Stocks rose last week as peace talks picked up while investors cheered better-than-expected economic news and Q1 corporate results. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 2.33 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 4.51...
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Stocks advanced last week as investors moved past stalled progress in Middle East peace talks and refocused on corporate earnings. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.91 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index climbed 1.12...
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Over the next few weeks, investors will hear about the Q1 business climate from roughly 90 percent of Standard & Poor’s 500 companies. It’s called “Earnings Season,” and it happens four times a year. Investors will hear about the...
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Stocks were mixed last week as investors gauged potential outcomes of the Middle East conflict amid an ongoing ceasefire.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.55 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 1.50 percent. By...
Read MoreTaxes can be a snapshot of our money, and tax season can make most of us feel like we have a clear view of that photo. That's because filing taxes is both a look at the past and a chance to create a roadmap for the future.Did you end...
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Stocks rallied last week as investor enthusiasm built for an end to the war in the Middle East and hopes of a resumption of normal global trade. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 4.54 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index picked...
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Market timing requires a skill that’s almost impossible to master.An investor not only has to determine when stock prices have peaked (so you can sell), but also when they have bottomed (so you can buy).In recent weeks, many people...
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Hope won out over fear last week as investors set their sights on a Middle East ceasefire holding and optimistic prospects for the Strait of Hormuz reopening.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3.56 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite...
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Stocks rose over the short trading week on fresh hopes for a quick end to the Middle East conflict, while March job growth was unexpectedly strong.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index picked up 3.36 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index...
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Stocks ended a challenging week lower as investors' attention shifted from updates on ceasefire talks to concerns about the economic impact of a protracted conflict.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 2.12 percent, while the Nasdaq...
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Another volatile week unfolded as rapid developments in the Middle East and public comments from leaders on the conflict see-sawed markets, leaving investors struggling to keep up with updates.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 1.89...
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While markets have been known to “climb a wall of worry,” they can struggle during periods of uncertainty.Events in the Middle East are creating a great deal of uncertainty.Look no further than the outlook for short-term interest rates...
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Stocks logged a third-straight down week as investors digested the latest news out of the Middle East, navigated more volatility, and mulled the latest economic data. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 1.60 percent, while the...
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Is the “lock in” breaking, or are homeowners going to double down on their low-cost mortgages?The most recent stats show that 20 percent of home borrowers now have mortgages with an interest rate over 6 percent, indicating they have...
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Get ready to start seeing the name “Fed Chair Kevin Warsh” when you receive updates about the Federal Reserve on your news feeds.In short order, the Senate Banking Committee is expected to move ahead with the confirmation process for...
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Stocks fell last week as investors assessed the implications of a fresh Middle East conflict while digesting mixed reports on the jobs market.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 2.02 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index slid 1.24...
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As the troubling and fluid events unfold in the Middle East, more investors are asking, “Should we do anything?”Here are a couple of areas to keep an eye on in the weeks ahead.The Fed’s next two-day meeting ends on March 18....
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Stocks fell last week amid concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) and a warmer-than-expected reading of wholesale inflation. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 0.44 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 0.95 percent...
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Stocks ended a choppy four-session run in the green, with tech-led momentum earlier in the week prevailing over news of a slowing economy, sticky inflation, and geopolitical tensions.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 1.07...
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Is the “lock in” breaking, or are homeowners going to double down on their low-cost mortgages?The most recent stats show that 20 percent of home borrowers now have mortgages with an interest rate over 6 percent, indicating they have...
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Stocks fell last week as investors reacted to mixed economic data and concerns over signs of broadening AI disruption of business models.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.39 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 2.10...
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Stocks were mixed last week, with broad gains on Monday and Friday bookending midweek selling pressure as investors digested earnings results from more than 100 S&P 500 companies.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index ended the week roughly...
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Stocks were mixed last week as investors navigated Q4 corporate results, a widely expected Fed decision, and a handful of economic reports.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.34 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index edged down 0...
Read MoreThe Internal Revenue Service recently released new limits for 2026. Although these adjustments won’t bring any major changes, there are some minor elements to note.Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)IRA contribution limits are up...
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Markets ended a short but eventful week slightly lower amid geopolitical tensions and fresh tariff threats. However, constructive economic news appeared to buoy spirits as the week progressed.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 0.35...
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Warren Buffett’s quotes have provided clarity during confusion over the years.But his final act speaks louder than any expression. He did nothing.As CEO, Buffett had nearly $400 billion in cash to spend in 2025. But he found no...
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Stocks ended last week with modest losses after a volatile five days of market-moving economic data, geopolitics, and Fed drama.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slid 0.38 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index skidded 0.66 percent....
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Have you ever heard the Wall Street adage, "Stocks climb a wall of worry"?It means that stock prices have historically trended higher when investors worry about economic issues, geopolitical uncertainty, or, in this case, a possible...
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Stocks posted solid gains in an action-packed week of market-moving economic data, geopolitical news, and bullish new year sentiment.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.57 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 1.88...
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When you see the word “forecast,” it should be closely followed by, “Forecasts are based on assumptions and are subject to revisions over time. Financial, economic, political, and regulatory issues may cause the actual results to...
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Stocks trended lower last week amid signs of year-end profit-taking and some sour investor sentiment over the Fed meeting minutes.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.03 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index lost 1.52 percent....
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Stocks delivered for investors last week as positive economic data and bullish holiday cheer powered the start of a “Santa Claus rally” past consumer bah humbug sentiment.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.40 percent, while the...
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There is always something to worry about on Wall Street. In fact, there’s even a saying about how stock prices perform when investors are fretting.“Wall Street climbs a wall of worry”—a quote that is often attributed to Warren Buffett....
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Stocks posted a slight gain last week as mixed jobs data triggered some selling pressure before a cooling inflation report helped stocks recover.The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index inched ahead 0.10 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite...
Read MoreThere are not many times of year as celebrated and cherished as the end-of-year holidays. It has a feel, a rhythm, a vibe, something that no other time of year has. Walking down the street, driving through your local shopping district,...
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Stocks ended last week mixed. A widely anticipated Federal Reserve decision on interest rates and a rotation into non-tech areas helped push the Dow Industrials higher, while the broader market and technology stocks lagged behind. The...
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It seems like just yesterday the Fed was all about inflation. So why are Jerome Powell & Crew now talking about jobs? A look inside ADP’s November report shows why they are looking past inflation (for the moment) and focusing on the...
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Stock prices pushed higher last week, notching multiple records along the way as employment and inflation data took center stage in anticipation of the Fed’s upcoming meeting. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.31 percent, while...
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The business of making forecasts can be a slippery slope. But some investors are willing to “put their money where their mouth is” when it comes to making predictions about what’s next for short-term interest rates, so it can be...
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Stocks pushed higher over the holiday week as investors' hopes for a Fed rate adjustment drove bullish sentiment. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3.73 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rallied 4.91 percent. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreThe Internal Revenue Service recently released new limits for 2026. Although these adjustments won’t bring any major changes, there are some minor elements to note. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) IRA contribution limits are up...
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Heightened volatility was on Wall Street’s mind last week, as investors continued to focus on valuations of artificial intelligence (AI) stocks. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.95 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index...
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As an investor, should you be more concerned about the value of your groceries or artificial intelligence? It may seem like a silly question, but there’s a serious answer. One way to measure a stock’s valuation is by looking at what’s...
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Stocks ended mixed after a nail-biting week for investors, who grew anxious over megacap tech valuations and interest rates as the government shutdown came to an end. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index edged up 0.08 percent, while the...
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There is always something to worry about on Wall Street. In fact, there’s even a saying about how stock prices perform when investors are fretting. “Wall Street climbs a wall of worry”—a quote that is often attributed to Warren...
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“What’s the purpose of a retirement strategy?” It’s a simple question, but most get the answer wrong. Artificial intelligence got it wrong. AI Gemini says, “The purpose of creating a retirement strategy is to act as a comprehensive,...
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When the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act was passed on July 4, the legislation left several unanswered questions that the IRS is now addressing. The IRS undergoes this process every year, but this time around, the OBBB has added to...
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Stocks hit a rough patch last week as fresh labor market data, low consumer sentiment, and the ongoing government shutdown unnerved investors. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 1.63 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index...
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The business of making forecasts can be a slippery slope. But some investors are willing to “put their money where their mouth is” when it comes to making predictions about what’s next for short-term interest rates, so it can be...
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Stocks rose last week as trade developments, positive Q3 corporate results, and momentum in megacap tech drove another rally, despite some cautious comments from the Fed. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 0.71 percent, while the...
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Stocks rose last week as trade developments, positive Q3 corporate results, and momentum in megacap tech drove another rally, despite some cautious comments from the Fed. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 0.71 percent, while the...
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When the government shuts down, so do several agencies that put out the economic reports the Fed looks at when setting interest rates. In fact, the delayed September Consumer Price Index report, which was released on October 24, was...
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Stocks rose last week thanks to a full slate of upbeat third-quarter corporate results and mild inflation data, which helped soften concerns over trade tensions with China. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.92 percent, while...
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“What’s the purpose of a retirement strategy?” It’s a simple question, but most get the answer wrong. Artificial intelligence got it wrong. AI Gemini says, “The purpose of creating a retirement strategy is to act as a comprehensive,...
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When the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act was passed on July 4, the legislation left several unanswered questions that the IRS is now addressing. The IRS undergoes this process every year, but this time around, the OBBB has added to...
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Stocks pushed higher last week, buoyed by strong third-quarter results posted by several money center banks. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.70 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 2.14 percent. The Dow Jones...
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Stocks fell last week amid concerns about trade with China, following an unsteady rally to record highs over the first half of the week. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 2.43 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 2.53...
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As the government shutdown lingers, I’m answering more questions about, “How long is this going to last?” I can only point to history as a guide. Since 1976, we’ve experienced 20 shutdowns, averaging eight days in length. The longest...
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Have you heard of the concept known as “Revenge Savings”? Gen Z’ers (born 1997 to 2012) have popularized the “vibe-based budgeting” this year. It’s the idea of stockpiling money to prepare for economic uncertainty, including a cooling...
