Category: Epic Insights

The Best, the Brightest, and Inflation

Sep 20, 2021

inflation
The Fed may be ready to alter course.

If you are feeling a bit confused about the direction of inflation, you’re in good company. Some of the best and brightest economists in the country are having a tough time getting their arms around the current inflation trends.

The most recent Producer Price Index reading came in above economists’ estimates at a record level of 8.3% compared with a year earlier. Producer prices can be an indicator of future price changes at the consumer level.

One way to gauge inflation is to watch the people responsible for managing inflation – the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors. In recent weeks, several governors have indicated they are comfortable with how the economy is recovering. So comfortable that they appear ready to slightly change course with monetary policy in the next few months.2

Does that mean inflation will be lower in six to nine months? Time will tell, but keeping an eye on the Fed’s actions may be one of the best ways to see what’s next for prices.

Remember, inflation is just one factor to consider when making adjustments to a portfolio. But if you’re getting uncomfortable, please reach out. We welcome the chance to speak with you if you see higher prices.

 

For more insights and resources, be sure to sign up for our Weekly Market Commentary. Follow our YouTube channel where we regularly post our Epic Market Minute videos. Follow us on LinkedIn, or like us on Facebook. And as always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a dedicated service professional at Epic Capital.



The Bull Market Continues … For Now

Sep 15, 2021

Worries are adding up, even as stocks hit new highs.

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. All of this has happened with very little volatility, as the S&P 500 hasn’t had so much as a 5% pullback since last October. (more…)

Tags: , , , ,



Making Sense of Seemingly Inconsistent Numbers

Sep 13, 2021

Wise investors take the “big picture” view.

It can be incredibly difficult to make sense of data. A report coming from one body may tell you one thing, and another report might seem to offer a wholly different perspective. (more…)



The September Market Weakness Effect

Sep 10, 2021

September Market Weakness
Investors ending their fiscal year can lead to some market weakness

The stock market notched its 7th straight month of gains in August, and the Standard & Poor’s 500 index has set 53 new highs so far in 2021.But stormy clouds may be on the horizon as we roll into the September market weakness effect. (more…)

Tags: , , ,



401(k) Millionaires

Sep 1, 2021

401k
What does this mean for your overall retirement strategy

Your workplace retirement account can play a critical role in your overall retirement strategy. However, some have gone further with the accounts than others, especially recently. (more…)

Tags: , , ,



Distracted Americans During Covid

Aug 30, 2021

Consumer Habits during Covid
Consumer habits are changing as we spend more time at home

Over the last year, many have seen their lives impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ways in which we work, live, and communicate have drastically changed, to say the least. (more…)

Tags: ,



The Federal Reserve Can’t Keep a Secret

Aug 27, 2021

Federal Reserve
Are the Fed presidents telling tales out of school?

If you have a secret, don’t tell anyone at the Federal Reserve Bank. They may leak the story before you’d like.

In early August, multiple regional Federal Reserve Bank presidents hit the speaking tour. (more…)

Tags: , , ,



Mixed Signals on Inflation

Aug 25, 2021

Inflation Stock market signals
What to know as markets look forward

Are you having a tough time keeping track of mixed inflation signals? You’re not alone.

Consumer prices in July climbed at their fastest rate since August 2008. Worse, producer prices, which can be an indicator of future price changes at the consumer level, rose at the highest rate since tracking began.1 (more…)

Tags: , , ,



Will Air Travel Problems Persist?

Aug 23, 2021

Air travel departures
How might these problems affect you?

The airline industry plotted a course for recovery in 2021, but recent difficulties may have put that plan into a holding pattern. Air travel in 2021 is far from that path of recovery anybody was hoping for. (more…)

Tags:



Fixed Index Annuities

Aug 18, 2021

Dropping money in a piggy bank
What are they? How do they work?

What is a fixed index annuity? Don’t let the investment jargon put you off, Fixed Index Annuities are simpler than they sound. A Fixed Index Annuity is a tax-favored accumulation product issued by an insurance company. However, unlike fixed deferred interest rate annuities, a Fixed Index Annuity’s annual growth is tied to a market index like the Standard & Poor’s 500 rather than an interest rate. (more…)

Tags:



More Insights

May 1, 2024

Incapacity can strike anyone at any time. Estate Planning plans for it By definition, estate planning is a process designed to help you manage and preserve your assets while you are alive, and to conserve and control their distribution after your death according to your goals and objectives. But what estate planning means to you … Continue reading “Estate Planning Intro”

Apr 29, 2024

You’re beginning to accumulate substantial wealth, but you worry about protecting it from future potential creditors. Whether your concern is for your personal assets or your business, various tools exist to keep your property safe from tax collectors, accident victims, health-care providers, credit card issuers, business creditors, and creditors of others. To insulate your property … Continue reading “Estate Planning – Protecting Your Assets”

Apr 26, 2024

It seems like we just can’t stop talking about the Federal Reserve (Fed). After an aggressive rate hiking campaign that we think ended last year, markets were expecting the Fed to start cutting interest rates as early as next month. But withan economy that continues to surprise to the upside, along with inflationary pressures that … Continue reading “Market Update – The Patient Pause”

Apr 24, 2024

A thoughtful retirement strategy may help you pursue your many retirement goals. That strategy must consider many factors, and here are just a few: your income needs, the order of your withdrawals from taxable and tax-advantaged retirement accounts, the income tax implications of those withdrawals, and sequence of return risk.

Apr 22, 2024

Losing a spouse is a stressful transition. And the added pressure of having to settle the estate and organize finances can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make dealing with these matters less difficult.

Insights + Resources >