Despite the financial challenges experienced by Americans as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, U.S. credit-card debt dropped to record levels in 2020, decreasing by almost $83 billion.1 This unprecedented drop was likely the result of individuals receiving financial assistance through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and having access to more cash. […]
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Weekly Update as of market close March 26, 2021
Stocks ended last Monday mostly higher, as a rise in Treasury prices sent yields lower, which offered a boost to equities, particularly tech shares. The Nasdaq jumped 1.2%, the S&P 500 gained 0.7%, and the Dow rose 0.3%. Small-cap shares underperformed, driving the Russell 2000 down 0.9%. The Global Dow dipped 0.2%. Crude oil prices […]
Read MoreDue Date for Federal Income Tax Returns and Payments Postponed to May 17
Due to the unusual conditions related to the coronavirus pandemic, the due date for individuals to file 2020 federal income tax returns and make tax payments has been postponed by the IRS from Thursday, April 15, 2021, to Monday, May 17, 2021. No interest, penalties, or additions to tax will be incurred by taxpayers during […]
Read MoreWeekly Update as of market close March 19, 2021
Stocks opened last week higher on encouraging economic and vaccine news. The S&P 500 climbed for the fifth straight session, closing up 0.7%, and the Dow advanced for the seventh session, reaching another record high after gaining 0.5%. Tech stocks rebounded, driving the Nasdaq up 1.1%. The Russell 2000 and the Global Dow each rose […]
Read MoreAmerican Rescue Plan Act Provides Relief to Individuals and Businesses
On Thursday, March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA 2021) was signed into law. This is a $1.9 trillion emergency relief package that includes payments to individuals and funding for federal programs, vaccines and testing, state and local governments, and schools. It is intended to assist individuals and businesses during the […]
Read MoreWeekly Update as of market close March 12, 2021
Stocks opened last week mixed, as cyclicals and value stocks advanced, while tech stocks plunged. The Dow (1.0%), the Global Dow (0.8%), and the Russell 2000 (0.5%) posted moderate gains. The S&P 500 fell 0.5%. The Nasdaq dove into correction territory after dropping 2.4% on the day and is down 11.0% from its all-time high. […]
Read MoreWeekly Update as of market close March 5, 2021
Stocks rebounded in a big way last Monday. Investors may be picking low-hanging fruit following the prior week’s depressed values, or they may have regained confidence in the market despite higher Treasury yields. In any case, each of the benchmark indexes listed here posted sizable gains, led by the Russell 2000 (3.4%), followed by the […]
Read MoreNational Consumer Protection Week: Beware of Pandemic Scams
This past year, scam artists have taken advantage of people’s concerns over the coronavirus pandemic to defraud them of money. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers reported losing more than $3.3 billion to fraud in 2020, up from $1.8 billion in 2019.1 This week is National Consumer Protection Week, the perfect time to […]
Read MoreWeekly Update as of market close February 26, 2021
Stocks opened last week mixed to lower. Only the Dow (0.1%) and the Global Dow (0.2%) were able to eke out minimal gains. The Nasdaq plunged 2.5% amid a tech sell-off. The S&P 500 fell for the fifth straight session, dropping 0.8%, and the Russell 2000 lost 0.7%. Energy surged, climbing 3.5%; financials, industrials, materials, […]
Read MoreThere’s Still Time to Contribute to an IRA for 2020
Even though tax filing season is well under way, there’s still time to make a regular IRA contribution for 2020. You have until your tax return due date (not including extensions) to contribute up to $6,000 for 2020 ($7,000 if you were age 50 or older on or before December 31, 2020). For most taxpayers, […]
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