Market Brief

Best Way to Spread, or Keep, Holiday Cheer

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

‘Tis the season! And with it comes the age-old quandary: what do we give our loved ones? While traditional gifts such as toys and games, gift cards, and vacations are popular choices, consider giving a financial-related present. It could be the best gift of all, one that keeps on giving long after the holiday is over.

Financial gifts have the power to positively impact the recipient’s future. For younger people, contributing to a college fund or opening a savings account in their name can help set them up for success. For seniors, gifting shares of stock or a contribution to retirement savings can make the golden years even more enjoyable. Now is an opportune time to make your tax-deductible charitable donations as well.

Let’s discuss the possibilities, which can be tailored to suit each person’s age and needs. Whether it’s teaching kids about the importance of saving or helping adults invest in their future, these gifts can make a lasting difference. Who knows, you may just find the perfect gift that makes you unforgettable in someone else’s eyes.

And what about you this holiday season? We all love a good secret, one that positively impacts others. And this time of year is chock full of them. Whether it’s wondering who’s on Santa’s nice list, to choosing the perfect gift for a loved one and brimming with anticipation while you wait to see their face light up as they open it. The element of surprise brings such joy during the holidays.

Now there’s research that backs up the secret sentiment. In the New York Times article “The Quiet Thrill of Keeping a Secret,” researchers found keeping positive secrets to yourself has an energizing effect. Similarly, the same can be said for the anticipation you can feel striving for your longer-term financial goals. Think about it: envisioning your dreams – like a secure retirement, destination vacation, or new car or home – and taking definitive steps to turn your dreams into reality ignites the same sense of excitement, just for longer.

So, this holiday season, reflect not only on the short-term secrets that will soon end, but on your long-term aspirations as well. Build up and savor that excitement. Remember, if you’d like assistance navigating these topics or help otherwise managing your finances, don’t keep that a secret – let’s talk!

Market Brief: Fed on Tap

On tap this week is the Fed’s rate decision, some key inflation data, and retail sales figures for November (including Black Friday results). As well, discount giant Costco reports earnings for last quarter. On the economic calendar, the Fed has its two-day meeting with an interest-rate decision coming on Wednesday. No change is expected and, as usual, analysts will be focused on Chairman Powell’s comments following the rate decision.

On the earnings calendar, a few final key companies will report. Monday, Oracle weighs in, on Wednesday, Adobe and on Thursday, Jabil, Lennar Corp, and Costco. As of last Friday, 497 of the S&P 500 companies have reported. So far, earnings are 7.2% above the same quarter last year – which is better than expected.

Last week, the November jobs report got a lot of attention when it came out on Friday. It showed Nonfarm Payrolls increasing by 199,000 for November. The report also showed a surprise drop in the Unemployment Rate to 3.7%, from 3.9%. The general takeaway is that the labor market is still strong but showing signs of softening. Checking on the consumer sector, mortgage rates last week declined to 7.03% for the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. Rates are still near their highest level in more than 20 years. Gas prices dropped a penny to $3.23 per gallon for the average price of regular gas. That’s the lowest price since mid-January and down 15% since the recent high in August.

Year-to-date through end of day last Friday, the S&P 500 is up 19.92%, Dow Jones up 9.35%, and the Russell 2000 up 6.79%.

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.

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

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.

Love & Money – Long-term & Patient

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

February is Valentine’s Day month. It’s the time of year for thoughts to turn to how best to express your love to that special someone in your life. Whether a bouquet of flowers, a night out at a fancy restaurant, or a special surprise gift. Money is often how we convey how important they are to us.

For though love is not reducible to what we spend, money is a store of what we value, a repository of time and work, saved and invested over years—if not decades—for the betterment of ourselves, as well as those whom we love.

But it’s not always easy to negotiate the right balance between putting in the necessary work to achieve your financial goals and spending enough time with loved ones. That’s what I’m here for: helping you to best manage your finances, relieving its pressures, allowing you to optimize not only your life, but also those of your loved ones.

Love

Can you answer yes to any of these questions:

  • Do you buy your Valentines on Feb. 14th?
  • Are you putting off your taxes until closer to April 18th?
  • Do you play football for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Then you might be the kind of person who accomplishes things at the last minute. Granted, if you played for the Chiefs, you’d also have a nice big Super Bowl ring to show for it, but the sentiment remains.

In this ever-quickening digital age, we can accomplish more faster than ever. At times it seems as though procrastination is encouraged if not enabled. In my line of work, the focus is on planning ahead. A plan in place helps you to better prepare for when life’s unexpected ups and downs arrive.

The key word here is prioritization. You must know what to put off until later and what you should do right now. Reach out if I can further assist you in any way.

Never hesitate to let me know how I can help!

