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May 2025 Market Watch
Markets were like a roller coaster with a broken steering wheel in April, causing some disorientation before mostly ending where they started. Trade policy was in the driver’s seat as tariff announcements sent markets sharply lower to start the month. Consumer sentiment plunged amid worries about the potential impact on the economy. However, equities recovered a large portion of their [...]
April 2025 Market Watch
It was another bumpy month as tariff uncertainties continued to drive volatility. Inflation ticked slightly lower and the labor market reported relatively healthy jobs growth for the month. However, consumer sentiment slumped to its lowest level in over two years as expectations regarding business conditions, unemployment, and inflation worsened for the year ahead. The tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 was the laggard [...]
Why Tariffs (and Even the Threat of Them) Swing the Market
You’ve probably heard the word “tariff” tossed around in financial headlines lately—but what does it really mean for your investments? At first glance, tariffs might seem like just another policy tool or political talking point. But in reality, they can have significant and immediate consequences for the stock market, corporate profits, global supply chains—and yes, even your grocery bill. Whether [...]
Weathering the Storm: How Market Volatility Impacts Retirement & What You Can Do About It
Picture this: Jim and Linda, both 67, just retired after decades of hard work. They planned carefully, saved consistently, and looked forward to enjoying their golden years. But then came a market downturn. Suddenly, their portfolio dropped 20% in a matter of weeks. The income they planned to draw from their investments now seems shaky.* Sound familiar? Market volatility may [...]
What Retirees Should Know About Tariffs
As a new administration weighs its stance on tariffs, it’s worth considering how these policies may affect retirees and their financial plans. Tariffs, often described as taxes on imported goods, are actually taxes imposed on U.S. companies importing foreign products. These taxes can ripple through the economy, impacting consumer prices, including essentials that retirees rely on, such as groceries, healthcare, [...]
Is It Time to Refresh Your Annuity? Here’s Why You Might Consider It
Annuities have long been a cornerstone for those seeking a steady income stream in retirement. However, the financial landscape is ever-evolving, and what worked a few years ago might not be the best fit today. With rising interest rates, inflation concerns, and innovative annuity products entering the market, now might be a great time to reassess your annuity strategy. Capitalizing [...]
March 2025 Market Watch
March 6, 2025 Market Health Indicator - Current Score The Market Health Indicator (MHI) measures market health on a scale of 0 - 100, analyzing various market segments such as economics, technicals, and volatility. Higher scores indicate healthier market conditions. Markets were mixed in February as investors dealt with a number of uncertainties After a strong start to the year, US [...]
February 2025 Market Watch
February 5, 2025 Market Health Indicator - Current Score The Market Health Indicator (MHI) measures market health on a scale of 0 - 100, analyzing various market segments such as economics, technicals, and volatility. Higher scores indicate healthier market conditions. Markets kicked off the new year on a positive note with both stocks and bonds delivering broadly positive results. Following a [...]