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In his recent speech, Federal Reserve (Fed) Chairman Jerome Powell focused on the fragilities of the labor market and is preparing markets for the new phase for policy. “The time has come for policy to adjust.”

Here are some of the frequently asked questions from the road.

Overall, we expect volatility to remain elevated in the coming months as the market waits for more clarity on the economy and a better seasonal setup (as a reminder, September is the worst month for stocks).

A batch of weak economic data, notably Friday’s jobs report, sparked concerns that the Federal Reserve (Fed) may have taken its higher-for-longer rate policy too far.

Investors had a healthy appetite for risk so far this year as a so-called potential soft landing has been factored in....

Investors can best navigate the late-cycle economic environment by adding high-quality bonds, offering attractive risk-adjusted returns, and lowering overall portfolio volatility.

KEY THEMES FOR STOCKS IN THE SECOND HALF OF 2024

Jane Miller, CFP®, CDFA®

Monday, July 15, 2024

Outlook 2024: A Turning Point, released in December 2023, featured our perspective on how stocks might respond to turning points in inflation and monetary policy. That response was quite positive as we now know, as easing inflation,...

With stock valuations elevated after such a strong first half, earnings growth will be key to holding, or potentially building on these gains. LPL Research believes stocks have gotten a bit over their skis, but earnings season may not...

While some are drawing parallels between the current period and the late-1990s tech bubble and concluding that a crash may be coming, that’s not our view at all. Still, we think this history lesson can be instructive.

With a Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting, a Bank of Japan (BOJ) meeting, two very important inflation reports, and nearly $120 billion of new Treasury securities auctioned — last week was quite the week for markets.

Modi and his party now pursue cementing the economic gains generated in his earlier terms, to ensure India continues making strides towards a modern capitalist economy that includes the wider populations and supports all Indians.

Markets shrugged off political uncertainty, bad economic data was mostly taken as good news for stocks by reviving hope for interest rate cuts, while good news helped write the goldilocks narrative of economic conditions being just right.

In the unpredictable world of investing, the “fear curve” is an all-too-familiar emotional roller coaster that leads many investors to make decisions that ultimately harm their financial health.

Both options involve you driving off a lot in a vehicle, but each affects your finances and future experience in very different ways. Use this guide on the key details and pros and cons of each to help you determine the best avenue for you.

The first quarter earnings season is largely in the books, and it was excellent. Big tech strength was again the primary driver, and estimates impressively rose.

The post-pandemic economy is treating people very differently, creating a headache for central bankers. The extreme differences can often get traced back to living situations, as renters have a very different experience than homeowners.

While there are many types of preferred securities, dividends are generally guaranteed, but may be deferred based on company management’s discretion. Preferred securities, then, tend to offer a higher yield compared to other bonds issued...

With the Federal Reserve (Fed) pointing to higher-for-longer monetary policy last week (before Friday’s softer jobs report), we also explore how stocks perform during prolonged Fed pause periods.

Recent market news — around social-media driven stock trading that created extreme price swings for shares of certain companies — may have you wondering whether you should jump into the excitement.

Election years create a certain level of uncertainty regarding your finances and investments. During continued market volatility, an imminent election can make investors tense.

For seasoned business executives, the allure of company stock can be undeniable. However, over-concentration in company stock poses significant risks that can jeopardize an executive's financial security and long-term prosperity.

Understanding these plans and how they benefit you is essential. That's why we have demystified 529 plans and compiled this guide to help affluent families make informed decisions.

A business owner must focus on the company's financial confidence and long-term sustainability. Here are some critical tips to help business owners turn their earnings into wealth.

Last week was a pivotal one for markets, with the S&P 500 coming off a 3% weekly decline the week before. Here we recap the week’s events and check in on sentiment.

Signs of sticky inflation and a resilient economy, including a strong labor market, have underpinned the change in expectations. Yields have reacted by rerating significantly higher this month, while stocks have pulled back...

The comprehensive components of the energy sector, provide investors with an opportunity to benefit from an industry transformation that is based on operating efficiencies, and returning wealth to shareholders.

This quarter will seem quite similar to the fourth in terms of growth and drivers, with mega cap technology leading the way. Here we preview first quarter earnings season...

Do you remember how hard it was learning about finances by making mistakes? Don’t make your kids suffer through that like you had to. Here are seven tips you can teach your children, so they don’t have to learn the hard way.

The first quarter is in the books, and it was an excellent one for stocks.

The IPO market climate encompasses all of the positives and negatives for a company to enter the public market with the hope of a successful introduction, and more importantly, maintaining investor interest.

his guide is designed to help you understand how the SECURE Act 2.0 will affect your financial and retirement objectives as well as provide you with the information you need to plan for the future.

