The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law in December 2017. The Act made extensive changes that affected both individuals and businesses. Most provisions were effective for 2018. Many individual tax provisions are scheduled to sunset and revert to pre-existing law after 2025 unless Congress acts. Some key provisions of the Act scheduled […]
Read MoreMonth: February 2025
The Markets (as of market close February 21, 2025)
Wall Street saw stocks close lower last week as investors soured on risk following the release of weaker-than-expected economic data and inflation worries. Each of the benchmark indexes ended the week in the red. Among the market sectors, consumer discretionary and communication services underperformed. Bond prices moved higher on increased demand, dragging yields lower. Crude […]
Read MoreThere’s Still Time to Fund an IRA for 2024
The tax filing deadline is fast approaching, which means time is running out to fund an IRA for 2024. If you had earned income last year, you may be able to contribute up to $7,000 for 2024 ($8,000 for those age 50 or older by December 31, 2024) up until your tax return due date, […]
Read MoreThe Markets (as of market close February 14, 2025)
The markets ended the week higher, despite falling retail sales (see below) and ever-changing tariff proposals from the administration. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here gained ground, led by the Global Dow and the NASDAQ. Information technology and consumer staples led the market sectors, while consumer discretionary, health care, and financials underperformed. Crude oil […]
Read MoreInfographic: The Top Performing Stock Market Sectors in 2024
In 2024, nearly all S&P 500 sectors posted gains in a year defined by AI enthusiasm and a robust U.S. economy. Overall, 66% of companies ended the year in positive territory as the index achieved its best two-year performance since the late 1990s. This graphic compares S&P 500 sector returns in 2024, along with each […]
Read MoreThe Markets (as of market close February 7, 2025)
The markets closed lower last week as investors reacted to the possibility of additional tariffs from the Trump administration, the potential for rising inflation, a weak earnings report from a major Megacap, and a lower-than-expected jobs report. Of the indexes listed here, only the Global Dow managed to eke out a weekly gain. The remaining […]
Read MoreFederal Tax Filing Season Has Started
The IRS began accepting and processing 2024 tax-year returns on Monday, January 27, 2025. Tips for making filing easier To speed a potential tax refund and help with tax filing, the IRS suggests the following: Key filing dates Here are several important dates to keep in mind: Tax refunds The IRS encourages taxpayers seeking a […]
Read MoreMarkets, Inflation, Tariffs… The Road Ahead Has Potholes, Speed Bumps, and Fog Advisory
2024 was yet another record year for the Stock Markets. While there was some broadening of the rally, towards the last quarter of the year, Large Cap Growth Stocks, more specifically the Magnificent Seven, still dominated the landscape. We didn’t see a Santa Clause Rally in December, but the S&P 500 still ended the year […]
Read MoreThe Markets (as of market close January 31, 2025)
Stocks trended higher for much of last week until Friday, when a Friday slide pulled several of the benchmark indexes listed here lower. Only the Dow and the Global Dow ended the week with gains, while the NASDAQ, the S&P 500, and the Russell 2000 finished in the red. Last Friday, word that the president […]
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