Blog
Anatomy of a Market Rally: Looking at Key Catalysts
Positive seasonality is a major tailwind for the market as it navigates through a clutch of sometimes conflicting headlines and resumes its upward leaning trend following a period of assimilating recent gains.
Read MoreHappy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving!! We can’t believe we are already writing this letter again, this year sure flew by; we are not sure how we are already preparing for the New Year ahead! Thank you all for another wonderful year,...
Read MoreIs the Stock Market Correction Over?
A confirmed move above 4,400 would reverse the S&P 500’s developing downtrend and raise the probability of the correction lows being set last month, especially if the breakout is accompanied by expanding market breadth
Read MoreCan Muni Investors Catch a Break? We Think So
While volatility will likely persist over the coming months, we think muni investors may be able to catch a break, especially if the Federal Reserve (Fed) is done with its aggressive rate hiking campaign.
Read More3 Common Social Security Scams and How To Avoid Being Fooled by Them
Social Security recipients are, unfortunately, targeted by some of the most sophisticated scam artists out there. From phone scams to phishing attempts and intercepted deposits, here are three common scams and how you might avoid them.
Read MoreShow All
Women, Don't Sell Yourself (Or Your Business) Short
Even for self-employed women, a tendency to hedge or manage risk might keep a business from truly taking off. Here are a few tips and tricks to help women realize their full worth—and the value of their business.
Read MoreWhy Business Owners Need a Financial Plan
Regardless of the income a business generates, the ages of the owners, or how many employees it has, a business financial plan can help plan for future and unexpected events. A financial plan is a road map for the business.
Read More5 Tips for Shopping on Small Business Saturday
Supporting local businesses means you’re supporting your friends and neighbors. And you’re likely to find unique items in mom-and-pop shops that you can’t find anywhere else.
Read MoreA Season of Giving: 5 Different Ways To Give During the Holidays
With the holidays here, now is the time to get into the giving spirit and help to change others' lives for the better. Whether you are looking to make a difference in a specific person's life or the life of many, there are many ways to give
Read MoreOffering Thanks
The penultimate month of the year is often a time to reflect and offer thanks. And while economic and geopolitical uncertainty can overshadow the positives, there are things to be thankful for.
Read MorePossible Halloween Scares for Markets and the Economy
It’s a tradition here to write about what scares us around Halloween each year. The past few years have offered plenty of material to use in these annual commentaries, but this year the list seems to be a bit longer and scarier than usual.
Read MorePlanning for Long Term Care: You Are Not Alone
When it comes to the rising costs of long term care, simply having a positive attitude is not the same as planning for your future long term care (LTC) needs. Fortunately, assistance is available to help make this process go more smoothly.
Read MoreEconomic Impact: Can Something Good Come from a Crisis?
Despite headwinds, the U.S. could experience structural changes in the labor market, residential real estate, and inflation as the post-pandemic economy progresses into the New Year.
Read MoreEarnings Hope to Keep This One-Year-Old Bull Market Going
Even under intense cost pressures, companies have exceeded expectations throughout the year and kept estimates steady. The key headline this reporting season will be the (likely) end of the earnings recession.
Read MoreYields Higher for Longer: Why We’re Updating Our Treasury Forecast
With yields back to levels last seen over a decade ago, we think bonds are an attractive asset class again.
Read MoreStaying the Course
The S&P 500 lost 3.3% in the third quarter after sliding nearly 5% in September. Putting this into perspective, nothing really qualifies as out of the ordinary. Since 1950, the S&P 500 has historically declined in September 55% of the...
Read MoreProspects For a Fourth Quarter Rally
While falling rates are the most obvious potential catalyst for stocks to rally through year-end, third quarter earnings season starts in a couple of weeks and carries the potential to buoy investor sentiment.
Read MoreSuccession Planning for Women Business Owners
Women entrepreneurs face a unique set of hurdles when it comes to starting new businesses, particularly in a post-pandemic world. In 2021, women started about 40 percent of all new businesses.
Read More7 Financial Planning Tips for Single Parents
For decades the number of single-parent households has been rising worldwide, with the U.S. having the highest rate of children living in single-parent households.
Read MoreFinancial Planning Challenges and Strategies for the Sandwich Generation
Almost half of all adults are part of the "sandwich generation." These are adults in their 40s and 50s who are helping support or care for a parent while also supporting or caring for a child.1
Read MoreA Woman’s Guide to Long-Term Care
Women face unique financial challenges as they age. When compared with men, women live longer, earn less, and spend fewer years in the workforce.
Read MoreWomen and Estate Planning Basics
When it comes to estate planning, women have unique concerns. The fact is that women live an average of 5.0 years longer than men.* That's important because it means that there's a greater chance that you'll need your assets to last.
Read MoreAdvanced Estate Planning Concepts for Women
You will need to think about the disposition of your assets at your death and any tax implications. Statistically speaking, women live longer than men.
Read MoreCybersecurity Awareness: What You Need to Know
October 2021 marks the 18th Cybersecurity Awareness Month—and cybercrime continues to evolve.1
Read MoreFinancial Planning Tips for High-Earning Women
When it comes to saving for retirement, women may have extra challenges, even those with a higher-than-average income. For retirement planning, CNBC reports that women save less than men.
Read MoreIs India Surpassing China to Become the Next Superpower?
A growing population with a robust and young workforce, significant infrastructure spending, and an ongoing digital transformation have been key catalysts to India’s outperformance over China.
Read MoreBuy Japan, Hold U.S., Sell Europe
Previous U.S. dollar weakness and strong earnings momentum, which were other key reasons why we became more interested in European investing earlier this year, have reversed and suggest looking elsewhere for investment opportunities.
Read MoreThe Growing List—and Politicization—of BRICS and Friends
BRIC+ offers opportunities but also carries significant risks. Slumping earnings and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty suggest caution, though valuations remain attractive and there are pockets of opportunities.
Read MoreNavigating Market Setbacks
Financial markets lived up to their reputation during the month of August, which has a record for being difficult. On the first day of August, markets had to contend with a downgrade of U.S. long-term debt by the rating agency, Fitch.
Read MoreInterest Rates Are Back to Normal, But What Is Normal
There are three primary reasons to own fixed income: diversification, liquidity, and income. And with the increase in yields recently, fixed income is providing income again.
Read MoreABCs of Financial Aid
It's hard to talk about college without mentioning financial aid. Yet this pairing isn't a marriage of love, but one of necessity.
Read MoreSpiced Baked Apples
What dessert could be more perfect for fall than baked apples? This treat is spiced with cinnamon and delicious served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Read More401(k) vs. Life Insurance: Comparing Your Retirement Savings Options
When it comes to saving for retirement, the options can seem endless. From 401(k) plans to IRAs, to Roth IRAs, health savings accounts, even life insurance policies, there are a variety of financial vehicles.
Read MoreBalancing Work and Family
At one time, the typical American family looked like this: a breadwinner father who commuted a short distance to work and earned a very good living, and a stay-at-home mother who took care of the kids and family home with aplomb.
Read MoreAdvantages, Challenges, and Opportunities for Businesswomen Today
Being a woman in business today comes with many obstacles, but it may also bring some unique advantages and opportunities. By navigating challenges and taking advantage of opportunities that come their way, women can go further in business.
Read MoreAutumn’s Harvest: Seasonal Fruits and Veggies Guide
All too often, autumn’s seasonal produce takes a backseat to summer’s sweet bounty. But from September through November, you can find a wide variety of rich fruits and veggies that sets the stage (and recipes) for the cooler weather.
Read MoreOpportunities and Risks in the Markets: Lessons Learned from the Grand Tetons
The Federal Reserve (Fed) often uses the Jackson Hole Symposium to announce tweaks in policy. Other central bank leaders are also worth watching as investors try to perceive where rates will be in the coming months.
Read MorePullback Perspective: The Reasons Why Stocks Are Pulling Back
Volatility has returned right on cue as U.S. equity markets continue to pull back from overbought levels. However, don’t panic, pullbacks are completely normal within a bull market and with volatility comes opportunity.
Read MoreHow This U.S. Debt Downgrade is Different from 2011
We all know the U.S. has a debt problem. We didn’t need Fitch to tell us that. This problem doesn’t have to be fixed right now, but the longer we wait, the more difficult the problem becomes to manage.
Read MoreKey Earnings Season Takeaways
Earnings season is mostly behind us with about 85% of S&P 500 companies having reported second quarter results. The high level results aren’t particularly impressive, but if we peel back the onion, the numbers are encouraging.
Read MoreStaying Invested in a Tricky Market Environment
Making economic forecasts and stock market predictions can be humbling. It’s especially tough when you expect stocks to go higher and get a big drop instead.
