November 2024 Recap … [Read more...]
A Quarter-Point Rate Cut Days After the Election
Implications for household finances, stock markets and bond markets In a recent decision, the Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point, a move aimed at bolstering the economy amid ongoing uncertainty. Interest rate adjustments are a fundamental part of the Fed's monetary policy toolkit, used to manage economic growth, control inflation, and respond to potential economic downturns. Here is how this rate cut might impact households, stock markets, and bond … [Read more...]
October is National Financial Planning Month
Five unique ways a financial advisor can help you reach your personal goals October is National Financial Planning Month, an important time for individuals and families to focus on their financial well-being. As the year winds down, it's a perfect opportunity to review your finances, create goals for the upcoming year, and ensure that you're on the right track to achieve financial stability. National Financial Planning Month is designed to raise awareness about the benefits of thoughtful, … [Read more...]
Fed Rate Cut: Short & Medium-Term Implications
While important, it should not be the sole driver of your investment decisions The Federal Reserve plays a pivotal role in the U.S. economy, and one of its most influential tools is the adjustment of interest rates. When the Fed cuts interest rates, it can have wide-reaching effects across the economy, including for consumers, stock market investors, and bond market investors. Recently, the Fed decided to cut rates by 50 basis points (0.50%), a significant move that signals a shift in monetary … [Read more...]
A Day That Changed the Financial World Forever
Remembering and reflecting on 9/11 and how that day reshaped the world On September 11, 2001, the world stood still. As news of the terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania unfolded, shockwaves of grief and disbelief reverberated around the globe. Thousands of innocent lives were lost that day, and the emotional scars left on the nation and the world are profound and enduring. However, the ripple effects of 9/11 went beyond the human toll, impacting various sectors … [Read more...]
Investing in You During the Dog Days of August
A perfect time to deepen your financial knowledge and prepare for tomorrow The "Dog Days of August" traditionally refers to the hottest and often most lethargic days of summer. Derived from the period when the star Sirius, known as the "Dog Star," rises with the sun, this time of year has historically been associated with inactivity, particularly in ancient Roman and Greek culture. However, this slower pace offers a perfect opportunity to shift focus from the hustle and bustle of daily life … [Read more...]
The CrowdStrike Outage & Safeguarding Records
Proactive steps to safeguard financial planning records and documents CrowdStrike is a prominent cybersecurity technology company specializing in endpoint protection, threat intelligence, and cyberattack response services. Known for its innovative approach to cybersecurity, CrowdStrike provides businesses with comprehensive tools to prevent, detect, and respond to security threats. Their Falcon platform uses artificial intelligence to analyze and protect against potential threats in real-time, … [Read more...]
The Beige Book
Fed’s Beige Book: Evidence of Cooling Economy? Providing insights into the trajectory of the economy and monetary policy As the Federal Reserve's Beige Book prepares for release this week, investors are keenly watching for further evidence of a cooling economy. This comprehensive report, which compiles anecdotes about current economic conditions from the Fed’s 12 regional banks, comes at a pivotal moment. Recent government data indicating a slowdown in inflation has already set the stage for … [Read more...]
The Importance of a Mid-Year Financial Review
It is not just a routine task, but a strategic necessity to align with your goals As we reach the halfway mark of the year, it's a prime opportunity to assess your financial planning goals and review your investment portfolio. This mid-year check-in is essential for ensuring that you stay on track to meet your financial objectives. The economic landscape can shift significantly within a few months, affecting various asset classes differently. Therefore, reassessing your portfolio allows you … [Read more...]
Protect Against a Scorching Market and Weather
Intense summer heat and hot stock market both demand a careful approach As the first days of summer arrive, the nation finds itself in the grip of two concurrent heat waves: one from the atmosphere and one from the financial markets. While an intense heat dome blankets the Midwest and Northeast, driving temperatures to record-breaking highs, the stock market, led by the S&P 500 and NASDAQ, is also experiencing unprecedented surges. The current heat wave and the buoyant stock market share … [Read more...]