Read MoreWhat happens during a government shutdown, and how might this affect you? Unless the government employs you or you are planning a trip to the Smithsonian, you might not even notice. Social Security checks will arrive as scheduled, and...
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Stocks rose last week, looking past the government shutdown and apparently discounting any impact it may have on the economy. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index moved up 1.08 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 1.32 percent....
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Stocks fell last week, buffeted by concerns about stock price valuations and a possible government shutdown. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 0.31 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index lost 0.65 percent. The Dow Jones...
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The Fed lowered short-term interest rates at its September 2025 meeting, but the question on most people’s minds is, “What’s in it for me?” That’s a fair question, so here are some ideas to consider. First-wave changes: Any loan...
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Stocks posted solid gains last week, propelled by the Fed’s decision to cut short-term interest rates. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.22 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index climbed 2.21 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial...
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The hottest accessory trend of summer 2025 is the Labubu doll. But if you don’t hang out with Gen Z’ers (13 to 28 years old), you may have missed it. Labubus are plush mini monsters that can be worn on backpacks, purses, or belt loops...
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“Adjusted for inflation” is a phrase you may think isn’t important. But when you see it in action, you might change your mind. Let’s examine how “adjusted for inflation” has affected a couple of tax rules and their impact on Social...
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Stocks posted a solid gain last week, riding a rally in megacap tech stocks while overcoming interest rate anxiety, a downward revision to jobs data, and mixed inflation reports. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.59 percent,...
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If I told you young people are the fastest adopters of AI, would you be surprised? Unlikely. But, if I told you the biggest percentage increase of AI users in the past year was people 65+, you might give me a double-take! Today’s...
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Stocks made gains last week, even as megacap tech gains outweighed economic concerns. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 0.33 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 1.14 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
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There’s something for everyone in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025. In fact, the Tax Foundation calculated that the new law avoided a tax hike on 62 percent of tax filers in 2026. In dollars and cents, that works out to almost...
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Hardly a day goes by that someone doesn’t say to me, “I’m putting off a decision until the Fed changes interest rates.” But I’m quick to remind people that the “rate dominoes” don’t always fall as you may expect. Here’s what could...
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Stocks ended the week slightly lower as mixed economic data led to some profit-taking by investors ahead of the holiday weekend. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index edged down 0.10 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index slipped 0.19...
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The last two weeks of July were about as action-packed as it gets for investors. Here’s a quick recap of the highlights: The U.S. economy. Gross domestic product grew at a 3 percent rate in Q2, better than the 2.3 percent forecast....
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The Federal Reserve has what’s called a "dual mandate"—keep everyday prices stable while promoting an economy that creates jobs. Managing that dual mandate is becoming more challenging this year, with prices and jobs giving mixed...
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Stocks rose last week despite mixed signals on inflation as investors kept one eye on the Fed’s September meeting. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 0.94 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 0.81 percent. The Dow...
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Stocks rebounded last week as investor optimism for a September rate adjustment and strong Q2 corporate results overcame the rollout of fresh tariffs. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 2.43 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index...
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Stocks fell last week as investors assessed progress on trade negotiations, new U.S. tariffs, and fresh data on the U.S. economy. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 2.36 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 2.17...
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Just before the July 4th holiday, Congress passed a domestic policy bill that extended the 2017 tax cuts that were set to expire this year while making some of the 2017 rules permanent. The bill also created several new tax laws for...
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There are a lot of tax-law changes tucked in the nooks and crannies of the 800+ page One Big Beautiful Bill. One that you may have heard about created a $10,000 tax deduction when you finance a new car. But as you can see, in June,...
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Expectation-beating Q2 results from several companies, trade updates, and investor optimism for more trade agreements pushed market averages to solid gains. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 1.46 percent, while the Nasdaq...
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Sometimes unconventional indicators can shed some light on what’s happening with the economy. As you can see, traffic from 20-foot ocean containers is at its highest level since January 2022. That’s a solid rebound from earlier in the...
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Stocks were mixed last week, battling through tariff talk while responding to upbeat quarterly corporate reports and a trove of updates on the economy. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.59 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite...
Read MoreMy new favorite daytime financial drama is called, “As the Fed Turns,” starring Jerome Powell with his Fed members as the supporting cast. In a recent episode, Fed Chair Powell made it clear he’s taking a wait-and-see approach to...
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Just before the July 4th holiday, Congress passed a domestic policy bill that extended the 2017 tax cuts that were set to expire this year while making some of the 2017 rules permanent. The bill also created several new tax laws for...
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Stocks were slightly lower last week, while looking past news of fresh U.S. tariffs on nearly two dozen countries. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 0.31 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index edged lower by 0.08 percent. The...
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Americans seem upbeat about retirement, with more people preparing to retire at 70, according to the latest Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) study. Sometimes, though, reality gets in the way: the same survey found that 40...
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Trade developments and continued momentum pushed all three major averages to modest gains again for a shortened holiday trading week. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.72 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 1.62...
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Who the heck is TINA? TINA is an acronym that stands for “There Is No Alternative” to stocks. And for most retirement-minded investors, TINA is their money manager. As you can see, 71% of 401(k) account balances were allocated to...
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Stocks staged a broad-based rally last week on investors’ hopes for a lasting Middle East ceasefire, hitting fresh record highs along the way. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 3.44 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index added 4...
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Stocks were mixed during the holiday-shortened trading week as uncertainty over conflict in the Middle East weighed on investors. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slipped by 0.15 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose by 0.21...
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Isaac Newton might be smiling if he looked at the charts for eggs, cocoa, and coffee prices. To traders, they are a lesson on how markets can reach an extreme and then correct. But to Newton, they are simply a lesson in gravity....
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Stocks fell last week as an up-and-down mix of trade progress and anxiety, economic news, and geopolitical tensions netted out. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slid 0.39 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index slipped 0.63 percent....
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No more passing them by when you see one on the sidewalk. Forget about wasting a couple by putting them in your loafers. And don’t even consider throwing them into a wishing well. The Treasury Department has announced that it is...
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Stocks rallied last week as investors responded to upbeat economic data and easing trade tensions. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index added 1.50 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 2.18 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial...
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The Fed’s May meeting was pretty much a humdrum event. Even Fed Chair Powell's post-meeting press conference was uneventful. “We are always going to do the same thing,” he said. “We are going to use our tools to foster maximum...
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Stocks advanced over the short trading week, bolstered by a possible trade deal with the European Union (EU) and an upbeat corporate report from a mega-cap tech company that creates semiconductors used in the creation of artificial...
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The Fed’s May meeting was pretty much a humdrum event. Even Fed Chair Powell's post-meeting press conference was uneventful. “We are always going to do the same thing,” he said. “We are going to use our tools to foster maximum...
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Stocks roared higher last week, powered by upbeat trade news and tame inflation reports. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 5.27 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index spiked 7.15 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 3...
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“Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful,” are the words of wisdom from Warren Buffett. There’s just one small catch—it may be the most difficult thing for an investor to do. Over six decades, Warren has...
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This is a reminder that the tax extension deadline is just a month away. If you haven’t already, now would be a good time to contact your tax professionals and finalize those arrangements. This article is for informational purposes...
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The Fed’s May meeting was pretty much a humdrum event. Even Fed Chair Powell's post-meeting press conference was uneventful. “We are always going to do the same thing,” he said. “We are going to use our tools to foster maximum...
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Stocks were mixed last week as volatility dropped despite ongoing trade concerns and the Federal Reserve's update on short-term rates. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.16 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 0...
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Tracking inflation is like herding cats these days. Should you believe the monthly updates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, what the Fed says about future prices, or your own experience at the grocery store? The answer is maybe a...
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Have you heard the expression, “Watch what people do, not what they say?” That’s important these days when it comes to the economic outlook. Some people are “saying” the word recession like it’s a foregone conclusion. But let’s take a...
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Stocks pushed higher last week as investors cheered the White House’s constructive comments on trade, upbeat Q1 corporate reports, and an encouraging jobs report. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 2.92 percent, while the Nasdaq...
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Stocks pushed higher last week, spurred by the White House's reassuring comments that progress was being made with trade talks. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 4.59 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index picked up 6.73...
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U.S. stocks slipped over the shortened trading week as Q1 corporate reports started to roll in. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index dropped 1.50 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index fell 2.62 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
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The March consumer inflation report, which showed some prices at their lowest level in more than four years, was overlooked among all the tariff headlines. Core inflation, which excludes the volatile food and energy factors, rose at a...
Read MoreDid you know that the origins of spring cleaning date from when fireplaces heated homes? Through the fall and winter, soot would build up throughout the house, and when the weather warmed, a little clean up was required. “Spring...
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Stocks ended the week with a strong gain as traders continued to focus on tariff talks while appearing to overlook upbeat news on inflation. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 5.70 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 7...
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Every investor knows there are highs and lows during the year. The challenge is remaining focused during the lows. As the 2025 tariff talks have progressed, stock prices have seen more down days than up days as the details get rolled...
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Stocks fell broadly last week as domestic and foreign markets reacted to the White House’s tariffs. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 9.08 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index fell 10.02 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial...
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When Warren Buffett said, “Be fearful when others are greedy and be greedy when others are fearful,” he wasn’t just talking about investing. He championed contrarian thinking and urged people to capitalize when groupthink can result...
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Forget the Fed frenzy and take a timeout from tariff talk. Let's focus on what's really scrambling the markets right now: egg prices. After reaching an all-time high of $8.17 a dozen in early March, prices have trended lower and may...
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Stocks moved lower last week as investors swung from exuberance to disappointment on news over tariffs and inflation. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.53 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index retreated 2.59 percent. The Dow...
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It’s been a busy few weeks as all the mixed economic signals have unsettled Wall Street—and market volatility is never comfortable for investors. Here’s a short recap, so grab some popcorn. We’re going to cover a lot of ground...
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Stocks notched a solid gain last week as upbeat comments from the Fed helped stocks snap their four-week losing streak. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.51 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index picked up 0.17 percent. The...
Read MoreWe’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through your phone, computer, or tablet, and a notification pops up. “Update Me!” While that isn’t the exact wording, the meaning is the same. Something wants to be updated to the most recent...