Read MoreThe Importance of Investing in Black-Owned Businesses
Investing in Black-owned businesses has been a hot topic in recent years, and for good reason.
Read MoreRosemary Lemon Curd Hand Pies
Rosemary lemon curd hand pies are the perfect single serving spring dessert—beautiful and delicious!
Read MoreWhat to Know Before You Open Your Next Investment Account
Understanding the difference between taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-exempt accounts can improve portfolio diversification and make a difference in how much you earn over time.
Read MoreTry These Pet-Friendly Workouts
Most people know that regular exercise is important for good health, but what you may not realize is that exercise is just as important for your pet.
Read MoreFirst Day of School Gifts
The best way to start the school year on the right foot is by showing your child’s teacher how much you appreciate them.
Read MoreWhat Can A Financial Professional Do for Non-Profits?
As of 2017, about two-thirds of all nonprofit organizations in the U.S. had annual budgets of less than $1 million.[1]
Read More5 Ways Senior Citizens Can Invest Their Savings
Even if you are already retired, it doesn't mean you should stop trying to grow your savings.
Read MoreDIY Chewable Sweet Potato Dog Toy
One of the reasons that dogs are so loved is that they’re very playful and are seemingly fascinated by the simplest things, like sticks or toys. Add a little more joy and show your dog how much you care by creating your own dog toy!
Read MoreWomen and Work: Why Salary, Benefits, and Work-Life Balance Count
As you progress along your career path, there's no telling how far you'll go. But to fully reap the financial rewards of all your hard work, you'll need to take charge of your own career.
Read MoreAmerica’s Best Beaches for a Family Getaway
If you have a family, you know that long gone are the days of saving up your dollars and cents in a coffee can for a lively weekend at the beach with friends.
Read MoreA Cloudy Outlook Makes For Choppy Markets
The economy is doing better than expected, and the markets are responding accordingly.
Read More(Still) Waiting On The Fed
The first half of the year probably didn’t go the way many fixed income investors had hoped, particularly after the historically awful year last year.
Read MoreEarnings Need To Do Some Heavy Lifting To Keep This Rally Going
Earnings season is upon us as some banks and a small handful of other blue chip companies have already reported results for their quarters ending June 30.
Read MoreLPL Financial Research Midyear Outlook 2023: The Path Toward Stability
Our 2023 investing outlook started with a theme of returning to normalcy. Considering 2022’s market volatility and the aftereffects of the pandemic, the idea of finding balance was certainly a welcomed change.
Read MoreBetter-Than-Expected First Half
As we finalize the log on the first six months of 2023, we believe there’s value in reflecting on recent months gone by. Doing so can help crystallize key learnings and help chart a course through the rest of the year.
Read MoreNoise Makers and Pet Parades: America’s Most Unique Fourth of July Celebrations
Almost every city, from Portland, Maine, to San Francisco, California, rings in Independence Day with an awe-inspiring fireworks display and friendly backyard barbecue.
Read MoreCaptial Markets: The Essence of American Capitalism
The long dormant capital markets have recently begun showing signs of interest from institutional investors and deal makers anxious to bring companies to market.
Read More5 Key Steps To Help Women Strengthen Their Business and Their Retirement
As a female entrepreneur, you may face different challenges than your male counterparts. You may also tend to earn less than your male peers—largely in part because they are still responsible for the majority of the world's unpaid labor.
Read MoreThe Simple Life: 3 Tips for Simplifying Your Financial Life
If you sometimes feel like your financial life has too many moving parts, you may be looking for ways to get back to the basics—without letting anything slip through the cracks.
Read MoreCanine Concerns: Proper Insurance Coverage
If you are a dog owner, your pet may be your loyal friend and constant companion. However, if you are a homeowner, you should be aware that your dog could cause a few issues with your insurance coverage.
Read MoreFind Your Vacation Match
It’s difficult to please every person on a vacation. Some people enjoy spending their time at the beach, while others take a trip to historic hot spots.
Read MoreAlternative Energy: A Perfect Way to Be Socially Responsible With Your Investments
Socially responsible investing (SRI) is a strategy to make your investments more impactful by supporting ecological and social causes.
Read MoreHot Fudge Sundae Puppy Chow
While the best part of this signature snack is certainly the taste, the second best aspect is how simple and adaptable the recipe is.
Read MoreMaintaining a Chemical-Free Garden
A healthy garden is the best defense against pests and weeds. Sometimes, though, it is necessary to protect plants from damaging influences. Since most store-bought remedies contain toxic chemicals, consider some natural alternatives.
Read MoreThe Role of Insurance in Your Financial Plan
A critical part of financial planning that is often overlooked is insurance. Having various insurance policies will provide different benefits to your financial plan, ranging from protection to tax breaks.
Read More5 Stylish Ways to Keep Your Home Cool
Summer can be excruciatingly hot for most of the country. Thankfully, there are some stylish features you can add to your home that can help keep you cool—despite summer’s fury.
Read More4 Hot Weather Safety Tips for Pets
Summertime is great for walking and playing in the sunshine with your pet. Unfortunately, pets have a harder time keeping cool when the temperatures soar. Here are some tips to keep your pet safe, healthy, and happy under the fun sun.
Read MoreNew Bull May Need A Breather
We know it’s old news at this point, but on June 8, 2023, the S&P 500 entered a new bull market. After such a strong rally off the October lows, this young bull probably needs a breather.
Read MoreMarket Responses to Fed (In)Action
As the economy is likely downshifting, investors should take heed that the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) current stance is eerily similar to early 2007.
Read MoreFOMC Preview: Skip, Pause, or Hike?
The Federal Reserve (Fed) meets this week where it is largely expected to not raise short term interest rates for the first time in 15 months. However, Fed messaging has been all over the place in recent weeks.
Read MoreDebt Ceiling Drama is Behind Us
Every so often Washington likes to remind us how hard it can be to get things accomplished. The most recent example is the debt ceiling—the amount Congress can borrow to pay its bills.
Read MoreClosing Out Our Equities Overweight
Stocks have had a nice run, but at higher prices, the bar for further gains gets higher. We have recently made the case in this publication that there are a lot of reasons to expect the market to go higher between now and year end.
Read MoreBringing a New Parent Back On the Job
Losing experienced, hardworking employees can be costly for your business. So when one of your valued employees announces she is pregnant, do more than just congratulate her.
Read MoreHow to Care for Your Pet When Traveling
Summer is an ideal season for traveling and seeing new sights. But before you leave home, you’ll need to make some important decisions regarding the care of your pets. Consider these ways for keeping your feline, canine, or other pets safe
Read MoreMaintaining Your Outdoor Spaces This Summer
Summer is prime time for your outdoor spaces. Whether the kids are running through the sprinklers or adults are jumping into the pool, playtime, entertaining, and celebrations are probably taking place outside.
Read MoreDeadly Dozen: 12 Foods That Can Be Toxic to Pets
We all love our pets. And one of the ways we show it, much like we do with friends and family, is by treating them to food. Sure, giving a pet treat can make us (and our pets) happy, but we also occasionally sneak in some people food.
Read MoreSensational Salty Dogs
Is there anything better than an ice cold, refreshing cocktail on a hot summer day? One of the best warm weather drinks is the salty dog¬¬—a refreshing blend of grapefruit juice and vodka.
Read MoreMarriage and Money: Six Tips for Same-Sex Couples
U.S. Supreme Court decisions gave same-sex married couples the same rights and privileges as opposite-sex married couples. If you're married or on your way to the altar, you'll want to sort through the financial implications.
Read MoreThe Benefits of Eating Locally
Not too long ago, the world was made up of agrarian societies. Most people lived on, or near, a farm. They grew food themselves or purchased it from a neighbor.
Read More3 Reasons New Parents Should Consider Creating an Estate Plan
When you prepare to have your first child, the to-do list may seem endless—from purchasing a car seat to furnishing a nursery, lining up day care options, and planning for time off from work.
Read MoreWhy Insure Your Business?
Your business represents a substantial investment of your ideas, time, and money (in addition to your sweat and elbow grease).
Read MoreGet Organized Before Summer Starts
Vacations, barbecues, and recreational sports are just a few reasons why summer can be a busy time of year. It’s a good idea to get your home, health, and schedule organized ahead of time.
Read MoreHow Much of a Problem is Concentrated Leadership?
The mega-cap technology companies have powered the broad market higher this year. In fact, the 8.1% gain in the S&P 500 year to date has been driven entirely by six mega-cap stocks.
Read MoreWill History Rhyme? A Fed Pause Has Been Good For Fixed Income
Economists like to remind us there is no such thing as a free lunch. In investment parlance, that just means all investments carry risk—even cash. And the big risk with cash is reinvestment risk.
