Despite high interest rates and unsettling geopolitical conflict, the U.S. economy outperformed the expectations of most economists in 2023.1 Inflation-adjusted gross domestic product (Real GDP) accelerated to an annualized rate of 5.2% in the third quarter, after growing 2.1% in Q2 and 2.2% in Q1. Inflation, as measured by the 12-month change in the price index […]
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The Markets (as of market close December 1, 2023)
The markets continued to flourish last week. Investors were not deterred by a warning from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell that interest rate hikes may not be over, and it is premature to speculate when rate decreases will begin. The S&P 500 and the Dow reached new 2023 highs, while the Nasdaq posted solid returns […]
Read MoreYear-End Charitable Giving
With the holiday season upon us and the end of the year approaching, we pause to give thanks for our blessings and the people in our lives. It is also a time when charitable giving often comes to mind. The tax benefits associated with charitable giving could potentially enhance your ability to give and should […]
Read MoreThe Markets (as of market close November 24, 2023)
Market activity was subdued during Thanksgiving week, which saw stocks close higher. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here gained ground, led by the large caps of the Dow and the S&P 500. Each of the 11 market sectors ended the week higher, with health care, energy, and communication services leading the way. Treasury yields […]
Read MoreThe Markets (as of market close November 17, 2023)
The market enjoyed a favorable week as each of the benchmark indexes listed here gained ground. Inflation data showed consumer prices moderated in October, while the Federal government avoided a shutdown. Over the last three weeks, the S&P 500, the Nasdaq, and the Dow had their best runs since June 2020, April 2020, and November […]
Read MoreCollege Cost Data Released for 2023-2024
Every year, the College Board releases new college cost data and trends in its annual report. The figures published are average cost figures based on a survey of approximately 4,000 colleges across the country. Over the past 20 years, the average price for tuition, fees, and room and board has increased 38% at public colleges […]
Read MoreThe Markets (as of market close November 10, 2023)
Stocks closed generally higher last week on continued hopes that the Federal Reserve is done raising interest rates despite more hawkish comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Tech and growth stocks carried the market for much of the week as investors looked ahead to this week’s inflation reports. Ten-year Treasury yields eased somewhat from recent […]
Read MoreMost Medicare Costs Are Increasing in 2024
Premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for Original Medicare generally change every year. Here’s a look at some of the costs that will apply in 2024. Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) costs for 2024 Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) costs for 2024 Monthly standard premium: Most people with Medicare who receive Social Security benefits will pay the […]
Read MoreThe Markets (as of market close November 3, 2023)
Wall Street ended a two-week bear run as stocks enjoyed their best week of the year. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here posted solid gains, while bond yields declined, dragged lower by escalating bond prices. Investors may have seen slowing job growth (see below) as more reason for the Federal Reserve to maintain, if […]
Read MoreWith Holidays Ahead, Can Consumers Keep Carrying the Economy?
Consumer spending accounts for about two-thirds of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), so it plays an outsized role in driving economic growth or slowing it down.1 For the last 18 months, U.S. consumers have kept the economy strong despite high inflation and rising interest rates. The question now is whether consumers can maintain this momentum through […]
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