Blog
Weekly Market Insights: COVID-19 Variant Clobbers Markets
Tuesday, November 30, 2021News of a new, highly virulent COVID variant triggered a market sell-off on Friday, sending stocks into negative territory for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.97%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slumped 2...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Mixed on COVID-19, Powell
Tuesday, November 23, 2021Stocks were mixed last week in choppy trading as investors battled the crosscurrents of good economic data and a troubling rise in COVID-19 infections globally.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.38%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Tap the Brakes
Monday, November 15, 2021Stocks posted small declines last week as investors digested recent stock market gains and an unexpectedly high inflation read.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.63%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 0.31%. The...
Read MoreShow All
Weekly Market Insights: Fed Says Tapering Ahead
Tuesday, November 9, 2021A Federal Reserve announcement on tapering, a fresh batch of corporate profits, and encouraging economic data lifted stocks to another weekly gain.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.42%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Strong Week on Wall Street
Monday, October 25, 2021Stocks rallied last week on a stream of positive corporate earnings surprises.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.08%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.64%. The Nasdaq Composite index gained 1.29% for the week....
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stalemate in the Capitol
Monday, October 4, 2021Higher bond yields and a legislative stalemate in Washington, D.C., added up to losses for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 1.36%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 2.21%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Wild Week of Contagion Concerns
Monday, September 27, 2021Stocks prices were whipsawed last week, dragged initially lower by financial contagion worries and later lifted by a supportive Fed policy statement.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.62%, while the Standard & Poor’s...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Delta Variant Concerns Markets
Monday, September 13, 2021In a quiet week of news, stocks moved lower amid simmering concerns over the Delta variant’s effect on the progress of economic reopening.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 2.15%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Data and Delta Scramble Stock Results
Tuesday, September 7, 2021Stocks were mixed last week amid conflicting economic data and continued spread of Delta variant infections.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.24% during the five trading days. But the Standard & Poor’s 500 tacked on...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Powell: Tapering Likely in 2021
Tuesday, August 31, 2021The stock market powered to record levels last week amid talk of Fed tapering and a deceleration in new Delta variant cases.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.96%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 increased 1.52%. The...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Will the Fed Taper in 2021?
Monday, August 23, 2021Stocks turned lower last week amid the increasing probability of a Fed tapering, mixed economic data, and growing concerns about the economic impact of the Delta variant.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 1.11%, while the...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Passage of Infrastructure Boosts Stocks
Monday, August 16, 2021Looking past inflation figures and Delta variant trends, stocks last week found a way to climb higher and set fresh record highs in the process.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.87%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreProjecting Government
Wednesday, August 11, 2021Let's take a mid-summer look at three major issues related to government policy that are currently looming large among investors' concerns. Our friends at First Trust discuss these three issues and what impact they could have on the...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Jobs Strong, Earnings Strong
Monday, August 9, 2021Overcoming jitters about the Delta variant and the reintroduction of mask requirements, stocks climbed higher on strong employment data and a fresh batch of strong corporate earnings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.78% while...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Market Shows Small Loss
Wednesday, August 4, 2021The stock market posted small losses last week despite a very strong showing by corporate America.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.36%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 0.37%. The Nasdaq Composite index dropped...
Read MoreA 6.1% Bump in Social Security?
Wednesday, July 28, 2021The news keeps getting better for Social Security recipients.It's now projected that benefits will increase 6.1% in 2022, up from the 4.7% forecast just two months ago. That would be the most significant increase since 1983.1...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Markets Overcome Delta Variant Reports
Monday, July 26, 2021Overcoming a COVID-related economic growth scare, stocks moved higher amid a week of strong corporate earnings reports.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.08%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 1.96%. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Retreat, Inflation Advances
Monday, July 19, 2021Despite a good start to earnings season and some solid economic data, worries of slower second-half economic growth led to a pullback in stock prices last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.52%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Edge Higher in Short Week
Monday, July 12, 2021Stocks managed small gains as investors wrestled with concerns over economic growth prospects and a rise in COVID-19 infections.The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 0.24%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 0.40%....
