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, […]
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The 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 […]
Read MoreIRS Delays Certain RMD Regulations Until 2026
Late last year, the IRS announced a delay in the application of proposed regulations interpreting certain changes to the required minimum distribution (RMD) rules made by the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022. The IRS originally said the proposed regulations would take effect in 2025 to align with the implementation of other regulations governing RMDs for […]
Read MoreHow to Help Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft
Massive computer hacks and data breaches are now common occurrences — an unfortunate consequence of living in a digital world. Once identity thieves have your information, they can use it to gain access to your bank and credit-card accounts, make unauthorized transactions in your name, and subsequently ruin your credit. Now more than ever, it’s […]
Read MoreThe Markets (as of market close January 24, 2025)
Wall Street closed up last week as investors considered the bevy of executive orders issued by President-elect Donald Trump during his first week in office. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here ended the week higher, led by the Global Dow and the Dow. Communication services, health care, and industrials outperformed among the market sectors, […]
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