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Do me a favor: print the chart in this email and pin it to your wall. I want you to have a constant reminder that stock prices see pullbacks several times during the year. It’s a normal, healthy part of the investing cycle. Is it...
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Investors endured another volatile, whipsaw week as ongoing trade talks and White House comments about the economy unsettled investors. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 2.27 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 2...
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Stocks continued their slide through a volatile week. U.S. trade policy drove much of the market’s movement, broadening investors' concerns about economic growth and inflation. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined...
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The price action in this year’s stock market has me humming the 1970s tune by The Carpenters called “Rainy Days and Mondays.” As the chart shows, Mondays and Fridays have been awful for investors, while the mid-week days have...
Read MoreWarren Buffett, known by some as the Oracle of Omaha, gets much attention whenever he speaks on the record. In a letter opening his company’s annual report, he’s again caught the ear of the business world.1 Some highlights from the...
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Stocks were mixed last week as investor concerns over inflation and trade policy combined to produce another volatile trading week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.95 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 0.98...
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Have you ever heard the expression, “It’s a buyer’s market?” That phrase describes what’s happening with today’s residential real estate: homes are selling for under their asking price and are taking longer to sell. Good news for...
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“Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful” is one of my favorite quotes by Warren Buffett. His words of wisdom encourage investors to be contrarian. He challenges investors to “go against the grain” when...
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Stocks fell last week as concerns about sticky inflation and the pace of economic growth rattled investors. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 1.66 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 2.51 percent. The Dow Jones...
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Stocks advanced last week despite some intra-week volatility as investors showed concern about the economy's strength. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.47 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index picked up 2.58 percent. The...
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Stocks posted modest losses last week as tariff deals, January jobs data, and Q4 corporate reports injected volatility into markets. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slipped 0.24 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index lost 0.53...
Read MoreThe Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles are set for Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, February 9. Over the years, the Super Bowl has gone from a mere championship game to a cultural event, earning both national and international...
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Warren Buffett once said, "If you mix your politics with your investment decisions, you're making a big mistake.” There appears to be some truth in Buffett’s quote following a contentious 2024 election cycle. Check out the chart below...
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Stock prices were jolted lower in late January on concerns that a “black swan” event may lead to some restructuring in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. A Chinese AI firm appears to have developed a competitive AI model that...
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Stocks were mixed last week as investors parsed market-moving news nearly every trading day—from an unsettling AI update to White House news to Q4 corporate reports. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.00 percent while the Nasdaq...
Read MoreYou may have heard about the recently signed Social Security Fairness Act and wondered what it was and how it might affect you.The Social Security Fairness Act eliminates two longstanding provisions for Social Security: the Windfall...
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“A goal without a plan is just a wish,” wrote French author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in the 1942 classic, “The Little Prince.” In financial services, we like to say, “Investing without a strategy is just a dream.” At its core, an...
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Stocks rallied last week as investors reacted positively to a handful of better-than-expected corporate earnings reports and developments out of Washington, D.C. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.74 percent, while the Nasdaq...
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“A goal without a plan is just a wish,” wrote French author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in the 1942 classic, “The Little Prince.” In financial services, we like to say, “Investing without a strategy is just a dream.” At its core, an...
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Are you in your early sixties and hoping to make a splash in your retirement strategy? The SECURE Act 2.0 introduced a $11,250 catch-up contribution for those aged 60-63. This “super catch-up” is part of a new tiered catch-up...
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Stocks roared back last week, fueled by upbeat Q4 corporate reports and economic news that stalled inflationary fears. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 2.91 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 2.45 percent. The Dow...
Read MoreYou may have heard about the recently signed Social Security Fairness Act and wondered what it was and how it might affect you.The Social Security Fairness Act eliminates two longstanding provisions for Social Security: the Windfall...
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Stocks fell for the second consecutive week as a round of fresh economic data stoked inflationary fears among investors. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index declined 1.94 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 2.34 percent. The...
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Inflation is a very personal experience. How it affects you largely depends on the products and services you consistently buy. Over the years, some of you have developed different ways to measure how inflation impacts your daily lives...
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It's Time For Your Annual Review! Hi there! Can you believe another year has passed? That means it’s time to schedule your annual review. We’ve been diligently monitoring your portfolio this year, and I’d like to meet with you soon to...
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Stocks edged lower last week despite a powerful end-of-week rally. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 0.48 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index slid 0.51 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.60 percent. The MSCI...
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In 2024, we all experienced inflation in different ways. Some felt it at the grocery store, others while traveling, or when dining out. In large part, that's because our personal economic choices dictated at least part of our...
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Stocks notched a slight gain over the holiday week. A tech-driven rally in the first half of the week was clawed back in the second half as investors took profits following the market holiday. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced...
Read MoreWith 2024 coming to a close, I want to share my thoughts on America's current fiscal policy, geopolitical elements, and other factors that may help shape 2025's financial landscape. This transition period offers both challenges and...
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Stocks were under pressure last week as the Fed Chair's hawkish comments unsettled investors ahead of the holiday season. The Dow Jones Industrial Average received the hardest hit, falling 2.25 percent. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index...
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Is Santa Claus coming to Wall Street this year? December tends to be a cheerful month for stock prices, which has some investors keeping an eye out for a late-year visit from Santa. As you can see from the chart, since 1950, December...
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Stocks finished the week mixed, bookending losses around midweek gains as investors digested fresh inflation data. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index slipped 0.64 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index ticked up 0.34 percent. The Dow...
Read MoreWho is Scott Bessent? While he is the nominee to replace Janet Yellen as the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, unlike a few of the other cabinet nominees, he wasn’t exactly someone with a household name. A former hedge fund manager,...
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Stocks were mixed during the first trading week of December. Technology stocks led, while the widely followed Dow Jones Industrial Average struggled. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index picked up 3.34 percent while the Dow...
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There are some jobs that I just don’t want. The home plate umpire in the 9th inning of a major league baseball game. Fishing in the Bering Sea during an ice storm. Or a Fed Governor who must decide what to do with short-term interest...
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Stocks posted solid gains over a short and busy holiday week as investors parsed fresh economic data, comments on potential future trade policy, and a few Q3 reports from technology companies. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1...
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Friday, November 29, 2024
The Federal Reserve approved its second consecutive interest rate cut following its November meeting, telling investors that it’s continuing its push to “right-size monetary policy.” The benchmark Fed funds rate has a target range of...
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Monday, November 25, 2024
Stocks advanced last week, powering ahead with pre-holiday optimism despite geopolitical tensions and two disappointing Q3 corporate updates. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.68 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 1...
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Stocks fell last week as the postelection rally lost momentum amid an inflation uptick and cautious comments from Fed officials. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 2.08 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 3.15 percent...
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Stocks surged higher last week, fueled by the Fed’s rate cut decision and post-election enthusiasm as investors looked to future policy impacts of a Republican-controlled Senate and executive branch. (The House of Representatives...
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Stocks slid last week as mixed economic data and strong-but-not-spectacular Q3 corporate reports failed to inspire investors. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.36 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 1.50 percent....
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Stocks were mixed last week as fresh economic data points and election-related uncertainty slowed market momentum. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 0.96 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 0.16 percent. The Dow Jones...
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Stocks posted modest gains last week, with quarterly earnings season in full swing and the election on the horizon. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index increased 0.85 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 0.80 percent. The Dow...
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Stocks advanced last week despite mixed inflation data, lurching oil prices, and lingering anxiety about the Middle East. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.11 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 1.13 percent. The Dow Jones...
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Stocks were essentially unchanged last week as geopolitical tensions added some volatility to an otherwise quiet trading week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat (+0.09 percent), while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index ticked up...
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Elvis once sang, “Home is where the heart is.” Well, according to a recent study that parsed U.S. Census data, home is also where a good chunk of the money is. ResiClubAnalytics found that nearly 40 percent of owner-occupied homes...
Read MoreAre you happy with your current financial professional? Have they met with you to discuss how recent market fluctuations could affect your financial plans? When was the last time the two of you sat down to really discuss goals? It’s...
Read MoreDo you know the name of the professional handling your investment? When was the last time you got a call or email from them? Has your investment been assigned to someone you’ve never even heard of – a total stranger who never bothers...
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Monday, September 30, 2024
Saving for retirement requires dedication, focus, and some sacrifice–a three-pronged approach embraced by a greater number of investors! Nearly 500,000 retirement savers are now 401(k) millionaires, according to Q2 stats compiled by...
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Election years, particularly presidential elections, traditionally come into focus after Labor Day. This is when many American voters become fully engaged with the process. With that in mind, I often get the question: “Politics aside,...
Read MoreThe Minimalist Lifestyle: Living More with Less Minimalism is more than just a trend; it’s a lifestyle choice that encourages living with intention by focusing on what truly matters. By reducing the excess and eliminating the...
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One of them is lying! Remember when the Fed started raising rates in early 2022? The market took a hit, and borrowing rates, such as the 10-Year Yield,for companies shot up.Just take a look at the chart below! The Nasdaq and the 10-Year...
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WOW! The S&P 500 Index is on fire, soaring 20% since last October! Despite all the gloomy headlines about debt ceilings, banking crises, inflation worries, and even wars, the market has defied all odds.Is this the start of a new bull...
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As mortgage rates continue to rise and home sales continue to slow, the next leg down of a slowing real estate market has begun—contract cancellations. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has reported large...
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One of the hallmarks of a recession is a rise in consumer credit defaults, inevitably resulting in a rise in 3rd-party collection activity. That has not happened yet – in fact, quite the opposite. 3rd-party collection...
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Real estate flipper OpenDoor made quite a splash when it went public via a SPAC merger in December, 2020. And why not? It was going to upend the real estate “flipping” market via its revolutionary AI-driven...
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A series of TV ads from the Indeed job-posting site feature the memorable tag line “Indeed you do!” When applied to jobs in the Tech sector, that line might be “Indeed, you don’t!” Published...
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If you are more comfortable discussing a Single Malt Scotch or French Bordeaux than some obscure tech stock or cryptocurrency, you are not alone. Billionaire investing legend Warren Buffet says investors should stick to areas...
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Social media and “tech” companies who rely on advertising dollars to be profitable have been under considerable pressure lately—to put it mildly. SNAP was the first major advertising-dependent social media...