With some of SECURE Act 2.0's provisions starting in 2024, business owners must know how it may impact their situation.

Inflation, the silent force shaping our economic landscape, often creeps into our lives unnoticed until its effects become palpable. Its impact on retirement planning, in particular, underscores its double-edged nature.

Social Security is a government-run program that provides financial assistance to eligible retirees through monthly payments. Contrary to popular belief, Social Security is not meant to be a primary source of retirement income.

The difference between strategic and tactical investment time horizons can be likened to the ebb and flow of tidal patterns in oceans. Strategic investing mirrors the steady rise and fall of the tides...

Central bankers from the U.S. to Australia and seemingly everywhere in between will be meeting this week to discuss monetary policy. A total of 15 meetings will take place this week, highlighted by the Fed, the Bank of England and more...

Bullion broke new ground last week after rallying to a record high. Growing investor confidence for a Federal Reserve (Fed) rate cut by this summer dragged down yields and the dollar, creating a tailwind for gold.

Here’s hoping for a warm — but not too hot — spring for the economy and markets, keeping Fed rate cuts in play while providing a solid foundation for corporate America to grow earnings.

Fourth quarter earnings season is winding down with only about a dozen companies in the S&P 500 left to report. Corporate America picked up the pace and ended up delivering results well ahead of expectations.

If you have a 529 education savings plan, it can now be converted to a Roth IRA. Both plans are funded by after-tax money. Initially, the money put into a 529 plan had to be used toward education expenses.

Retirement is a time that many of us look forward to our entire careers. It is the reward for a lifetime of work and the time to indulge in hobbies and enjoy much-needed vacations.

In the U.S., women control a third of household assets. But by 2030, U.S. women are expected to control much of the assets that the baby boomer generation will pass to heirs, roughly 30 trillion in assets.

Approximately 60 million workers contribute to a 401(k)-retirement plan. A 401(k) is a tax-advantaged retirement savings plan companies offer employees and is funded through elective salary deferrals.

"Two can live as cheaply as one" is a common saying with some truth behind it—a single parent can pay just as much in housing and tuition costs as someone who is partnered with children.

After a brief lull in 2023, buyback activity appears to be back this year. While buybacks reduce share count and help support earnings growth and valuations, they can also help limit downside volatility during periods of selling pressure.

With the national debt standing at $34.23 trillion and expected to grow, U.S. Treasury sales are the key to paying the carrying costs. Each auction is heavily monitored by fixed income and equity markets alike to see where the yield settles

The variety of the data last year produced the narrative that business activity in the New Year would grow on an annual basis but experience some bumps in the first half of the year. Now, enter the revisions.

Stocks are off to a solid start in 2024. January gains are particularly enjoyable because of the old adage from the Stock Trader’s Almanac, “As goes January, so goes the year.”

A positive January has historically been a bullish sign for stocks. Here, we assess the likelihood that a popular stock market adage delivers more gains for investors this year. The weight of the evidence leans toward yes, as we explain.

Many IRA and retirement plan limits are indexed for inflation each year. Several of these key numbers have increased once again for 2024.

Retirement planning has become a puzzle of intricate legislation, and the recent changes brought about by the SECURE 2.0 Act have only added more complexity.

Long-term care (LTC) planning is a significant financial decision that requires thoughtful consideration and precise planning.

Independence is important in retirement. The more independent retirees are, the more fulfilling their retirement is likely to be. However, living independently as you age isn't always easy.

With the S&P 500 having recently ascended to a fresh record high after such a strong 2023, it’s natural for investors to worry that valuations have become over-extended. Here we walk through several different stock valuation approaches...

The global economy experienced multiple shocks in recent times. Could the recent challenges in inter-continental shipping contribute to a resurgence of inflation and hamper the Fed’s plans this year?

This reporting period may lack the splashy “earnings recession over” headlines we got last quarter, but it takes on added importance because it sets the tone for 2024.

Here we explore why China did not ignite a bout of inflation after emerging from Covid restrictions and provide our updated thoughts on investing in China and emerging markets.

To say 2023 was challenging may be an understatement. While stocks had a surprisingly impressive year, there was no shortage of obstacles for investors to overcome, including historic interest rate volatility, recession risk, and more...

Once the holidays are over, it’s important to take the time to get your finances back on track to help ensure that you start off the new year on the right foot. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Whether you're selling stocks, a piece of real estate, or that vintage baseball card collection, understanding capital gains taxes can help you make smarter decisions and keep more money in your pocket.

