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.

Should We React to Rising COVID-19 Cases?

Of course this is a rhetorical question - if 2020 has taught us anything it's that you cannot predict anything. The market's dramatic fall and subsequent recovery have been nothing short of extraordinary. But this pandemic is far from over, and the economic fallout may be felt for some time.

November 13, 2020 Weekly Market Recap

This week, money disproportionately flowed into the economically-sensitive stocks on news that the collaborative COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer (PFE) and BioNTech (BNTX) was more than 90% effective. The S&P 500 (+2.2%) and Russell 2000 (+6.1%) closed at new record highs with 2% and 6% gains, respectively. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 4.1%. The Nasdaq Composite, however, declined 0.6% amid relative weakness in the mega-cap/growth/stay-at-home stocks.

Perspectives After a Heated Election

After a heated campaign amid a challenging year for all Americans, the presidential election now has a projected winner. Roughly half of the country disagrees with this choice and there are already legal battles in key states. This is clearly not over yet and only one thing is certain - none of this is moving us closer to a sense of national unity.

Election Day Turns Into Election Week

The S&P 500 surged 7.3% this week to bounce back from last week's 5.6% decline, as the prospect of a divided Congress outweighed the fact that no presidential winner was declared by week's end. The Nasdaq Composite rallied 9.0%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rallied 6.9%, and the Russell 2000 rallied 6.9%.

Try Not To Worry

Easier said than done, I know. But try not to worry about this upcoming election. Especially when it comes to your money. No matter who you are voting for or what the outcome is, this country and economy will persevere and thrive.

Investopedia 100 Top Financial Advisors of 2020

Congratulations to our very own Bryan Zschiesche! He was named to Investopedia's 100 Top Financial Advisors of 2020.

Better to Leave Politics Out of Investing

With the U.S. presidential election just around the corner, it's easy to get wrapped up in every "what if" scenario. And while our votes should reflect our personal beliefs and preferences, whatever they may be, history has shown that it is best for our portfolios to stay out of politics. In other words, Americans ought to vote at the ballots and not with their hard-earned savings.

October 23, 2020 Weekly Market Recap

The S&P 500 declined 0.5% this week, largely due to a 2.2% decline in its top-weighted information technology sector. The Nasdaq Composite fell 1.1%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.0%. The Russell 2000 finished in positive territory with a 0.4% gain.

3rd Quarter 2020 Newsletter

Please find below our 3rd Quarter 2020 Newsletter - with articles on the economy, financial planning, the markets, and more. We hope you find it helpful!

How Stock Market Concentration Impacts Investors

The stock market's strong performance since March has obviously not been shared by all parts of the market. Some sectors, notably technology-driven ones, have fared way better than those directly impacted by the pandemic and social distancing. What's more, the outsized contribution of tech stocks resulted in a brief period of volatility in September.

3rd Quarter 2020 Market Review

This report features world capital market performance and a timeline of events for the past quarter. It begins with a global overview, then features the returns of stock and bond asset classes in the US and international markets.

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