Stock markets are riding high as we approach the end of 2019. The S&P 500 has returned nearly 30% with dividends, the MSCI EAFE index of developed markets is up over 21%, and the MSCI Emerging Markets index has gained about 15%. What's more, the largest pullback in the S&P 500 this year was only 7%. There are three key reasons for this outsized performance, and one important takeaway for investors as we enter 2020.
With the next presidential election less than a year away, many investors are bound to be concerned by the impact of politics on the stock market and economy. After all, the past three years have been politically turbulent to say the least. Even as we write this, Washington is in the midst of an impeachment hearing. On a short-term basis, headlines and tweets have the power to move markets and create stock market volatility. How should investors react to what may be a bitter presidential campaign?
After over a decade of steady growth, it's not unusual for the economy to be slowing. Throw in a mix of global issues such as trade wars and central bank activity, and it's no surprise that markets have been choppy over the past year. While there may continue to be market uncertainty, it's more important than ever for long-term investors to maintain perspective on how far both the economy and stock market have come since 2008.
If you’re reading this article and you have a cell phone, I’m sure you’ve gotten at least one robocall in the past year. Okay, maybe more like a hundred. Robocalls are just one example of cyber criminals and scammers trying to collect your personal information. Once they collect enough information, they can possibly steal your identity and make unauthorized purchases in your name. Cyber criminals are always honing their skills, so I am going to touch on three types of scams that are prevalent today.
You’ve heard it a thousand times, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day!” But is it really? It may not scientifically be more important than the other meals we eat throughout our day, but I think we can all agree that breakfast can be the most exciting. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, hash browns, do I need to keep going? Breakfast is delicious, and I wanted to share two new and unique breakfast recipes for the whole family to try.
Many people use credit cards every day. They account for 21% of spending according to research done in 2015 by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. There are some amazing benefits to using credit cards, but there are also an equal number of unfortunate downsides. We are going to help you sort through the pros and cons of using credit cards. When you have finished reading the article, you will be able to make an informed decision on whether or not a credit card is right for you.
Summer is one of the greatest times of the year. The kids are out of school, and there is more daylight in the sky. This means it is the perfect time of year for family activities. Luckily, we live in an amazing city with so much to offer! There are endless possibilities on how to spend your days, so we have created a short guide with our favorite activities in the Summit City. Get ready to have some fun!
Most people have a plan for when they would like to retire. But life doesn’t always go according to your plans, and sometimes you are thrown a curve ball. Your employer may be restructuring, you may have health problems, or maybe you have to care for an elderly parent. Either way, you now find yourself retired and are wondering what to do next. Here are three initial steps for effectively dealing with this scenario.