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Following World War 2, the United States was a global industrial behemoth with more than 40% of all private sector jobs in manufacturing. Today, that number is less than 10%. However, the latest jobs report shows...
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REITs, or Real Estate Investment Trusts, are considered by many to be an essential holding in a well-diversified portfolio. However, many REITs, especially those specializing in commercial real estate such as office buildings,...
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NFT’s, which stands for “non-fungible tokens”, are cryptographic digital assets that exist on a blockchain with unique identification codes and metadata that distinguish each from all others. Unlike...
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As bad as inflation seems in the U.S., it is much worse in the Eurozone where inflation jumped 9.1% in August - a new record for Eurozone data that goes back to 1997. Estonia led the way with a huge 25.2% rise, while Germany hit...
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If you’ve been wondering where all the extra money you’ve been spending to fill up your gas tank has been going, there’s a good bet at least some of it made it to Saudi Arabia’s energy behemoth Saudi Aramco...
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Over the past year nearly every essential good or service has escalated in price, but for those renting, costs have often skyrocketed. News site “The Hustle” conducted a survey attempting to gain more insight into how...
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The popular definition of an economic recession has traditionally been “two consecutive quarters of negative real gross domestic product (GDP) growth”, but economists at Bank of America’s Global Research team...
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In the dog days of summer a common American pastime has traditionally been attending a Major League Baseball game. However, many middle-class families are finding that spending a few hours cheering on the home team is...
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If there’s one thing that’s able to doom the future of an incumbent President - even more than scandal - it is Inflation. President Joe Biden’s overall and economic approval numbers have reached the lowest...
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If it made up the majority of the Labor Department’s “CPI basket”, the rate of inflation would currently be…zero. We’re talking about the ever-reliable $1.50 Costco hot dog combo, priced at $1.50...
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With the worst first half for the stock market in 60 years now in the books, many want to know - just how unusual was it? In the graphic below, private bank and investment house Edmond de Rothschild showed not only equities had a...
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It’s not just housing—the average transaction price of new vehicles sold in June hit a new stratospheric record high of $45,844, up 14% from a year ago. As automakers continue to struggle with shortages of key parts...
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It turns out that Americans spend more on pharmaceuticals than any other country in the world—and not just more—a lot more. The OECD reported the average American spends $1376 per year on medications, while Sweden...
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After 27 years, Microsoft’s support for its once dominant internet browser ‘Internet Explorer’ (IE) has come to an end. At one point, IE’s market share was estimated to be as high as 90%, primarily due to...
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If you’re in the market for patio furniture, appliances, large electronics, or other expensive household items you might be in luck. Big retail’s loss might become your gain. America’s biggest retailers,...
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The Biden administration is at once demanding that U.S. oil producers pump more in order to lower prices at the pump, while at the same time the administration is blasting U.S. refiners and producers for “gouging” and...
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The U.S. gross national debt has now reached $30.4 trillion, following a massive $7.0 trillion spike since the coronavirus pandemic took hold in March 2020. Every one of these debt securities had to be purchased and held by an...
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Usually it’s a newsworthy event when the price of a well-known tech company falls by more than 10% in a week’s time. However, in the last few weeks almost every single day has seen multiple major technology...
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The largest city in China, Shanghai, remains in full lockdown as authorities try to contain yet another wave of COVID-19. Those lockdowns have led to a major backlog of cargo and container ships around the Port of...
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On a single day earlier this month – and for the first time ever - wind power was the second-largest source of electric generation in the country, behind only natural gas. The Energy Information Administration reported on...
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The COVID pandemic and its subsequent mandatory lockdowns led to greater isolation, greater stress, and less time outside. What better way is there to brighten such a dark time – and occupy bored kids - than to get a...
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As the pandemic winds down, life in many respects is almost back to normal—except for one area—office space. According to building security provider Kastle, which monitors the use of security and ID cards in office...
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It wasn’t widely known to the general public before recent days, but Russia is one of the world’s largest producers of many of the commodities necessary for modern society. Inflation was already on the rise, but since...
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‘Help Wanted’ signs are a common sight in towns and cities across the country. According to conventional wisdom, the shortage of workers (aka “missing workers”) is due to older workers, after enjoying...
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The S&P 500 is down about -12% for the young year. About a quarter of the stocks in the S&P 500 are up so far, and three-quarters are down. Energy is the only sector enjoying a good start to 2022, up about 40%. Every...
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It is well known that Russia is one of the world’s largest producers of energy, both natural gas and oil. So as gas prices continue to hit new highs across the country, just how much of the world’s oil does...
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So just how far can America’s top 10 cheapest electric cars go on a single charge? Financial website HowMuch.net found the average distance most electric cars can travel per charge is around 220 miles, but with a wide...
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index (CPI), rents rose 3.8% across the country last year. But one state in particular scored six of the top ten cities with the highest average rent increase...
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In December, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched a cargo capsule to deliver supplies and Christmas gifts to astronauts in the International Space Station. Like several SpaceX rockets before it, this rocket’s first stage...
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Along with gasoline and rent we get to add orange juice to the ever-expanding list of prices expected to skyrocket throughout the year. The January forecast for the U.S. citrus harvest is looking especially bleak for Florida...
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Stunningly higher shipping costs are yet another element of the nation’s supply chain problems. Shipping costs have skyrocketed as shortages of trucks, truck drivers, warehouse workers and others constrict the shipping pipeline...
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The value of a dollar has plummeted lately with the recent ravages of inflation, but the loss of value is just a more severe and considerably steeper continuation of the long-term decline in the value of a dollar. As measured by...
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On January 4th, classic mobile phone manufacturer BlackBerry announced it will no longer support any of its phones, the last of which were manufactured in 2016. At one time, a BlackBerry was the very peak of mobile phone...
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Ever heard of “Click & Collect”? Visit your local Walmart on any given day and you’ll likely see a row of minivans and sedans with trunks open lining the side of the store and workers loading bins into them.
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At the end of September, Amazon employed almost 1.5 million people around the world, with nearly a million in the U.S. alone. That translates to roughly 1 in every 150 American workers getting a paycheck from Jeff Bezos and company....
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To paraphrase the famous line from the Humphrey Bogart movie “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre”, recent IPOs seem to be saying “Profits? We don’t need no stinkin’ profits!” Rivian Automotive, a maker...
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Apple is a money-making machine of astounding proportions. In the time it took you to read that sentence, Apple brought in $20k. And by the end of the day, Apple will have made a billion dollars in revenue – just today! Thehustle...
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With inflation in the United States now more than double the Federal Reserve’s stated target of 2% inflation, economists have been at odds on whether this is ‘transitory’ or just the beginning of a new monetary trend....
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Pfizer, the world’s third largest pharmaceutical company based on prescription drug sales, is receiving a massive injection of revenue from its COVID-19 vaccine. Pfizer projects that revenue will almost double in 2021 compared to...
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Most people haven’t even begun to think about doing their Christmas shopping; after all it isn’t even Halloween. But maybe you should. Retailers attempting to stock up for the holiday selling season are facing all kinds of...
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In December of 2019 then-candidate Joe Biden famously told a crowd in a hard-hit coal mining town to “learn to code” in order to transition to “the jobs of the future”. While there has probably never been a...
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With this month’s big miss in the jobs number, the debate continues on whether the scarcity of American workers is due to fears of the coronavirus keeping people at home or perhaps due to the effect of generous government...
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The University of Michigan reported a recent plunge in its Consumer Sentiment Index. Contrary to what you might logically expect, this is actually a positive for the stock market. Analyst Mark Hulbert notes that the American consumer...
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Jimmy Dugan, the manager of the Rockford Peaches (played by Tom Hanks), famously told his crew of women ballplayers in “A League of Their Own” that “There’s no crying in baseball!” It seems, however,...
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If you went back in time to the start of 2020 and predicted the stock market would be up almost 35% over the year-and-a-half, most people would have probably believed you. After all, other than a few minor bumps the market had been on...
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With the worst of the coronavirus epidemic in the rear view mirror, many employers have begun pushing employees to return to the office. Surprising to perhaps no one, it turns out many workers would rather continue working from home....
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After 27 years at the helm of Amazon, founder Jeff Bezos officially stepped down as CEO. Taking his place is Andy Jassy. The reaction of most Americans was “Who?” Jassy ran Amazon’s cloud computing division, Amazon...
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What if a large factor in the current worker shortage is...unexpectedly high retirements? Oxford Economics and Capital Economics analysts have highlighted the huge jump in recent baby-boomer retirements, each one of which is another...
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As COVID-19 vaccination efforts continue here in North America, how exactly are we doing relative to the rest of the world? It turns out, actually pretty well. North America has now reached approximately 60% of its population...
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Single-family homes had their biggest price increase on record in the first quarter of this year. With many analysts noting the real estate market is “white hot”, it might be helpful to look at a relative comparison of real...
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An interesting event occurred this past week. The total market value of the 300 largest cryptocurrency assets surpassed the value of all physical U.S. dollars in circulation. Statistician Willy Woo analyzed recent trading data and...
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With upward price pressures already impacting the economy in areas like construction and building supplies, it was only a matter of time before food price inflation arrived at a supermarket near you. The Bloomberg Agriculture Spot...
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Strategists at investment bank behemoth Goldman Sachs recently noted that their economists expect U.S. GDP growth to remain above trend through the next few quarters; however, they caution that this will not necessarily translate to...
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What took Microsoft 44 years, Apple 42 years, Amazon 24 years and Google 21? The answer: achieving a trillion dollar market capitalization. However, it took the Bitcoin cryptocurrency just 12 – the fastest ever. At the beginning...
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“Signs, signs, everywhere a sign” sang the 70’s Canadian rock group Five Man Electrical Band. The sign that is everywhere now is “Help Wanted”! The latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows...
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If you are in the market for a new home, you may want to close the deal sooner rather than later. Construction costs are soaring and appear only to be going higher. Lumber prices hit $1000 per thousand board feet, an all-time high in...
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Air travel plummeted during the dark days of the Spring of 2020, dealing the air travel industry the worst blow since World War II. At the worst, domestic US air travel was down -86%, while international air travel was down -98%. Since...
