Markets crave stability, especially when it comes to the banking system. When confidence is questioned, volatility, confusion and panic can be the result. The current episode of bank failures will likely be no exception. Much depends on the effectiveness of the government’s response to this crisis. Last week saw the second largest bank failure in US history, as 16th ranked...
In the modern mainstream media era where everything is “breaking news”, please don’t assume I’m falling prey to this same use of hyperbole just to get eyeballs. There really is a LOT of news this week that could “possibly” change the outlook for stock and bond returns for the rest of 2023. I put possibly in quotes, because it’s also...
“I don’t think anyone knows whether we’re going to have a recession or not, and if we do, whether it’s going to be a deep one or not. It is not knowable.” Jerome H. Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve. News conference, December 14, 2022. We are not smarter than the Federal Reserve, so we will not try to predict...
As financial advisors, we’re used to all the nuances and choices that retirees face when it comes to when and how to take their Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). However, for those retirees turning 73 this year who have never dealt with RMDs before, there can be a lot of items to consider beyond just “how and when do I take...
I’ve had a few clients ask me about the stock market swings this week. First, we had the 700-point rally in the Dow on Wednesday, and then on Friday the market opened down over 300 points. I’m guessing some of you may have wondered the same thing, so I wanted to share my thoughts. For most of 2022, the day-to-day...
What follows is a hypothetical conversation in response to the question, “When will the markets go back up?” “Are we there yet?” No. “Do you mean we aren’t at the bottom yet?” Quite possibly. “Or that we aren’t ready for the next turnaround?” That, too. “How long will the bear market last?” That depends, but the average cyclical bear lasts...
The recent market rally inspired several calls from clients asking whether it is time to invest money again, after a bruising first half of the year. With the past week seeing stocks retreat off their recent highs, it is a good time to review how one should invest in unpredictable markets. The S&P reached its lows for the year on...
Humor me while I repeat myself. There are some points worth making more than once. Especially when it comes to inflation, recession, and the stock market. In my May 2, 2022 Blog, What’s Up with Current Market Volatility, I referenced the following: The Federal Reserve oversees the control of inflation. The key tools the Fed uses are raising interest rates...
Providence, Rhode Island, June 9, 2022 –StrategicPoint Investment Advisors announced today the promotion of Laura J. Bard to Director of Client Experience & Strategy. In this role, Laura will expand her responsibilities from her previous position as Marketing Manager. The role of Director of Client Experience and Strategy is a first for StrategicPoint and reflects the company’s commitment to delivering...
We are amid one of those nasty pullbacks, and this time there is no place for an investor to hide. April ended with the S&P 500 and the All World Country Index Ex US down 13% year to date, while the US aggregate bond index has fallen 9%. Commodities have been a bright spot, but a diversified portfolio can only...