Last Week

U.S. equities pulled back from recent highs, accompanied by a spike in volatility as rising interest rates weighed on investor sentiment. Investors evaluated the possibility that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates higher for longer as it looks to fight inflation. All indexes finished down. The Dow down 0.11%, S&P 1.07%, and Nasdaq 2.37%.

Week Ahead

Inflation will dominate the headlines this week, the U.S. CPI arrived this morning, right in-line with expectations. UK CPI follows on Wednesday and U.S. PPI on Thursday. Year-to-date index performance; Dow up 2.18%, S&P up 6.54%, and Nasdaq up 11.96% through the close on Friday.

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.

From Halloween to Fall Back – Market Brief Nov 1, 2022

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

With Halloween behind us, I wanted to share some updates that I thought you’d enjoy. A mix of timely information about what is going on right now. Halloween is unique in that it’s filled with sights and sounds that try to tempt our fear. Sometimes it make us feel uncomfortable or afraid — with much of it staged. 

It reminds me of the acronym F.E.A.R.: False Evidence Appearing Real. Be on the lookout for F.E.A.R. because, while fun on Halloween, it has no place in your financial strategy. With the right planning, we can help put you on a well-lit path moving boldly toward your long-term goals. Even amid troubling economic changes. As always, I’m right here with you through it all.

The next big event coming up is when we fall back an hour. Are you planning on sleeping away the extra hour you gain during daylight saving time this weekend? If so, you’ve made a fantastic choice. Getting enough sleep is a key principle to enjoying good mental and physical health. According to the New York Times, more than a third of Americans are sleep-deprived, which can have detrimental effects on mood, memory, and health. Quite often, it’s the little things that we do that can make the biggest impact in our lives — particularly when it comes to our health — be it mental, physical, or financial.

The following market brief provides high level review of what happened last week, and what to expect the rest of this week.

Last Week. Despite disappointing earnings reports from large-cap technology companies, U.S. equity indexes finished higher after a stronger-than-expected GDP report. A modest deceleration in wage growth is positive but will not change the Fed’s path on rate hikes. The underlying picture highlighted slowing economic trends in key areas like consumer spending and investment. The S&P 500 Index rose nearly 4% solidifying two consecutive weeks of recovery from lows earlier in the month. The index currently sits almost 9% above the most recent bear market low. October finished as another whipsaw month returning nearly 9% as four of the last six months have seen the index move up or down greater than 8%.

Consumer confidence fell to a 3-month low in October as inflation and the economic outlook weighed. Sharply rising mortgage rates have crushed the housing market, as new home sales plunged 11% Month-over-Month in September and pending sales sank 10.2%. Home prices have started to come down but not nearly enough to offset higher borrowing costs.

This Week. A busy week looms with the U.S. jobs report due on Friday. A growing economy and continued low unemployment data leave the Federal Reserve primed to raise interest rates to fight inflation. A fourth straight 75bps lift from the Fed is priced into the markets. Investors will watch how Chair Powell might try to lay the ground for a change in pace going forward. Earnings season is winding down, but a handful of key releases will likely confirm slowing economic conditions. Year-to-date index performance; Dow down 9.57%, S&P down 18.15%, and Nasdaq down 29.04% through the close on Friday.

Investing in yourself isn’t indulgent — it’s mission-critical during these turbulent times. Please reach out if you feel inspired by what you’ve read or if I can be of further assistance in your financial strategy and goals. Hope you has a fun, safe Halloween. Have a great week.

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 focus on investment and wealth management, retirement planning; Boulder, Louisville, Niwot, Lafayette, 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.

Market Brief – October 18, 2022

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

Last week, the S&P500 reached a new weekly closing low for 2022. U.S. equities finished a roller coaster week lower after a hotter-than-expected inflation report. This week, earnings season heats up. Earnings calls should discuss how corporations and consumers are holding up and if inflation is starting to relent. The Dow up 1.17%, S&P down 1.5%, and Nasdaq down 3.1%.

Last Week

In an up and down week, the gains were short lived, as September’s retail sales came in flat. The S&P 500 Index returned -1.53% last week. The previous weeks gain was eliminated. Which was only the second positive week out of the last nine weeks of trading. The index has trended down in 2022 and marked a closing low last Wednesday of 3,577.03. The last time the S&P 500 was in this range was late November 2020. Inflation expectations rose in the consumer sentiment report released on Friday.

Week Ahead

This week, earnings calls ramp up and how companies and consumers are dealing with inflation will largely be in focus. Goldman Sachs, Netflix, Tesla, Proctor & Gamble, and American Express are some of the key companies scheduled to report. Housing starts and existing home sales for September will be released as mortgage rates have surged to 20-year highs.

Year-to-date index performance; Dow down 18.45%, S&P down 24.82%, and Nasdaq up 34.03% through the close on 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.