Last week saw stocks close markedly lower as investors were discouraged by hawkish comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who put a damper on the likelihood of another interest rate decrease this year. Among the market sectors, energy, financials, and utilities closed the week higher, while the remaining sectors ended the week in the […]
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High Foreign Investment in the United States
According to data from the International Monetary Fund, the United States received almost one-third of all global foreign investment from 2021 to 2023. This compares with an average of just 18% before the pandemic. The dramatic increase is even more remarkable considering widespread concern about the dominance of the U.S. dollar as a global currency.1 […]
Read MoreThe Markets (as of market close November 8, 2024)
Investors had plenty to think about last week as they focused on the results of the presidential election and the Federal Reserve’s move to further reduce interest rates (see below). Each of the benchmark indexes listed here closed up by the end of the week, with consumer discretionary, information technology, and financials outperforming. Bond prices […]
Read MoreThe Markets (as of market close November 1, 2024)
Wall Street saw stocks end October with a whimper, although equities began November on a high note. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here closed last week lower, except the Russell 2000. A surprisingly weak jobs report (see below) at the end of the week was offset by solid earnings reports from a couple of […]
Read MoreZombie Debt: Is It Coming for You?
Zombie debt is old and often expired debt that could be revived after being purchased by a collection agency for pennies on the dollar — or less. These “debt scavengers” have plenty of incentive to cast a wide net and take aggressive steps to collect even a small portion of the original debt. If you […]
Read MoreThe Markets (as of market close October 25, 2024)
Tech shares helped the NASDAQ close up last week. The remaining indexes listed here didn’t fare as well. Renewed concerns about the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy dampened investor appetite for risk. Bond prices also faded during the week, driving yields higher. Crude oil prices climbed higher as investors monitored ongoing tensions in the Middle […]
Read MoreMedicare Open Enrollment Kicks Off
Medicare’s Open Enrollment period began on October 15 and runs through December 7. If you are covered by Medicare, it’s time to compare your current coverage with other available options. Medicare plans can change every year, and you may want to switch to a health or prescription drug plan that better suits your needs or […]
Read MoreThe Markets (as of market close October 18, 2024)
Wall Street marked another week of gains, with each of the benchmark indexes climbing higher. The Dow and the S&P 500 attained new records, while the NASDAQ rode a spurt in tech and communication shares. Nine of the 11 market sectors closed the week higher, led by utilities, financials, and real estate. Health care and […]
Read MoreThe Markets (as of market close October 11, 2024)
Despite a tepid start, stocks ended last week generally higher. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here posted solid gains with the Dow and the S&P 500 reaching record highs on multiple occasions. Financials and information technology led the market sectors, with consumer discretionary, real estate, communication services, utilities, and energy losing ground. Crude oil […]
Read More2024 Year-End Tax Tips
Here are some things to consider as you weigh potential tax moves between now and the end of the year. 1. Defer income to next year Consider opportunities to defer income to 2025, particularly if you think you may be in a lower tax bracket then. For example, you may be able to defer a […]
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