Read MoreEarnings Update: Better Than Feared Undersells These Results
First quarter earnings season is nearly complete, and it has caused us to regret titling our earnings preview commentary on April 10, “Malaise Continues.”
Read MoreKing Dollar Still Rules
Much has been written lately about the threats facing the reserve currency status enjoyed by the U.S. dollar. “De-dollarization” headlines appear on a near-daily basis, suggesting the dollar’s reign is in looming jeopardy.
Read MoreInvestor Sentiment Tested
Spring is often thought of as an uplifting time, marked by growth and renewed hope as we emerge from the long months of winter and look ahead to the rest of year.
Read MoreInvesting in Your 60s and Beyond
Once you are in your 60s, you are likely to focus less on growing your retirement funds than answering, "When do I retire?" And once you crack open your nest egg, how should you allocate its contents?
Read More2 Ways for Nurses to Take Control of Their Finances
Being a nurse comes with a lot of responsibility alongside a sense of pride in knowing that you are helping others.
Read MoreFinancial Planning for Working Moms
Historically, working mothers have had even higher ambitions in the workforce than working women in general.1 This ambition may drive them to excel in budgeting and financial matters that can help them manage their family's finances.
Read MoreThe Best Kind of Medicine–A Furry Companion
If you are or have ever been a pet owner, I probably don’t need to explain the joy of having a furry (or not so furry) friend around the house, but maybe you didn’t know all the actual health benefits they can provide.
Read MoreWomen - What You Should Know When Starting a Business
Many businesses start small, begun by people seeking the exciting & potentially rewarding experience of "being their own boss" while doing something they enjoy. If you're thinking about starting your own business, you'll need a sound plan.
Read MoreUtilizing a 529 Plan as a Wealth Transfer Tool
529 plans are designed for saving for education and are beneficial since contributions accumulate and grow tax-free as long as withdrawals are used for qualified education expenses.
Read MoreSell in May: Does This Stock Market Adage Come into Play
“Sell in May and go away” is probably the most widely cited stock market cliché in history. Here we take our annual look at this historical seasonal pattern which, as you will see below, has started to lose some of its street cred recently.
Read MoreDraining the Lifeblood of the Economy: The Small Business Sector
In this edition of the Weekly Market Commentary, we discuss the weakness in small businesses and what that foreshadows in the markets and the economy.
Read MoreA Closer Look at Commercial Real Estate Market
The commercial real estate (CRE) market has recently captured the spotlight after being flagged as the next potential shoe to drop following last month’s banking turmoil. Read more in our weekly market commentary.
Read MoreEarnings Preview – Malaise Continues
First quarter earnings season kicks off this week with some big banks reporting toward the end of the week. It will be interesting to see how management teams react to these latest developments.
Read MoreA Resilient March
The sound foundation of our financial system corroborates our constructive optimism of the upward and long-run trend of markets, despite headlines designed to jar nerves and test our steadfast resolution.
Read MoreA Spring Strawberry Salad
A refreshing addition to any dinner or lunch, this salad is made with the freshest of ingredients and is packed with all of the flavors of spring!
Read MoreDivorce and Social Security
After a divorce, you can claim retirement benefits based on your own earnings record, or you can claim benefits based on your ex-spouse's earnings record , provided that certain requirements are met.
Read More4 Financial Skills All Business Owners Should Learn
Running a business requires gaining expertise in many things over a short period—especially financial matters. Here are four key financial skills that all business owners need to learn.
Read More5 Last Minute Considerations Before Tax Day
Before you rush to get that return out the door, are you confident you have everything in order to make your tax filing go as smoothly as possible? Here are five last minute details to double check before Tax Day.
Read MoreFinancial Challenges and Resources for the LGBTQ+ Community
Institutional obstacles and individual challenges often create financial pressure and stress. Learn more about how to overcome two major economic challenges for the LGBTQ+ community.
Read More4 Financial Self-Care Tips for Women
Less than a quarter of the adult female population feel they received sufficient preparation from their parents concerning financial matters. Women need to take control of their financial independence.
Read MoreWho Is Right, Federal Reserve or Financial Markets?
Financial markets and the Federal Reserve are reading from two different playbooks. Who is right? We think that markets have it right, but several factors need to play out for this outcome to prevail. Read more for our reasoning.
Read MoreThe 36-Hour SVB Collapse and Hierarchy of Blame
Here we share some thoughts on who’s to blame for the ongoing banking crisis and reiterate how we are telling investors to adjust, or not adjust, their asset allocations in light of ongoing market volatility.
Read MoreWading Through Financial Stability Risks: An Action Plan
We believe tactical investors should be maintaining their multi-asset allocations at or near benchmark levels with an emphasis on diversification. We continue to monitor bank industry and macro conditions and will communicate any changes...
Read MoreStress in Banking System | Latest Equity Asset Allocation Views
This commentary is focused on our asset allocation views, but no doubt the Silicon Valley Bank saga will require more attention from investors in the days ahead.
Read MoreSVB Collapse
Financial markets were shaken last week as Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the California bank subsidiary of SVB Financial Group (SIVB), fell into FDIC receivership. Read more here.
Read MoreNo Landing. No Sense: Suggesting an Economy Makes “No Landing” Makes No Sense
Suggesting an economy makes “no landing” makes no sense. Central bankers are looking for ways to get the economy “hitting its stride” with a consistent, sustainable growth path and stable prices.
Read MoreWomen’s Financial Empowerment: The Challenge of Financial Wellness and Why We Need Women’s History M
March is Women’s History Month, a month-long celebration of female empowerment. This effort includes advocating for better representation in the workforce, pay parity and improved work-life balance.
Read MoreWorking During Retirment
Planning on working during retirement? If so, you're not alone. An increasing number of employees nearing retirement plan to work at least some period of time during their retirement years.
Read MoreThe Gender Investing Gap: How Do We Bridge It?
In the U.S., men are investing and accumulating wealth at a greater pace than women, fueling the gender investing gap. Closing the investing gap is essential so that women accumulate enough retirement assets for their entire lives.
Read MoreUnderstanding Your Credit Situation at Your Current Stage in Life
Credit is a crucial component of your financial health and wellbeing. To know what you need to do to get your credit where it needs to be, you need to understand what your credit situation is likely to be at your specific stage in life.
Read MoreFirst Woman to Receive Nobel Prize in Economics
Elinor Ostrom is known for being the first woman to ever receive a Nobel Prize in economics. In her book Governing the Commons, she demonstrated that groups can effectively manage natural resources without resorting to outside control.
Read MoreWaiting For New Highs
Financial markets have experienced quite a bit of change this year in just two short months. We remain confident that a new bull market will come—it just may require a bit more of our patience before we get there.
Read MoreDebt Ceiling Primer: What You Need to Know
Markets, businesses, and the economy are likely to see only minimal impact from the debt ceiling debate until we are days, or maybe a few weeks, from the “x date,” which will likely be in the summer or early fall. Read more here.
Read MoreWhat’s Changed in the Markets in 2023 and What it Could Mean
Here we take a look at some of the biggest changes in the market environment so far in 2023 and what those changes could mean for investors over the balance of the year.
Read MoreTrying to Stick the Landing
Recent economic and market data have reignited conversations about a potential soft landing. The U.S. economy is in a position to potentially muddle through.
Read MoreBrightening Outlook for International Equities: Have the Tides Turned
Investors got more excited about international investing late last year. The surprising resilience of core European economies and a weaker U.S. dollar added to the market’s excitement.
Read MoreOpportunities in 2023
When we look back on 2022, it’s easy to identify the challenges—but if we look closer, we can also uncover some opportunities. Overall, we see reason for renewed optimism when it comes to the markets in 2023.
Read MoreKeeping Your Stress Levels in Check
By adjusting your approach to time management and reviewing your priorities, you can break the cycle of stress and start to feel more confident and in control of your life.
Read MoreSoothing Pet Paw Balm
A dog’s paws can get just as rough and cracked as our own feet, but there’s no reason it has to stay that way. Use this paw balm to help your pet’s paws fight this irritation!
Read More5 Tax Planning Tips for Women Entrepreneurs
When you are busy running a company, it may be difficult to think about your taxes. Proactive tax planning helps you to avoid an unexpected tax liability when you file. Take a look at these helpful strategies.
Read MoreThe Role of Caregiver Affects Women Differently
Today, like so many other women, you may be facing a new challenge while you’re still working full time. Your children are growing up just as your parents are slowing down and need assistance with daily activities
Read MoreBack to Basics with Budgeting
Sitting down to figure out your budget can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t know where to start or what you’re specifically budgeting for. The following tips offer simple ideas to help you get your finances on track.
