The stock market plowed to new records this week, as earnings reports, economic data, trade news, and the bullish price action continued to bolster risk sentiment. The S&P 500 (+2.0%), Nasdaq Composite (+2.3%), and Russell 2000 (+2.5%) rose at least 2.0%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (+1.8%) followed right behind. Continue reading
Imagine it is early January 2010 and you are reading a review of the financial markets. Investors have been on a roller coaster over the past three years, living through the stress of the global financial crisis and market downturn of 2008 – 2009, then experiencing the recovery that began in March 2009 and is still going strong. Continue reading
Stock market returns to winning ways as geopolitical tensions subside. The large-cap indices hit new record highs this week, as tensions in the Middle East were de-escalated and technology stocks continued to outperform. Continue reading
Congress recently passed the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement, or SECURE Act. The bill marks some of the most significant changes to retirement policy in more than a decade. Continue reading
The stock market ended a stellar 2019 on a quiet note, started 2020 with a bang, then succumbed to some profit taking after a U.S. airstrike escalated tensions in the Middle East. By week’s end, the S&P 500 declined 0.2%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.04%, and the Russell 2000 declined 0.5%. The Nasdaq Composite, however, did increase 0.2%. Continue reading
The start of a new year is a time to reflect and plan. For me, this means understanding what’s driving the markets and economy, reviewing portfolios and financial goals, and reminding myself of the basic principles of investing. Continue reading
The year 2019 served up many examples of the unpredictability of markets. Interest rates that US policy makers expected to rise fell instead. American consumers’ confidence weakened as the year began, and news headlines broadcast fears of an economic slowdown. But investors who moved onto the sidelines may have missed the gains in the US stock market. Continue reading
As we head into the Christmas break, the S&P 500 reached another milestone, surpassing the 3200 level in a 1.7% advance this week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (+1.1%) and Nasdaq Composite (+2.2%) also rallied further into record territory. The Russell 2000 kept pace with the Nasdaq with a solid 2.1% weekly gain. Continue reading
We have much to be thankful for this year. Stock markets are riding high as we approach the end of 2019. The S&P 500 has returned nearly 30% with dividends, the MSCI EAFE index of developed markets is up over 21%, and the MSCI Emerging Markets index has gained about 15%. Continue reading
It’s no secret that U.S.-China trade talks have dominated market headlines in 2019. Escalating tariffs on both sides of the Pacific and the possibility of an extended trade war have led to swings in the stock market all year long. Continue reading