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Strong Employment Reports
Tuesday, July 6, 2021Strong employment reports and rising consumer confidence sent the stock market broadly higher last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.02%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 picked up 1.67%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Fed Signals Interest Rate Hikes
Tuesday, June 22, 2021New messaging from the Federal Reserve on interest rates and inflation last week led to a broad retreat in stock prices.The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 3.45% while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 1.91%. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Stay Cool, Inflation Heats Up
Monday, June 14, 2021Stocks ended the week mixed as investors appeared to shrug off a hotter-than-expected inflation report.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.80%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 0.41%. The Nasdaq Composite...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Labor Numbers Positive
Monday, June 7, 2021A strong, but not too strong, employment report sparked a rally on the final day of trading, propelling stocks to a modest gain for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed by 0.66%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Upbeat Feelings Boost Market
Tuesday, June 1, 2021Optimism over the economic reopening and renewed enthusiasm for technology and other high-growth companies powered the stock market higher last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.94%, while the Standard & Poor’s...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Inflation Concerns Continue
Monday, May 24, 2021Stock prices fluctuated amid inflation concerns and bargain hunting, leaving stocks mixed for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.51%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 0.43%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks React to Big CPI Shift
Monday, May 17, 2021A surge in consumer inflation unsettled investors, leading to a turbulent week of trading on Wall Street.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 1.14%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 fell 1.39%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Earnings Season Crests Some Expectations
Monday, May 3, 2021Stocks meandered around a flatline in a busy week of corporate earnings, ending the trading week slightly lower.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.50%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 was flat (+0.02%). The Nasdaq...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Mixed Signals, Choppy Week
Monday, April 26, 2021The crosscurrents of strong corporate earnings, rising global cases of COVID-19, and the specter of higher capital gains taxes led to a choppy week of trading that left stock prices slightly lower for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Move Higher on Latest Numbers
Monday, April 19, 2021Stocks reached record highs last week, riding the tailwind of improving economic data and a strong start to the earnings season.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.18%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 1.37%. The...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Tech Stocks On the Rise
Monday, April 12, 2021Strong economic data and a resurgent technology sector propelled stocks to solid gains last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.95%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 picked up 2.71%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: S&P 500 Rises Above 4,000
Monday, April 5, 2021Overcoming a rocky start, stocks rallied into the close of a holiday-shortened week of trading as technology shares staged a powerful recovery and investors reacted positively to President Biden’s infrastructure spending...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Rocky Week Despite Upbeat Signals
Monday, March 29, 2021A rocky week with wide price swings led to mixed results for stocks last week, as investors grappled with anxieties over economic growth and weakness in technology and other high-growth stocks.The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 1...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Modest Losses After Choppy Week
Monday, March 22, 2021Rising bond yields and improving economic conditions led to a choppy week of trading that ended in modest losses for investors.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.46%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined 0.77%. The...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Economy Reacts to COVID-19 Stimulus
Monday, March 15, 2021Stocks touched new record highs last week as bond yields steadied, a fiscal relief bill was signed into law, and confidence in a strong economic recovery grew.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 4.07%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks React Sharply to Bonds, Inflation
Monday, March 8, 2021Stocks were mixed last week as rising bond yields and heightening inflation fears sent stocks on a wild ride, capped by a remarkable Friday afternoon rally. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.82%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Rising Bond Yields Diminish Stocks
Monday, March 1, 2021Stocks dropped amid rising long-term bond yields, with sharp declines in high-valuation growth stocks leading the overall market lower.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 1.78%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Rising Inflation Concerns
Tuesday, February 23, 2021Rising bond yields dampened investor enthusiasm for high-multiple growth companies last week, sending market averages mostly lower in a holiday-shortened week of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.11% for the week. But...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Fed Chair Says No Change For Now
Tuesday, February 16, 2021Stock prices inched higher last week amid declining COVID-19 cases, a pick-up in vaccinations, and progress on a fiscal relief bill.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.00%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 1.23%....
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Markets Go Back to Basics
Wednesday, February 10, 2021Stocks notched strong gains last week, paced by a string of solid economic reports and consensus-beating corporate earnings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 3.89%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 4.65%. The...
Read MoreAOC and Ted Cruz, Agree!
Tuesday, February 2, 2021Say it ain't so! What has our world come to when AOC and Ted Cruz agree on something? Well, when it comes to the "short squeeze" they do! Find out how. Read the article from First Trust attached. Click Here: AOC and Ted Cruz, Agree! Yikes!
