2020 Annual Market Review

This annual report features world capital markets performance for 2020. You'll find data for various asset classes, sectors, countries, etc. We hope you find it informative.

The Fallacy of “Avoiding Losses”

For most investors, the pain you feel from losses is greater than the joy you feel from gains in your investment portfolio. Think about it. If you've been investing for decades, what are you likely to never forget - years like 2016 where you made a lot of money in the market, or the 2008 financial crisis when stocks cratered and you witnessed your retirement accounts go up in smoke?

January 15, 2021 Weekly Market Recap

The stock market faced some selling pressure during the second full week of January, but not before the Dow and Nasdaq reached fresh record highs. The two indices surrendered a respective 0.9% and 1.5% for the week while the S&P 500 also lost 1.5%. Small caps outperformed notably, allowing the Russell 2000 (+1.5%) to finish the week with a gain.

Financial Synergies Welcomes Rachel Buckhoff!

As part of our commitment to providing the highest level of service to our clients, we’ve added a new financial advisor to our growing firm – Rachel Buckhoff. Please join us in welcoming Rachel to the Financial Synergies Team!

2020: Reflecting on an Unprecedented Year

The year 2020 proved to be one of the most tumultuous in modern history, marked by countless developments that were historically unprecedented. But the year also demonstrated the resilience of people, institutions, and financial markets.

January 8, 2021 Weekly Market Recap

Well, Happy New Year! I hope it was a good one for all of you. Santa Claus definitely showed up, as the new year kicked off with huge gains across the board.

2020 Winners and Losers

To say that 2020 was a crazy year in the markets is an understatement. We saw the quickest and deepest bear market decline in history, a global pandemic, trillions of dollars of global stimulus, the highest volatility (VIX) on record, negative oil prices, election chaos, and the fastest recovery from a bear market ever. And I'm damn glad it's over.

Will Santa Claus Bring a Market Rally?

Bitcoin Mania is Back

Ok, so maybe "mania" is an exaggeration, but there certainly is a renewed interest and hype around Bitcoin these days. Maybe that's because it's up over 200% in 2020 and has now surpassed its high from three years ago (currently more than $21,000).

What Vaccines Could Mean For 2021

The U.S. is beginning to roll out the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine this week just days after it was approved by the FDA. This vaccine, produced by Pfizer, could soon be joined by ones developed by Moderna and others. Government officials estimate that 100 million Americans could be vaccinated by the early months of 2021, or about one-third of the country.

Interest Rates and Sentiment Prove We Are Resilient

Nearly a year after the pandemic began, the continued rise of COVID-19 cases around the country is prompting many cities and states to enforce new restrictions. Just as they have since the first set of lockdowns, these measures will likely have a disproportionate effect on retail, dining, hospitality, and similar industries.

December 4, 2020 Weekly Market Recap

Each of the major indices set all-time highs this week, powered higher by growth stocks and value stocks alike. The Nasdaq Composite claimed the winning spot with a 2.1% gain and was followed by the Russell 2000 (+2.0%), S&P 500 (+1.7%), and Dow Jones Industrial Average (+1.0%).

Up, Up, and Away!

As we approach the end of 2020, the stock market is breaking out to new highs. While there have been many lessons for investors this year, there are also recent developments that will matter for years to come. From learning to manage COVID-19 to the presidential election, big events rattled markets but also showed the importance of patient perseverance. As always, it's important to hold onto these lessons by focusing on key trends rather than daily market swings.

Still Thankful During a Challenging Year

This year has been one of the most challenging of my life, both professionally and personally. But I am so thankful for my family, friends, co-workers, and career. I am truly blessed.

November 20, 2020 Weekly Market Recap

Cyclical stocks retained their monthly leadership roles this week following several positive vaccine developments, but the S&P 500 (-0.8%) and Dow Jones Industrial Average (-0.7%) finished in negative territory. The Russell 2000 climbed 2.4%, and the Nasdaq Composite increased 0.2% despite relative weakness in the technology stocks.

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