines
January 12, 2023
Amidst rampant inflation, the IRS has raised the retirement account contribution limits and income requirements that govern tax deductibility. For a quick rundown on how you can maximize your retirement… Read more
Article
Why China’s Economy is Unlikely to Overtake the U.S.
July 12, 2022
For decades, the rise of China has been treated as something of a fait accompli. Economists, politicians and academics have wondered not if, but only when, China would surpass the… Read more
Article
I Bonds as an Emergency Savings Alternative
May 19, 2022
With inflation continuing to surge, it is more important than ever to protect the purchasing power of your money. We alerted you to the savings potential of inflation-adjusted I-bonds in… Read more
Article
The Benefits of Dollar-Cost Averaging
October 4, 2021
Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) is an investment strategy in which an investor makes regular purchases of an asset at a fixed interval (usually monthly) using the same dollar amount each time,… Read more
Article
Asset Location for Tax-Optimization
September 5, 2021
We’ve all heard it said that when it comes to real estate, the most important factors are location, location, and location. Location also matters when it comes to investing, and… Read more
Article
ESG Investing Overview
July 29, 2021
For many investors, it is important that the money they invest is aligned with their personal values and has a positive impact on the world. With the advent of environmental,… Read more
Article
Is a Backdoor Roth Conversion Right For You?
April 30, 2021
Roth IRAs are one of the most versatile retirement investment vehicles available. Because they were originally intended to aid young and low-income workers in saving for retirement, Roth IRAs have… Read more
Article
Municipal Bonds in 2021
February 5, 2021
The municipal bond market demonstrated its resiliency in 2020 and enters 2021 in a strong position. That said, there are many unknowns in the months ahead. Our latest white paper… Read more
Newsletter
Financial Planning Newsletter – December 2023
December 5, 2023
In a world where pension plans are becoming less common, Americans are increasingly relying on employer-sponsored, defined contribution plans like 401(k)s and 403(b)s to cover their retirement needs. According to… Read more
Newsletter
Financial Planning Newsletter – August 2023
August 30, 2023
Planning for retirement has become much more difficult in recent years. Aside from government workers and a few other industries, pension plans are largely a thing of the past. Social… Read more
Newsletter
Financial Planning Newsletter – May 2023
May 31, 2023
Social Security is one of the primary sources of income for retirees, but determining how much you will receive can be a complicated process. Our latest financial planning newsletter includes… Read more
Newsletter
Financial Planning Newsletter December 2021
December 31, 2021
2021 was a strong year for the stock markets, but with economic growth slowing and the Federal Reserve tightening monetary policy, uncertainty is on the rise as we head into… Read more
Newsletter
Financial Planning Newsletter June 2021
June 25, 2021
The longest-ever bull market came to an end when the coronavirus pandemic began, and though the markets recovered quickly, the downturn highlights the importance of the issues covered in our… Read more
Newsletter
Financial Planning Newsletter March 2021
March 30, 2021
Our latest Newsletter provides important considerations women should keep in mind when it comes to taking Social Security benefits. It also provides an overview of Health Savings Accounts, which can… Read more
Newsletter
Financial Planning Newsletter December 2020
December 17, 2020
With the massive amount of stimulus spending, many economists fear we may see a spike in inflation. While we are of the mind that such a spike will likely be… Read more
Newsletter
Financial Planning Newsletter September 2020
September 24, 2020
This has been a year unlike any other. Between the pandemic, hurricanes, and wildfires, millions across the globe have seen their livelihoods threatened and face tough times ahead. Those of… Read more
Newsletter
Financial Planning Newsletter February 2020
February 27, 2020
It is no secret that most Americans are unprepared for retirement. Most retirees cannot maintain their standard of living on just their Social Security benefits alone. Americans know that they… Read more
Commentary
Investment Commentary – January 2024
January 16, 2024
The past year was widely expected to be a challenging one for both the markets and the broader economy. For much of 2023, the question was not if, but when,… Read more
Commentary
Investment Commentary – October 2023
October 6, 2023
As we head into the final quarter of the year, the prevailing theme regarding the economy has become “no boom, no bust.” Inflation is trending down, the economy is expected… Read more
Commentary
Investment Commentary – July 2023
July 5, 2023
All eyes have been on the Federal Reserve, which is walking a precarious tightrope between slowing economic growth and easing, but still-high, inflation. Investors have pored over every piece of… Read more
Commentary
Investment Commentary – January 2023
January 24, 2023