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Unexpected Trading Rattles Market
Monday, February 1, 2021Despite strong corporate earnings, stock prices closed lower after a volatile week of trading triggered by unprecedented activity in a handful of companies.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 3.27%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Optimism Stimulates Markets
Monday, January 25, 2021Anticipation of a new fiscal stimulus and improved vaccine distribution powered stocks to fresh record highs last week with technology stocks leading the way.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.59%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Markets Start 2021 on a High
Tuesday, January 12, 2021Shrugging off COVID-19 infections and the disruption at the Capitol on January 6, stocks powered higher to kick off a new year of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.61%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: The Year in Review

Stocks moved higher during a holiday-shortened week of trading, capping off a turbulent, but otherwise strong year for equity investors.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.35%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 increased...
Read More2020 in 20 Charts - Video
Wednesday, January 6, 20212020 was a historic year in many ways, which made it hard to highlight just a few charts. So in honor of 2020, we picked 20 charts that show how amazing–and devastating—2020 really was. Chief Market Strategist Ryan Detrick...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Vaccine Rollout Spurs Markets
Tuesday, December 22, 2020Stocks climbed higher amid the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and an improving outlook for a fiscal stimulus bill.The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which has lagged all year, gained 0.44%. The Standard & Poor’s 500 picked up 1.25%...
Read More2021 Limits for IRAs, 401(k)s and More
Monday, December 14, 2020On October 26, the Treasury Department released the 2021 adjusted figures for retirement account savings. Although these adjustments won’t bring any major changes, there are some minor elements to note.401(k)sThe salary deferral...
Read MoreAugust 24, 2020 - Stocks Reach New Highs
Monday, August 24, 2020The Week on Wall Street Stocks powered to another week of gains as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite set multiple new record highs along the way.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was essentially unchanged while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreAugust 17, 2020 - Stocks and Consumer Prices Rise
Monday, August 17, 2020The Week on Wall StreetStock prices drifted higher in an otherwise quiet news week, as a slowdown in new COVID-19 cases outweighed a Congressional impasse on a new fiscal-spending measure. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.81%...
Read MoreAugust 3, 2020 - Stocks Have Mixed Reaction
Monday, August 3, 2020The Week on Wall Street Stocks were mixed last week amid a busy week of earnings, some troubling economic data, and seemingly little progress on a new fiscal stimulus package.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.16%, while the...
Read MoreJuly 20, 2020 - Stocks See a Mixed Week
Monday, July 20, 2020The Week on Wall StreetStocks were mixed last week as investors reacted to positive economic data, progress on a COVID-19 vaccine, and the continued nationwide increase in COVID-19 cases. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.29%,...
Read MoreJuly 13, 2020 - Stocks Gain After Volatile Week
Monday, July 13, 2020The Week on Wall StreetStock prices notched solid gains last week, looking past an increase in COVID-19 cases and any potential economic concerns raised by the trend. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.96%, while the...
Read MoreJuly 6, 2020 - Special Update: Quarterly Report
Monday, July 6, 2020The Week on Wall StreetIn a holiday-shortened week, stock prices turned higher as encouraging economic data outweighed an increase in COVID-19 cases and a rollback in economic re-openings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.25%,...
Read MoreWishing You a Happy Father’s Day

Let’s hear it for the dads, the ones who help us grow, give us guidance, and look out for us in a million different ways. In celebration of Father’s Day, here are some of the ways you can honor the father-figures in your...
Read MoreThe Mainstreet Lending Program

As businesses begin the process of reopening their doors after the COVID-19 shutdown, many have considered turning to the Federal Reserve’s Main Street Lending Program for aid. Announced on March 23, the Program’s goal is...
Read MoreMay 18, 2020 - Powell Somber on Recovery
Monday, May 18, 2020The Week on Wall StreetStocks drifted lower last week, weighed down by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's unsettling comments on the economy and signs of renewed tensions with China.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 2.65%,...
Read MoreMay 11, 2020 - Jobs Down, Stocks Up
Monday, May 11, 2020The Week on Wall StreetDespite a historic downturn in employment, stocks managed to climb higher last week as investors were emboldened by the pace of economic re-openings, both here and abroad.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2...