Read MoreWill January's Market Hit the Trifecta? The Seasonal Indicators
The script has been flipped in 2023. Last year’s underperformers have turned into outperformers this year, driving the S&P 500 Index up over 5% this month. The pace and composition of the rally have left many investors skeptical...
Read MoreA Feisty Bull-Bear Debate: Weighing the Pros and Cons
The latest episode of the debate between stock market bulls and bears has gotten more interesting. For every valid point from one side, there’s an equally compelling argument on the other side. Perhaps the best reason for the...
Read MoreQ4 Earnings Preview: Pessimism May Be Overdone
Fourth quarter earnings season is underway and probably won’t bring much good news. Lackluster global growth, ongoing profit margin pressures from inflation, and negative currency impacts are likely to translate into a...
Read MoreMarket, Stocks, and Bonds Lessons Learned from 2022
We believe accountability and modesty are among the keys to success in this business. In striving for those qualities, LPL Research has a tradition of starting off a new year with a lessons learned commentary. We got some things wrong...
Read MoreReasons for Optimism
We wish you a happy New Year and hope you were able to close out 2022 with friends and family. The beginning of a calendar year is often the time when the previous year’s reflections transition to a new year’s hopes....
Read More2023 Market Outlook: LPL Research Takes a Look at the Year Ahead
2022 was a dizzying year as markets and the global economy continued to find itself out of balance due to the still present aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the policy response to it. If 2022 was about recognizing imbalances...
Read MoreTry These Pet-Friendly Workouts
Most people know that regular exercise is important for good health, but what you may not realize is that exercise is just as important for your pet. The Association of Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that 59.5 percent of...
Read MoreWomen - Moving Forward Financially After the Loss of a Spouse
The loss of a spouse can be a devastating, life-changing event. Due to longer life expectancies, women are more likely to face this situation. Becoming a widow at any age can be one of the most difficult challenges a woman must face. Not...
Read MoreA Path to Setting and Reaching Your 2023 Goals
What if you focused on your system instead of just your goals? Setting goals for a new year can feel overwhelming. We all know that resolutions don’t last, but we also feel the energy that comes with a new year of...
Read MoreA Look at Tax Planning for Retirement
After years of saving and planning for their golden years, many people nearing retirement fail to consider the tax burden they may face on income they receive after they stop working. While you will likely see a reduction in the amount...
Read MoreA Retirement Countdown Checklist: 5 Steps to Consider Before Retirement
Whether you're hoping to retire soon or are just beginning to explore the idea of stepping back from your job, you're probably wondering how to make it happen. Will you have enough money? How will you spend your time? What will you do...
Read MoreHistoric Year for Central Bank Activity and Rate Hikes
The Federal Reserve (Fed) wrapped up its last Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting of the year last week, where it hiked short-term interest rates for the seventh time in as many meetings, taking the fed funds rate to 4.5%...
Read MoreDecember Down but Not Out: Seasonality Trends Point to Market Recovery
Despite the S&P 500 Index starting December with five consecutive days of losses, we think December is down but not out. December often starts slow but historically has been a strong month. There are also some potentially supportive...
Read MoreResilient Consumers Have Not Saved Retail Stocks
Economic and corporate data support the initial strong reads on holiday retail sales despite the macro headwinds, reinforcing the idea that today’s consumer is in a better position than usual at this point in the business cycle....
Read MoreLPL Financial Research Outlook 2023: Finding Balance
Through all the challenges, newfound opportunities, and every high and low we’ve experienced during the last couple of years, it’s no surprise why we might be striving for more balance. Whether it’s about the markets...
Read MoreItems to Shop for When Donating to a Food Bank
The holiday season is a time to give back to the local community and help those who may not have the means to provide a holiday sit-down dinner for their family. Figuring out what to donate to local food banks may seem self-explanatory...
Read More2022 Year-End Tax Tips
Here are some things to consider as you weigh potential tax moves between now and the end of the year. 1. Defer income to next year. Consider opportunities to defer income to 2023, particularly if you think you may be in a lower tax...
Read MoreSubscription Boxes for Holiday Gifting
Finding the perfect gift for those on your list can be difficult, but you can make your holiday shopping easier by gifting subscription boxes. These packages of hand-selected goodies can be arranged and mailed for you, and if you...
Read MoreYour Financial Fresh Start: 12 Resolutions in 12 Months
Change may be difficult, especially when you try to change your financial habits. The process might be easier if you take an incremental approach. Do you want to get on top of your finances this year? Are you looking for ways to...
Read MoreHappy Thanksgiving!
With Thanksgiving upon us, I want to take a moment to express our immense gratitude to you as a client. Hopefully this message finds you and your loved ones happy, healthy, and enjoying all the festivities that make the...
Read MorePlaybook for a Fed Pivot: Exploring Equity and Fixed Income Market Performance
Recent inflation data has tempered expectations for future Federal Reserve tightening, including a potential peak in the terminal rate near 5.0% in May or June of 2023. While the market has welcomed this news, history suggests the path...
Read MoreInflation and Rising Rates Supports Value
The growth vs. value debate has been pretty one-sided in 2022, with value outperforming growth for a sustained period for the first time in almost 15 years. However, the debate is heating up as investors begin to consider whether the...
Read MorePecan Caramel Roll Ups
Don’t settle for an ordinary cake roll this holiday season. This pecan roll is made with a delicious spice cake and is full of sweet caramel cream, for a festive dessert you can bring to any celebration! Ingredients: For the...
Read MoreFive Things That Actually Get Better With Age
Yes, there are good things about being old, such as increased happiness, less stress, better marriages and deeper friendships. You seldom hear that: People tend to focus on the negatives of aging.
Read MoreYear-End Donations and #GivingTuesday
With its family traditions and festive celebrations, the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year. And according to GivingTuesday.org, the giving in the U.S. alone totaled $2.7 billion to nonprofits and community...
Read MoreToo Good To Be True? 4 Black Friday and Cyber Monday Scams and How To Spot Them
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are two of the greatest days to score deals for holiday shopping. Unfortunately, with amazing deals plentiful, some scammers use these days to take advantage of shoppers looking for the greatest bargains...
Read MoreCarving Out Time to Support Small Business Saturday
American Express created Small Business Saturday in 2010 to provide small businesses with a holiday season boost on the heels of Black Friday. The day comes after one of the biggest shopping sales events and serves as a reminder to spend...
Read MoreYear-End Tax Planning Basics
The window of opportunity for many tax-saving moves closes on December 31, so it's important to evaluate your tax situation now, while there's still time to affect your bottom line for the 2022 tax year. Consider any opportunities...
Read MoreFinancial Planning For Your Pets Really is a Thing
Are you a good pet owner? Owning an animal means more than feeding it and loving it. Pets aren’t cheap, so doing right by Fido or Tabby involves financial planning.No question, we Americans love our pets. Many of us view our...
Read MoreHow Midterm Elections May Move Markets
Midterm elections are upon us, with Election Day on Tuesday. Republicans are strongly favored to win the House, and the Senate is roughly a tossup. We believe either outcome would be market-friendly, although the bigger market driver...
Read MoreLooking Ahead
October is now behind us and it has delivered on its track record as a historically favorable month for stocks, offering some respite for investors as major equity indices rose for the month. The downside pressure on equities...
Read MoreFederal Reserve Preview: TRICK or Treat?
With a series of important economic indicators suggesting the economy is declining and inflation is finally decelerating, albeit very slowly, markets are beginning to factor in that the Fed may soon transition to a less aggressive...
Read MoreThree Things to Know About Recessions: The 3 D’s
If the U.S. economy enters a recession, the causes and potential outcome will be hotly debated. At LPL Research, our starting point is always looking at history. This week’s commentary will remind us of three things we know about...
Read MoreCharitable Gifting
What constitutes a gift to charity? A gift to charity is simply a gratuitous transfer of property to a charitable organization. The key is that your gift must be some kind of property--your time or personal services do not count. There...
Read MoreHow secure is your data when it’s stored in the cloud?
As cloud storage becomes more common, data security is an increasing concern. Companies and schools have been increasing their use of services like Google Drive for some time, and lots of individual users also store files on Dropbox...
Read MoreHow Estate Planning Can Help Prepare for Long Term Care
The cost of long-term care can vary widely based on location (both city and state) and level of care needed. However, one thing is for certain: with 7 in every 10 people requiring long-term care at some point, preparing for this...
Read MoreYour Long Term Care Action Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide
Those turning 65 this year have a 7 in 10 chance of needing long-term care (LTC) at some point.1 With the cost of a private room in a nursing home now topping $100,000 per year, the thought of paying this — or for a loved...
