Markets rallied in November giving investors plenty for which to be thankful   Key Observations Longer dated interest rates experienced a significant decline as market sentiment leaned towards anticipating 2024 rate cuts. Overall, markets showed positivity, driven by heightened risk appetites fueled by the decrease in rates and a less [...]

The S&P 500 Enters Correction Key Observations The S&P 500 entered a “correction”, defined as a pullback of 10% or more; intra-year corrections are not uncommon for equity markets. Fixed income continues to struggle based on a myriad of factors including Fed narrative, an illusive recession and higher issuance by [...]

According to Charles Schwab, retirement planning is the number one source of financial stress for the majority of Americans.1 Given the potential for retirement to span 20 or more years, it is extremely important to avoid costly mistakes today which could have detrimental costs tomorrow. This article outlines eight common [...]

Markets took a step back in August as sentiment shifted surrounding Fed policy Key Observations Fitch downgraded the United States’ credit rating to AA+ from AAA at the start of the month. Market volatility continued through the month and most major asset classes experienced negative returns. Higher interest rates due [...]

It is no secret that we do not always act in our own rational best interests, we often let our emotions and biases get the best of us when it comes to everyday decisions. Who among us has not resolved at some point in our lives to improve diet or [...]

Favorable economic data fuels risk assets as markets post solid gains during July. Key Observations Markets posted favorable returns in July as investors found renewed optimism in economic data being reported, even in the face of year-over-year earnings declines. The Federal Reserve raised rates in July, now targeting 5.25-5.5% for [...]

In 2022, consumer financial fraud reached alarming levels. Reported losses totaled nearly $8.8 billion,[1] which represented an increase of more than 30% over the previous year. Unfortunately, this frightening increase in fraud has been a consistent trend over the last five years.  Source:  Federal Trade Commission.  As of February 2018 [...]

All eyes remain on Congress as the June "x-date" approaches. Key Observations Market volatility persisted in May as investors tried to digest potential Fed policy action in June and the possibility of a U.S. default which was averted with a last minute deal. Most market indexes posted negative returns, with [...]

Key Observations Muted returns of broad market indexes for the month of April hide the churn underneath as the lagged and variable impact from higher rates take hold. Leading Economic Indicators (LEI) show more ardent anticipation of economic contraction. History would suggest four months or more of declining indicators is [...]

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin Yes, you’ve probably heard this quote before, and no, we don’t think that you don’t understand the importance of preparation. However, context is key. For example, consider someone who’s studying for an exam. As long as it’s not [...]