Read MoreApril 13, 2020 - Markets Rally
Monday, April 13, 2020The Week on Wall StreetThe stock market staged a broad rally this week, buoyed by the prospect that COVID-19's grip on the nation may be easing and news of another Federal Reserve program to help stabilize businesses.The Dow Jones...
Read MoreApril 6, 2020 - Special Update: Quarterly Report
Monday, April 6, 2020The Week on Wall StreetModest declines in stock prices this week masked the volatile inter- and intraday price swings as investors digested poor economic data and a warning from the president that the worst days of the COVID-19...
Read MoreMarch 30, 2020 - Congress Approves Stimulus
Monday, March 30, 2020An open-ended commitment by the Federal Reserve to support American businesses and capital markets along with the passage of a $2 trillion aid package improved investor sentiment and drove a strong rally in stock prices. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreMarch 23, 2020 - More Coronavirus Volatility
Monday, March 23, 2020The Week on Wall StreetThe stock market suffered through another volatile week as it wrestled with the health and economic fallout of the domestic spread of the coronavirus. Swift and decisive actions by the Federal Reserve and policy...
Read MoreMarch 16, 2020 - Volatility Continues
Monday, March 16, 2020The Week on Wall StreetMarkets remained exceptionally volatile, buffeted by the spreading impact of coronavirus, uncertain responses from federal policymakers, and the sudden drop in oil prices.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 10...
Read MoreFebruary 24, 2020 - Virus Anxieties Affect Stocks
Monday, February 24, 2020The Week on Wall StreetTraders paid close attention to coronavirus developments and earnings last week, while wondering how the former might eventually impact the latter. Concern over updated infection numbers moderated risk appetite.A...
Read MoreFebruary 18, 2020 - Weekly Gains for Big Benchmarks
Tuesday, February 18, 2020The Week on Wall StreetDaily headlines about the coronavirus had little impact on stock market averages last week. Earnings and mergers had more influence. All three Wall Street benchmarks improved. The Nasdaq Composite rose 2.21%,...
Read MoreJanuary 13, 2020 - Further Gains for Stocks
Tuesday, January 14, 2020The Week on Wall StreetThe market had a choppy five days, with traders reacting to geopolitical developments and weaker-than-expected jobs data. Even so, the three major U.S. equity indices posted weekly gains and continued their...
Read MoreJanuary 6, 2020 - Concerns About Oil
Monday, January 6, 2020The Week on Wall Street Stocks descended from record highs Friday, as traders reacted to a U.S. drone strike that killed Iran's top military officer. Oil prices rose more than 3% following the breaking news.[1] Wall Street benchmarks...
Read MoreDecember 30, 2019 - The Year in Review
Monday, December 30, 2019What Drove the Markets? Four factors influenced investment performance in 2019: a shift in U.S. monetary policy, the ongoing trade dispute between the U.S. and China, earnings, and the economy. Stocks reached record highs in 2019. The...
Read MoreDecember 16, 2019 - Phase-One Trade Deal Reached
Monday, December 16, 2019The Week on Wall Street The U.S. and China announced a limited trade agreement last week. That news lifted U.S. and foreign stocks, leading to weekly gains. Advancing 0.91% on the week, the Nasdaq Composite outperformed the S&P 500...
Read MoreDecember 9, 2019 - Stocks Ride Out a Choppy Week
Monday, December 9, 2019The Week on Wall Street Key Wall Street benchmarks were up and down last week – or rather down and then up. A Tuesday retreat was offset by a Friday rally spurred by the Department of Labor’s November jobs report. While the S&P 500...
Read MoreDecember 2, 2019 - November Concludes With Gains
Monday, December 2, 2019The Week on Wall Street As November wrapped up, U.S. equity benchmarks advanced. Stocks were again aided by a sense of optimism that a preliminary U.S.-China trade deal could be near. For the week, the Nasdaq Composite added 1.87%;...
Read MoreMy Favorite Topic...TAX! (NOT)

This is the time of year when our thoughts and activities turn to family and the Holidays. Here it is, the beginning of November, and 2020 will be here in less than 60 days! So, we often overlook taking some time to prepare for our...
