Stocks started 2023 on a positive note as the S&P 500 Index climbed 7.5% in the 1st Quarter, but the path to these gains wasn’t easy. After market momentum in January, investors turned fearful in February over rising inflation and higher rate hikes from the Federal Reserve. March brought more…
The S&P 500 Index ended 2022 with a positive quarter as it rose 7.5%, but it wasn’t enough to turn around a terrible year for equities. Investors saw signs of optimism in easing inflation figures, raising the possibility of a slower pace of future rate hikes from the Federal Reserve.…
Despite a summer rally that lifted the S&P 500 out of bear market territory, stocks ended the 3rd Quarter down nearly 5% and back in a bear market. Inflation remained high throughout the quarter even with slight improvements since its June peak. Persistently high consumer prices pushed the Federal Reserve…
Concerns about the economy and uncertainty about geopolitical events rattled investors to start 2022. Stocks declined in January and February, then became more stable in March. The Fed raised interest rates for the first time in nearly four years and set expectations for continued increases through the rest of the…
The stock market ended the year with positive momentum, despite a spell of volatility in the 4th Quarter following reports of monthly inflation rising at a pace not seen in decades. Strong corporate earnings helped sustain the equity rally, although many firms struggled with ongoing supply chain issues and labor…
Stock markets hit some headwinds in the 3rd Quarter after rising earlier in the summer. Strong reports on economic growth and the return of business activity were countered by concerns over inflation and uncertainty in global markets, particularly China. The S&P 500 managed a small gain of 0.6% for Q3.…
Some uncertainty returned to U.S. equity markets in Q1 as concerns grew about a spike in inflation and the potential for more interest rate hikes from the Federal Reserve. Stocks had some challenging days in February and March, and the S&P 500 Index saw its first quarterly loss in over…
Taking control of your own financial plan is an important goal. But how do you best accomplish this? And how can a financial planner assist? What financial planners do for a living is obvious from their title: they help people plan for many different aspects of their financial life, from…