The past year was the first time in more than a century that cash outperformed both stocks and bonds. Stocks posted their worst year since 2008, when the economy was… Read more
Commentary
Investment Commentary – December 2022
November 26, 2022
2022 has proven to be a tumultuous year for investors. Rampant inflation and central banks’ efforts to combat it have weighed heavily on the bond and stock markets alike. The… Read more
Commentary
Investment Commentary – June 2022
June 29, 2022
The U.S. economy and stock market have both struggled in the first half of 2022. The highest inflation in more than four decades, aggressive tightening of monetary policy by the… Read more
Commentary
Market Commentary – Q1 2022
April 7, 2022
After a strong 2021, the first quarter of 2022 has been difficult for the markets. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has roiled the global economy, but even prior to the invasion,… Read more
Commentary
Investment Commentary – March 2022
March 31, 2022
Uncertainty is on the rise as investors grapple with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, surging inflation, and the Federal Reserve’s tightening cycle. For our insights into how these trends will impact… Read more
Commentary
Investment Commentary – November 2021
November 30, 2021
After stumbling somewhat in the third quarter, the economic recovery appears to be stabilizing as the impact of the Covid-19 Delta variant passes. However, ongoing supply chain disruptions and labor… Read more
Commentary
Investment Commentary – August 2021
August 28, 2021
The economic recovery reached some important milestones recently. The S&P 500 has doubled its level from its pandemic low. This marks the fastest bull market doubling since World War II,… Read more
Video
Q1 2024 Market Commentary Video
April 4, 2024
Watch the video “Q1 2024 Market Commentary” Read more
Presentation
2023 Third Quarter Review
October 10, 2023
PowerPoint slides feature quarterly and annual performance of the global equity and fixed income markets. Updated for Q3 2023. Read more
Presentation
2023 Second Quarter Review
June 10, 2023
PowerPoint slides feature quarterly and annual performance of the global equity and fixed income markets. Updated for Q2 2023. Read more
Presentation
2023 First Quarter Review
April 6, 2023
PowerPoint slides feature quarterly and annual performance of the global equity and fixed income markets. Updated for Q1 2023. Read more
Presentation
2022 Fourth Quarter Review
January 12, 2023
PowerPoint slides feature quarterly and annual performance of the global equity and fixed income markets. Updated for Q4 2022. Read more
Blog
Consumer Spending Shows Steady Increase in July
September 4, 2018
The Commerce Department’s latest report shows that consumer spending, which accounts for more than two-thirds of the economy, rose 0.4 percent last month. This is the same amount that it… Read more
Blog
Second Quarter GDP Growth Revised Up
August 30, 2018
U.S. economic growth for the second quarter was stronger than initially thought. The Commerce Department’s second reading revised GDP growth to a 4.2 percent annualized rate, up from the 4.1… Read more
Blog
Consumer Confidence Rises to 18-year High
August 29, 2018
The Consumer Confidence index increased to 133.4, despite economist predictions that it would decline. This marks the highest level since October 2000. The survey tracks sentiment in American households regarding… Read more
Blog
Capital Goods Orders Beat Estimates for July
August 28, 2018
New orders for U.S.-made capital goods rose 1.4 percent last month, beating June’s 0.9 percent increase. Capital goods orders are up 7.2 percent year-over-year. Capital goods refers to goods that… Read more
Blog
New Home Sales Down 1.7 Percent
August 27, 2018
Sales of new homes fell to a 9-month low in July. The Commerce Department reported a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 627,000 units last month, the lowest number since October… Read more
Blog
Existing Home Sales Fall to 2.5-year Low
August 24, 2018
Existing home sales for July were down 0.7% versus June, with a 5.34 million seasonally-adjusted annual rate. This was the slowest pace since February 2016. This marks the fourth consecutive… Read more
Blog
U.S. Consumer Price Index Increases 0.1% in July
August 15, 2018
The CPI rose 0.1 percent last month after being unchanged in June. Year-on-year, the CPI has increased by 1.7 percent. These numbers are slightly lower than estimates, which had forecasted… Read more
Blog
Job Growth Slows in July
August 8, 2018
The U.S. added 157,000 jobs in July, less than the 190,000 jobs that economists had predicted. Although the July hiring numbers came in below expectations, jobs gains have averaged 224,000… Read more
Blog
PMI Increases to Six-Month High in July
August 1, 2018
The Chicago Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) rose 1.4 points to 65.5 in July, the highest reading in six months. Any reading above 50 indicates expansion and improving conditions. The PMI… Read more
Blog
Good News for Municipal Bonds
July 30, 2018
Two U.S. Supreme Court decisions have combined to lend support to the financial viability of municipal bonds. The U.S. Supreme Court issued two decisions that offer some long-term support to… Read more