Read MoreNovember 4, 2019 - More Historic Highs
Monday, November 4, 2019The Week on Wall Street A better-than-forecast jobs report prompted a stock market rally Friday, two days after traders witnessed another interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve. Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite ended the week...
Read MoreOctober 28, 2019 - S&P 500 Nearly Makes History
Monday, October 28, 2019The Week on Wall Street The S&P 500 came within 0.1% of a record close Friday. Stocks were lifted last week by positive news on U.S.-China trade negotiations, plus earnings announcements. The Nasdaq Composite posted the largest weekly...
Read MoreOctober 21, 2019 - Nasdaq Composite, S&P 500 Rise
Monday, October 21, 2019The Week on Wall Street Earnings helped give the Nasdaq Composite and S&P 500 a slight lift last week, offsetting investor disappointment over the small scope of the preliminary U.S.-China trade deal reached on October 11. Blue chips...
Read MoreOctober 14, 2019 - Trade Winds Move the Market
Monday, October 14, 2019The Week on Wall Street Stock prices pushed higher last week, as investors remained hyper-focused on any new developments with the U.S. trade negotiations with China. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 0.91%, while the...
Read MoreOctober 7, 2019 - Special Update: Quarterly Report
Monday, October 7, 2019The Week on Wall Street The fourth quarter started with a mixed week for equities. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.92% for the week; the S&P 500, 0.33%. In contrast, the Nasdaq Composite improved 0.54%. Overseas stocks pulled...
Read MoreSeptember 30, 2019 - Benchmarks End Week Lower
Monday, September 30, 2019The Week on Wall Street Stocks retreated last week. Traders worried that the formal impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump might distract White House officials from their pursuit of a trade deal with China, and shift the focus...
Read MoreSeptember 23, 2019 - Stocks Stage a Modest Retreat
Monday, September 23, 2019The Week on Wall Street Investors reacted to two major news items last week, one far more of a surprise than the other. The Federal Reserve did indeed make a rate cut, matching Wall Street expectations. Drone strikes on two of the...
Read MoreTensions Rise Again in Middle East

I was surprised to hear on Sunday that drone strikes knocked out some oil producing facilities in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. After hearing the news, I made a special trip to the gas station on Sunday to fill up my car expecting gas...
Read MoreSeptember 16, 2019 - Dow Logs 8-Day Win Streak
Monday, September 16, 2019The Week on Wall Street Stocks edged toward all-time peaks during a relatively calm week marked by easing trade tensions. Friday marked the eighth straight daily advance for the Dow Jones Industrial Average.[1] Small-cap shares, as...
Read MoreSeptember 9, 2019 - Dow, Nasdaq, S&P 500 Advance
Monday, September 9, 2019The Week on Wall Street Stocks rose last week, with help from two developments: the announcement of further U.S.-China trade talks as well as August hiring and manufacturing numbers that seemed to bolster the argument for a rate cut...
Read MoreAugust 26, 2019 - China Announces More Tariffs
Monday, August 26, 2019The Week on Wall Street Traders assumed that the week's biggest news event would be Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's speech at the annual Jackson Hole banking conference. Instead, China seized the headlines by announcing new...
Read MoreAugust 19, 2019 - Equities Face Some Volatility
Monday, August 19, 2019The Week on Wall Street U.S. stock indices saw significant ups and downs last week, with traders looking for economic cues from Treasury yields and also developments in the tariff fight between the U.S. and China. The S&P 500 lost 1...
Read MoreAugust 12, 2019 - Trade Tensions Affect Stocks
Monday, August 12, 2019The Week on Wall Street Stocks spent much of last week rebounding from a Monday drop that reflected nervousness about the U.S.-China trade fight. By Thursday's closing bell, the S&P 500 had regained all its Monday losses - but it...
Read MoreA Bucket Plan to Go with Your Bucket List

The baby boomers redefined everything they touched, from music to marriage to parenting and even what “old” means – 60 is the new 50! Longer, healthier living, however, can put greater stress on the sustainability of...
Read MoreAugust 5, 2019 - Fed Cuts Rates, Stocks Retreat
Monday, August 5, 2019The Week on Wall Street Last week, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time in more than a decade, in line with Wall Street's expectations. Ironically, stocks had their worst week of 2019. The S&P 500 finished the...
