Investing

You snooze and win – Market Brief November 6, 2023 Financial Advisor

jim Financial advisor, Investing, Investment Management, Market Brief, Retirement Planning, wealth management , , , ,

It’s that time of the year again when we bid farewell to longer daylight hours and welcome the coziness of fall. And as daylight saving time ends, it’s an opportune moment to examine the daily habits that affect overall success.

Wondering how sleep and your money are related? New research found that people performed better on cognition tests when they were allowed to snooze for an additional 30 minutes (New York Times), and those who employ a budget tend to be more optimistic and have better overall mental health (Forbes). Also, you don’t have to be a genius to know that establishing valuable routines – like those of CEOs and top industry thought leaders (Wall Street Journal) – can ultimately lead to better decision-making, too, both financially and in other areas of your life.

Remember, taking care of your health and financial wellness isn’t a one-and-done. It’s in the continual small steps you take every day. And the great news is you’re not going it alone. Speaking of which, if you need that extra push to update an allocation or set new goals for 2024, now’s the time to talk!

Sometimes, when the world seems chaotic, spending as little money as possible can feel like the only thing that makes sense with our finances. But is that the right approach for right now? When it comes to your overall wellness, it’s not just about pinching pennies. True success encompasses achieving a well-balanced and fulfilling life. Saving and investing are to help you pursue long-term goals. It’s equally important to consider your emotional goals along the way.

Life is meant to be LIVED, after all.

If you’re considering a change that may not make financial sense right now. Whether it be a sabbatical or other type of leave, a dream vacation, or undertaking a home renovation. Consider it an aspiration that may be worth it in the grander scheme of things. Remember, not every decision needs to revolve solely around numbers and spreadsheets. Working together, we can better understand your aspirations, habits, and tendencies. So you can identify moments when taking a risk could be beneficial – in more ways than money.

Market Brief

The stock market is coming off its best week of 2023. But it is also coming off its first three-month losing streak since the first three months of 2020.

Earnings reports should be the main driver of stock prices this week, as there are no top-shelf economic reports due. The highlight of the week will be when Fed Chairman Powell speaks to the IMF on Wednesday and Thursday. Mortgage Rates softened to 7.76% for the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. Rates are still at their highest level in more than 20 years. Last week was the best week in 2023.

Last week, the Fed kept interest rates steady, as expected, and employment data boosted stocks. Dow was up 5.1%, S&P 500 up 5.9% and Nasdaq up 6.6% for the week. Year-to-date, all indices are in the positive.

Independent, fee-only, fiduciary standard | Erie CO Financial Advisor serving greater Denver/Boulder | Investment Management, Retirement Planning, Wealth Management 

#investing #marketbrief #stockmarket #retirement #wealthmanagement #financialadvisor #retirementplanning #investmentmanagement #retirementincomeplanning

Click here if you would like to learn more about your options and if we can assist you with your wealth management, investment, and retirement planning.

This website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be specific advice or recommendations. For specific advice or recommendations you would need to meet directly with one of our advisers. This is not a solicitation or offer of service in states we are not licensed in.

If age is just a number, make it a really high number

jim Financial advisor, Investing, Investment Management, Retirement Planning, wealth management , , , ,

What if you lived to the age of 120 years old? Imagine all the experiences, memories, and milestones you could see. Yet as incredulous as that age sounds, the topic of longevity amid growing technological advances is gaining more traction recently in the news.

It raises an important concern I hear all too often. How can you make your money last and plan for retirement when you don’t know how long you’ll live? As living well into your centenarian years becomes a more imaginable prospect, it’s essential to consider the financial implications. The last thing any of us would want is to outlive our savings, right?

old age

Ensuring your financial security in an uncertain future, for an undetermined number of years, a proactive approach is key. Let’s start with what’s possible and what’s within your control. Together, we can develop your roadmap to a more secure future, no matter how long it lasts. Start today!

The Week Ahead

Over the weekend, the conflict that erupted in the Middle East adds additional risks to the global economic outlook. This includes prospects of new inflationary trends. Not only are investors awaiting the September consumer price index and but also the Fed’s latest meeting minutes. The first 3Q earnings reports from major banks come out later in the week. Headline inflation has been rising. If core prices continue to ease, the Fed may push its final rate hike of 2023 to the December meeting.