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It has been a little over a year since the coronavirus pandemic blindsided the U.S. economy and crashed the stock market into a short-lived bear market. The new bull market that began at the end of March / start of April is thus now...
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For most young people, retirement is pretty much the last thing on their minds as they enter the workforce. Still, almost everyone knows that the sooner saving for retirement is begun, the better off they’ll eventually be. Last...
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For the past several months, small-caps have greatly outperformed large-caps. Many observers have derided it as a “blow off” of excess that will soon reverse, but researchers at the Leuthold Group disagree. Instead, they...
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Jeff Bezos announced he is stepping down as CEO of Amazon, and that his replacement will be Andy Jassy, currently CEO of Amazon’s Web Services (AWS) division. Although all consumers know Amazon is THE behemoth in global...
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Individual investors are entering the market in droves and their newfound passion for options is making some market veterans nervous. Garrett DeSimone, head of quantitative research at OptionMetrics stated, “What we have seen is...
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Amidst all the drama and non-stop news coverage this week surrounding the war between the Reddit WallStreetBets crowd and several hedge funds over GameStop and a handful of other heavily-shorted stocks, Apple posted its biggest quarter...
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Video game retailer GameStop (a recent stock of interest for internet day traders) surged 51% on Friday and over 83% last week on no news that would remotely justify such a move. That kind of trading action is reminiscent of the height...
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In America’s manufacturing heyday of the 1950’s, more than one-third of all American workers belonged to a union. It was down to 20% in the 1980’s, and last year that number had fallen to just 10% - with the...
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Is a strong year-end rally a portent for returns in the new year that follows? Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist at LPL Financial, says the results of his study of the question could have “bulls smiling” in 2021....
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Have the lights in your neighborhood been dimming from time to time recently? Maybe you’ve got a bitcoin “miner” next door! A bitcoin miner is one who produces a new bitcoin by applying immense computing power –...
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Mark Twain is reputed to have said that history doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes. A situation is now emerging in the market that is a potential rhyme with 1999: highly overvalued growth stocks vs shunned, overlooked and...
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Almost all major U.S. stock indexes have hit all-time highs recently, prompting the question “how much longer can this go on?” Analysts at LPL Financial addressed this question in its latest 2021 market outlook and it is...
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If a vaccine for COVID-19 were available right now, would you get it? If you aren’t quite sure, you’re not alone—more than a third of Americans stated the same thing. Analytics firm Ipsos looked at survey data from...
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In the past, performance of their investments was generally all that mattered to most investors. However, a new breed of investors has now put consideration of ‘ESG’ (“Environmental, Social, and Governance’)...
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Do you know any Robinhooders? They are the (mostly) young stock investors who use the extremely popular Robinhood app to buy and sell stocks. Robinhood started the craze with a very easy to use app and commission-free trades. Soon,...
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We all know that the flu comes and goes with the seasons. We even call the flu “seasonal” and expect it to rear its ugly head about this time annually. What if the COVID-19 virus is similar? What if it, too, rises and falls...
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For most of the past 160 years, the ratio of price between two of the most widely followed commodities - Gold and Oil - has been fixed in a relatively tight range…until this year. Analysts at the site ‘Visual...
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Given the market turmoil of this past week, investors might find solace in this item. Nobel prize-winning Yale University Finance Professor Dr. Robert Shiller reports that most investors now expect the U.S. stock market to crash like...
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An unfortunate new milestone occurred this week as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases around the world topped 40 million, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. The recent political rhetoric in the United States might...
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If your dream is to own the biggest house you can possibly afford, moving to West Virginia or Mississippi might make sense for you. Data analytics site HowMuch.net measured the average cost per square foot of homes in each state across...
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In perhaps one of the most unexpected consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, spending among America’s teens has plummeted to a record low, according to analysts at Piper Sandler. In its latest semi-annual survey of U.S. teens...
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As September came to a close analysts described the NASDAQ’s performance as a “perfect storm” and “a ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’ month”. The NASDAQ, which gets about 40% of its value from just a...
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Mark Twain reportedly said “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes”. If that holds true, the NASDAQ Composite index may be in for some pain. Michael Kramer at Mott Capital compared the recent performance...
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When thinking of the Forbes 400 list of wealthiest Americans, many would assume that most of the 400 are titans of Wall Street who make money hand over fist through astute investing. But research shows that’s not the case. Mark...
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What would have been labeled as a “conspiracy theory” just a few short years ago is now a generally accepted fact, a recent study by UBS shows. A survey by the firm showed that when it comes to belief in what drives...
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With market volatility picking up and what’s sure to be an extremely divisive election season around the corner, “safe haven” investments such as precious metals are seeing more investor interest. Prior to this week,...
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When it comes to streaming television choices, Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime probably quickly come to mind. However, Disney Plus, which had its debut less than a year ago, is quickly gaining ground on those leaders. This week, Disney...
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Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Google and Facebook have led the charge higher in the stock market since the late March lows. The average return for these five stocks so far this year has been a gain of more than 30%, while the broader S&P...
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When measuring the “value” of a currency, most think of a traditional yardstick such as gold. However, economists sometimes also look at more readily and widely available commodities for their studies. The Economist just...
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Complications from COVID-19 are known to be more severe in older populations and observers have speculated whether COVID-19 will force or at least encourage older workers to retire as early as they can. Analysts believe the answer is...
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As America celebrates its Independence Day, more and more Americans are dependent on Amazon. The e‑commerce behemoth’s stock sits at all-time highs, and its president Jeff Bezos is (by far) the richest man in the world. Everyone...
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Can this be true? If so, the US economy may be in deeper trouble than most think. Review website ‘Yelp’ reported that of all business closures since March 1, 41% are permanent closures. The Restaurants category is the...
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As the coronavirus spread across the nation, fear of its deadly effects hit unprecedented levels. That fear naturally carried over to the stock market where nearly a third of all investors 65 years old and older sold their entire...
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If it seems like there are a lot more cars on the road now than there were just a few weeks ago, you’re not mistaken. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported weekly fuel deliveries to retail gas stations have...
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Among market-moving economic reports the monthly payrolls report is among the most influential—and this week’s report was no disappointment. Almost all analysts were caught flatfooted at its release, with the consensus...
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Sweden pursued its own distinct path in confronting the coronavirus pandemic. By choosing to keep its economy open, rather than instituting a policy of lockdown, it is the only major nation expected to report a positive gross domestic...
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As the economy begins to reopen from the coronavirus lockdown economists have predicted just about every scenario possible, from a 1930’s-style long-running economic depression to an immediate recovery and a quick bounce back to...
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April retail sales showed a decline in every category, topping out at a -78.8% decline in the “Clothing and Accessories” category. Every category but one, that is. The lone retail category to gain ground in April was...
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Even as the S&P surged back in April from its March lows, market technician Tom McClellan noted that investors have been fleeing one of the most popular ETFs on Wall Street. The SPDR S&P 500 ETF, symbol ‘SPY’, gives...
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Analysts at Deutsche Bank have ingeniously charted a relationship between the global spread of covid-19 and the stock market’s major fear gauge, called the VIX index. They found a very close relationship between the number of...
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With the price of oil in the spotlight once again, it may surprise you that overall the price of gas, even when it was much higher than the current relatively low value, is still relatively cheap per gallon compared to several other...
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The stock market's most favorable six-month period is coming to an end, and unfortunately, there's not much to show for it. The six-month pattern, known by both the "Halloween Indicator" and the market mantra to "Sell in May and Go...
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With stocks surging this week and now more than 20% higher from their mid-March lows, many wonder whether the great coronavirus bear market of 2020 is now history or whether the stock market will hit a new low later this year. Mark...
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As the coronavirus continues to spread around the world, officials are studying the quickest and most effective way to contain its spread. With experts saying a vaccine is least 18 months away and no definitive cures or preventatives,...
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The speed of the stock market plunge over the last six weeks has left both the general public and even market experts in a state of shellshock. February and March 2020 will go down in history as containing the fastest descent into bear...
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Critics of the Trump administration’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic have described the preparedness of the U.S. as “pathetic” and “completely inadequate”. But one might ask, “Compared to...
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Goldman Sachs analyst Peter Oppenheimer analyzed bear markets going all the way back to 1835 and classified them as either “structural”, “cyclical” or “event-driven”. Through his research,...
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The benchmark S&P 500 index recently plunged from record highs into correction territory (down more than 10%) faster than at any other time in history—just six days. So, are there now bargains to be found? Not yet, according to...
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If you blinked twice, you likely missed this week’s market plunge. In fact, as researchers at Deutsche Bank illustrate in the chart below, it’s been the fastest correction for the benchmark S&P 500 index on record. The time...
Read MoreNassim Taleb, in his 2001 book ‘Fooled by Randomness’, described ‘Black Swan Events’ as high-profile, hard-to-predict and rare events that are beyond the realm of normal expectations in history, science, finance...
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By now almost everyone is aware of the coronavirus outbreak first detected in China and now known as “COVID-19”. The latest data (2/23/20) from Johns Hopkins University, which has been monitoring the situation closely,...
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When billionaires Michael Bloomberg and Tom Steyer threw their names in the hat for the Democratic nomination for president of the United States, most probably expected they would spend some of their own money in the pursuit of the...
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Although you wouldn’t know it from the unhappy picture of life in the United States painted in recent debates by Democratic presidential hopefuls, a recent Gallup poll found that nine out of ten Americans are satisfied with the...
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Millennials are now becoming investors in greater and greater numbers. The trade-clearing firm Apex recently released a study identifying the stocks most favored by millennials. The top 10 most-widely-held stocks are perhaps not a big...
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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its annual Union Membership report this week. It showed a continuation of the steep decline in union membership since 1983, the first year of the report. In 1983, there were 17.7...
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As multiple major market indexes have now recorded solid weekly gains for almost two months, more and more analysts are beginning to sound the alarm bells of bubble warnings. Brad Lamensdorf, of lmtr.com, pointed to a chart originally...
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Following America’s killing of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in an airstrike, Iran responded with a missile barrage on U.S. interests in Iraq. Some feared war was inevitable, and Google searches for “World War...