Read MoreJuly 29, 2019 - S&P & Nasdaq Outgain Dow
Monday, July 29, 2019The Week on Wall Street Last week, investors assessed earnings and the initial estimate of second-quarter economic growth, while awaiting the Federal Reserve's next announcement about interest rates. Stocks rose for the week;...
Read MoreJuly 22, 2019 - Stocks Descend from Recent Peaks
Monday, July 22, 2019The Week on Wall Street Stock benchmarks retreated during the first week of the second-quarter earnings season. As some big names shared quarterly results, investors seemed more interested in what might happen at the Federal Reserve's...
Read MoreJuly 15, 2019 - S&P 500 Tops 3,000
Monday, July 15, 2019The Week on Wall Street Friday, the S&P 500 settled above 3,000 for the first time, after rising 0.78% for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average chalked up a milestone of its own: the blue chips ended the week above 27,000,...
Read MoreJuly 1, 2019 - Down Week Ends Strong Month
Monday, July 1, 2019The Week on Wall Street A month of gains for stocks ended with a weekly retreat. The S&P 500 lost 0.30%; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.32%; the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 0.45%. In contrast, overseas shares, tracked by the MSCI EAFE...
Read MoreGetting a Head Start on College Savings
Wednesday, June 26, 2019AHHHH....SUMMER! The kids just completed their school year. So why are we talking about the cost of college NOW?? Because most parents are shocked when they look at the cost of a college education. There is no better time, to get...
Read MoreJune 17, 2019 - Further June Gains
Monday, June 17, 2019The Week on Wall Street Stocks advanced for a second straight week. The S&P 500 benchmark rose 0.47%; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.70%; the Dow Jones Industrial Average, 0.41%. Overseas shares, as tracked by the MSCI EAFE developed markets...
Read MoreJune 3, 2019 - May Ends with a Retreat
Monday, June 3, 2019The Week on Wall Street Stocks struggled during a 4-day market week as the U.S.-China trade standoff continued to weigh on the minds of market participants. From the Friday, May 24 close to the Friday, May 31 close, the S&P 500...
Read MoreMay 28, 2019 - Trade Tensions Linger
Tuesday, May 28, 2019The Week on Wall StreetStocks drifted lower last week as investors considered the possibility that the world's two largest economies might take some time to resolve key trade issues. The S&P 500 retreated 1.17%; the Nasdaq Composite,...
Read MoreMay 20, 2019 - Trade News Moves the Market
Monday, May 20, 2019The Week on Wall Street Stocks fell sharply at the start of last week over trade tensions, then recovered with help from strong earnings and indications that U.S.-China trade talks would continue. Even so, the major indices had a down...
Read MoreMay 13, 2019 - Higher Tariffs Take Effect
Monday, May 13, 2019The Week on Wall Street As we noted recently, Wall Street has a wandering eye. Last week, it focused on the new tariff threats in the ongoing U.S.-China trade dispute. Stocks fell across five trading sessions: the Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreMay 6, 2019 - Major Indices Have a Mixed Week
Monday, May 6, 2019The Week on Wall Street Stocks were up and down last week, and the three major benchmarks ended up little changed after five trading days. The S&P 500 rose 0.20% for the week; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.22%. The Dow Jones Industrial...
Read MoreApril 29, 2019 - S&P 500 Reaches a New Peak
Monday, April 29, 2019The Week on Wall Street Stocks returned to record territory, with both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite closing at historic highs. The S&P gained 1.20% for the week; the Nasdaq, 1.85%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged,...
Read MoreApril 22, 2019 - A Mild Week for the Market
Monday, April 22, 2019The Week on Wall Street A short and relatively placid trading week wrapped up Thursday, with the major indices turning in mixed performances. The S&P 500 retreated 0.08%, the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.17%, and the Dow Jones...
Read MoreApril 15, 2019 - The Q1 Earnings Season Begins
Monday, April 15, 2019The Week on Wall Street Stocks broke out of a narrow range on Friday following news that two major banks grew their bottom line in the first quarter. For the week, the S&P 500 rose 0.79%; the Nasdaq Composite, 0.91%. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreApril 8, 2019 - Special Update: Quarterly Report
Monday, April 8, 2019The Week on Wall Street Stocks just posted their second straight weekly gain. Investors were encouraged by the latest jobs report and new signs of progress on a U.S.-China trade deal. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.17% in...