Read More4 Ways to Save for Retirement Without a 401(k)
You are not alone if you do not have access to a 401(k) retirement plan. Pew Research data reveals that 35% of private-sector employees do not work for an employer that offers a plan.1 Fortunately, other retirement savings options are...
Read MoreLow Bar for Earnings Season Brings Third Quarter Expectations Down
Expectations are very low for this earnings season. The challenges are many, with intense cost pressures and slowing economic growth at the top of the list. The chorus of analysts and strategists calling for big cuts to estimates has...
Read MoreResources for Women-Owned Small Businesses
Small businesses face many problems related to their size, capital, and capability, and for women-owned small businesses, the challenge is sometimes even greater. The good news is there are many professional organizations out there...
Read MoreEverything You Need to Know About Medicare Savings Programs
The terms Medicare and Medicaid are similar sounding names; however, these programs serve very different needs. Medicare is a health insurance benefit program for those aged 65 and older and others with certain disabilities. Medicare...
Read MorePockets of Vulnerability Magnified by Monetary Policy
As Federal Reserve (Fed) officials continue to emphasize the Fed’s commitment towards restoring price stability, the dollar marches ever higher. Markets are currently pricing in another 75-basis point rate hike at the November 2...
Read MoreCould the Worst be Behind Us?
First, we want to acknowledge the tremendous damage and displacement caused by Hurricane Ian. Our thoughts are with those impacted by this devastating storm. This has clearly been a challenging year for households. Stocks and bond are...
Read MoreMarkets on Watch as Xi Jinping’s Influence to be Tested in October
On October 16, China will begin its 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party in Beijing. This plenum is especially significant because it is expected that President Xi Jinping will be granted an unprecedented third term...
Read MoreBetter Times Ahead
In the last several weeks, we have continued to face elevated uncertainty in financial markets due to high inflation and rising interest rates, and we thought it was an important time to take stock with the final quarter of 2022...
Read MoreWhy It May Be Time to Take Advantage of Higher Yields
Now that interest rates have moved substantially higher, we believe opportunities in fixed income have improved and are looking to add back to certain areas within fixed income that may benefit. Because the equity risk within...
Read MoreHow Much Higher Can Rates Go?
Inflationary dynamics continue to surprise to the upside, and markets now expect the Fed to pursue one of its most aggressive rate hiking campaign in years. U.S. Treasury yields continue to move higher as well. We think we’ve...
Read MoreEfficiency Rules: 3 Simple Steps for Improved Planning and Productivity
Do you wish that there was more time in a day? Do you want to have time to drink a cup of coffee in the morning, or get to the gym before or after work? Well, we can’t change how much time there is each day, but we can help you...
Read MoreGetting Jobs Market Back Into Balance
Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell reiterated his warning that getting inflation under control will require some pain. Powell is likely making these warnings based on the arcane, clunky relationship between inflation and unemployment....
Read MoreThe Role of Caregiver Affects Women Differently
Today, like so many other women, you may be facing a new challenge while you’re still working full time. Your children are growing up just as your parents are slowing down and need assistance with daily activities. Although years...
Read MoreA Fall Financial Checklist
For many, autumn is the best time of year. The return of cool breezes, comforting foods, and pumpkins can be invigorating. It’s also a bookmark of sorts, especially for your finances—a perfect time to take stock of your...
Read MoreThe Best of Times, and the Worst of Times
When it comes to stock market performance, August was “the best of times, and the worst of times.” The strong market rally that peaked in mid-August was viewed by many analysts as a transition from a bear to bull...
Read MoreFive Useful Beach Hacks
There’s certainly a reason why trips to the beach are one of the most desired summer vacations. From basking in the sun to indulging in delicious boardwalk treats, a beach trip is sure to create unforgettable memories with both...
Read MoreWomen and Money: Taking Control of Your Finances
It's important to have a clear understanding of your overall financial position.As a woman, you have financial needs that are unique to your situation in life. Perhaps you would like to buy your first home. Maybe you need to start...
Read MoreThe Bulls Are Back In Town?
The latest weekly data from the American Association of Individual Investors (AAII) showed a continued increase in the percentage of individual investors who are bullish about short-term market expectations (32.2%), and a continued...
Read MoreFive Healthy Habits for Financial Wellness
Financial stress can have a direct negative impact on a person's health and happiness. Unfortunately, this may lead to a downward spiral. The more stress you're feeling, the larger your financial hurdles may seem, and the more you...
Read MoreFinancial Planning for Working Moms
Historically, working mothers have had even higher ambitions in the workforce than working women in general.1 This ambition may drive them to excel in budgeting and financial matters that can help them manage their family's finances....
Read MoreEnglish Premier League Soccer Kickoff: Do Stocks Cheer Red Or Blue?
The most watched, and arguably the most exciting, soccer league in the world kicked off this weekend across the pond: the English Premier League (EPL). It’s set to be an enthralling season for the many EPL fans around the world...
Read MoreBig Week for Market Watchers
Hi All,Last week was epic for market-watchers. A Federal Reserve (Fed) rate hike, a much-anticipated gross domestic product (GDP) report, and the busiest week of earnings season got most of the headlines. There was even a surprise out...
Read MoreCoins to Cash: The History of American Currency
The history of US currency is a complex one, but also interesting. You pay using coins and cash nearly every day, but do you really know the intricacies behind the design of a dollar or nickel?The first paper currency used in the...
Read MoreMarket Strength Continues Amid Favorable Earnings
Index PerformanceView enlarged chart.U.S. and International EquitiesU.S. Markets Finish HigherThe major U.S. market indexes finished higher this week as growth and value names witnessed solid gains. The latest batch of second quarter...
Read More7 Ways To Green Up Your Act As A Pet Parent
You might already bring your own shopping bags to the grocery store and put out a recycling bin of aluminum cans for curbside pickup, but do you take the same eco-friendly approach with your pet?According to a survey from the...
Read MoreA Surprisingly Good Sign for Housing
From Heavy Highway Congestion to Eerily Empty RoadwaysNot to play up too much on the data from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) but the NAHB gives insights on the traffic of prospective buyers, a leading indicator of...
Read MoreWellness in Retirement: The Benefits of Social Wellness for Retirees
Social isolation makes people more susceptible to illness and death.1 While retirement is a time for relaxation and enjoyment from a lifetime of work, it may lead to a lack of purpose if you have depended on work for...
Read MoreAre Supply Constraints Becoming Less of an Influence?
Supply-Driven Contributions to InflationYou have heard it here many times that the current inflationary environment has been irritated by supply-related problems with ports, international manufacturing shutdowns, and global shipping as...
Read MoreJune Market Insights – Markets Struggle As the Bear Growls
Index PerformanceView enlarged chart.U.S. and International Equities LowerThe major market indexes finished the month in the red as sticky inflation conditions weighed on last month’s market returns as the Federal Reserve (Fed)...
Read MoreLPL Financial Research Midyear Outlook 2022: Navigating Turbulence
Markets rarely give us clear skies, and there are always threats to watch for on the horizon, but the right preparation, context, and support can help us navigate anything that may lie ahead. So far, this year hasn’t seen a...
Read MoreLooking Forward
Hi All,As the calendar has turned to July, investors would certainly like to forget the first six months of 2022. However, the Fourth of July Independence Day holiday does bring with it reason for celebration. Not only is it the 246th...
Read MoreIs the U.S. Treasury Market Showing Signs of Cracking?
The U.S. Treasury market is arguably the most important market in the world. Not only does the market provide the financing of the federal government, it also provides a safe and liquid asset to support the flow of capital and credit...
Read MoreInsurance Concerns of Divorcing Couples
Few life changes are of more consequence than a divorce. In addition to the financial and emotional difficulties, you'll face special concerns about your insurance coverage. Planning for these changes should begin long before the...
Read MoreWas that the Bear Market Low?
With the S&P 500 moving into a bear market and the first half of the year since shaping up as one of the worst ever, many investors are wondering if we have yet seen the bear market low. We first asked, “Was that the...
Read MoreTips to Shape Up Your Fiscal Fitness this Summer
A regular program of disciplined financial practices can help you in the long-run Many people realize that the best way to stay in shape is to develop an appropriate fitness regimen and then stick with it. If you start a fitness...
Read MoreHigher Rates Break Homebuilder Stocks
Undoubtedly the most important story of the past week is the historic move in interest rates. While this is a trend that has been firmly in place for months, it has accelerated even more following last Friday’s higher than...
Read MoreFinancial Challenges and Resources for the LGBTQ+ Community
Major strides in LGBTQ+ equality have happened over the last decade. Most notably was the Supreme Court's 2015 decision to recognize same-sex marriage in Obergefell v. Hodge. Even so, members of the LGBTQ+ community tend to experience...