Several FOMC members are speaking throughout the week. On Wednesday, the Fed will release minutes from their last meeting. Which may shed light on the Fed’s surprise hawkish turn and how concerned they may be about overtightening. Accordingly, with the Fed indicating “higher for longer” along with another potential hike, those yields from three years ago seem like a generational low. Year-to-date the S&P 500 is up 12.2%, Dow up 0.79%, and Nasdaq up 28.33% through end of day last Friday.

Financial Advisor Erie CO focus on investment and wealth management, retirement planning; Boulder, Louisville, Niwot, Lafayette, Windsor, Berthoud, CO

Click here if you would like to learn more about your options and if we can assist you with your wealth management, investment, and retirement planning.

This website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be specific advice or recommendations. For specific advice or recommendations you would need to meet directly with one of our advisers. This is not a solicitation or offer of service in states we are not licensed in.

The Final Countdown, Make the Most of It!

jim Financial advisor, Investing, Investment Management, Retirement Planning, wealth management , , , , , ,

There’s nothing like the pressure of a deadline to get people moving. Last week, the countdown began into the final 100 days of 2023. Stop wasting days and make the most of it.

This week let’s emphasize the importance of making the most of these remaining days. And with good reason: The pursuit of goals – and stretching toward new ones – is not just about accumulating wealth; it’s also about feeling a sense of fulfillment, purpose, and happiness. By setting clear objectives and holding fast to your ultimate long-term strategy – especially amid uncertain times like we’re facing now with a looming government shutdown, striking workers, and a high interest rate environment – it’s still possible to not only survive these ups and downs but thrive despite them. Ask me how.

Final Countdown

We review your position this fall and decide where to make progress before the holidays hit. Amidst the chaos of modern life and the confusing economic landscape, finding clarity and focus can be a game-changer for your financial well-being. The art of subtraction is a powerful tool that can help you navigate through the noise and concentrate on your core long-term goals.

In a world that often encourages accumulation and constant addition, the concept of subtracting may seem counterintuitive. The practice of distilling your aspirations down to their essence is liberating. We often find ourselves chasing after an extensive bucket list, constantly consumed by desires for more. I invite you to try creating a “chuck it list” – a collection of things, experiences, or even habits that you are willing to let go of to simplify your life.

We have developed a strategic financial plan that aligns with your values and aspirations. Helping you pursue the life you truly desire. When you feel overwhelmed by options, headlines, and other distractions, reach out. I can help you subtract the unnecessary and stay on track.

Have a great day, the Final Countdown (for 2023) is here, make the most of it!

Click here if you would like to learn more about your options and if we can assist you with your wealth management, investment, and retirement planning.

Financial Advisor Erie CO investments, wealth management, retirement planning in Boulder, Broomfield, Louisville, Niwot, Lafayette, Windsor, Berthoud, CO

#investing #marketbrief #stockmarket #retirement #wealthmanagement #financialadvisor #retirementplanning #investmentmanagement #retirementincomeplanning

This website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be specific advice or recommendations. For specific advice or recommendations you would need to meet directly with one of our advisers. This is not a solicitation or offer of service in states we are not licensed in.

Corporate Earnings On Deck – Market Brief April 18, 2022

jim Financial advisor, Investing, Investment Management, Market Brief, retirement, Retirement Income Planning, Retirement Planning, wealth management , , , , ,
corporate earnings

Investors seek value as rising rates hurt growth stocks. U.S. equity performance was mixed in a shortened week as inflation and interest rates weighed on sentiment. Corporate earnings season accelerates, with Q1 reports due from companies in several key industry groups, including banks, trucking, airlines, metals, and technology. The Dow down 0.78%, S&P down 2.11%, and Nasdaq down 2.62%.

Last Week

The S&P 500 declined for a second straight week as the market offered little optimism to investors with climbing inflation and mixed Q2 earnings reports. Materials were the best performing sector in the S&P 500 during the week while Information Technology lagged. The yield on the ten-year treasury bill climbed to 2.83%, over 100 basis points higher than a year ago. This dampened growth stocks during the week. Oil spiked over $10/barrel over three days as peace talks between Russia and Ukraine stalled. Energy stocks beat the market last week. J.P. Morgan kicked off the 2Q22 corporate earnings season with quarterly profit that was 42% lower than a year ago.

In economic news last week, key data included Retail Sales, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment. Retail Sales rose 0.5% in March, slightly below the consensus forecast and down from the previous month. Sales at gas stations accounted for much of the increase, with an 8.9% rise from the prior month. Not surprising given the jump in oil prices. The Consumer Price Index rose 8.5%, its highest rate since 1981, up from 7.9% in February. The sharp increase reflected an 11% jump in energy prices. Some economists believe that recent high inflation may be the peak. However, the March data is far above the Fed’s long-term 2% target and moving in the wrong direction. University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment rose to a better-than-expected 65.7 in April, up from 59.4 in February.

