Market Update: Headline Inflation at Lowest Level Since April 2021
Jun 14, 2023
The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) print came towards the lower end of expectations with the overall headline inflation falling to the lowest level since April 2021. The encouraging trend in consumer prices will provide the Federal Reserve (Fed) some leeway to keep rates unchanged this month and if the trend continues, the Fed will likely not hike for the rest of the year. (more…)
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Investment Professionals and Advisors
Jun 12, 2023
A wealth of investment information is available if you want to do your own research before making investment decisions. However, many people aren’t comfortable sifting through balance sheets, profit-and-loss statements, and performance reports. Others just don’t have the time, energy, or desire to do the kind of thorough analysis that marks a smart investor.
Tags: Certified Financial Advisor Charlotte NC, Certified Financial Planner Charlotte NC, charlotte NC, Current Events, Financial Planning, Investing, Investment Planning, Investment Portfolio, Personal Finance, Retirement Planning
Creating an Investment Portfolio
Jun 9, 2023
You’ve identified your goals and done some basic research. You understand the difference between a stock and a bond. But how do you actually go about creating an investment portfolio? What specific investments are right for you? What resources are out there to help you with investment decisions? Do you need a financial professional to help you get started?Tags: Certified Financial Advisor Charlotte NC, Certified Financial Planner Charlotte NC, charlotte NC, Current Events, financial advisor, financial advisor charlotte nc, Financial Planner Charlotte NC, Investing, Investment Planning, Investment Portfolio, Personal Finance
Market Update: Glut of Treasury Issuance Coming
Jun 7, 2023
It seems like Treasury investors can’t catch a break. Last week, investors were concerned about a U.S. default (not a real risk, in our view) and this week, there is a lot of focus on the glut of Treasury issuance coming to market now that the debt ceiling drama is behind us. So should investors be worried? We don’t think so, but first, the specifics. (more…)
Tags: Current Events
Rental Car Insurance
Jun 5, 2023
The rental car you’re driving while on vacation or a business trip is nice–you almost wish you could take it home with you. But what happens if you have an accident while you’re renting it? When you do go home, the last thing you want to take back with you is the liability associated with a car you don’t even own.Tags: Certified Financial Planner Charlotte NC, Current Events, Insurance, Personal Finance
Market Update: Investor Sentiment Tested
May 5, 2023
Spring is often thought of as an uplifting time, marked by growth and renewed hope as we emerge from the long months of winter and look ahead to the rest of year. Investors saw signs of such renewed hope in recent weeks, especially on the inflation front as several inflation measures showed signs of improvement. We also saw markets stabilize after the surprisingly fast collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. But although it initially appeared that a stable spring would set the markets up for a calm, quiet summer, a flurry of recent activity is testing investor sentiment. (more…)
Tags: Certified Financial Planner Charlotte NC, Current Events
Market Update: Markets and the Economy Are Sometimes Out of Sync
Apr 28, 2023
- The U.S. economy grew 1.1% annualized in the first quarter, the third consecutive downshift in quarterly growth.
- Consumers started the year on strong footing as spending on both goods and services added to headline growth. But higher frequency data tell us that consumers have started to slip.
- The biggest drag on overall growth was a decrease in inventories as businesses prepared for weaker demand in the latter part of this year. The good news is if the economy does slide into recession, businesses will not likely have bloated inventories during a downturn in demand.
- The backward nature of the GDP report is possibly misleading for markets as we know consumers were still spending in January, but since March they have pulled back as they get more pessimistic about the future. The latest consumer confidence report corroborates that thesis.
- Bottom Line: The U.S. economy is likely at an inflection point as consumer spending has softened in recent months. The data is setting the Federal Reserve (Fed) up nicely for next week’s meeting. (more…)
Tags: Current Events
Market Update – An Economy with a Backache
Apr 19, 2023
- Small businesses, considered the backbone of the economy, are shrinking hiring plans. Hiring intentions among small businesses declined in March, implying that upcoming job reports will likely be lackluster.
- Firms are hunkering down as virtually no firms have plans to expand business operations. In fact, the number of firms reporting any expansion plans is the lowest since early 2009 when the economy was in the depths of the Great Financial Crisis.
- Small businesses are reporting more difficult access to credit. The percent reporting tighter credit is the highest since 2012 as lending institutions tighten up under the uncertainty of the macro landscape.
- Now, some good news. Inflation was less of a problem in March as firms are more concerned about the overall business environment as the economy slows under tighter financial conditions.
Tags: Certified Financial Planner Charlotte NC, charlotte NC, Current Events, financial advisor, financial advisor charlotte nc
Market Update – A Resilient March
Apr 10, 2023
The financial markets’ resilient performance during March was striking, despite pockets of uncertainty surrounding the strength of the economy—and not to mention concerns over the durability of the banking system. The ability of the market to navigate nearly two weeks of headline-related risk tested the underlying resolve of the market’s capacity to look ahead. (more…)
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Market Update: Three Takeaways from the Fed Decision
Mar 27, 2023
Overview
- As we expected, the Federal Reserve (Fed) raised the fed funds rate by 0.25%, pushing the upper bound to 5.00%.
- Financial conditions were stable enough for the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) to release updated projections, unlike the Fed’s decision back in March 2020 to delay updated projections due to financial instability.
- Yesterday, the Committee was unanimous in their decision, creating an aura of calm for markets.
- Financial stability is clearly a vital factor in future decisions, but as of now, the Fed will likely hike at least one more time at the May meeting.
- Tighter credit conditions translate into equivalent rate hikes. Therefore, the Fed can rightly soften their language that additional policy firming may (or may not) be appropriate.
Tags: Current Events
More Insights
Apr 19, 2024
Ever hear of critical illness insurance? This isn’t standard-issue disability insurance, but a cousin of sorts. With people living longer, it is a risk management option entering more people’s lives.
Apr 17, 2024
Following Iran’s missile and drone strikes on Israel over the weekend and the apparent escalation likely in any Israeli response, stocks fell sharply during Monday’s trading session. We examine the latest developments in the Middle East conflict, how stocks have reacted historically to geopolitical events, and the possible impact on markets moving forward.
Apr 15, 2024
Did you buy U.S. Savings Bonds decades ago? Or did your parents or grandparents purchase them for you? If they’re collecting dust in a drawer, you may want to take a look at them to see if any of your bonds have matured. If your bonds have matured, that means they are no longer earning … Continue reading “How US Savings Bonds Work”
Apr 12, 2024
In baseball, three strikes and you’re out. With inflation, a third straight month of hotter-than-expected consumer inflation data nearly ruled out probabilities for a June rate cut yesterday (now less than a 25% chance, according to fed funds futures). The core Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.4% in March, or 3.8% when compared on a … Continue reading “Market Update – Assessing the Prospect for a Pullback”
Apr 10, 2024
You know how important it is to plan for your retirement, but where do you begin? One of your first steps should be to estimate how much income you’ll need to fund your retirement. That’s not as easy as it sounds, because retirement planning is not an exact science. Your specific needs depend on your … Continue reading “Estimating Your Retirement Income Needs”
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