Read MoreA Bear Market is Officially Here
Hi All,A bear market is officially here thanks largely to stubbornly high inflation. For many of us, it has probably felt like a bear market for a while now, but the S&P 500 Index didn’t close more than 20% below its January 3...
Read MoreInflation at 41 Years Highs but There Is Some Good News
Headline Inflation Jumps, Core Inflation CoolsHeadline inflation in May rose 8.6% from a year ago, accelerating from April’s 8.3% growth rate. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to the highest year-over-year increase since...
Read MoreWhat Homeowners Should Know About Estate Planning
If you have always thought estate planning was just for those nearing retirement or already retired, think again. If you own a home, it is important to have a plan in place. Without a will or other arrangements that allow your home to...
Read MoreFed Fears The Tight Job Market
Labor Markets Are Tight With Little Signs of LooseningEmployment in May grew by 390,000, driven by strong gains in leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, and transportation and warehousing. Job growth does not...
Read MoreBull Market Hangs by a Thread
The bull market that began in March of 2020 came dangerously close to an end. From March 23, 2020 through January 3, 2022, the S&P 500 Index gained 114% (excluding dividends). From that January 3 closing high through the recent low on...
Read MoreWill There Be A June Swoon? Maybe, But Maybe Not
After a late month rally, we can say goodbye to the month of May, which now opens the door to June. Here’s the bad news, June is historically a weak month and it is actually the worst month of the year during a midterm year, down...
Read MoreApril 1st employment report was no joke: the labor market is tightening
Read More
Gas Drives Headline Inflation To 40-Year High: Are We Near The Peak Yet?
Read More
What Is the VIX Index And How Has It Responded To Russia-Ukraine Conflict?
Read More
Munis Have Held Up (Relatively) Well in Periods of Rising Rates
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Tax Prep Checklist: Everything You Need to Be Ready for Tax Season
Read More
Holiday Resilience
Hi All, We hope everyone enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. While life has been challenging during the pandemic, we have a lot to be thankful for. At this time, we are especially grateful for COVID-19 vaccines...
Read MoreHow Have Stocks Done Under Jerome Powell?
The big news this week was Jerome Powell will remain in charge of the Federal Reserve (Fed) for four more years, so we wanted to do a quick blog that looked at how stocks have done while he has been the Fed Chairman. “There are...
Read MoreTech is Leading Again
The S&P 500 Information Technology Sector has gained 27% in the past six months, outperforming the broader S&P 500 by more than 10%. But could its run of leadership just be getting started? As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, the...
Read MoreHow do Black Friday and Cyber Monday retail sales affect the stock market? How should investors rea
What typical investors need to know We all read and hear about various special deals, “doorbusters,” price cuts, and early opening hours on Black Friday. We also read and hear about the Cyber Monday deals. These sales days...
Read MoreFun Facts About Education Week
The public school system is a vital component of the American education system. We celebrate the country's teachers and staff and the education system as a whole during the week of November 16th through the 20th this year. These are...
Read MoreReasons To Be Thankful
As we reach the home stretch of 2021, there is a lot to be thankful for. Stocks are having an amazing year, the economy is improving, and COVID-19 trends are going the right direction. Let’s look at some reasons to be thankful....
Read MoreA Financial Review Can Pay Off at Year End
Today, many people find themselves bombarded by a constant stream of financial news from television, radio, and the Internet. Yet, does all this “information age” data really help you manage your finances any better now...
Read MoreHappy Thanksgiving!
I cannot believe it is that time of year again. Here I am looking back over this past year and starting to plan for 2022. Hopefully this finds you all well, safe, and looking forward to the Holiday Season. As Thanksgiving approaches,...
Read MoreJob Growth Bounces Back in October
The October payroll report more than delivered on expectations for a bounce back from the soft September report. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released its October employment report this morning, revealing that the domestic...
Read MoreMany Reasons to be Thankful
Hi All, The past year and a half have tested all of us, but overall, the economy continues to strengthen, COVID-19 trends are greatly improving, and this still relatively young bull market is alive and well. As the leaves turn colors...
Read MoreOctober Market Insights – The October Rebound
Index Performance View enlarged chart. U.S. and International Equities Stocks erased September losses with solid gains in October for the broad market averages. The S&P 500 returned almost 7% for the month, while the Dow Industrials...
Read MoreResources for Women-Owned Small Businesses
Small businesses face many problems related to their size, capital, and capability, and for women-owned small businesses, the challenge is sometimes even greater. The good news is there are many professional organizations out there...
Read MoreLeading Indicators Show Tempered Optimism for Economy
On Thursday, October 21, the Conference Board released its September 2021 report detailing the latest reading for the Leading Economic Index (LEI), a composite of ten data series that tend to lead changes in economic activity. Many...
Read MoreBusiness Women and Leadership: What Female Bosses May Teach Us
As more and more women assume leadership roles in businesses, it is changing the attitude and sometimes even the future of the workplace. Female bosses may teach business leaders a lot about engaging with employees, promoting their...
Read MoreSolid Retail Sales in September
The U.S. Census Bureau reported overall retail sales grew 0.7% month over month in September vs. forecasts for a 0.2% decline, while retail sales excluding autos and gas also saw solid gains, rising 0.7% month over month vs. estimates...
Read MoreFive Tips to Help You Organize Your Medical Records
If your medical records are scattered across a mishmash of different providers, cities, or even states, you may have trouble creating a comprehensive medical history when you need one. What steps can you take now to organize your...
Read MoreThird Quarter Earnings Season Preview
We have used most of the superlatives we know to describe corporate America’s stunning performances over the past two earnings seasons. Despite lofty expectations, results exceeded estimates by huge margins. We expect solid...
Read MoreChange May Bring Opportunities
Hi All, One constant in life is change. During the past year and a half, we have experienced more change than any of us bargained for. Change is disruptive—but also brings opportunities. For investors right now, there is no...
Read MoreSeptember Market Insights – The September Selloff
Index Performance View enlarged chart. U.S. and International Equities September has been the worst performing month over the past 10 and 20 years. Looking at the prior year, the S&P 500 pulled back over 9% from September 2nd to...
Read MoreLeading Indicators Show Optimism For Domestic Economy
On Thursday, September 23, the Conference Board released its August 2021 report detailing the latest reading for the Leading Economic Index (LEI), a composite of ten data series that tend to lead changes in economic activity. Many...
Read MoreRevisiting Our 10-Year Treasury Yield Forecast
Until recently, we expected the 10-year Treasury yield to end the year between 1.75% and 2.0%. Now, however, there are two key elements suggesting we are unlikely to see significantly higher interest rates by year end: The Delta...
Read MoreMain Street Sentiment Remains Strong Despite Risks from Speedy Recovery
According to LPL Research’s analysis of the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) recently released Beige Book, business sentiment on Main Street has declined in recent months as the economy navigates the latest wave of COVID-19, but...
Read MoreGlobal Monetary Policy and What Likely Comes Next
The Covid-19 pandemic was an unprecedented shock to a large majority of global economies. But the economic damage was met with an extraordinary global monetary response with the Federal Reserve (Fed), European Central Bank (ECB), the...
Read MoreAlternatives for College Funding
A Primer Although we all know that “time flies,” it seems to move particularly fast as we watch our children grow. Yet, in considering a college future for a newborn, it is understandable that parents might procrastinate,...
Read MoreAmerican Business Women's Day
September 22nd is American Business Women's Day, and it may be the perfect day to celebrate women who have surpassed the glass ceiling and gone on to be leaders and inspirations for businesswomen everywhere. In honor of American...
Read MoreFinancial Considerations for Working Parents
Nine of every 10 U.S. families with children have at least one working parent.1 Though working parents make up one of the largest demographic groups in the country, they face many challenges—from the cost of childcare to...
Read MoreHelpful Tax Tips before Year End
Tax planning can be more advantageous when done during the year and well in advance of year’s end.Opportunities may exist for you to minimize tax liability, which could leave more income for you and/or your family. Generally,...
Read MoreThe Bull Market Continues
Hi All, The bull market continues, with the S&P 500 Index now up seven months in a row. Stocks have impressively gained 20% year-to-date, with the S&P 500 making 53 new all-time highs before the end of August—another new record....
Read MoreHow is Delta Affecting Consumer Behavior?
How is the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the United States linked to the spread of the Delta variant affecting the U.S. consumer’s behavior? We look at some consumer confidence focused high-frequency data for clues on how...
Read MoreJackson Hole Economic Symposium Preview
Since 1978, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City has played host to central bankers, policymakers, academics and economists from around the world at its annual economic policy symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, which is slated to...