Read MoreApril 1, 2019 - Gains Conclude a Great Quarter
Monday, April 1, 2019The Week on Wall Street Stocks ended last week higher as volatility slowed, completing their best quarter since 2009. A Friday tweet from Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin encouraged investors, referring to "constructive" discussions...
Read MoreMarch 25, 2019 - Treasury Yields Prompt Concerns
Monday, March 25, 2019The Week on Wall Street Friday, the yield of the 3-month Treasury bill exceeded the yield of the 10-year Treasury note for the first time in 12 years. For some analysts, this "inverted yield curve" may imply a short-term lessening of...
Read MoreMarch 18, 2019 - Dow, S&P, Nasdaq All Rise
Monday, March 18, 2019The Week on Wall Street The big story last week was the sudden grounding of Boeing 737 Max 8 and 9 passenger jets in dozens of countries. The financial effects of this ban could potentially impact the airline industry and segments of...
Read MoreMarch 11, 2019 - Stocks Dip on Growth Concerns
Monday, March 11, 2019The Week on Wall Street As in February, investors spent most of the first full trading week of March hoping for new details in U.S.-China trade negotiations. While they waited, stock benchmarks drifted downward. From Monday's open to...
Read MoreMarch 4, 2019 - S&P Ends Week Little Changed
Monday, March 4, 2019The Week on Wall Street Stocks lost a little ground as February gave way to March. While domestic and overseas political developments made headlines, the market stayed relatively calm: from Monday's open through Friday's close, the...
Read MoreFebruary 25, 2019 - Optimism Spurs a Broad Rally
Monday, February 25, 2019The Week on Wall Street Stocks rallied last week as optimism about a potential U.S.-China trade deal grew. The S&P 500 advanced 0.80% during the 4-day trading week to 2,792.67. The Nasdaq Composite improved 0.86% to 7,527.54, and the...
Read MoreFebruary 19, 2019 - Dow, S&P, Nasdaq Climb Higher
Tuesday, February 19, 2019The Week on Wall Street Stocks ended a good week on a high note, as hints of progress in U.S.-China trade talks encouraged investors. When the closing bell rang Friday, the S&P 500 settled at 2,775.60, after rising 2.50% in five days....
Read MoreFebruary 11, 2019 - Stocks Post Small Weekly Gains
Monday, February 11, 2019The Week on Wall Street Major U.S. stock benchmarks eked out slight gains last week, with corporate profit reports and news about U.S.-China trade negotiations vying for investor attention over five trading sessions. The big three...
Read MoreFebruary 4, 2019 - Markets Gain Again
Monday, February 4, 2019Last week closed out one of stocks' top January performances in years. In fact, both the S&P 500 and Dow posted their best January results in at least 3 decades.[1] For the week, major domestic indexes were also up. The S&P 500 gained...
Read MoreJanuary 29, 2019 - Stocks Muted, Big Week Ahead
Monday, January 28, 2019For the first time in months, U.S. markets experienced little movement last week.[1] The Dow and NASDAQ did have their 5th week of gains in a row, but their increases were small: 0.12% and 0.11%, respectively. Meanwhile, the S&P 500...
Read MoreJanuary 22, 2019 - The Rally Continues
Tuesday, January 22, 2019U.S. markets were up again last week, as major domestic indexes posted their 4th weekly gains in a row.[1] In fact, the S&P 500 was no longer in correction territory at Friday's close - and was in the middle of its best yearly start...
Read MoreJanuary 14, 2019 - Markets Relax and Rally
Monday, January 14, 2019After months of volatility, markets relaxed a bit last week. For the first time since October, the S&P 500 went 5 days without a 1% gain or loss.[1] The Cboe Volatility Index, or VIX, also fell to lower than 20 - in December, it...
Read MoreJanuary 7, 2019 - Markets Up - And Volatile
Monday, January 7, 2019U.S. markets experienced more wild sessions last week before ending in positive territory as the recent turbulence continued. In fact, we are currently in the middle of some of the most volatile market performance in more than eight...
