The first week of November saw stocks climb higher on the strength of favorable corporate earnings data, strong job growth, a dovish policy statement from the Federal Reserve, and favorable news on the battle against COVID-19. Several of the benchmark indexes listed here reached record highs. The Russell 2000 led the indexes for the week, […]
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The Budget and the Debt Ceiling: Round 2
On September 30, 2021, Congress averted a potential federal government shutdown by passing a last-minute bill to fund government operations through December 3, 2021.1 Two weeks later, another measure raised the debt ceiling by just enough to sustain federal borrowing until about the same date.2 Although these bills provided temporary relief, they did not resolve the fundamental […]
Read MoreWeekly Update as of market close October 29, 2021
Solid corporate earnings data last week supported a strong week for equities. Investors’ fears that rising inflation, supply-chain snarls, labor shortages, and a surge in COVID-19 cases would hinder corporate earnings have yet to materialize. The Nasdaq led the benchmark indexes, followed by the S&P 500, the Dow, and the Russell 2000. The Global Dow […]
Read MoreEmployer Open Enrollment: Make Benefit Choices That Work for You
Open enrollment is the window of time when employers introduce changes to their benefit offerings for the upcoming plan year. If you’re employed, this is your once-a-year chance to make important decisions that will affect your health-care choices and your finances. Even if you are satisfied with your current health plan, it may no longer […]
Read MoreWeekly Update as of market close October 22, 2021
Each of the benchmark indexes listed here advanced last week, led by the S&P 500, which rose 1.6%. Corporate earnings data for the third quarter has gotten off to a solid start to help push stocks higher. However, investors are paying close attention to elevated inflation, driven higher by global supply-chain constraints and labor shortages. […]
Read MoreRetirement Investors: This Back Door May Be Closing for Good
Among the many provisions in the multi-trillion-dollar legislative package being debated in Congress is a provision that would eliminate a strategy that allows high-income investors to pursue tax-free retirement income: the so-called back-door Roth IRA. The next few months may present the last chance to take advantage of this opportunity. Roth IRA Background Since its […]
Read MoreWeekly Update as of market close October 15, 2021
Despite a shaky start, Wall Street enjoyed a strong week of gains. A favorable start to corporate earnings season helped lift equities higher. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here posted solid weekly gains, led by the Nasdaq and the S&P 500. The dollar and Treasury yields slipped, while crude oil prices rose 3.5% to […]
Read MoreMedicare Open Enrollment for 2022 Begins October 15
Medicare beneficiaries can make new choices and pick plans that work best for them during the annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period. Each year, Medicare plan costs and coverage typically change. In addition, your health-care needs may have changed over the past year. The Open Enrollment Period — which begins on October 15 and runs through […]
Read MoreWeekly Update as of market close October 8, 2021
Stocks closed last week generally higher, despite a weak jobs report. A Congressional deal to extend the debt ceiling until early December helped drive stocks higher during the middle of the week. A poor showing last Friday was not enough to prevent the benchmark indexes from closing the week mostly in the black. The Dow […]
Read MoreSocial Security’s Uncertain Future: What You Should Know
Social Security is a pay-as-you-go system, which means today’s workers are paying taxes for the benefits received by today’s retirees. However, demographic trends such as lower birth rates, higher retirement rates, and longer life spans are causing long-run fiscal challenges. There are simply not enough U.S. workers to support the growing number of beneficiaries. Social […]
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