Tag: Current Events

A Roaring Start to Earnings Season

Jul 28, 2021

earnings season sign
Favorable forecasts lead analysts to raise their projections for the year ahead.

Corporate earnings season has begun, and the results are turning heads on Wall Street.

Of the 120 companies in the S&P 500 index that reported numbers as of Friday, July 23, 89% of them beat the Street’s earnings-per-share estimates by an average of nearly 21%.1 (more…)

Tags: , ,



Eldercare Choices in the COVID-19 Era

Jul 26, 2021

eldercare tree
Exploring your extended care options may be wise at this time

Given the threat of COVID-19, seniors today may be considering their eldercare alternatives with extra caution.

In addition to health factors, the cost can be an issue. According to Genworth’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, the median annual cost of a semi-private room in a nursing home is now $90,000. A single-occupancy room may cost over $100,000 a year.1 (more…)

Tags: , , , , ,



A 6.1% Bump in Social Security?

Jul 22, 2021

COLA and Social Security
COLA and Social Security

The news keeps getting better for Social Security recipients.

It’s now projected that benefits will increase 6.1% in 2022, up from the 4.7% forecast just two months ago. That would be the most significant increase since 1983.1,2 (more…)

Tags: , , ,



Billionaires and Space Travel

Jul 19, 2021

Billionaire space travel
The business world heads to space

It’s long been an aspirational target for entrepreneurs. It literally goes beyond “blue sky,” in terms of location, to a place no business has gone before: Outer Space! The name of the game is commercial space travel. (more…)

Tags:



The Quiet Fall in Bond Yields

Jul 16, 2021

Bond yields clock ticks down
What’s behind the quiet fall in bond yields?

With all the attention given to inflation, stock prices, and job reports, it’s been easy to overlook the remarkable move in the bond market during the past few months as bond yields have fallen.

The yield on the 10-year treasury closed at 1.37% on Friday, July 9, down from its 2021 high of 1.74% in late March.1 (more…)

Tags: , , ,



Oil Prices Hit Six-Year High

Jul 14, 2021

oil prices charge arm and a leg
As demand outpaces supply, inflation concerns rise

On July 6, oil prices reached a six-year high of $76.98 a barrel. This benchmark came as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies failed to reach an agreement regarding an increase in production.1

This rise in cost follows a year in which OPEC and allies cut production amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. As a surge in demand rises, production has yet to ramp up to pre-pandemic levels. This idea of “demand being greater than supply” should sound familiar, as we’ve seen similar economic trends in everything from semiconductors to lumber and cars. (more…)

Tags:



Summer Travel is Back

Jun 21, 2021

summer travel in airport
Summer travel stats show an industry in recovery

One of the most anticipated comebacks of 2021 isn’t an athlete, rock star, or movie franchise. It’s summer travel, and it appears to be back with a vengeance.

Travel agents are working 14-hour days to meet the needs of eager travelers. People aren’t just taking road trips, either; airports are reporting being at 80% of pre-COVID capacity, while the TSA screenings reached two million for the first time since the pandemic. (more…)

Tags: ,



Inflation & the Real Rate of Return

Jun 16, 2021

The real rate of return is an important personal finance concept to understand. And it goes hand-in-hand with the rate of inflation.

It’s the rate of return on your investments after inflation. The real rate of return indicates whether you are gaining or losing purchasing power with your money. (more…)

Tags: , , , ,



Are You Ready for the Second Act of the Secure Act?

Jun 14, 2021

Secure Act
Some potential benefits are coming

Recently, you may have seen headlines regarding the Securing a Strong Retirement Act, also referred to as the second version of the SECURE Act, or SECURE Act 2.0. (more…)

Tags: , , , , , ,



America’s Economy Recovering from COVID

Jun 9, 2021

With COVID, there were some who believed that progress on this health issue was a necessary precondition to economic recovery.

In recent weeks, we have seen some promising trends emerge on the health front. The CDC is reporting the provision of 295 million vaccinations; 51% of Americans have had at least one injection.1 (more…)

Tags: , , ,



More Insights

Jul 9, 2025

Few terms in personal finance are as important, or used as frequently, as “risk.” Nevertheless, few terms are as imprecisely defined. Generally, when financial advisors or the media talk about investment risk, their focus is on the historical price volatility of the asset or investment under discussion.

Jul 7, 2025

As Americans get their grills and beach chairs ready for the July 4th holiday, the stock market and the weather across much of the country have both been on heaters. Stocks and bonds continue to effectively navigate a complex policy landscape shaped by evolving trade dynamics, geopolitical tensions, and fiscal stimulus. The market’s resilience in … Continue reading “Market Update – America Gets Record High Stock Prices for Its Birthday”

Jun 20, 2025

Birthdays may seem less important as you grow older. They may not offer the impact of watershed moments such as getting a driver’s license at 16 and voting at 18. But beginning at age 50, there are several key birthdays that can affect your tax situation, health-care eligibility, and retirement benefits.

Jun 18, 2025

During times like these when geopolitical headlines can be unsettling for investors, we at LPL Research like to remind ourselves of one of our key investing principles. Markets have always faced challenges —ranging from geopolitical conflicts and economic downturns to natural disasters, political upheaval and health crises. These events often trigger short-term volatility and shake … Continue reading “Why Long Term Investing Beats Selling in Volatile Times”

Jun 16, 2025

Are you concerned about the inheritance taxes your heirs may have to pay? Then you may want to consider creating charitable lead trusts.

Insights + Resources >