Read MoreDecember 31, 2018 - Year-End Special Edition: A Look Back at 2018
Monday, December 31, 2018The close of the year provides an opportunity for investors to step back and consider the wider financial landscape. This week, we're reviewing some key issues that defined 2018, as well as some factors that may influence financial...
Read MoreDecember 24, 2018 - Turbulence Continues
Monday, December 24, 2018Last week, domestic markets had some of their worst performance in 10 years.[1] The S&P 500 lost 7.05%, the Dow declined 6.87%, and the NASDAQ dropped 8.36%. All three indexes have now lost at least 8% in 2018.[2] On Friday, December...
Read MoreDecember 17, 2018 - Stocks Down, Change Ahead?
Monday, December 17, 2018Last week brought more volatility to the markets. While domestic indexes had some rallies as positive trade news emerged earlier in the week, by Friday, December 14, they had erased any gains. The last time major U.S. indexes ended in...
Read MoreDecember 10, 2018 - Volatility Continues
Monday, December 10, 2018Markets went for another wild ride last week, as major domestic indexes swung back and forth. By Friday, December 7, markets had posted their worst weekly performance since March - and the S&P 500 and Dow both moved into negative...
Read MoreDecember 3, 2018 - Markets Rebound
Monday, December 3, 2018U.S. markets ended a volatile month on a high note Friday. All three major indices posted impressive increases for the week, buoyed by news from the Fed Reserve and international trade.[1] The S&P 500 jumped 4.85%, and the NASDAQ...
Read MoreNovember 26, 2018 - Why Did Stocks Drop?
Monday, November 26, 2018Last week was a tough one for markets. The S&P 500 dropped 3.79% and experienced its worst results during a Thanksgiving week since 1939.[1] While the index officially entered correction territory on Friday, it closed 10.2% below its...
Read MoreNovember 19, 2018 - Analyzing Data Amid Declines
Monday, November 19, 2018Markets experienced more volatility last week, as perspectives on trade, tech, and retail pulled investor sentiment back and forth. Although domestic indexes were up on Friday, November 16, they still posted losses for the week.[1] In...
Read MoreNovember 12, 2018 - The Impact of Oil and Elections
Monday, November 12, 2018Last week, markets experienced a 4-day winning streak before dropping on Friday, November 9. Despite those losses, domestic indexes posted gains for the week.[1] The S&P 500 increased 2.13%, the Dow added 2.84%, and the NASDAQ was up 0...
Read MoreNovember 5, 2018 - Markets Bounce Back
Monday, November 5, 2018Markets posted strong gains last week after struggling for much of October. The S&P 500 had its best weekly performance since May, and the NASDAQ had its first positive week since September.[1] Despite domestic markets dropping on...
Read MoreMAKING LEMONADE FROM LEMONS...YOUR 401(k)

I was looking over a recent article in FORTUNE about what Congress could do to make your 401k better. Of course, waiting around for Congress to do something that would actually improve 401k plans is often a practice in futility. The...
Read MoreJune 9, 2017: Welcome To The New Department Of Labor Fiduciary Rule Era For Your IRA And Ohio 401(k)

If you have an IRA or an Ohio company 401(k), you should be aware of the new U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) fiduciary rule that is effective as of Friday, June 9, 2017. This new rule establishes a higher standard of care for...
Read MoreRETURN OF VOLATILITY

Return of Volatility Last week’s equity swoon reminds us that market downdrafts can come fast and furious and can last an indeterminate amount of time. With increased market volatility, it doesn't matter if the cause is domestic...
Read MoreIS IT PRUDENT FOR INVESTORS TO USE TARGET DATE FUNDS FOR RETIREMENT SAVINGS?

The other day I came across an article in the Wall Street Journal, and it got me to thinking (again) about Target Date Funds and 401k plans. These funds seem like the perfect answer to how one should invest their 401k account....
Read More401k PLANS – 5 COMMON MISTAKES THAT CAN IMPACT YOUR RETIREMENT

Ok, I’m old! Bear with me while I reminisce about the good ol’ days. (Back then we called them “These Trying Times” but I digress…) When I was starting out with my career, most people I knew, including...
Read More