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While most investors are likely celebrating gains in the stock market last year, those generally considered to be the top market professionals had less than lackluster returns. According to data from research firm Eurekahedge, hedge...
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Did you get any articles of clothing for Christmas? It’s likely you did, along with many millions of other gift recipients. Unless it was very high-end (think Italian or French), it was almost certainly made in Asia…and...
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The stock market is in one of its longest bull market periods in history. Most investors have experienced good returns, but which stocks have actually performed the absolute best over the past decade? Analytical website Visual...
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In 1978 comedians Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong starred in a so-called “stoner” comedy film titled “Up in Smoke”. The 2019 version of the movie could very well refer to money lost in the parabolic rise and...
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It seems that the “baby boomer” generation (those born between 1946 and 1964) has fared far better financially than the subsequent generations throughout every stage of life. When baby boomers hit a median age of 35 in 1990...
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Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren want to take wealth away from rich corporate tycoons. But wait! Top entertainers and other celebrities make even more than corporate tycoons. Taylor Swift makes much more than even the most...
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Once a lowly underdog in the mutual fund space, investment company Vanguard has become a behemoth with over 30 million investors led by an army of “bogleheads” (investing enthusiasts and disciples of Vanguard founder and...
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Despite President Donald Trump’s campaign assurances that he would put West Virginia coal miners “back to work”, the president of the United Mine Workers of America recently rather bluntly that “Coal’s not...
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Since its initial Open Door Policy in 1978, China’ economy has experienced rapid growth to become the world’s second largest economy in GDP terms. In the coming year, China is expected to move into the next phase of opening...
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If a 70-year tendency holds true this year, the balances of Americans’ 401k’s and other investment accounts should be fatter around the New Year. The Dow Jones Data Group analyzed market returns going back to 1950 and found...
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When in the company of millennials, a phrase such as “I’ll just Venmo you the money” is frequently heard. For the unfamiliar (i.e., most of the rest of us), Venmo is the social payments app run by PayPal—and its...
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A little-known recession indicator is now flashing a warning sign, and its record over the last 40 years suggests we should pay attention to it. The indicator focuses on divergences between the University of Michigan’s Consumer...
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“The tariffs are a tax on American consumers!” “The tariffs will drive up the prices of everything!” Those were the cries of the critics of President Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods. But it seems, as...
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The month of October has experienced some of the worst market crashes in history. The Bank Panic of 1907, Black Tuesday, Black Thursday, Black Monday that occurred in 1929, and Black Monday in 1987 - the great crash of 1987 that saw...
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Gazing at the tarmac of any U.S. airport, a casual observer can be forgiven if he or she concludes that Boeing is hugely dominant in the commercial airliner business. But that would be wrong. Airbus has achieved parity with Boeing in...
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Following this week’s interest rate cut, U.S. President Donald Trump blasted Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and his fellow Federal Reserve officials as having “No guts, no sense, no vision!” and further that...
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The 1927 Yankees batting order was famously dubbed “murderers row” due to their lineup stacked with Hall of Famers like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Earl Combs. According to Bank of America strategist Michael Hartnett,...
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Nobel laureate economist Robert Shiller stated in an interview on Bloomberg this week that he “wouldn’t be at all surprised” if U.S. home prices started to fall. Shiller warned that fears of a recession driven by...
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Investment “contrarians” are those who look for extremes in sentiment as signals that it is time to “go the other way”. Analysts at Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BAML) said in a research note that a contrarian...
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Financial markets were hit with heavy selling Friday as China announced new tariffs on U.S. goods. China said it would impose new tariffs of $75 billion on U.S. imports, including a 25% levy on U.S. autos. CNBC created an infographic...
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“The Great Gatsby” author F. Scott Fitzgerald opened his story “The Rich Boy” with “Let me tell you about the very rich. They are different from you and me.” One way they are “different from...
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Market turmoil this week was caused in large part by President Trump’s additional tariff announcement, followed quickly by China’s announcement that it was officially terminating all purchases of US agricultural products....
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One non-obvious but historically accurate predictor of the stock market just hit its most bearish level since the internet bubble, says Marketwatch analyst Mark Hulbert. It turns out July’s big increase in consumer confidence was...
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With the 50th anniversary of the US landing on the moon, all kinds of remembrances of that momentous day in 1969 have flooded the media. Here’s one of the more unique lookbacks: Craig Johnson, Chief Market Technician at Piper...
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To all except the most hard-core techies, “the cloud” is some mysterious place that stores all of your data, photos, music, and applications - all online and often for free. For businesses, “the cloud” has...
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Remember Bitcoin? It was in the headlines frequently as it ripped from $200 to nearly $20,000, peaking in December of 2017. It then collapsed back to the $3,000 range over the next year. Bitcoin is making headlines again as the...
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Since 2010 the United States and China have had the world’s largest economies by GDP. The U.S. is the world’s largest importer, while China is the world’s biggest exporter. Although most Americans know that the U.S....
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So what’s the big deal about “inverted interest rates”? Much has been made recently about the “inversion” – when a shorter-term interest rate (typically the 3-month T-Bill yield) exceeds a...
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Pick up just about any consumer electronics product at one of the big box retailers and you’ll quickly realize why the growing trade tensions between the U.S. and China are so significant—it seems just about every product...
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If you’re not sure if you are saving enough for retirement – well, you’re not alone. One might think this is a fairly simple question, but it quickly becomes quite complex - and difficult to get a concrete answer....
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If the percentage of your wealth tied up in individual stocks isn’t particularly significant, you’re not alone. In fact, researchers at the Visual Capitalist noted that there is a wide disparity between where those in the...
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With the trade conflict between the U.S. and China dominating recent financial news headlines, many are wondering what exactly it is that the U.S. imports from – and exports to - its biggest trading partner. The U.S. imports many...
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Is the bull market in stocks, now in its tenth year, reaching the frothy, speculative stage that is typical of a major top? Not according to an indicator created by top minds at the Harvard School of Business and NYU. Harvard professor...
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After the release of last week’s impressive GDP headline of 3.2%, some analysts noted that a deeper look beyond the headline number revealed that not all the innards were was as rosy as the headline. Harvard Professor Jason...
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Florida is generally considered the nation’s top destination for retirees. But in a survey by United Van Lines late last year it was revealed that, according to its data, New Mexico was actually the nation’s top retirement...
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Filed under “How is this possible?” analysts are at a loss to explain how the stock market continues to rally amid an exodus of investors in U.S. equity funds. U.S. stocks posted their best quarter in nearly a decade at the...
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A common mainstream-media portrayal of “anti-vaxxers”, or parents who opt out of getting their children vaccinated, is that they are backward anti-government conspiracy theorists who reside predominantly in rural enclaves...
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It seems that almost all financial planning websites have essentially the same advice for saving money—cut out the $5 lattes, eating out, spending on entertainment, and a myriad of other non-essential activities that almost...
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While the U.S. stock market, valued at roughly $30 trillion, may get more press, analysts know the biggest and most well-informed investors are found in the U.S. bond market where the total amount of debt owed through bonds is more...
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Everyone has heard of a “New York Minute.” Johnny Carson said it was that brief instant of time between a Manhattan stoplight turning green and the taxi behind you honking! How about an “Internet Minute”? An...
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Is the current bull market one of the longest on record or a brand-new newborn? Well, as Mark Hulbert noted in a column on MarketWatch.com, that depends on what benchmark index(es) you look at. If you believe the widely-accepted...
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According to some on Wall Street, the stock market’s monster rally from its Christmas Eve low is hard to explain – or justify – from a fundamental standpoint. The market’s more than 18% comeback coincided with a...
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One area of the fixed income space that hasn’t received much press is investment grade corporate debt. With historically low interest rates, a strong economy, and relaxed lending standards, the prevailing thought was that...
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U.S. President Donald Trump declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border during remarks about border security and announced that he will indeed build his border wall by Executive Order. Senior administration officials...
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According to a CBS Evening News instant poll, President Donald Trump’s recent State of the Union address was viewed favorably by almost three quarters of viewers. President Trump touted many of his accomplishments in his first 2...
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We’ve all heard and seen the advice given to young (and not so young) job-seekers: “Learn to code – that’s where the jobs are!” Coding (or, to use the more traditional term, “programming”) jobs...
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Anyone who has driven on a cross-country road trip through Middle America has seen at one of these in each of the towns you pass. What are we talking about? Why Walmart Supercenters, of course! That means that Walmart employs a whole...
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Companies with small market capitalization’s, so-called “small caps”, have traditionally acted as a “canary in the coal mine” for the larger market since they tend to be more domestically focused and more...
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There’s no shortage of recent news stories covering the shrinking of the “middle class”. But what exactly is the “middle class”, and who is in it? According to a study by the Pew Research Center, it turns...
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Back in 1965, Martha and the Vandellas sang “Nowhere to run, baby, nowhere to hide”. That was true as well in 2018, at least in the world of investing. The graphic below, from visualcapitalist.com, shows just how tough the...
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It is generally known that the United States economy is the world’s largest, with China a distant (but growing) second. But other than that, most people are unaware of how just how big the U.S. economy is relative to the rest of...
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Especially after suffering their worst week since 2008, pretty much everyone knows that stocks are struggling of late. But with each of the major indexes falling into bear market territory, many are probably unaware of just how swiftly...
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The French “gilets jaunes” (yellow vest) protestors who burned Paris last week evidently are unhappy about more than just gas prices. Office furniture maker Steelcase published a survey noting that France has the lowest...
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As the major market indexes have fallen of late, one after another has experienced what’s known as a “Death Cross”, a technical market pattern that occurs when an index’s 50-day moving average crosses below its...
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As November came to a close, many investors who were diversified across numerous asset classes have seen a rather noticeable decline in the value of their investment accounts. While the first inclination may be to blame themselves or...
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As an example of how quickly assets in the financial markets can go from “hero to zero”, the website visualcapitalist.com created a graphic to show the true carnage that has occurred among recent tech market leaders. The...
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As essentially all things related to home buying seem to be increasing in cost, it’s no surprise that the number of potential home buyers is falling. What is a surprise, however, is the rate of the plunge. The National...
