Last week was a tough one for the markets. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here fell, with the Nasdaq notching its largest weekly decline since March. Many of the market sectors decreased, with only information technology and energy posting modest gains. The yield on 10-year Treasuries, an important indicator of the economy, climbed 11.0 […]
Read MoreMonth: September 2023
The Markets (as of market close September 15, 2023)
The markets turned in a lackluster week, with only the Dow able to eke out a gain. The remaining benchmark indexes listed here lost value as investors tried to digest mixed economic data, this week’s Federal Reserve meeting, and the impact of the United Auto Workers (UAW) strike. Ten-year Treasury yields settled at 4.32%, the […]
Read MoreClaiming the Home Energy Audit Tax Credit
When considering making energy-saving home improvements, it may be helpful to have a home energy audit done. Fortunately, there is a federal income tax credit available equal to 30% of the amount paid for home energy audits, up to $150 per tax year. (There are also credits available for many other energy-saving expenditures.) The IRS […]
Read MoreThe Markets (as of market close September 8, 2023)
Wall Street saw stocks slide lower last week, with each of the benchmark indexes closing in the red. Trading was choppy throughout the holiday-shortened week as traders anticipated this week’s inflation data. The Russell 2000 fell the furthest, followed by the Nasdaq, the S&P 500, the Global Dow, and the Dow. Crude oil prices advanced […]
Read MoreU.S. Economy: Soft Landing or Delayed Recession?
Economists have been predicting a recession for the U.S. economy ever since the Federal Reserve began aggressively raising interest rates in 2022. This is Econ 101. High interest rates, which make it more expensive to borrow, are intended to tame inflation by slowing business and consumer spending. A rapid and extreme increase in rates, as […]
Read MoreThe Markets (as of market close September 1, 2023)
The markets enjoyed their best week since June, with each of the benchmark indexes listed here posting solid gains. The latest jobs report (see below) showed the labor market has slowed over the past few months, while unemployment has risen, giving investors reason to think the Federal Reserve may pause interest rate hikes later this […]
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