Views from the Hill

With activity in many industries sharply curtailed in an effort to reduce the chances of spreading the coronavirus, some economists say a recession is inevitable, if one hasn’t already begun.1 From a markets perspective, we have already experienced a drop … Continue reading →

Are you puzzled when the media broadcasts bleak economic or health reports from yesterday, only to be accompanied by upwardly surging stock market prices? You’re not alone. The last few months produced many examples of astonishing stock market performance and … Continue reading →

Stock market slides over days or months may lead someone with investments to anticipate a down year for their portfolio results. Fear from a coronavirus-induced business downturn has resulted in the greatest and fastest fall of stock prices in American … Continue reading →

Markets globally are recovering more rapidly than you might expect after reading about today’s new Coronavirus deaths or how unemployment figures in the U.S are hitting record highs. Over the past two months, we’ve all experienced a roller-coaster of emotions—especially … Continue reading →

Around the world a spreading coronavirus is raising distressing concerns. Will it be contained or become a pandemic? Uncertainty has been experienced globally, and it is unsettling both on a human level and for investors concerned how a spreading epidemic … Continue reading →

Many Investors in recent years have developed a preference for stock dividends to generate income needs. In today’s historically low interest rate environment, such stocks are more attractive than the familiar bonds or bank CDs they used to buy and … Continue reading →

When faced with short-term noise, it is easy to lose sight of the potential long-term benefits of simply staying invested. For investors planning their goals, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the relentless stream of news about markets. … Continue reading →

The year 2019 provided many examples of unpredictable markets. Interest rates that U.S. policy makers expected to rise, instead fell. American consumers’ confidence weakened as the year began,1 and news headlines broadcast fears of a pending economic slowdown. Market returns … Continue reading →

The fourth quarter is still an opportunity for some smart tax planning. 1. Remember to maximize retirement saving accounts If you’ve turned 50, you’re able to make a catch-up contribution of $6,000 in your 401(k) or 403(b) plan. It’s not … Continue reading →

While recent volatility of American stock markets may worry some investors, market declines are a normal part of investing and part of the reason why stocks have a higher expected return than other investments. Stock market declines in July and … Continue reading →