Market Update – What a Pullback Could Look Like
Aug 16, 2023
Key Takeaways:
- While there is strong support for stocks being in a bull market, overbought conditions, weak seasonality, rising interest rate volatility, and ongoing uncertainty over monetary policy suggest a shorter-term pullback in this rally could be underway.
- In terms of downside, support for the S&P 500 sets up at 4,450 (June highs), 4,432 (50-day moving average), and near the 4,200-4,300 range (uptrend/prior highs). We believe the latter support range is the most likely spot for a bounce given the confluence of support in this area, the degree of record-high cash sitting in money market assets, and the fact many investors missed the first half rally.
- Don’t panic—pullbacks are normal, even during years with above-average returns. History suggests a 5-10% drawdown between now and year-end is not uncommon, even during years with strong rallies into August. However, even with a drawdown, the S&P 500 has still historically generated positive average returns into year-end.
Tags: Current Events
Should You Downsize for Retirement
Jul 31, 2023
You want to retire, and you own a large home that is nearly or fully paid off. The kids are gone, but the upkeep costs haven’t fallen. Should you retire and keep your home? Or sell your home and retire? Maybe it’s time to downsize for retirement. (more…)
Tags: Current Events, financial advisor charlotte nc, Personal Finance, Retirement Planning
The Taylor Swift Era – Consumer Spending Inflation Clarity
Jul 21, 2023
As the dog days of summer roll on, and many of us are taking advantage of warm weather and time off to enjoy experiences, American consumer spending patterns are coming into focus. One experience in particular has captured the most attention and has managed to exemplify today’s consumer—Taylor Swift’s ‘The Eras Tour.’ As the tour scorches through the summer (and in an admittedly light economic data week) we take a look at the revenue generation, and economic trajectory of the world’s biggest pop star’s shows, and how it translates to shifting consumer spending habits that shape inflation. (more…)
Tags: Current Events, Financial Planning, Personal Finance
Market Update – Earnings Preview
Jul 14, 2023
Earnings season for the second quarter of 2023 kicks off this week, with some of the largest domestic banks, namely JPMorgan Chase (JPM), Wells Fargo (WFC), and Citigroup (C), reporting results on Friday. FactSet consensus estimates show Q2 earnings for the S&P 500 dropping roughly 7% when compared to a year ago, down from the nearly 2% decline in the prior quarter and significantly lower than the 5-year earnings growth average of 12%. (more…)
Tags: Current Events
Market Update – The Mid Point
Jul 7, 2023
As we finalize the log on the first six months of 2023, we believe there’s value in reflecting on recent months gone by. Doing so can help crystallize key learnings and help chart a course through the rest of the year. Looking back on the first half of 2023, it’s probably fair to say the outcome has been a bit better-than-expected for the stock and bond markets, especially compared to 2022’s tumult. (more…)
Tags: Certified Financial Planner Charlotte NC, charlotte NC, Current Events, financial advisor, Financial Planning, Investment Planning
Market Update: Muni Returns the Second Half of the Year
Jun 28, 2023
It’s been a case of one step forward, two steps back for municipal (muni) bond investors this year. What started out as one of the best January’s in recent memory for munis, quickly turned into one of the worst February’s on record. And monthly returns have been uneven since. So, what can muni investors expect the rest of the year? Some thoughts: (more…)
Tags: Current Events
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…)
Tags: charlotte NC, Current Events
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
More Insights
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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.
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