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It is well-known that the United States economy is the largest in the world, but by how much? Mark Perry at the American Enterprise Institute created a very interesting infographic that shows each of the individual states in the U.S.,...
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As Americans prepare to go to the polls in what is likely to be one of the heaviest turnouts ever for a midterm election, mutual fund company Oppenheimer released a research note regarding midterm elections and their effects on the...
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Needless to say, investor anxiety is running high. CNN’s Fear & Greed Index has swung from a reading of 70 indicating “Greed” down to just 7 indicating “Extreme Fear” in the span of just one month. Market...
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As the stock market appears to be taking a break from setting new highs, an analyst who correctly predicted the 2008 financial crash warned of a bubble brewing in overall household wealth. Jesse Colombo, an analyst at Clarity Financial...
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After the market volatility last week many are beginning to wonder if the bull market is over, or just taking a break. Nick Maggiulli, analytics manager at Ritzholtz Wealth Management, offered his prediction for the market based on the...
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The Dow Jones Industrial Average notched its 15th record close of the year this week, but not all analysts were enthused. Jason Goepfert, president of Sundial Capital Research, noted that the overall market isn’t nearly as...
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Remember all those predictions that Emerging Markets (both stocks and bonds) would be the breakout winners of 2018? Ooops. U.S. investors are to be forgiven for thinking that 2018 so far is yet another good year in the current...
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The number of new jobless claims just reached its lowest level since November of 1969. That alone is impressive, but to truly get an understanding of the tightness of today’s labor market it has to be compared to the size of the...
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With midterm elections less than two months away, a divisive political atmosphere and the aging bull market have investors particularly on edge. The vote to be held on November 6th comes at a time of unusually high political...
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Nine years into the current bull market more and more are beginning to wonder “how much longer can it go on?” Tony Dwyer, equity strategist at Canaccord Genuity, reiterated his S&P 500 target of 3,200 for the end of this...
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As summer unofficially comes to an end this Labor Day weekend (summer doesn’t officially come to an end until September 22), most families have already wrapped up their summer beach vacations. But what exactly defines a good...
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As the bull market continues through its ninth year, a little-known stock market indicator with a “5 for 5” record since 1895 has just generated a sell signal. The indicator is the creation of Gray Cardiff, editor of the...
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As everyone knows, we are in a trade war of sorts with China over imports, exports and tariffs. Simply put, we want to sell more stuff to China with fewer restrictions and tariffs. There is one area, usually overlooked in these...
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Touting the success of the Trump administration and Republican leadership, Rep. Lou Barletta (R-Pa) said in a recent campaign stop that “there are now more job openings than there are unemployed people in the United States...
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Legendary investor Warren Buffett’s favorite metric of stock valuations is currently suggesting that a stock market setback could be coming. While anything from Buffett brings up memories of the television commercials from the...
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The home ownership rate among millennial's ages 25-34 is around 8% lower than when both Generation X and the baby boomers were when in the same age range. A new report by the policy research group Urban Institute, looked to explain why...
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Analysts are beginning to take note of a concerning development in the market— extremes in market turnover. Trading is through the roof in many major market indexes and across asset classes. In the S&P 500 index alone, investors...
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One measure of the health of the U.S. economy just logged its worst losing streak ever. The most popular banking sector exchange-traded fund, the Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (symbol XLF) , marked its 13th consecutive...
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As the bull market in equities enters its ninth year, investment strategist Jim Paulsen at the Leuthold Group recently released a research note in which he pointed out that the % of market cap represented by the “defensive”...
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In a rather interesting exchange of tweets before the G7 summit in Canada, U.S. President Donald Trump clashed with both French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over trade policies. President Trump...
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Interest in buying gold is often viewed as a barometer of fear and financial stress in the markets and world economies. Historically, analysts have used surveys, buying vs selling patterns, and interviews to gauge such interest. In...
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The latest government Non-Farms Payroll jobs report showed that the unemployment rate among African-Americans has dropped to a record low of just 5.9% in May. As the following graphic shows, the jobless rate for African-Americans has...
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The U.S. Census Bureau reports that from 1978 through 2015 the median size of a single-family home in America increased every year until it peaked at 2,467 square feet in 2016. But does the average family really need such a big house?...
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Observant stock market investors are taking note of a development in the bond market, and its implications could be cause for concern. In a warning sign for the stock market, the spread between 2-year and 10-year bond yields is down to...
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Stock market bulls got something to cheer about last week. Heritage Capital President Paul Schatz noted that New York Stock Exchange’s advance/decline line set a new all-time high this week. The indicator counts the number of...
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In the dustbowl days of the depression, signs taped to westbound Model T’s frequently said “California Or Bust”. But now, eastbound cars might as well have signs taped to them saying “Busted by...
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Following the financial crisis in 2008, central banks around the world responded by cutting interest rates to 0% or even lower. That resulted in the cry of “TINA, TINA, TINA!” by stock brokers everywhere –...
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Is the U.S. stock market undervalued or overvalued based on its historical Price/Earnings (P/E) ratio? It turns out, the answer could be both! Market analyst Mark Hulbert wrote in a recent column for marketwatch.com that it all depends...
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A “Dow Theory” sell signal has been triggered after the Dow Jones Transportation Average closed below its February lows, following the Dow Jones Industrial Average in doing so. In short, the theory states that poor...
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How much income do you need to afford the average home in your state? The answer, which may surprise you, comes from finance website howmuch.net. Most of the nation’s housing markets have now almost completely recovered back to...
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President Trump’s most oft-repeated pledge is his promise to “Build that wall!” He has also promised that Mexico would pay for it, despite Mexican government officials scoffing at the notion. Some observers have...
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Financial analyst and journalist Mark Hulbert at MarketWatch.com penned a column this week stating that “it would take only a small stock market drop next week to trigger something big”. The market, it seems, is just barely...
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Do you have at least $10,000 saved for retirement? If so, congratulations, you’ve managed to put away more than 40% of all working-age Americans. A recent survey from Bankrate.com found that despite the brisk jobs market and...
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As the number of jobs created by the U.S. economy blew away Wall Street expectations, one of the most notable aspects of the report was the strong rebound in the construction industry. Last month over 60,000 jobs were created and the...
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Following the tragic high school shooting in Parkland, Florida, some prominent companies have severed their relationships with the National Rifle Association (NRA). Many viewed these actions as attempts to curry favor with the press,...
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Analyst and long-time market commentator Mark Hulbert noted this week that despite this past month’s price action, bonds are still a hedge against stock market losses. Hulbert pointed out that this month’s steep market...
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As of late, analysts have repeatedly sounded the alarm over the extreme valuation in the U.S. equity markets by looking at just about every traditional market valuation metric. Interestingly enough, a recent survey of institutional...
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With Valentine’s Day coming up this week, more than a few diamonds will be given to sweethearts, lovers and spouses. The diamond trade is global, but the major diamond importers may surprise those not “in the...
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Last week Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BofAML) released a research note that its “Bull & Bear” indicator was sending a sell signal “which has been accurate 11 straight times” since the firm started tracking it...
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It’s no secret that pharmaceuticals and healthcare are big business in the global economy. Last year alone, drugs and medicine made up over $318 billion of world exports—but where do all those pills, serums, and creams come...
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As the market continues to hit new highs, investment giant Merrill Lynch (ML) released a note to clients that investors are piling into equities in a big way. Per ML’s chief investment strategist Michael Hartnett,...
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As has been noted by one and all, 2017 was a year of amazingly low volatility and completely absent of pullbacks of any significance. But why? Standard & Poors (S&P) has documented what could be the hidden answer: extremely low...
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Bloomberg columnist and market analyst Barry Ritholtz noted that last year’s technical state of the market was “just plain weird”. Although 2017 was very volatile news-wise, what with daily Trump tweets, North Korean...
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The year 2017 was a banner year in the financial markets. Major indexes in the U.S. hit a number of record highs, and there was not a single down month the entire year for the S&P 500 Total Return Index. The gains, however, have caused...
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In a year of uncertainty that included a recalcitrant North Korea, Britain’s continued exit from the European Union, multiple terrorist attacks, and global populist uprisings, to say 2017 was a turbulent year is a bit of an...
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In what may be a surprising twist at the end of a strong year in the market, Boston Consulting Group found that fully 46% of investors were pessimistic about equity markets for the next year. The reading is up from 32% a year ago, and...
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The Lords of Silicon Valley are supposed to be the drivers of our economy, and they certainly are this era’s economic rock stars. But at least for now, according to this week’s Non-Farm Payrolls report, the lowly...
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As the cryptocurrency Bitcoin hit a high of over $11,000 at one point this past week, more and more market watchers are predicting a crash of some severity. Unlike most of those “gut calls”, one study in particular was...
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Shortly after the stock market rebounded from the depths of the financial crisis, Time magazine named Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke as its 2009 Person of the Year for the aggressive interventions he took to presumably prevent a...
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One of the criticisms of proposed tax breaks for businesses is that businesses probably won’t use the windfall for wage increases or hiring, but rather for continued stock buybacks – which only benefit shareholders...
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The last of the world’s major regional indices has finally gotten back to its 2007 highs. The MSCI Asia-Pacific Index includes stock markets in 15 Pacific region countries, including Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia,...
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As the stock market continues to hit new highs it might be a shock to hear how few Americans actually own stock. According to a detailed study of stock ownership by New York University economist Edward Wolff, 84% of stocks available in...
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What is the number one financial regret of Americans? According to personal finance website Nerd Wallet, it turns out that roughly 71% of Americans express regret about their ability to manage their money. First on the list was not...
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According to Swiss global financial services company UBS, their proprietary UBS Global Real Estate Bubble Index in select world cities has “increased significantly over the last five years”. Their research found that real...
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An obscure but important record has been set in October: the velocity of money has set an all-time low. The velocity of money is defined as the number of times each dollar is spent to buy goods and services per unit of time. This is,...
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Warren Buffett famously said “Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.” Given that, the latest reading from CNN’s Fear & Greed Index may be cause for concern. The latest reading of the...
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An unusual event occurred in the market during September. For the first time in more than three years, each of the three major Dow stock market averages all hit all-time highs during the month. The central tenet of the venerable...