Read MoreInheritance Planning Can Help Avoid Headaches
Your financial professional can help ensure you leave your estate in the best possible way Families inherit money and sometimes make the right moves investing and spending. Inheritances can also ignite disruption, divorce and a host of...
Read MoreA Closer Look At The High Yield Muni Market
As mentioned in the most recent Muni Market Monitor, high yield muni funds have accumulated $24 million of net inflows year to date, representing ~20% of total inflows to the total municipal category. With the prospects of higher...
Read MoreHow to Structure Charitable Giving Throughout Your Lifetime
Charitable giving is a way for affluent individuals spread their money around and to benefit causes that are near and dear to their hearts. Yet, for those who fall into the high net worth category, it is critical to structure...
Read MoreThe Health Essentials to Pack for Air Travel
Trying to stay healthy while traveling can be difficult to manage, especially when you don’t know where to start, and especially when you’re flying. Keep your mind and body in check with these traveling essentials....
Read MoreLeadership Changes Coming to the Federal Reserve?
The Chairperson of the Federal Reserve (Fed) is appointed by the President of the United States and serves a four-year term. The current Chairperson, Jerome Powell, has held that position since 2018 so his initial term is ending early...
Read MoreSix Months and Counting
Hi All, Six months and counting. That is the current monthly winning streak for the S&P 500 Index. To take that a step further, this key equity benchmark has posted gains in 13 of the last 16 months—dating back to the March 2020...
Read MoreJuly Market Insights – Sixth Straight Monthly Gain for the S&P 500, Led by Growth
Index Performance View enlarged chart. U.S. and international equities In July, the U.S. major market indexes finished higher while international equities, as represented by the developed international markets (MSCI EAFE), and the...
Read MoreChanges to Medicare in 2021: What Recipients Should Know
For many people, turning 65 provides one of the keys to retirement: access to affordable healthcare. Whether you're enrolling in the Medicare program for the first time or have been a Medicare enrollee for years, it's important to stay...
Read MoreFederal Reserve Meeting Preview
The Federal Reserve (Fed) meets this week to discuss its ongoing support for the U.S. economy. During its regularly scheduled two-day meeting, the nineteen-member committee is expected to discuss if and when the Fed should start to...
Read MoreThe Sandwich Generation: Juggling Family Responsibilities
At a time when your career is reaching a peak and you are looking ahead to your own retirement, you may find yourself in the position of having to help your children with college expenses while at the same time looking after the needs...
Read MoreEarnings Season Off to a Great Start
Top Story Earnings season off to a great start Beat rates have been outstanding so far with 85% and 90% of S&P 500 companies beating earnings and revenue targets. Second quarter earnings growth is tracking to a nearly 70%...
Read MoreLPL Research Releases Midyear Outlook 2021: Picking Up Speed
LPL Research is proud to announce the release of Midyear Outlook 2021: Picking Up Speed. While the speed can be exhilarating as economic growth accelerates, it can also be dangerous. Our updated outlook is designed to help you navigate...
Read MoreMidyear Outlook 2021: Picking Up Speed
LPL Research Midyear Outlook 2021: Picking Up Speed is designed to help you navigate the risks and opportunities over the rest of 2021 and beyond. While the speed can be exhilarating as economic growth accelerates, it can also be...
Read MoreHow Women Are Different from Men, Financially Speaking
We all know men and women are different in some fundamental ways. But is this true when it comes to financial planning? In a word, yes. Everyone wants financial security. But women often face unique obstacles that can affect their...
Read MorePicking Up Speed
Hi All, In the first half of 2021, the U.S. economy powered forward faster than nearly anyone had expected. Speed can be exhilarating, but it can also be dangerous. In our view, the overall economic picture remains sound and will...
Read MoreS&P 500 Index Streaking
Top Story Streaking. Stocks have been extremely strong recently. Here are some eye-opening stats. The S&P 500 Index is up seven days in a row for the first time since August 2020. It hasn’t been up eight in a row since April 2019...
Read MoreHealthcare and the Sandwich Generation
Members of the "Sandwich Generation"—or adults who have at least one parent over age 65 and at least one child who still requires financial support—often find themselves torn between their dual caregiving responsibilities.1...
Read MoreCorporate Credit Markets Are Boring And Why That’s Good For Equity Investors
While most of the focus lately has been on the volatility in the Treasury markets, the corporate credit markets continue to tell an encouraging story about the economic recovery. The traditional U.S. corporate credit bond market...
Read MoreConnecting the Dots on the Recent Bond Market Price Action
The “dot plots” are slowly becoming the new phrase of the year after the July 16 Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting. As a reminder, the dot plots represent the expected path of short-term interest rates by Fed members. Each dot...
Read MoreThe Best Money-Saving Travel Tips for 2021
If 2020 made you fantasize about a trip as soon as travel restrictions were lifted—and you’re still waiting—you aren’t alone. Although 2021 was poised to be a comeback year, it is shaping up to be another summer...
Read More4 Hot Weather Safety Tips for Pets
Summertime is great for walking and playing in the sunshine with your pet. Unfortunately, pets have a harder time keeping cool when the temperatures soar. Here are some tips to keep your pet safe, healthy, and happy under the fun sun....
Read MoreFourth of July Pet Safety
The 4th of July is one of the most exciting holidays of the year, with picnics, fireworks, and plenty of delicious food. Though this beloved occasion is a blast for Americans, our pets might not find the loud noises associated with the...
Read MoreTempering Tech
As investors we fight against behavioral biases in every investment decision we make. Our Director of Research Marc Zabicki talked recently about some of these biases in this video. We become attached to our ideas and when we think...
Read MoreMunis Are Expensive but Technicals Remain Favorable
While many of the taxable markets have generated negative returns this year, both the high quality and high yield municipal markets have generated positive returns (no guarantees that will continue, of course). State and local...
Read MoreWomen & Retirement: Modern Day Challenges
Women can experience more challenges saving for retirement than men, and unfortunately, COVID-19 has added even more challenges. According to Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies report Women and Retirement: Risks and Realities...
Read MoreMaintaining the Investment You Made in Your Home
For many Americans, the home is the single biggest purchase made during their lifetime.[1] As a result, it's important to do everything possible to keep it in good condition. Even moderate or short-term neglect can be dangerous, as...
Read MoreFinancial Insights for the LGBTQ+ Community
Retirement isn’t easy for most couples, and it’s even harder for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. A modest amount of planning can go a long way to providing the financial support you need. Many LGBTQ seniors...
Read MoreGearing Up For Summer
Hi All, As we move into June, a path to normalcy is coming quickly with stadiums allowing full capacity, restaurants filling up, and summer vacations in full swing. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy continues to recover remarkably quickly...
Read MoreMay Market Insights – Commodities Extend Gains in May
Index Performance View enlarged chart. U.S. and international equities The month of May proved to be mixed for the U.S. major market indexes. Last month’s top performer, the Nasdaq composite, was May’s laggard....
Read MoreThe Relationship Between Treasury Yields and Mortgage Rates
Market Blog Tuesday, May 25, 2021 Mortgage rates are still around all-time lows but they may be headed higher. The 30-year national average mortgage rate hit an all-time low of 2.82% back in February, but with the U.S. economic...
Read MoreSticker Shock: Creative Ways to Lower the Cost of College
Even with all of your savvy college shopping and research about financial aid, college costs may still be prohibitive. At these prices, you expect you'll need to make substantial financial sacrifices to send your child to college. Or...
Read MoreA Beneficial Course in Budget Basics
One extra curricular activity that every student should master before heading off to college is personal money management. Typically, a student’s day-to-day spending is done on an ad-lib basis, meaning that overspending is the...
Read MoreWhat Is “Tapering” and Why Is It Important?
Tuesday, May 18, 2021 After the April consumer price index (CPI) release that surprised to the upside, indicating consumer prices in some areas of the economy are increasing at a faster pace than many expected, the discussion has...
Read MoreMeasuring Inflation and the Fed’s Reaction to Higher Prices
Inflation is one of the primary risks to bondholders. Rising consumer prices erodes the “real” value of principal and interest payments making them worth less. However, the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) reaction to...
Read MoreTeaching Money Mindfulness to Your Children
At some point in a child's development, all parents wonder: how can I best teach my child the value of money? Parents who grew up in more modest circumstances than their own children can struggle to balance the desire to provide their...
Read MoreOut of the Shadows
Hi All, As the calendar has turned to May, the popular “Sell in May and Go Away” stock market cliché is getting a lot of airtime. This is the idea that the stock market tends to be weakest between May and October...
Read MoreApril Market Insights – Economic Revival Signs Are At Hand
Index Performance View enlarged chart. U.S. and International Equities This month provided another set of positive results for the U.S. major market indexes. The top performer was the Nasdaq, rebounding from last month’s lagging...
