Year: 2016

Heading into the holiday weekend, stocks rose slightly on Friday amid low volume, the Dow managed its seventh consecutive weekly gain. Only three days of trading remain in 2016 and investors are optimistic for a solid finish without sizeable deterioration.  In recent weeks, however, the market has moved into what…

For much of the last decade, inflation has been low by historical standards. But, recently, wage growth and higher prices have sent signs that inflation may be making a comeback, serving as a reminder of the risks that come when the buying power of a dollar falls. Such risks always…

Last week was another display of improving Investor sentiment which helped equity markets rally sharply. The S&P 500 Index surged on promises for better economic growth, tax reform and potential fiscal stimulus in 2017.  Sectors have rapidly rotated throughout 2016 and post-election has been no different.  In the last trading…

Stocks had one of their best performances in years, with increases of 5.4% for the Dow, and 3.8% for both the Nasdaq and S&P 500, following the election of Donald Trump as U.S. President. Widespread pre-election forecasts from investment banks were nearly universal for sizeable losses following a Trump victory;…

Election 2016 is in the rear-view mirror and, unexpectedly, Donald Trump was successful in his bid for the White House. This election was unique in many ways; unusually consequential in that it challenged the Washington status quo.  Additionally, it seems that America is trying to say something about the condition…

Last week brought a steady stream of news. Corporate earnings were mostly positive and economic data pointed to better than expected conditions in the United States. Lest we forget, the bar for comparison is pretty low. Nonetheless, third-quarter earnings started strong and seem to be maintaining a consistent theme. These…

A recent Fidelity nationwide survey finds 74% of investors think which party controls the government has an impact on the stock market—but perhaps not the way you think. A slim 14% believe whoever sits in the Oval Office has the biggest impact, 28% say control of Congress is key, 33%…

You worked hard all your life, contributed regularly to your 401(k), and built a healthy balance. You may want to leave some of that money to your heirs. Of course, the last thing you want is for a big chunk to be taken out for taxes, or for your heirs…

You saved for years to get to retirement—contributing to a traditional 401(k) or IRA. Now it’s time to dip into those savings—even if you don’t really need to. Because you got a tax break when you contributed to these accounts, once you turn age 70½ the IRS requires you to…

Is it Taper Tantrum déjà vu? Sure feels that way! The sudden return of stock market volatility in recent weeks seems like a repeat of the May 2013 Taper Tantrum, when the U.S. Federal Reserve (the Fed) signaled its intention to “taper” its asset purchases. Stocks went down, bond yields…

You’ve likely spent a good deal of time thinking about investment risk. But have you stopped to think about more personal security issues, such as the safety of your online financial transactions and information stored on your computers? While most people recognize that online fraud or cybercrime is a potential…

Last week was relatively quiet until Friday, when the S&P 500 declined sharply by 2.40%. This was the first daily change of greater than 1% in over two months, ending a late summer period of subdued volatility. Implied volatility rose sharply on Friday, as measured by a 40% increase in…