You are not alone if you are uncomfortable discussing your finances with your children or grandchildren. For many parents, talking to their children about their future inheritance is a challenging topic to explore.

You don't need to wait until the end of the year to look for ways to minimize your tax liability. Tax planning should take place throughout the year to have you prepared well ahead of tax season.

While protecting your financial data has always been important, it grows even more critical as you start planning for retirement.

Following the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) aggressive rate-hiking campaign in 2022 and 2023, stocks are entering a phase in which the market narrative is focused on interest-rate stability — as inflation, we believe, comes down further.

Leading up to what was considered an important ministerial OPEC+ meeting scheduled for the end of November, there was considerable pushback against Saudi attempts to engineer a coordinated response to the slide in crude oil prices....

Looking ahead, markets will focus on anecdotal evidence on the state of the economy, but so far, the economic data are suppressing yields and stimulating the appetite for risk assets.

As we approach the end of the year, you may want to review areas that may impact your wealth and estate planning next year. In this year-end planning guide, we examine four critical areas to consider that may affect your finances.

The holiday season is a time of joy and headaches, celebration, fatigue, and togetherness mixed with a few knock-down drag-out fights. On top of the emotional rollercoaster ride can come a big wallop of financial stress.

Here are some things to consider as you weigh potential tax moves between now and the end of the year.

The new year is fast approaching, and it is the perfect time to set up resolutions for your business. Whether you want to increase your sales, gather a more extensive customer base, or just accomplish needed business improvements.

Positive seasonality is a major tailwind for the market as it navigates through a clutch of sometimes conflicting headlines and resumes its upward leaning trend following a period of assimilating recent gains.

A confirmed move above 4,400 would reverse the S&P 500’s developing downtrend and raise the probability of the correction lows being set last month, especially if the breakout is accompanied by expanding market breadth.

Year-end investment decisions may sometimes result in substantial tax savings. Tax planning may allow you to control the timing and method by which you report your income and claim your deductions and credits.

A 401(k) plan is one of the most popular and effective techniques for saving for your retirement. Here is a 401(k) end-of-the-year checklist you may find beneficial in keeping up with your retirement strategy.

Giving away some of your money is a great way to support the people and organizations you love. But there are smart ways to do it, minimizing your taxes and avoiding pitfalls along the way.

If you are getting ready to repay your student loans, you may be contacted by companies offering to help you.  Before you take action, here are some signs that you might be dealing with a student loan repayment scam.

While volatility will likely persist over the coming months, we think muni investors may be able to catch a break, especially if the Federal Reserve (Fed) is done with its aggressive rate hiking campaign.

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) are vital for those who must take an annual required minimum distribution (RMD) but seek a tax-advantaged strategy that may help lower their adjusted gross income (AGI).

When you work with a financial professional, then you know how important the year-end review is to the financial planning process. And given that you should be scheduling your year-end review this month, let’s review how you can get ready.

Did you know that only about one-third of adults have a prepared will, and about 40% with investable assets of $1 million or more never discuss their estate plans with their children?

Many governmental and private organizations have committed to improving the resources and aid available to women-owned businesses. From grants and loans to federal contracting aid, read on to learn more about 4 unique opportunities.

More consumers are conducting financial transactions online and may become vulnerable to tracking, hacking, identity theft, phishing scams, and more. Understanding how to protect your privacy can help mitigate your exposure to risk.

For many members of Generation X a comfortable retirement may feel like a distant dream. According to a recent study conducted by Prudential, over a third of Gen Xers surveyed have less than $10,000 in retirement savings...

HNWIs typically have at least $1 million in cash or assets that can be converted to cash easily, which could make planning for retirement more complex. Organizing your financial life can seem daunting at first, so here are 6 ideas to start.

Everyone wants a comfortable retirement, but the road you take there will depend on your specific situation. One of the most challenging aspects of investing involves matching your tolerance for risk with your investment objectives.

With the cost of college expensive for many, receiving a tax break from the IRS for college-related expenses may be appealing. Here are the tax credits you may qualify for in 2023 or the future...

Making decisions about your retirement account can seem overwhelming, especially if you feel unsure about your knowledge of investments. However, the following basic rules can help you make smarter choices regardless of you experience.

Now is the time to consider a ‘retirement re-education’ by reviewing your retirement plan and overall strategies to see if they still align with your greater plans and goals.

Do you know the answer if your financial professional asks you what type of investor you are? While it may be challenging to classify yourself off the top of your head, knowing what type of investor you are might help you in your planning.

Divorce, while an emotionally taxing experience, also comes with several financial implications that, if not properly managed, could result in long-lasting financial strain.