The ABCs of Education Investing
With school back in session in most of the country, many parents are likely thinking about how best to prepare for their children’s future college expenses. Now is a good time to sharpen your pencil for a few important lessons before heading back into the investing classroom to tackle the issue.
The Longest Bull Market in History
The current bull market is now officially the longest on record, surpassing the 1990’s bull run. Over the past nine and a half years, the S&P 500 index has risen 325%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average 294%, and the NASDAQ Composite 526%.
Where’s the Value?
From 1928-2017 the value premium (value stock returns minus growth stock returns) in the US had a positive annualized return of approximately 3.5%. In seven of the last 10 calendar years, however, the value premium in the US has been negative.
What it Means to be a Fiduciary
Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors is an independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). More importantly, we are a Fiduciary – legally and ethically bound to act in the best interests of our clients. Most financial advisors are not fiduciaries.
The Real Impact of Inflation
When the prices of goods and services increase over time, consumers can buy fewer of them with every dollar they have saved. This erosion of the real purchasing power of wealth is called inflation. Inflation is an important element of investing.
What Do Last Week’s GDP Numbers Mean?
In a nutshell, the U.S. economy continues to grow at a blistering pace. Last week’s GDP (gross domestic product) report estimates that the economy grew by 4.1% in the second quarter, the fastest quarterly pace since 2014.
2nd Quarter 2018 Market Review
This report features world capital market performance and a timeline of events for the 2nd Quarter 2018 – Financial Synergies.
Trade Tensions Still Weigh on Markets
With the second quarter behind us, many investors continue to worry about escalating trade tensions. This has been a challenging environment for all markets, especially international ones.
Understanding Today’s Market
Investors continue to face a wall of worry built on international trade, but reinforced by concerns over Italian banks, relations with North Korea, and more. But even with all these concerns, U.S. stocks overall are positive for the year.
Money Market Funds Attractive Again
For the better part of a decade, money market funds have simply not been attractive to investors at all. These cash funds maintain a $1/share price and provide daily liquidity. Historically, investors have used them as a reserve for living expenses, emergency funds, short-term needs, etc.
A Case For Optimism
Let me state the obvious – it has not been a fun year for investors. But there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic, even if the market is not reflecting this at the moment.
Q1 2018 Newsletter
We hope you enjoy the 1st Quarter 2018 Newsletter. We’ve included articles on the markets, economy, and financial planning. Also, join us in welcoming Lottie Hensley to the Financial Synergies Team!
Q1 2018 Market Review
This report features world capital market performance and a timeline of events for the first quarter of 2018. It begins with a global overview, then features the returns of stock and bond asset classes in the US and international markets.
Tariffs, Technology, Rates, and Volatility!
In a nutshell, the 1st Quarter was defined by tariffs, technology, rates, and volatility. All the while the global economic engine kept chugging, and remains fundamentally strong.
Rising Rates: Good or Bad?
Much of the recent investor unease has centered around rising interest rates. There are many ways to think about interest rates: as a tool for generating portfolio income, as an important factor in stock prices, as a signal for the business cycle, as a risk indicator for Fed policy, and more.