Week Ahead – Corporate Earnings

The stock market opens today with corporate earnings season ramping up. Banks and financial companies will lead off, including Bank of America and American Express, as well as many regional banks. Other companies reporting this week include IBM, Halliburton, Lockheed Martin, Johnson & Johnson, Tesla, Alcoa, Procter & Gamble, AT&T, Verizon, Netflix, American Airlines, and United Airlines. The wide range of reporting companies will help give economists a sense of how different sectors are weathering inflation, rising interest rates, and the impact of the war in Ukraine and economic sanctions on Russia.

Key economic data due this week include Housing Starts, Existing Home Sales, and Leading Economic Indicators (LEI). For Housing Starts, economists expect March to be down from February. For Existing Home Sales, the consensus also calls for March to be down from a month earlier. While the housing market has been red-hot for many years, it has started to cool in recent months. Housing could face further pressure from aggressive Fed rate hikes. Economists see LEI coming in at 0.3% for March, in line with the February rate.

Year-to-date index performance; Dow down 5.2%, S&P down 7.8%, and Nasdaq down 14.7% through the close on Friday.

Click here if you would like to learn more about your options and if we can assist you with your wealth management, investment, and retirement planning.

Erie CO Financial Advisor; investments, wealth management, retirement income planning; Boulder, Broomfield, Louisville, Niwot, Windsor, Berthoud CO

This website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be specific advice or recommendations. For specific advice or recommendations you would need to meet directly with one of our advisers.

Santa Rally & Make Merry This Season

jim Financial advisor, Investing, Investment Management, Market Brief, Retirement Income Planning, Retirement Planning, wealth management , , , , , ,
Santa Rally

Santa Rally or not, we’ve been through a lot in 2021 – more quarantining, hybrid work environments, ups and downs in the economy, and political uncertainty. Chances are, you’ve been so busy adjusting to all the changes while also trying to hold onto family ties and traditions that you’ve had little time to relax and enjoy this special time of year. 

Well, now is your time. Take it. One of the most valuable things you can do in a busy season is to find moments of “me time.” Prioritizing wellness, including in your financial life, and taking time to set your strategy allows you to more generously show up for others and extend goodwill. I can help show you how. So, go ahead, start the timer. Carve out a few minutes for yourself today.

Last Week

Equities moved higher after risks that the Omicron COVID variant would slow down economic activity wanned. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq indexes posted gains over 3%, and Dow was up 4.05% for the week, as volatility fell. The S&P hit a new all-time high on Friday. Every S&P 500 sector was positive. Crude oil jumped nearly 9% to climb back above $70 per barrel. Consumer prices rose 6.8% Year-over-Year and 0.8% Month-over-Month in November. This was the fastest annual pace since 1982, and in-line with expectations. Consumer sentiment rose to 70.4 in December, still lower than a year ago due to higher household inflation expectations.

On the labor front, resignations declined by 4.7% in October. Openings moved back up to 11.03M, up 4.1% Month-over-Month and just below the all-time high. Weekly jobless claims sank to a multi-decade low of 184K. Paychecks and hours worked grew in Q3, but productivity slumped 5.2%, worse than initial reports.

Week Ahead – Santa Rally or Coal to Wrap up 2021

The last full week before the holiday season begins. Will the Santa Rally continue, or finish the year with a lump of coal? This week features four central bank meetings and a host of economic releases. On Wednesday, the FOMC may reveal an accelerated tapering timeline. Markets are already pricing in better than 50% odds of a rate hike by May 2022. More inflation figures are reported with U.S. PPI on Tuesday, followed by CPI from the UK and Canada the next day.

This week also brings the first look at manufacturing and services PMIs for December in the U.S. and Eurozone. China’s monthly data dump will include annual figures for retail sales and industrial production. Other events of note include U.S. retail sales, regional manufacturing updates from New York and Philadelphia, and Australia’s employment account. The week closes with UK retail sales and Germany’s business sentiment information.

Year-to-date index performance; Dow up 17.53%, S&P up 25.45%, and Nasdaq up 21.28% through the close on Friday.

Happy holidays, see you next year!

Click here if you would like to learn more about your options and if we can assist you with your wealth management, investment, and retirement planning.

This website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be specific advice or recommendations. For specific advice or recommendations you would need to meet directly with one of our advisers.