The first half of 2020 was quite a rollercoaster ride for the financial markets. The S&P 500 reflected the unparalleled drop in economic activity during the first quarter with a sharp decline (-19.5%). It was the fastest peak to bear market drop in history. Fortunately, the country began moving out [...]

The Secure Act has dominated recent headlines; however, the Social Security Administration has released the changes for 2020 and they are just as impactful. Below is a quick overview of what to expect for this year. You are receiving a raise! Social Security checks are increasing by 1.6% this year. [...]

The books have closed on 2019 and it was one for the ages. When the dust settled, the S&P 500 closed the year up 31%. A great year by any measure. The economic recovery that began in July, 2009 finished its 10th year and is now the longest running economic [...]

The market was crazy fickle this month with multiple rallies and declines packed within a mere four-week period. Blame it on news related to world economic growth slowing, the Fed’s next rate decision or the US / China trade talks. By month’s end, participants should be glad the market only [...]

Barring some unforeseen event, the current economic expansion will become one for the record books next month. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the expansion beginning in July, 2009 has run exactly 10 years (120 months) matching the 1990’s expansion as the longest on record. By the end [...]

Trade negotiations dominated the headlines in May stalling the rally enjoyed to date. Given the strong market performance, investors may have been pricing in a trade deal between the US and China. When the prospects of a deal started to fade in early May, market participants became a little anxious [...]

April was another strong month for investors. The much better than expected first quarter gross domestic product (GDP) number and corporate earnings season results were the primary drivers. Specifically, first quarter GDP came in at 3.2% which was much stronger than the 2.5% expected. Financials, mega cap tech stocks and [...]

The first quarter may have come to an end but investors don’t want the market advance it experienced to end. The last three months posted the strongest quarterly gains since the first quarter of 1998 and the best individual quarter in 9.5 years. The rally was likely fueled by a [...]

The stock market is off to a great start as prices climbed for the second straight month in February. The 11.3% return experienced to date is the 5th strongest start to a year on record. The bullishness was likely the result of promising US-China trade talks, a more dovish stance [...]