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As the stock market continues its seemingly relentless march higher, it’s reasonable to expect that the mood of investors would be positive. However, analysts are getting concerned that optimism is reaching levels seen before at...
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The cryptocurrency Bitcoin generated considerable interest in mainstream financial media as it neared $5000 per “coin” at the end of August. With a 500% increase over the past year, many naïve buyers have rushed in...
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After consolidating for much of the year, Gold has recently broken out of a trading range to the upside, back to levels not seen since the summer of 2016. Analyst Chris Kimble at Kimble Charting took it a step further and looked at the...
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Using data from a comprehensive employment report from the University of Oxford, Henrik Lindberg, chief technology officer at Swedish financial technology company Zimpler developed a chart depicting which jobs were most likely to be...
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The price-to-earnings (“P/E”) ratio remains one of the most widely-accepted valuation metrics in the financial markets today. However, it is not without its flaws. For a price-to-earnings ratio to exist, a company must have...
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Legendary stock market technician Tom McClellan released a note this week on the subject of the historical relationship between the stock price of General Electric and the U.S. equity markets as a whole, and the news wasn’t good....
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Researchers at Boston College’s Center for Retirement Research analyzed the current status of State and Local government defined-benefit (i.e., “traditional”) pension plans across the nation. What they found was a bit...
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An old Wall Street saying goes something like “When the soldiers leave the field of battle, the generals are soon to follow.” The meaning is that when the few stock market leaders are all alone, and most other stocks have...
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“Hooray for the 1%” isn’t a cheer leaving most American’s lips, let alone anything they want to hear. But according to a recently released study by the Tax Foundation, most Americans would be surprised to learn...
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July 11th, Tuesday of this past week, was the third annual “Amazon Prime Day”. This year’s Prime Day smashed last year’s Prime Day sales record by more than 60% and now stands as the biggest sales day in...
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While past week marked the end of the first half of the year, what can we expect as we enter the second half? Chris Verrone, technical analyst at Strategas Research Partners, released a note pointing out that stocks are "approaching...
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As the price of Bitcoin soars higher and higher ($2,647.57 as of this writing), more and more people are beginning to take note. The surge in interest and demand for more information are driving the research departments at some of the...
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What do you waste your money on? It turns out your answer may depend in large part on your generation. Professional resources site Hloom surveyed 2000 Americans for its report The United States of Financial Waste. Across the board, all...
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This week online retailer Amazon closed above $1000 a share for the first time in its history as Americans more and more become accustomed to the convenience of shopping at home and having a package show up at their door two days later...
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Have you ever heard of the “TSX Venture Exchange”? Most US investors have not, but it turns out to be the hottest investing venue in all of North America over the last 18 months. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta with...
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In the midst of Wednesday’s market plunge numerous financial websites weighed in on whether it was time to “buy the dip” or “throw in the towel”. One writer, Wolf Richter (editor-in-chief of the Wolf...
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Late in the cycle of the housing boom in 2007, analysts and hedge fund managers at prescient firms such as Scion Capital and FrontPoint Partners became aware of a strange new phenomenon in home mortgages that were being...
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RBC Global Asset Management released a research note with an interesting insight. They found that when the Conference Board’s Leading Economic Indicators (LEI) index was rising month-to-month and was already above zero...
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Everyone has heard the term “Put your money where your mouth is”, often times in bar room banter when coaxing someone to back up their statements or opinions by putting some cash on the line. Schwab Chief Investment...
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By now, anyone remotely connected to the news or social media has almost assuredly seen the forcible removal of a doctor from a United Airlines flight. Despite seeming cold-blooded and horribly tone-deaf (“we had to...
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Although an old market adage advises investors to “Sell in May and Go Away”, it turns out that – in contrast – April (the month before we’re supposed to go away) is historically quite a good month. As...
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While the U.S. Civil War officially ended in 1865, a trio of researchers from the Washington D.C.-based think tank Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) released a paper asserting that the United States still remains a nation...
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As the market experienced its worst week of the year, participants have begun to wonder if the so-called “Trump Trade” could be over. A number of analysts are particularly concerned because they’ve noted that small...
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This week the Federal Reserve hiked its key short-term interest rate a quarter of a percent – a move that was widely expected. In her statement, Chairwoman Janet Yellen referred directly to one of the lesser-known labor market...
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As the market takes a pause from its recent string of new highs, the question investors are pondering is whether it will it resume its march higher, or perhaps turn negative. According to the American Association of Individual...
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Here’s a cautionary tale that should remind us that “nothing is forever”. Everyone knows that one of the original smartphone pioneers was Blackberry. In fact, for some time, it was the dominant smartphone. Back in...
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Market bulls will be emboldened by a bullish signal that’s about to flash—and has never been wrong. Sam Stovall, Chief Investment Strategist at CFRA, notes that one indicator he follows is about to get triggered. He notes...
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We often hear talk about the U.S. falling behind in this or that area. But one measure of forward progress is innovation, which can be concretely measured by the number of patents filed per country. On that score, the U.S. is the...
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A subtle change in the internals of the stock market bodes well for active portfolio strategies such as momentum, relative strength, trend-following and even individual stock picking. The change is a significant drop in correlations...
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Multi-billionaire Microsoft founder Bill Gates recently wrote on his GatesBlog, “This might be the most mind-blowing fact I learned this year”, followed by a graphic of Chinese cement usage over the last 3 years. In short,...
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As disputes over the proposed border wall and lopsided trade between the U.S. and Mexico continued this week, an examination of the actual facts of the US-Mexico trade situation is timely. In President Trump’s apparently...
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As this week marked the inauguration of Donald Trump to President of the United States, researchers at MarketWatch.com thought it useful to take a look at the stock market’s performance during the first 100 days of a new...
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Since now is the time the media scours the planet looking for pundits to give forecasts for this new year, it might be useful to inoculate ourselves against then by keeping in mind these wise observations: “We've long felt that...
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Every month on “Jobs Friday”, the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases a slew of data on the labor market. While the so-called “U-3” rate is the headline unemployment rate everyone talks about, other important...
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A major part of American belief is that each generation should do a bit better than the preceding one. The Census Bureau released data this past week showing that on several measures, millennials are well behind the preceding...
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For more and more of us, online shopping has become the new normal. The primary beneficiary of this trend has been Amazon. Market research firm Slice Intelligence looked at 1.7 million online shopping receipts from early November to...
Read MoreAs the Dow closes in on the 20,000 milestone, Mark DeCambre at MarketWatch (www.marketwatch.com) penned an article that asks the question, is reaching 20,000 really that significant? After all, the Dow Jones Industrial Average...
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The major U.S. indexes ended mixed for the week as the Dow Jones Industrial Average inched closer to the 20,000 level. Large caps were roughly flat while smaller-cap indexes, which have outperformed large caps this year, fell back. The...
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The post-election rally continued for a fifth straight week, bringing all the major indexes to a series of record highs. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rallied over +500 points to 19,756, up +3.06%. Similarly, the tech-heavy NASDAQ...
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U.S. stocks broke a string of three consecutive weeks of gains with most indexes turning lower for the week. As has been the case most of the year, the losses were unevenly distributed. The Dow Jones Industrial Average outperformed the...
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This week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, NASDAQ, and Russell 2000 all hit all-time highs together for the first time since 1999. Major indexes were strong both at home and around the world. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained...
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Stocks added to the strong post-election rally, pushing many of the major benchmarks to new all-time highs. The smaller-cap indexes, typically more volatile, performed the best. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose +20 points to 18...
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Markets were down around the world as heightened uncertainty surrounding the upcoming Presidential election appeared to weigh on sentiment. The S&P 500 recorded its ninth consecutive daily decline, a streak not seen since 1980, and...
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Most of the U.S. major indexes were down for the week as third quarter earnings reports continued to stream in. The Dow Jones Industrial Average had a second week of little movement, rising only +0.09% or +15 points to close at 18,161....
Read MoreThe U.S. major indexes finished the week mixed. The large cap indexes were flat to modestly lower, while the NASDAQ and smaller-cap indexes notched a fifth consecutive week of gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined ‑138...
Read MoreStocks managed a fourth straight week of gains, allowing the S&P 500 LargeCap and the S&P 400 MidCap indexes to claim new record highs. The technology-heavy NASDAQ rallied over 70 points on strong earnings reports from Microsoft and...
Read MoreLargeCap stock benchmarks reached new highs this week, and got all the headlines, but it was the SmallCap Russell 2000 that saw the biggest gain among major U.S. indices. For the week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose +2.04%, or...
Read MoreU.S. stocks ended the holiday-shortened week on an up note, thanks to a very strong rally on Friday. Indices were negative for the week going into Friday, but ripped higher on the stronger-than-expected jobs report (more on that below)...
Read MoreU.S. stocks traded higher for a fourth consecutive day Friday, with the S&P 500 regaining almost all of the Brexit-related declines. All major U.S. indexes were up, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average, rallying +548 points to 17,949,...
Read MoreThe event that was never supposed to happen, happened. In a surprise upset, the people of the United Kingdom voted in favor of leaving the European Union. This triggered an avalanche of selling across global markets, all of which had...
Read MoreThe major U.S. benchmarks all recorded losses for the week, with the smaller cap indexes bearing the brunt of the selling. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 190 points to close at 17,675, down -1.06%. The tech heavy NASDAQ...
Read MoreThe major U.S. benchmarks were mixed for the holiday-shortened week. Repeating the pattern that dominated the entire month of May, the SmallCap and MidCap indexes and technology-heavy NASDAQ Composite outperformed the LargeCap S&P 500...
Read MoreU.S. stocks rose for a second consecutive week and had their best week since March on the heels of better economic data and higher oil prices. All major U.S. indexes were up, but SmallCaps and MidCaps outpaced their LargeCap...
Read MoreU.S. stocks were modestly higher for the week. The tech-heavy NASDAQ composite index outperformed its peers for the second week, and the SmallCap and MidCap indices outperformed LargeCaps. For the week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average...
Read MoreMajor U.S. benchmarks fell a third consecutive week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell -205 points to close at 17,535, down -1.2%. The NASDAQ declined -0.4% to 4,717, and the LargeCap S&P 500 fell -0.5%. Smaller indexes were also...
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