December 2024 - The Trust Company of Kansas

The Markets (as of market close December 13, 2024)

Stocks pulled back last week as tech shares pared gains from the prior week. The NASDAQ posted a minimal gain, while the S&P 500 retreated from recent record highs. Nine of the 11 market sectors declined last week, with only consumer discretionary and communication services advancing. Investors will be paying close attention to the Federal […]

Infographic: Global Spending Power by Generation

While older generations control the largest share of global spending today, Gen Z is on track to become the fastest-growing force in global expenditures over the next decade. This graphic shows the share of global population and spending each generation represents in 2024. Why Gen Z could soon drive spending growth In 2024, Gen X, […]

The Markets (as of market close December 6, 2024)

A stronger-than-expected jobs report (see below) helped drive stocks mostly higher last week and raise optimism of an interest rate cut when the Federal Reserve meets later in December. Consumer discretionary, communication services, and information technology helped drive the market, which was otherwise tempered by downturns in energy, utilities, real estate, and materials. Long-term bond […]

Dreaming of Retirement? Consider Maxing Out Your 401(k) in 2025

About 70% of U.S. private-sector workers have the option to contribute to a retirement plan such as a 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b) plan provided by an employer. Unfortunately, many of them don’t take full advantage of this tax-friendly opportunity to save for the future.1 The SECURE Act and SECURE 2.0 Act (federal legislation passed in […]

The Markets (as of market close November 29, 2024)

Thanksgiving week proved to be a positive one for stocks. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here closed higher, led by the Dow and the Russell 2000. Financials, consumer staples, and industrials led the market sectors, with only energy and communication services declining. Yields on 10-year Treasuries fell for the second consecutive week. Crude oil […]