Read MoreCoping with the Loss of a Spouse Checklist
Losing one's significant other is one of the most stressful of all possible losses, even if you've had some time to emotionally prepare for it. And while it can be tough to do more than put one foot in front of the other, losing a...
Read MoreEnd of Recession May Be Announced Soon
End of recession call may come soon Incredibly, the COVID-19 recession may have ended a year ago, but we still don’t have an end-of-recession call from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). But we may be a step closer...
Read MoreValuations Matter in the Bond Market Too
“Price is what you pay; value is what you get.” – Legendary value investor Ben Graham. Valuations matter—at least in the long run. We believe it to be true in the equity markets and in the fixed income markets...
Read MoreQuarterly Market Insights – Economic Recovery, Redux
Index Performance View enlarged chart. U.S. and International Equities This quarter provided positive results for all major market indexes. The top performer and standout was the US small cap Russell 2000, returning over 12% for the...
Read MoreWhat to Know About Investing After Divorce
Divorce can deal both divorcing spouses one of the biggest financial blows of their lifetimes. In fact, experts estimate each spouse will need to increase their individual income by about 30 percent to maintain the same standard of...
Read MoreRevisiting Our Treasury Yield Forecast
Coming into this year, we expected longer-maturity U.S. Treasury yields to rise, consistent with improving economic growth dynamics. That is indeed what we have seen, with the yield on the 10-year Treasury higher by 80 basis points (0...
Read MorePlan Your Finances as You Would Your Exercise
You exercise to benefit from your sweat equity in the future, right? Waking up early in the dark mornings of winter to exercise comes hard. Once your workout ends, though, you often begin the day with the payoff of a tremendous energy...
Read MoreSpring Into A Positive Outlook
“The real key to making money in stocks is not to get scared out of them.” Peter LynchThey say April showers bring May flowers. Well, after a lot of showers and storms over the past year, flowers are starting to bloom and things are...
Read MoreStocks and Inflation
As we continue LPL Research’s Inflation Week, today we will examine how stocks have historically done at different inflation levels. For more color on our views on inflation, please read here and here, and look out for...
Read MoreCorporate Credit Markets Have Sold Off This Year. A Harbinger of Things to Come?
While most market participants have been (rightly) focusing on the sell-off in the Treasury markets this year, U.S. corporate credit markets have sold off as well. Corporate credit markets, as defined by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S....
Read MoreWomen, Money, and Today's Retirement
Despite all of the other advances made in our society in recent generations, women continue to face unique challenges when it comes to preparing for their financial futures. Recognizing the Shortfalls For starters, women on average...
Read MoreWomen, Wealth, and Legacy Planning
Women play a central role in establishing and preserving family wealth -- whether nurturing the values of children, fulfilling charitable goals, or making investment decisions that affect the financial security of themselves or their...
Read MoreMarch Madness—Stock Market Edition
March Madness: Stock Market Edition LPL Research share their “Final Four Factors” for the stock market in 2021 in this week’s Weekly Market Commentary, available at 1 p.m. ET. Daily Insights U.S. stocks open little...
Read MoreRising Interest Rates Are A Global Phenomenon
Today is the one-year anniversary of the low in the 10-year Treasury yield. While we’ve discussed the sharp rise in U.S. Treasury yields that have occurred this year, rising rates have been a global phenomenon. Similar to the...
Read MoreA Financial Literacy Guide for Women
While millennial women are breaking cultural norms and diving into entrepreneurship headfirst, baby boomers are often more reluctant to take the risks of their younger colleagues. In fact, on a whole, women invest 40 percent less[1]...
Read MoreThe Return of Normal is Approaching
It’s now been over a year since COVID-19 first hit American shores. While the pandemic has affected everyone to varying degrees, we can all agree that everyone’s life is different today than it was a year ago. It’s...
Read MoreEnergy and Financials Fuel February’s Markets
Index Performance View enlarged chart. US and International Equities This month provided positive results for the major market indexes. The top performer was the Russell 2000 small cap index, returning over 6% for the month. Small caps...
Read MoreTreasury Yields Are Rising. Now What?
Treasury yields started moving sharply higher this past month (remember that as yields go up, prices go down). And while the upward march began in earnest last August when the 10-Year Treasury yield bottomed at an all-time low rate of...
Read MoreWomen, Money, and Today's Retirement
Despite all of the other advances made in our society in recent generations, women continue to face unique challenges when it comes to preparing for their financial futures. Recognizing the Shortfalls For starters, women on average...
Read MoreManaging Caregivers Stress
With more and more seniors aging in place, the rise in caregivers who are not health professionals has begun to increase as well. Informal caregivers may find that their work is rewarding, since they ensure that their loved one is...
Read MoreGot Yield? Hold the Rate Risk, Please
In LPL Research’s Weekly Market Commentary this week, we looked at some stock and bond options that may be attractive income-producing ideas for suitable income-oriented investors. On the bond side, many income-oriented investors...
Read MoreInflation Expectations Highest Since 2014
The 10-year breakeven inflation rate, a market-based measure of inflation expectations, hit its highest level last Friday, February 5, since 2014. Still, at 2.21% expected annual inflation over the next 10 years, it remains a...
Read MoreWhy Women Need to Save More Than Men
Men and women may not be on equal footing when it comes to investing for the future. On average, women work fewer years and earn less than men, but they also tend to live longer.1 Therefore, women must focus on the concerns that are...
Read MoreStay the Course
“In the short-term, the market is a popularity contest. In the long-term, the market is a weighing machine.” Warren Buffett 2021 is under way, as our nation and the rest of the world look to begin to put the global pandemic...
Read MoreAs Goes January, So Goes The Year
Stocks got off to a nice start in 2021, until the late January selloff, as everyone got GameStop fever. Should bulls worry about what a down January might mean for the rest of 2021? There’s an old adage on Wall Street that...
Read MoreInterest Rate Reversals Revisited
In LPL Research Outlook 2021: Powering Forward, we noted that large interest rate declines historically have been followed by reversals. With the 10-year Treasury yield continuing to climb, now’s a good time for an update. As...
Read MoreTips for Organizing Your Financial Documents
In an increasingly paper-free society, organizing your financial documents can still be a challenge. No matter how simple or complex your financial picture might be, it takes some thought-out organization to keep your tax documents,...
Read MoreCredit Spreads Limit Bond Performance Outlook
Investment-grade credit spreads, the extra yield you get from investment-grade corporate bonds compared to similarly dated US Treasuries, have already tightened to a level you usually only see during the middle of the economic...
Read MoreThe Importance of Financial Wellness
Financial wellness, like physical wellness, isn’t something you should ignore. Instead, it's a critical concept for anyone who wants to be knowledgeable and confident about their finances, and in fact, financial wellness is so...
Read MoreTreasuries Hit Key Levels
Economic Blog 1/12/2021 Treasury yields hit two key levels the first week of 2021. As shown in the LPL Chart of the Day, the 10-year Treasury yield moved above 1% for the first time since March 2020, and the 10-year breakeven inflation...
Read MoreProper Financial Planning: Critical for Women
A key goal of investing for retirement is making sure you save enough to make your money last throughout your lifetime. On this score, women may need to save more than men. The current life expectancy of a female at birth is roughly 81...
Read More2021 Brings a Fresh Start
Happy New Year! A new year offers a welcomed turn of the calendar and a fresh start. However, it’s difficult to put 2020 completely behind us just yet because the COVID-19 pandemic still presents a significant threat. Healthcare...
Read MoreDecember Market Insights
Market Blog View enlarged table. US and International Equities The S&P 500 Index, Dow Jones Industrial, and Nasdaq Composite indexes, continued their November run in December. As noted last month, November was a record-breaking month...
Read MoreThree Fed Takeaways from an Extraordinary Year
2020 was an extraordinary year for the Federal Reserve (Fed). The Fed responded swiftly and decisively to the rapidly accelerating financial and economic uncertainty brought on by efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. The current...
Read MoreIs Brexit Fishing For A Deal?
Brexit, the United Kingdom’s (UK) withdrawal from the European Union (EU), is making news again as it stumbles toward its apparent conclusion on December 31, 2020. The major sticking point now: fish. The UK officially left the EU...
Read MoreThe Financial Fitness Challenge: Tips for Strengthening Your Financial Health
Diet books. Fitness apps. Live-streamed exercise classes. They all tell you the same thing: Maintaining good physical health requires discipline and adherence to a few simple habits, such as eating wisely, getting enough sleep, and...
Read MoreCharitable Giving and Donating Toys
As the holidays approach, many children start to make wish lists, but unfortunately, not all children have someone to give them gifts. Luckily, there are many charities that help get holiday gifts and joy to children. If you're...
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