A multi-year guaranteed annuity is a contract issued by an insurance company that offers a fixed interest rate for a specific period of time that varies depending on the contract. Unlike CDs which are guaranteed by the FDIC, the guarantees are...
Read more3 Financial Developments to be Thankful for in 2020
This year has been a rollercoaster ride. COVID has dominated the headlines and impacted every aspect of our lives. It has shut down businesses, schools, and workplaces. It’s changed the way we interact and socialize. And of course, it has deeply...
Read moreOctober Recap: Markets Stumble but GDP Surges
The recovery in the financial markets hit some turbulence in October, as investors wrestled with anxiety about increasing COVID cases. However, a surge in gross domestic product (GDP) in the third quarter may signal that the economy is on the...
Read moreAddressing the Income Challenge
Key Takeaways Low interest rates are likely to persist, limiting the income and return from cash and government bonds. Investors need to remain flexible on ways to address the income challenge by expanding the idea of where you can look for...
Read moreKeeping Calm During Market Volatility
Key Takeaways The one certainty of investing is that your portfolio will experience volatility. Volatility can often lead to irrational decisions, such as exiting markets prematurely. Evidence shows that market timing is a poor investment...
Read moreFed Rate Cuts: Three strikes or third time’s the charm?
Key Takeaways The Federal Reserve (Fed) cut rates for the third time this year. Historically, three rate cuts have been the sweet spot for stocks. The Fed rate cuts have improved investor sentiment and “un-inverted” the yield curve, quieting...
Read moreWhy Isn’t My Portfolio Keeping up with the Stock Market?
Why Isn’t My Portfolio Keeping up with the Stock Market? As the S&P 500 index and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) reached record highs through the third quarter of this year, many investors are asking: “Why isn’t my portfolio...
Read moreTariffs Schmariffs?
Tariffs Schmariffs? Once again tariffs and trade wars dominated the headlines. This week, the trade war between the United States and China escalated with the imposition of additional tariffs on more than $260 billion of goods. The domestic...
Read moreThe State of U.S. Household Debt
The State of U.S. Household Debt U.S. household debt rose to $13.3 trillion as of the second quarter of 2018, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York – higher than the previous peak of $12.68 trillion in the third quarter of 2008. The...
Read moreRaging or Aging Bull?
Raging or Aging Bull? This week marks the longest bull market in history as measured by the S&P 500 index. The U.S. economy remains quite strong. Coupled with strong corporate earnings, this economic strength continues to support the case for...
Read moreTariffs & trade wars, what are they good for?
Tariffs & trade wars, what are they good for? What are tariffs and trade wars good for? Many economists say: “absolutely nothing.” Escalating trade wars are painful and could harm an economy, but they are not a zero-sum game. To date, the...
Read moreHas the Easy Money Been Made?
Has the Easy Money Been Made? Synopsis: Articles online question if the ‘easy money’ has been made in the stock market These stories have been around for several years and provide little value There is nothing easy about investing in...
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